• March 30, 2026

Venue of the Week: Central Hall Westminster

Venue of the Week: Central Hall Westminster

Venue of the Week: Central Hall Westminster 1024 682 micebook.

Located opposite Westminster Abbey and within earshot of Big Ben, the Grade II* listed Central Hall Westminster combines historic grandeur with modern production capabilities.

Established in 1912 as a centenary monument to Methodist founder John Wesley and operating as an events venue since 1999, it has hosted everything from the inaugural meeting of the United Nations to speeches by Martin Luther King Jr. and Gandhi, alongside a packed calendar of conferences, concerts and broadcasts including Katy Perry’s “Night of a Lifetime” for ITV, Microsoft’s AI conference, and the recent Gala de Danza.

The historic venue, which still serves as a Methodist Church with regular services, recently transformed its lower floor to create The Susanna Wesley, a new contemporary event space that expands its already extensive offering.

We recently visited to check out the new space and see how it enhances the venue’s offering.

Flexible spaces for large-scale events

With 25 flexible spaces and capacity for up to 2,000 guests, Central Hall Westminster is one of the capital’s most versatile large-scale venues.

Part of the wider Wesley Suite, The Susanna Wesley space accommodates up to 800 guests and can be used as one large open-plan venue or divided into three interconnected rooms, offering planners the flexibility to scale events up or down. A connecting foyer enhances flow for exhibitions and networking, while skylights bring natural light into the lower-ground level.

The design provides a clear contrast to the venue’s historic interiors. While the building is known for its ornate features, the new space offers a more neutral, contemporary canvas for organisers.

As Ben Jeffery-Milheirao, interim head of sales & marketing explained on a recent visit to the venue: “This space gives us flexibility we didn’t have before. “It gives us the flexibility we didn’t have before, particularly for larger exhibitions and events. You can use each room individually or open it all up to create something much larger, which is ideal for exhibitions and bigger events.”

High-spec production and event facilities

The venue’s technical capabilities have also been enhanced, with advanced AV, LCD screens, PA systems, modular power and flexible lighting options, allowing planners to deliver everything from conferences and exhibitions to immersive brand experiences. Production is supported by AV partner White Light, who have an established relationship with the venue and a deep understanding of the building’s unique requirements, across both heritage and contemporary spaces.

Elsewhere, the Great Hall remains one of London’s most impressive event spaces, with theatre-style capacity of up to 2,000 beneath its iconic domed ceiling.

The Huawei Winter Concert in support of The Prince’s Trust with special guests: Elaine Paige and Ruthie Henshall. Central Hall, Westminster, London – November 2012.

“We host everything from conferences and awards to fashion shows and premieres. No two days are the same,” said Jeffery-Milheirao. “Within reason, clients can do pretty much anything in the building. We try to make it as easy as possible, which is quite rare for a listed venue.”

One point to note for planners is that alcohol cannot be served in the Great Hall but is allowed in the rest of the building.

Catering is delivered in partnership with Green & Fortune, with a focus on seasonal, sustainable menus. Options range from conference catering and working lunches to gala dinners and large-scale receptions, with flexibility to tailor menus to suit different event formats.

Central Hall Westminster’s central London location continues to be a key advantage for international and association events.

Hosting more than 800 events each year, the venue reinvests its profits into the building and wider charitable work through the Methodist Church, adding an additional layer of purpose for organisers.

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