The questions to ask before you sign anything
Choosing a party venue is one of the most important decisions in the whole planning process, and one of the most underestimated. A good venue makes everything else easier. A difficult one creates problems you'll still be dealing with at 3pm on party day.
This guide covers the key things worth checking before you commit to any venue in London, from capacity rules to cleanup policies. Most of it takes one phone call or email, and it will save you a lot of stress later.
You need roughly 1.5 to 2 square metres per child for a standing party with entertainment, more if you're setting up soft play or a bouncy castle. For 20 children that's around 30 to 40 square metres minimum. Always account for adults too. At younger parties, parents stay and can outnumber the children.
Popular London venues, especially community halls and studio spaces that do regular children's parties, can book 3 to 4 months in advance on Saturdays. Weekday or Sunday parties are much easier to find. If your party is less than 8 weeks away, shortlist 3 to 4 options and contact them all at once.
Yes, ideally. Photos rarely capture noise levels, ceiling height, parking access, or the condition of the facilities. A 20-minute visit tells you more than an hour of reading reviews. If you can't visit, ask for a video call or virtual tour.
Ask for the cancellation policy in writing before you pay any deposit. Key questions: how much notice do you need to cancel for a full deposit refund? What happens if the venue has to cancel? Is the deposit transferable to a new date?