Merchant Taylors’ Hall

Built in the 14th century, this extraordinary Grade I listed venue combines timeless elegance with a long history of fine hospitality. Set in the heart of London, Merchant Taylors’ Hall offers a range of rooms with unique character that will provide the perfect setting for an unforgettable event; from corporate functions, weddings to private occasions and celebrations. Also led by Executive Chef Selvamani Muthusamy, Merchant Taylors chefs and catering team are passionate about creating exciting new dishes that are full of flavour and capture the best of local and British produce. 

At Merchant Taylors’ Hall they pride ourselves on our versatility. The exceptional surroundings support a range of simple or extravagant dressing options to ensure your event is a stand out.

Event Rooms:

Cloisters;

Bridging outdoor tranquillity with the warmth of the main Hall, the Cloisters are an elegant space to enjoy all year round.

Originally open to the elements, the Cloisters were enclosed in the 1920s with large windows and framed glass doors, so guests could enjoy the natural light and proximity to the Courtyard but with all the comfort of remaining within the Hall.

Used for a variety of events and receptions, the Cloisters are lined with tall Etruscan columns line the space in the style of a rural Roman villa, adding to the sense of shifting indoor and outdoor domains.

Committee Room;

Providing access to all of Merchant Taylors’ Hall, this smaller room is beautifully appointed but also highly functional as a break-out room, organisers’ office or crew room. A generously proportioned mullioned window lets in plenty of light and offers beautiful views over the Courtyard.

Court Room;

Home to the Merchant Taylors’ since the mid-1300s, The Court Room is a Gothic-style has been used to hold ceremonies, host meetings and conduct business or working lunches for centuries. Portraits of London’s great and good, as well as past Masters of the Company, line the wall.

The purpose-built concave ceiling produces fantastic acoustics, adding to the room’s suitability for business meetings and events which require presentation and discussion.

By night, the room is transformed into a charming and distinguished dining space for up to 50 people. Gentle up-lighting pin spots on the portraits and candles create a warm and relaxed atmosphere, ideal for entertaining.

Courtyard;

Tucked away from the hustle and bustle of the City of London, the Courtyard is an oasis of wildlife-friendly flowers and evergreen plants which create a peaceful and classic backdrop to any event.

Originally a bowling lawn, the Courtyard was paved in 1912 and a central fountain added by renowned sculptor Gilbert Bayes to create a relaxing space perfect for evenings as well as daytime.

Used throughout the year, the Courtyard is a focal point for many events, and in the summer evenings, is the perfect spot to relax and enjoy. With recessed lighting, the Courtyard glows into the night, allowing your guests to enjoy intimacy within one of our most popular spaces.

Drawing Room;

The Drawing Room is an exceptional space popular for weddings, special events and grand receptions.

The glory of this room is the hand-painted 18th century Chinese wallpaper shows birds with bright plumage perched on leafy stems and bearing a variety of large and small flowers.

During the day, natural light streams into the room from floor-to-ceiling windows, while two chandeliers and lamps across this room ensure any evening event glows just as bright.

A large regency cabinet with Gothic pattern tracery stands on one side of the room. It displays a Minton pink dessert service which was made for the Company in 1873.

Great Hall;

This grand room pre-dates the Great Fire of London and has been used for over 700 years of fine dining, balls, and large receptions.

The three metre high stained glass windows flood the Hall with natural light and the lofty ceilings offer grandeur and space. The dais offers a natural focal point for the room, making this a versatile space, as accommodating to conferences and presentations as dinners and ceremonies.

Housed on the gallery is a mahogany organ, installed in the Hall in 1966, and the only remaining working organ within a Livery Hall.

King’s Gallery;

King James I dined at Merchant Taylors’ Hall in 1607, lending his name to the room where he and his attendants banqueted. Rumour says that it was on that occasion when the first rendition of God Save the King was sung.

Today, the Gallery is most popular as a pre-event entertainment space, or for board meetings and presentations. The room is complemented by sage green soft furnishings and contains some glories such as portraits of King James I and Henry VIII as well as a fine Chippendale mirror which was gifted in 1962 and includes a delicate pastoral scene comprising a dog, man and cranes.

Library; 

Looking out over the Courtyard, the Library is the heart of Merchant Taylors’ Hall and its incredible collection of books document the history of the building. This Neo-Jacobean designed space was re-built after the Great Fire, and again in 1923 by Sir Clive Nicholson, who included further wood panelling and made alterations to the windows.

The Library is often used for intimate celebrations, candlelit dinners, client entertainment and working lunches. Wood panelling, rich upholstery and a cosy fire nestled in the centre of the room combine grandeur and warmth to make this space a particular gem.

Parlour;

With hand-carved oak panelling that once lined the former Bank of England, candelabra wall lights and a beautifully moulded ceiling, the Parlour is one of the finest rooms at the Hall.

If you’re looking to evoke glamour, the Parlour’s atmospheric lighting and large floor-to-ceiling windows looking out over the Courtyard, is the perfect room to dazzle guests.