The Ultimate Guide to Meeting Rooms | VenueScanner

Written by Taylor | Sep 3, 2025 2:15:00 AM

When it comes to running a successful business meeting, the venue matters more than you might think. The right space can spark creativity, build connections, and help your team focus. The wrong one? It risks stifling ideas before they even get started.

From small and intimate spaces designed for high-impact discussions to quirky and unusual venues that inspire creativity, today’s meeting rooms go far beyond bland boardrooms. Whether you’re in London, Manchester, Liverpool, or beyond, this guide will show you what makes a great meeting room – and introduce you to some of the most inspiring options out there.

What Makes a Great Meeting Room?

Before diving into the venues, let’s start with the basics: what should you look for when choosing a meeting space?

1. Space and Seating

No one wants to sit shoulder-to-shoulder in a cramped room. Ensure your venue has enough space for laptops, notes, and a bit of personal comfort. Think about layouts too – boardroom, U-shape, classroom, or more casual lounge setups can change the dynamic of your meeting.

2. Natural Light

A well-lit room with plenty of daylight is proven to boost energy and focus. Avoid windowless basements when possible.

3. Comfortable Seating

Meetings often run long. Choose ergonomic or well-cushioned chairs to keep everyone engaged.

4. Tech and Amenities

AV equipment, whiteboards, and strong Wi-Fi are non-negotiables. Many venues also provide screens, projectors, and video conferencing tools for hybrid meetings.

5. Accessibility

Check that entrances, bathrooms, and breakout spaces are accessible. Venues should cater for everyone, including attendees with mobility or hearing needs.

6. Atmosphere

The “vibe” of a room matters. A creative team might thrive in a quirky space filled with plants and colour. A corporate board meeting may call for something sleek and professional.

Affordable Meeting Rooms in London

The Halley

Hosting a meeting doesn’t have to mean blowing the budget. London has plenty of stylish and practical spaces that keep costs low.

  • The Halley: Canal views, Wi-Fi, and all the basics you need – starting from just £25/hour.
  • House of Transformation: Boardroom-style spaces plus creative breakout areas.
  • ISH Venues: Stylish, light-filled rooms with espresso machines included, from £395/day.

💡 Tip: If you’re on a budget, look out for venues offering hourly hire or day delegate rates. These often bundle catering and coffee, making them great value.

Unusual & Creative Meeting Rooms

Shoreditch Treehouse

Bored of bland boardrooms? Unique venues can help your team think differently and make meetings memorable.

Unusual meeting rooms are ideal when you want to impress clients or keep your team energised with something out of the ordinary.

Outdoor & Alternative Meeting Spaces

30 Euston Square

Fresh air fuels fresh ideas. More businesses are taking their meetings outside, especially in the summer months.

  • Dariana Events: A 15th-floor BBQ terrace with views of the stadium – perfect for informal sessions.
  • Plus X, Brighton: Rooftop with views of the Sussex Downs, located in a WELL Building Standard Platinum hub.
  • 30 Euston Square: A Grade II listed building with rooftop terraces and versatile event spaces.
  • Runway East: Rooftop space for relaxed networking or informal team updates.

Outdoor meeting rooms are brilliant for company all-hands, summer brainstorming, or client networking sessions.

Small Meeting Rooms for Maximum Impact

Sometimes, less really is more. Small meetings (2–20 people) can be more productive, more personal, and more collaborative.

Benefits of small meeting rooms:

  • Breaks down barriers – encourages open conversations.
  • Enhanced communication – everyone gets heard.
  • Fosters collaboration – round tables and lounge setups spark teamwork.

Venues to try:

  • XCHG: Private rooms with natural light plus access to gyms and wellness facilities.
  • The Greenhouses: Eco-friendly glasshouses with space for 10–30 guests.

Tips for Choosing the Right Meeting Room

When narrowing down your options, ask yourself:

  • Capacity: Will the room feel full but not overcrowded?
  • Budget: Does the hire fee include extras like catering and AV?
  • Amenities: Do you need breakout spaces, whiteboards, or hybrid tech?
  • Location: Is it central and well-connected?
  • Style: Does the venue match the tone of your meeting – corporate, creative, or casual?

And don’t forget, the best meeting rooms are the ones that energise your team and make collaboration easy.

Conclusion: Elevate Your Next Meeting

Meetings don’t have to be boring. With so many inspiring venues across London and the UK, you can find the perfect fit for your team, whether you’re after affordable practicality, quirky creativity, outdoor inspiration, or small-scale intimacy.

 

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