How to Hire a Pub for the Weekend and Tips for a Successful Event

When it comes to hosting a private or corporate event in London, hiring a pub for the entire weekend is a trend that continues to gain popularity. Offering more than just a space to raise a glass, a full-weekend hire allows you to design a multi-day experience, from relaxed mingling to high-energy celebrations, without the pressure of squeezing everything into one night.

Whether you’re planning a birthday party, wedding afterparty, team retreat or networking weekend, this guide will walk you through the essential steps to hire a pub for the weekend, and explain why The Chapel Bar is the perfect venue to bring your vision to life.

Why hire a pub for the weekend?

While one-night-only events can be fun, a full weekend gives you greater flexibility and more opportunity to create lasting memories.

1. Maximise Your Time Together

With guests arriving at different times or coming from outside London, a weekend schedule allows people to relax, connect, and enjoy multiple moments over several days.

2. Versatility for Different Event Types

Weekend pub hire is ideal for:

• Birthday parties: Start with cocktails on Friday, celebrate big on Saturday, and recover with a chilled brunch on Sunday.
• Corporate retreats: Combine presentations, team-building, and social time in a private, informal space.
• Wedding celebrations: Host pre-wedding drinks, the main reception, and a post-wedding breakfast all under one roof.
• Reunions or social groups: Give your guests the chance to reconnect across a full weekend.

With the ability to hire a pub for the weekend, you’re not just booking a venue, you’re creating a tailored experience with character and flow.

What to look for in a weekend pub hire venue

Not all pubs are suited to full-weekend events. When comparing your options, consider these essentials:

1. Capacity and Layout Flexibility

Can the venue accommodate your guest list across different event styles, seated dinners, casual mingling, dancing, or presentations? Look for adaptable rooms and multi-level spaces.

The Chapel Bar offers two distinctive spaces:

• The Saloon: A stylish ground-floor room with a private bar, DJ booth, and dance floor, ideal for evening entertainment.
• The Terrace Bar & Garden: A retreat area with a heated terrace, perfect for brunches, meetings, or summer cocktails.

2. Exclusive hire and privacy

For a truly personal experience, opt for venues that offer exclusive hire for the weekend. This gives you full control over set-up, décor, music and scheduling, without worrying about other customers.

3. On-site catering and drinks packages

Managing external caterers across multiple days can be stressful. Choose a venue like The Chapel Bar, which provides in-house catering, custom drinks menus, and flexible packages to suit all preferences.

4. AV capabilities and space for entertainment

Whether it’s a business presentation, live music, or a slide show of birthday memories, you’ll need quality sound, screens, and tech support. Ask what’s included and whether staff are on hand to help run it.

Tips for a smooth booking experience

Planning a multi-day event requires a bit more coordination, but with the right approach, it’s incredibly rewarding. Here’s how to keep things running smoothly:

1. Book early

Top venues offering pub hire for corporate event or weekend-long private parties tend to fill up quickly. Ideally, secure your spot at least 3–6 months in advance.

2. Clarify terms in writing

Make sure you understand:

• Deposit requirements and payment schedule
• What’s included in exclusive hire (hours, staff, equipment)
• Access to the venue for setup or breakdown

3. Coordinate with venue staff

Communicate your vision clearly and early. Share timelines, menus, entertainment plans and guest needs so the team can help deliver a seamless experience.

The Chapel Bar’s experienced team is known for hands-on coordination and will guide you through every detail, making them a standout option for corporate event venue hire.

Ideas for a weekend-long event schedule

So, how do you make the most of a whole weekend? Here’s a suggested general itinerary:

Friday: Welcome drinks & icebreakers

Create a relaxed atmosphere with cocktails, canapés, and casual conversation. A perfect way to kick things off. A welcome speech or fun game would not be out of place here either.

Saturday: The main event

Host a formal brunch, followed by activities like games, guest speakers, workshops, or themed entertainment. Round off the evening with a full party, music, dancing, and signature cocktails.

Sunday: Wind-down brunch or farewell lunch

Help guests recover with a casual breakfast buffet or light lunch. Share final toasts, hand out thank-yous, or present awards if it’s a corporate weekend.

Considerations for corporate events

If you’re planning a company retreat or off-site gathering, a pub-style venue can bring a fresh perspective compared to hotel meeting rooms.

1. Private Rooms & Outdoor Spaces

The Chapel Bar’s separate areas allow you to schedule formal sessions in private rooms while keeping social moments in the outdoor terrace.

2. Team-Building Potential

Use the weekend format to blend workshops with social bonding. From icebreaker games to themed dinners, the informal vibe of a pub makes it easier for people to connect.

3. Central and Accessible Location

Convenience matters. The Chapel Bar is just minutes from King’s Cross and Angel stations, ideal for Londoners and those travelling in.

Add in professional AV equipment, WiFi, and on-site support, and it’s clear why The Chapel Bar is a prime choice for corporate event venue hire London professionals trust.

Why The Chapel Bar is ideal for weekend hire

If you’re looking to hire a pub for the weekend that offers style, flexibility, and expertise, The Chapel Bar is an exceptional choice. Situated in the heart of Islington, it combines character with convenience, making it ideal for both private parties and corporate event venue hire London wide.

The venue features two versatile spaces: The Saloon, with its dance floor and private bar, is perfect for evening celebrations, while the Terrace Bar & Garden offers a heated outdoor area and relaxed indoor setting for brunches, meetings or drinks. These adaptable rooms allow you to tailor your event over multiple days, whether it’s a birthday, wedding weekend or pub hire for corporate event planning.

Custom food and drinks packages can be created to match your theme or schedule, and the experienced team is on hand throughout to ensure everything runs smoothly. Having hosted a wide range of events, from team retreats to milestone celebrations, The Chapel Bar knows how to deliver a seamless, stress-free experience in a truly memorable setting.

So if you’re thinking about planning a weekend-long event, The Chapel Bar offers the kind of space that makes it easy to relax, celebrate, and bring people together, all under one roof. Get in touch with us today and start planning an unforgettable event.