Top Tips
Summer event season in London is fast approaching. As hybrid working continues and company culture becomes a bigger priority, company summer events in London are evolving fast. What used to be low-key drinks at the local pub or a sports day in the park is now transforming into something much bigger: experience-led events designed to bring teams together, boost engagement and make in-person time truly count.
From rooftop parties to large-scale festivals, here are the top corporate summer event trends for 2026 in London, plus the best venues to match.
Build Your Own Company Festival
One of the biggest corporate summer party trends for 2026 is the festival-style summer party.
These events are all about creating a relaxed, high-energy atmosphere with multiple experiences in one space.
Think street food stands, live music and DJs, pop-up cocktail bars, chill-out areas and game zones, funfair stalls and rides, and branded installations. They’re particularly popular for larger companies looking to bring everyone together in one space without the formality of a traditional sit-down event.
There are some fantastic venues in Central London that offer an urban festival feel, such as Magazine, Tobacco Dock and Evolution. Alternatively, you can venture just outside the city to a country estate like Knebworth House and Barns or Braxted Park for a more expansive setting to escape the hustle and bustle of London.
Our in-house events team can support you in bringing everything together, from catering and entertainment to theming and activities, using our network of trusted, vetted suppliers.
Rooftop Venues
Rooftop venues continue to be one of the most searched summer party venue types in London, and for good reason. They offer iconic skyline views, flexible indoor and outdoor space, and a ready-made atmosphere that requires minimal additional production.
These venues work particularly well for networking events, summer parties and more relaxed corporate gatherings.
London has a wide range of rooftop options suitable for groups of all sizes. Some standout venues to consider this year include The Standard London, Los Mochis London City, The Conduit, Netil360, and Coq d’Argent.
Garden Venues and Outdoor Courtyards
If you’re planning a summer party in London with a relaxed, outdoor feel, garden venues and courtyards are a top choice.
These venues are perfect for corporate BBQs, drinks receptions and daytime summer events, offering greenery, fresh air and a more informal atmosphere. Many venues also offer flexible wet-weather options, such as marquees or adjoining indoor spaces, ensuring your event can run smoothly whatever the forecast.
Popular venues on VenueScanner include Charterhouse Square, Honourable Society of Lincoln’s Inn and Dartmouth House.
Garden venues work particularly well for afternoon gatherings or early evening socials, where guests can enjoy the sunshine before transitioning into drinks and music later on.
Boat Hire and Floating Venues
For companies looking to do something different, boat hire in London offers a memorable and unique event experience - giving guests the opportunity to enjoy incredible views while cruising along the Thames.
These experiences are ideal for creating a memorable and immersive atmosphere, whether for a summer party, client entertaining or team celebration.
Options range from private boat hire, such as Woods Silver Fleet and City Cruises, suitable for groups both large and small to static floating venues if you’d prefer to stay docked, such as the iconic HMS Belfast or Barge East for a more relaxed feel.
Alternatively, Skuna Boats offer more unique experiences, including self-driven hot tub boats and BBQ boats - perfect for something a little different for your team.
Activity Bars and Competitive Socialising Venues
Competitive socialising venues have become one of the fastest-growing event trends in the UK, with plenty of great options for summer parties. Rather than simply hosting drinks, these venues combine bars with interactive games and activities, making them inclusive and engaging for all teams.
They’re particularly popular for company events as they help break the ice and encourage interaction between guests. These venues work well for smaller teams, or can be hired exclusively for larger company-wide gatherings.
Some standout options for summer that combine activities with outdoor space include The Bowls Club, Swingers West End, Clays, Fairgame and Flight Club.
Planning Your Summer Event with VenueScanner for Business
With so many venue options available across London, finding the right venue for your summer event can take up lots of time. This is where our VenueScanner for Business team comes in.
Our team provides tailored venue recommendations based on your brief, helping you save time while ensuring you find a space that fits your goals, budget and company culture.
From initial venue sourcing through to connecting you with trusted suppliers, we’re here to support every stage of the planning process. Get in touch with the team here to start discussing your summer party requirements.
