A Gala Dinner Venue In Central London
Host Your Prestigious Gala Dinner at a Historic London Venue
The HAC provides a magnificent setting for gala dinners that seamlessly combines 487 years of history with modern sophistication. Nestled within six acres of pristine grounds in the heart of the City, we offer the rare combination of tranquil green space and exceptional central London accessibility.
Our versatile spaces accommodate gatherings from intimate dinners of 48 to grand celebrations of 350 guests. Whether you're hosting an annual fundraising gala, corporate celebration or prestigious industry awards, The HAC stands as one of London's most distinguished venues.
The Prince Consort Rooms – A Spectacular Space for Grand Gala Celebrations
The Prince Consort Rooms are the jewel in our crown when it comes to large gala dinner venues in London. This impressive space combines character with contemporary elegance. The room stretches an impressive 50 metres, featuring striking vaulted ceilings, exposed brick walls, and a polished, solid wooden floor that creates a sophisticated canvas for your gala dinner.
With a capacity of up to 350 guests for dinner or 300 for a dinner and dance, the Prince Consort Rooms offer generous space without sacrificing intimacy. This perfect balance makes it one of the most sought-after gala dinner venues that central London provides.
The Long Room – Historic Elegance for Your Gala Dinner
For those seeking a more intimate yet equally impressive setting, The Long Room offers timeless grandeur steeped in history. Located within Armoury House, this magnificent wood-panelled space features ornate red, gold, and white detailing that speaks to its prestigious heritage. Large windows flood the room with natural daylight during daytime events, framing spectacular views across the five-acre Artillery Garden.
With capacity for up to 172 guests for dinner, the Long Room works beautifully with various table arrangements, including traditional round tables or an impressive top table with sprigs. Its natural elegance requires minimal additional decoration and is the perfect backdrop to your sophisticated gala dinner.
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Exquisite Dining and Catering for Your Gala Event
The culinary experience sits at the heart of any successful gala dinner, and at The HAC, we understand the importance of exceptional food and service. Searcys, our expert catering team, provide exceptional food and drink for gala dinners, bringing over 175 years of experience in delivering outstanding dining experiences at prestigious venues across London. Their commitment to quality is evident in every aspect, from the careful sourcing of seasonal ingredients to the artistic presentation of their dishes.
We offer a diverse range of dining options to complement your gala dinner. From elegant three-course banquets to innovative tasting menus, our culinary team can create a bespoke experience that reflects your preferences and event theme.
Wine and beverage selections receive equal consideration, with expertly curated wine lists and signature cocktails available to complement your chosen menu. From welcome champagne receptions to carefully selected wines with dinner and digestifs to conclude the evening, every element contributes to a sophisticated gala experience.
Room Capacities for Your Gala Dinner in Central London
Planning a successful gala dinner requires finding the perfect space to accommodate your guest list while maintaining the appropriate atmosphere. At The HAC, we offer several impressive rooms with varying capacities to suit gatherings of different sizes:
The Prince Consort Rooms can accommodate up to 350 guests for a formal dinner, or 300 for a dinner and dance arrangement where the East Albert Room provides dedicated space for entertainment and dancing. The Long Room offers a more intimate yet equally grand setting for up to 172 diners, perfect for mid-sized galas requiring a touch of historic elegance. For smaller, more exclusive gala dinners, the Queens Room and Ante Room might be better options.
| Room | Dinner | Dinner & Dance |
| Prince Consort Rooms | Up to 350 | Up to 300 |
| Long Room | Up to 172 | Up to 150 |
| Queen's Room | Up to 48 | - |
| Ante Room | Up to 48 | - |
The Prince Consort Rooms suit large-scale galas requiring elaborate production, whilst the Long Room offers historic elegance for mid-sized celebrations. For smaller, more exclusive dinners, the Queens Room and Ante Room provide intimate yet sophisticated settings within Armoury House.
Why Choose The HAC for Your Gala Dinner Venue in London?
When selecting a venue for your prestigious gala dinner, numerous factors contribute to creating an exceptional experience. The HAC stands apart from standard hotel ballrooms and purpose-built event spaces by offering a unique combination of advantages:
Spectacular Historic Setting with Modern Amenities
The HAC offers the perfect balance between historical grandeur and contemporary functionality. Established by Royal Charter in 1537, our buildings and grounds exude character and heritage, yet our facilities incorporate all the modern amenities essential for a flawless event. Unlike standard hotel ballrooms, our spaces offer genuine historic character that cannot be replicated.
Unrivalled Central London Location
Positioned in the heart of the City, The HAC enjoys enviable accessibility whilst maintaining exclusive seclusion. Located just five minutes from Moorgate and Old Street tube stations, and a 10-15 minute walk from Liverpool Street, your guests will appreciate the convenience of reaching us from anywhere in London or beyond.
For those travelling by car, we offer limited on-site parking – a rare amenity in central London that adds another layer of convenience for VIP attendees. NCP Finsbury Square is also just a three-minute walk away.
Exceptional Outdoor Space in the City
Perhaps our most distinctive feature is the Artillery Garden – over five acres of immaculately maintained lawns providing a green oasis amid the urban landscape of Central London. This expansive outdoor area offers countless possibilities to enhance your gala dinner, from champagne receptions on the lawn to dramatic firework displays against the backdrop of the City skyline.
As London's only hireable cricket pitch in the Square Mile, the Artillery Garden provides a unique setting that few venues can match. Whether for summer receptions or spectacular entertainment, this outdoor space transforms your gala from memorable to extraordinary.
Dedicated Event Support
From your initial enquiry through to the final moments of your event, our expert team provides attentive support and guidance. Your dedicated event coordinator brings extensive experience in managing prestigious gala dinners, anticipating needs and resolving challenges before they arise.
On the evening itself, our professional operational team and technical specialists ensure every aspect runs smoothly – from coordinating multiple suppliers to handling last-minute adjustments with professionalism. This allows you to focus entirely on hosting your guests and achieving your event objectives.
FAQs
Is the Artillery Garden available for drinks receptions or entertainment?
Yes. The HAC’s five-acre garden provides a rare outdoor space in central London. Many clients use the lawns for pre-dinner champagne receptions, summer entertainment or fireworks displays.
Can I host a themed or fundraising gala dinner at The HAC?
Yes. Our versatile rooms and dedicated events team can accommodate themed décor, entertainment and branding requirements. Whether you’re planning a charity fundraiser or annual gala, we’ll help tailor the space, lighting and layout to your vision.
How do guests access The HAC, and is parking available?
We’re located in the City of London, just minutes from Moorgate and Old Street stations. For those arriving by car, we offer limited on-site parking – a rare convenience in central London. Full access details and transport guidance are provided upon booking.
How far in advance should I book a gala dinner at The HAC?
We recommend booking six to twelve months in advance, especially for key fundraising or corporate event dates. Early booking allows more flexibility with catering, layout and entertainment options.
Can The HAC accommodate specific dietary requirements for gala dinners?
Yes. Searcys' experienced chefs can accommodate all dietary requirements, from common allergies to cultural and religious dietary needs. We ask that final dietary requirements are submitted 10 working days before your event to ensure our kitchen team has sufficient time to prepare each meal with the same care and quality as the main menu.
Plan an Unforgettable Gala Dinner
Whether you're planning an annual fundraising gala, a celebration of achievement or a high-profile industry event, The HAC provides the ideal setting to elevate your occasion. Our unique combination of stunning historic spaces, exceptional catering, extensive outdoor grounds and central location creates the perfect foundation for an unforgettable evening.
Contact our events team today to begin planning a gala dinner that will be remembered long after the final toast. Call us on 020 7382 1533 or fill out the enquiry form below.
