Top Summer Party Ideas in South Bank

From sparkling rooftop receptions to a relaxed teambuilding day, when you want to give your guests a vibrant summer event in a central London location, there’s nowhere better than South Bank. 

In this stunning riverside stretch, summer is when South Bank comes alive. Brimming with unique venues, pop-up gardens and rooftop terraces, the area is a buzz of music and entertainment, making it the perfect destination for your event.

Whatever style of celebration you’re after, South Bank has a huge range of bars, restaurants, pop-up venues, outdoor experiences and stylish corporate venues. Plus, you’re in the entertainment and cultural heart of the capital! So why not elevate your summer soirée with something fun – whether that’s competitive socialising, a visit to one of the impressive visitor attractions, or Caribbean cocktails on a real sandy beach!

Here's our Top Summer Party Ideas in South Bank.

Outdoors with a Difference

When the sun is shining in London, who doesn’t want to be outside making the most of it. These venues all offer fantastic outdoor spaces that go beyond a shady pub beer garden.

Limin
Bring the heat to your celebrations and take your guests on a journey to the Caribbean without leaving central London. You’re guaranteed all the party vibes at Limin with incredible zinging flavours from their Trinidadian menu, washed down with plenty of boozy rum cocktails. Choose from their restaurant area, complete with retractable roof and full-length windows (just in case the weather isn’t playing ball!), or the private Limin Beach with obligatory sand and palm trees. There’s even the option to bring in authentic Caribbean entertainment including samba dancers, steel pan bands and glitter artists so that your guests can fully embrace the carnival spirit!

Garden Museum
Dedicated to the art, history and design of gardens, the Garden Museum is a peaceful and stylish venue, against the backdrop of the medieval church. Hire the whole venue for larger events, or one of the smaller rooms for a beautiful exclusive dinner. Whichever space you choose, you’ll benefit from direct access to the central garden oasis for a stunning drinks reception setting.

Queen Elizabeth Hall Roof Garden
For panoramic views of London and the River Thames, just head up the striking yellow stairs outside the Queen Elizabeth Hall to discover the idyllic rooftop garden – now available for private hire. Equipped with menus created by in-house caterers Gather & Gather, this tranquil space ticks all the boxes for warm summer evenings with a glass of wine, overlooking the city from above.

Jimmy’s BBQ Club
Right on the riverside, Jimmy’s BBQ Club is a South Bank institution, and this year, its bigger and better than ever! With flexible spaces available for hire – from the roof terrace to the pergola, or even the entire venue, treat your guests to an incredible barbecue experience with seasonal, local produce cooked up on table-side Big Green Eggs!

Fun Activities & Experiences

Whether you’re opting for alcohol-free parties or want to add some competitive socialising to the day for some added entertainment, there’s plenty of engaging experiences to enjoy in South Bank.

BrewDog
There’s always a place for some bowling action when it comes to parties, but at BrewDog Waterloo, you can take it to a different level with Duckpins! Smaller and lighter than the tenpins you’ve probably taken on before, Duckpins make it harder to get that sought-after strike! The team at BrewDog will tailor your event, whatever the size, to include food and drink packages, bowling lane hire and even access to hidden speakeasy cocktail bar, Lost Property Office!

BouleBar
This huge outdoor pop-up is all about that classic French pastime, pétanque. With eight courts to play on, plus a choice of street foods and a craft bar, its perfect whether you’re getting friends together, planning a hen-do, or after some fun corporate teambuilding.

London Eye
Experience the beauty of London in the summertime from the best view on the South Bank – The London Eye. Book a private pod for up to 25 people and take in the views, 135m in the air. Make it extra special and book a hamper of drinks and snacks to enjoy during your ride.

Lucky Voice
There’s nothing quite like a bit of karaoke to liven up a party, and over at Lucky Voice Waterloo, there’s eight state-of-the-art private karaoke rooms complete with a late night bar. Lucky Voice is well known in London as a late-night party spot and their new branch at The Sidings adjoining Waterloo Station opens until 2:30am (until 1am Sun-Tue) with an intimate speakeasy-style bar area where you can keep the party going long into the early hours of the morning.

Rooftop Receptions

Sometimes, only the dizzying heights of a London rooftop will do. These venues along the South Bank all boast stunning panoramic views across the Thames.

Sea Containers London
The beautiful hotel in the iconic Sea Containers building right on the riverside is home to 12th Knot, the stylish rooftop cocktail bar with panoramic views of St Paul’s and the city skyline. Its’ spacious chic interior lends itself perfectly to sit-down dinners and parties, whilst the private terrace running the length of the space is ideal for guests to spill out with drinks in the summer sunshine.

Southbank Centre
Up on the top of Royal Festival Hall at Southbank Centre, two blank canvas spaces offer the perfect venue for a whole host of events. From corporate meetings, small conferences, and product launches to weddings, and landmark birthday parties, these adaptable rooms benefit from full natural daylight and fantastic views across the area. Each room also benefits from a rooftop courtyard and balcony for that all-important outdoor space.

Buffini Chao Deck 
Perched at the top of the National Theatre, the Buffini Chao Deck offers an uninterrupted 180-degree view of The Thames. The square blank canvas space has full length, retractable glazing that opens out to a full wraparound balcony terrace with views across the city skyline in either direction. An ideal venue for business and leisure events, the space is suited to conferences, drinks receptions, weddings, private dining and everything in between.

Sea Containers Events
For an event with serious wow factor, Sea Containers Events have a variety of flexible spaces, all located within the riverside Sea Containers building near Blackfriars. The purpose-built function suites all benefit from state-of-the-art integrated AV and easily adapt to suit any style of event. Hold your business meeting and team away day in one room, before moving into an adjacent space for drinks on the terrace and a sumptuous dinner. For an all-out summer party and full 360-degree of London, why not host your event behind the iconic Sea Containers lettering on the expansive roof terrace.