Business networking is here to stay, and it’s getting more sophisticated every year. One could argue that the London market is so spoilt when it comes to networking events, you always have to stay one step ahead of the competition to attract delegates.

From a punter’s point of view, it’s not hard to understand. I mean, where would you rather go to press the flesh – a soulless purpose built conference hall or a quirky venue that lifts the spirit? A bland meeting room or a character setting that oozes history, culture and art?

Unusual venues in London really aren’t hard to find if you know your market as well as we do, and these unique event spaces make for much more interesting and inspiring surroundings in which to spend an afternoon or evening in the company of new business contacts.

Let’s take a look at some of our fabulous venues where business networking meets the Arts. Who knows, one of these Central London networking venues might just be the perfect backdrop for your next press launch or media event, drinks reception or meetup event.

1 – Blackall Studios

This Shoreditch studio is definitely no stranger to visitors. A premier commercial photography venue, it has recently played host to Damian Lewis, Sir Ben Kingsley and Tiny Tempah along with too many international high end fashion and magazine shoots to mention.

As an event space, it’s a true chameleon. Hire the in-house event management team to implement your specific requirements and transform the venue into the networking space of your dreams, or dry hire it and get your own team to create something uniquely special. Blackall Studios has close ties to the arts world and can customise the studio with a display of the latest urban or contemporary art to really set the scene.

2- October Gallery

A beautiful venue in London’s Bloomsbury close to Russell Square and Holborn Underground Stations, the October Gallery is a vibrant contemporary art gallery displaying innovative culture from around the world. It’s been a pioneer in the development of the Transvangarde – the trans-cultural avant garde – for more than 35 years.

Situated on the ground floor of an elegant Victorian building, the gallery itself, the lush open-air courtyard garden, the large Theatre Showroom and intimate library ‘Club Room’ are all available to hire for up to a maximum of 120 people (standing).

It’s a perfect venue for workshops and meetings, book launches and private hire events that are enhanced by uplifting surroundings that are rich in global culture and creativity.

3 – Calvert 22 Foundation

London’s unique non-profit gallery dedicated to presenting contemporary art from Russia and Eastern Europe, Calvert 22 was founded in 2009 by Nonna Materkova, a Russian economist based in London.

With over 5,500 sq ft available across 2 floors, this spacious East London art gallery can be hired for up to 90 (sit down dinner) or 280 (standing reception) guests. The contemporary style venue is equally suitable as a stunning envelope for public or private events. A stone’s throw away from Shoreditch and Canary Wharf, its location is ideal for networking meetings, conferences, private dinners and more.

4 – Candid Arts Galleries

Situated just behind Angel Underground Station in Victorian warehouses, this North London arts centre is a self-funded charity with over 5,000 ft exhibition space in addition to film screening rooms, rehearsal spaces and a banquet room. Candid Arts’ main objective is the support and promotion of arts education, young artists and up and coming designers and it hosts various College Degree Shows, exhibitions as well as the Islington Art and Design Fair.

There’s a ground floor space and first floor loft style space providing stylish and generous event space for a wide range of business events, such as networking meetings, media launches and corporate hospitality events.

5 – Serpentine Galleries

One of London’s best loved galleries, the Serpentine is set in a unique, tranquil location within Kensington Gardens, Hyde Park, offering a rich programme of modern and contemporary art. The 1934 built neoclassical Grade II listed building comprises 4 stunning and generously proportioned exhibition rooms, including a high domed space in the Serpentine’s central gallery, that are available for private hire.

Whether you’re planning a stand-up reception in the evening or a daytime business networking event for up to 350 people, the beautiful interior, spacious rooms and high tech facilities could be the perfect venue for a Central London event.