The Best Networking Venues in Shoreditch

Shoreditch is the place to go for a networking event in London. You'll find a wide range of venues available for hire, ranging from quirky bars to industrial-style spaces and sleek modern venues.

The district itself is an exciting and vibrant area, with plenty of restaurants, shops and bars to explore. It's one of the most popular parts of London for young professionals, making it a fun place to network, whether it's at an informal drinks reception or a more formal conference.

We've picked out some of our favourite Shoreditch venues for a business event that will impress all your guests and leave them talking about it long after the night is over.

Why you should host a networking event

Networking is a given part of almost any modern business. It's a fun way to create new and interesting connections in the fields you're in.

You may be thinking, "I'm not an event planner!" but networking events don't have to be big and fancy. Here's how to plan a simple but effective networking event that will help you make some valuable connections:

Start with a goal for your networking event.

Having a written goal for your event is essential to making sure it actually happens. If you have a concrete goal, you're more likely to get started and actually follow through on all of the necessary steps.

Write down who you hope will attend your event, as well as what you want them to take away from it. This will help guide all of your future decisions regarding the event — from whom you invite to where you host it. Your goal should be specific enough so that the people attending can work toward it, but vague enough so that they can still get to know one another in the process.

Keep it small at first.

If this is your first time hosting a networking event, start out small, with just five or six people who are eager and willing to participate. As you go along becoming an events expert you can start expanding and hosting networking events for up to however many people you want.

Make it all about the guest list.

Let’s be realistic: the point of a networking event is to meet people. Make sure you invite people that are going to want to mingle with each other and that’ll have plenty to talk about. If people don’t leave your event with plenty of new, useful connections you’ve failed. 

What to think about when looking for a networking venue

Finding the right venue for networking can be a challenge, especially if you are throwing an event for the first time. Here are some factors you should consider when planning your event.

Space: The venue in which you host your networking event will be one of the most important considerations. You will want to pick a place that is large enough to accommodate everyone who will be attending. Depending on your budget and the type of event you are hosting, this may mean a hotel ballroom, a restaurant or even a home.

Catering: Food is always an important factor when it comes to throwing any kind of party or event. When choosing a venue for your business networking function, make sure that the space has catering options available so you can provide snacks and refreshments for guests.

Accessibility: Networking events are no fun if people have trouble getting there, so pick an easily accessible place that is close to public transportation routes and major highways.

Our favourite venues in Shoreditch 

Our top 3 venues in Shoreditch for hosting a networking event are Lumiere Shoreditch, The Hac, and Apothecary.

Lumiere Shoreditch boasts an industrial design and is located directly behind the Brick Lane market. The space is perfect for networking events, with the room being able to host up to 80 people standing. 

The Hac is an oasis of calm in the heart of London's vibrant East End. Situated next door to Liverpool Street Station, this unique venue features a stunning garden with space for up to 5000 (!) guests.

Apothecary is a beautifully restored Victorian chemist shop located in Shoreditch High Street, London. It has been revamped into an elegant space that retains its original charm and character with stripped back walls and chic interior design details. It allows for daytime meetings as well as evening parties.

Booking the perfect networking space

VenueScanner is event planning made easy. We don’t only have a concierge service being able to help you with every part of your corporate event, we’ve also made the process easy if you’d rather do it yourself.

The first thing you have to do is simply browse the options here and on similar pages, you might be interested in like summer party venues in Soho or drinks receptions in Central London. Whenever you see something you like you shortlist it with the heart icon and then you can send out enquiries to all your favourites at the same time from your shortlist. This way you’ll be sure to pick the option that’s best suited for you when you start getting replies. You can also always contact us at [email protected]. Good luck!