Butchers’ Hall (87 Barts Close)

Butchers' Hall, also marketed as 87 Barts Close, is the home of the Worshipful Company of Butchers, one of the City of London's livery companies. It stands on Bartholomew Close beside the Barts Square development near Smithfield, and reopened in 2019 after a major refurbishment. Inside are a grand hall, flexible function rooms and a roof garden with views across the City.

Why it suits LGBTQ+ couples

The hall is offered on an exclusive-use basis, so your guests have the building to themselves. It hosts many kinds of ceremony, from civil and humanist weddings to Hindu and Jewish celebrations, which makes it a good fit for couples bringing together different families and traditions. A wedding coordinator works with you, and the in-house team can tailor food, drink and music to the day you want.

Ceremonies

The hall is licensed for civil ceremonies. The Great Hall takes up to 200 guests for a ceremony and the Court Rooms up to 130. Celebrant-led and humanist weddings can also be held here. The hall also has links with St Bartholomew the Great, the historic church next door, if you would like a church ceremony before your reception.

Receptions and food

The Great Hall seats up to 170 for a wedding breakfast, while the Court Rooms seat up to 80 and can be split in two. A Reception Area holds up to 80, and a mezzanine room seats up to 14 for a very small wedding meal. The roof garden takes up to 80 for drinks. Catering is in-house, with options ranging from barbecues and hog roasts to Asian, Kosher, Caribbean, Halal, Greek and vegan menus. There is a licensed bar and a dance floor, and live music and DJs are welcome.

Getting there and the area

The hall is in the north-west corner of the City, close to Barbican and Farringdon stations, with St Paul's a short walk away. Farringdon is served by the Elizabeth line and Thameslink. Smithfield Market, the Barbican Centre and the medieval streets around St Bartholomew the Great give plenty of character for photographs.

Good to know

• Up to 200 for a ceremony and 170 for a wedding breakfast.
• A roof garden holds up to 80 guests.
• Catering and bar are run in-house.