5
Nov,2025
Booking a venue in London for a girls’ night out, bachelorette party, or birthday celebration can feel exciting-until you’re handed a 10-page contract full of fine print. You’ve picked the perfect spot in Shoreditch or Soho, the vibe is right, the price fits-but then you realize you’re signing away your rights before you even walk in. Many event planners, especially first-timers, don’t realize how easily a venue contract can turn a fun night into a legal headache. This isn’t about being paranoid. It’s about knowing what to look for before you click ‘I agree’.
Start with the basics: who’s paying and what’s included
The first thing you need to check is the venue contract breakdown. Most venues in London will list a base rental fee, but that’s rarely the full cost. Look for hidden charges buried in the small print. Common ones include:- Corkage fees for bringing your own alcohol
- Service charges (often 12.5%-15%)
- Security deposits (refundable, but only if you leave no damage)
- Minimum spend requirements (you pay if you don’t hit it)
- Staffing costs (bartenders, servers, bouncers)
Understand the cancellation policy-really
London venues get booked months ahead, so their cancellation rules are strict. Most will say something like: ‘Cancellations within 30 days are non-refundable.’ But what does ‘non-refundable’ actually mean? Some venues keep 50% if you cancel 14 days out. Others keep 100% if you cancel after the final guest count is submitted-sometimes as late as 72 hours before the event. Here’s a real case: A group paid £1,200 to book a rooftop bar in Camden for a 25-person bachelorette. They gave the final headcount on a Friday. On Sunday, three guests got sick and couldn’t make it. The venue refused to adjust the minimum spend, even though the group was now 22 people. They were charged for 25 anyway. That’s not fair, but it’s legal-if the contract says so. Always ask: ‘Can we reduce the guest count without penalty, and if so, by how much?’ If they say no, walk away. You don’t need to be locked into paying for people who aren’t coming.Check the noise and curfew rules
London has strict noise ordinances, especially in residential areas. A venue might look perfect for dancing until you realize the music has to stop at 11 p.m. because of a licensing condition. Some places in Southwark or Islington shut down at 10:30 p.m. for noise complaints. Others allow music until 1 a.m. but require you to pay extra for a late-night license. Ask: ‘What time does the music have to stop? Is there a noise limit in decibels? Who pays for the late license?’ If the venue says ‘It’s up to us,’ that’s a red flag. The contract should state the exact curfew. If it doesn’t, assume the worst-case scenario and plan your night around it.Who controls the guest list? Can you bring your own guests?
Some venues in London require you to submit a guest list in advance-and they reserve the right to deny entry to anyone. That’s fine if it’s for safety. But some places use this to block friends who aren’t ‘on the list’ or even to turn away people based on appearance. That’s not just rude-it can be illegal under the Equality Act 2010 if it’s discriminatory. Make sure the contract says: ‘The client may invite guests without prior approval, subject to standard ID and security checks.’ If it says ‘All guests must be pre-approved by the venue,’ that’s a problem. You’re paying for the space-you should control who comes. If the venue insists on this, ask for a written policy on guest rejection. If they can’t provide one, walk away.
What happens if something goes wrong?
Power outage? Broken AC in July? Staff no-show? The contract should spell out what the venue will do if things fall apart. Many venues write: ‘We are not liable for any disruptions beyond our control.’ That’s a loophole that lets them off the hook for anything. Look for a clause that says: ‘In the event of significant service failure (e.g., no power, no staff, venue closure), the client will receive a full or partial refund, or alternative venue at no extra cost.’ If it’s missing, add it. You can write it in yourself and initial next to it. Most venues will agree if you’re polite but firm.Alcohol rules: BYO or bought in?
This is one of the biggest traps. Many venues in London charge £50-£100 per bottle for corkage, even if you bring a £15 bottle of prosecco. Others won’t let you bring alcohol at all. Some will let you bring wine but not spirits. Others require you to buy all drinks from them at inflated prices. Ask: ‘Can we bring our own alcohol? Is there a corkage fee? Is it per bottle or per person?’ Then compare the cost. If you’re bringing 10 bottles of wine and the corkage is £80, that’s £8 per bottle. But if the venue sells the same wine for £35 a bottle, you’re saving money. If they won’t let you bring anything, ask why. Is it because they have an exclusive deal with a distributor? That’s fine-but you should know.What about damage and cleaning?
Most contracts require a security deposit-usually £200-£500. But what counts as damage? A spilled drink? A torn tablecloth? A lipstick mark on the mirror? Ask: ‘What is considered normal wear and tear? What’s the cleaning fee if we leave the space messy?’ Some venues charge £150 just for ‘excessive cleaning,’ even if you left the room spotless. Others use a ‘damage waiver’-a non-refundable fee of £50-£100 that covers minor messes. That’s often worth it. It’s cheaper than risking a £300 deposit hold.
Don’t sign until you’ve read the whole thing
Don’t be rushed. You’ve got 24 hours after receiving the contract to review it. Most venues won’t mind. In fact, the ones that pressure you to sign right away are the ones you should avoid. Print it out. Read it slowly. Highlight anything that sounds vague or unfair. Then call the venue and ask for clarification on each point. If they get defensive or refuse to explain, that’s your answer. A good venue wants you to understand what you’re signing. A bad one wants you to sign without asking questions.Final checklist before signing
Before you sign anything, make sure these five things are clearly written in the contract:- The total cost, including all fees (service, tax, corkage, staffing)
- The exact event start and end time, including setup and cleanup
- The guest count flexibility (how many you can reduce without penalty)
- The music curfew and noise policy
- The refund and cancellation terms
What to do if the venue breaks the contract
If the venue shows up with fewer staff than agreed, plays loud music after curfew, or refuses to let your friends in without reason, you have rights. Take photos. Save emails. Write down what happened and when. Contact the venue manager immediately. If they don’t fix it, file a complaint with the local council’s licensing department. In London, you can also report unfair contract terms to Citizens Advice. Many venues will back down when they know you’re serious.Common mistakes to avoid
- Signing without reading the fine print
- Assuming ‘minimum spend’ includes alcohol you bring
- Believing ‘no refunds’ means no exceptions
- Not asking about the curfew until the night of the event
- Letting the venue pick the guest list
Can I negotiate the terms of a venue contract in London?
Yes, you absolutely can. Most venues in London have standard contracts, but they’re not set in stone. If you’re booking for a group of 15 or more, you have leverage. Ask for a lower minimum spend, a later curfew, or a waiver on corkage fees. The worst they can say is no. Many venues will adjust terms to secure your booking, especially if you’re paying upfront.
Do I need a lawyer to review a venue contract?
For most girls’ events, you don’t need a lawyer. But you should read the contract carefully and ask the venue to clarify any unclear terms. If the contract is over 5 pages, has complex legal jargon, or involves a deposit over £1,000, consider getting a free legal review from Citizens Advice or a local community legal clinic. They can spot hidden fees or unfair clauses you might miss.
What if the venue cancels my booking last minute?
If the venue cancels without cause, they’re legally required to refund your deposit and may owe you additional compensation if you had to book a more expensive alternative. Check the contract for their cancellation policy. If it’s silent, you can still claim under the Consumer Rights Act 2015, which says services must be provided as agreed. Keep receipts for any extra costs you incur.
Are there venues in London that don’t require contracts?
Very few. Even small pubs and pop-up spaces require some form of agreement, even if it’s just an email confirmation. If a venue says ‘We don’t do contracts,’ that’s a red flag. It means they don’t have clear policies, which increases your risk. Always get written confirmation of the booking, even if it’s just a simple email listing date, time, price, and what’s included.
Can I bring my own DJ to a London venue?
It depends. Some venues allow outside DJs but charge a fee (often £100-£200) for equipment setup and sound checks. Others require you to use their in-house DJ. Check the contract for a clause about ‘entertainment providers’ or ‘audio equipment.’ If it’s not mentioned, ask directly. A venue that says ‘no outside DJs’ without explanation might be trying to force you to pay for their overpriced service.
If you’re planning a girls’ night out in London, the right venue can make the night unforgettable. The wrong contract can ruin it before it even starts. Take the time to read the fine print, ask the hard questions, and don’t be afraid to walk away. Your night-and your wallet-will thank you.
