Five ace new venues to check out in July

You could be forgiven for forgetting that we’re in the height of summer right now. In last month’s blog, we predicted a surge in cider, sunscreen and the shortest of short shorts; but instead it’s been umbrellas, wellies and Spotify­-curated rainy­ day playlists. Fear not. The experts at Hire Space are back to recommend the coolest new London venues for hire – and there are plenty of indoor options this time in case London’s monsoon season lingers.

1. Out of Office

This brand­ new Battersea venue cleverly combines a daytime workspace with an after­-hours playspace. By day, it oozes a café-chic vibe, serving beverages while guests get productive holding meetings, entertaining clients or 'hot desking' as they please. By night, the venue becomes open to all kinds of events: corporate parties, supper clubs, live gigs, pop­-ups, screenings and photo shoots, to name but a few. The team will treat every event individually, offering decorative elements, a screen, and a fully stocked bar and kitchen, according to the needs of the occasion.

2. Hanger SW6

Named after a tasty cut of beef from the steer’s lower belly, this Fulham steakhouse places the 'butcher’s cut' as the centrepiece of its authentically American dinner and brunch menus – presenting the hanger steak sandwich, and steak and eggs with hash browns and chipotle relish respectively. Private dining events are accommodated in the casual downstairs liquor bar, seating up to 45 and hosting even more for standing, canapé-style receptions. The main steakhouse space upstairs can also be hired depending on the event, seating up to 60.

3. CitizenM Tower Hill

The Amsterdam­-based boutique hotel chain opens its second stylish hotel this July, just steps from the Tower of London. It’s the little details that CitizenM gets right, including rapid self check-­in and luxurious rain showers. Business meetings for up to 25 will be accommodated in the rooms that combine contemporary chicness with colourful homely touches – creating a 'workspace that doesn’t look like work'. Dubbed SocietyM, the business spaces are located on the seventh and eighth floors and provide free wi­fi and coffee, AV equipment and designer chill-­out couches. Food and beverage packages can also be added for day­long appetite-­sating.

4. Brother Marcus

Three school friends (none named Marcus, incidentally) established this new Brooklyn-­style café in Balham, serving up all­-day brunch and Caravan coffee. By night, the venue hosts an intriguing array of themed supper clubs, with cuisines ranging from Persian to Mauritian. Self­-described as a Garden Café, the space is a veritable summer spot for private events, hosting evening functions for up to 65 guests, who can roam both the inside and garden spaces as they balance the mingling and nibbling.

5. Salters’ Hall

The Salters’ Company was thought to have been formed as early as before 1066, as a livery company for salt workers. Since its first home was established in 1454, the Company moved many times, and it now resides in a unique, Grade­ II-listed, post­war building that’s recently been refurbished and reopened for private-­hire bookings. Conferences, meetings, banquets and receptions are all accommodated at Salters’, which boasts a brand­ new pavilion entrance, a 'secret' garden, suspended walkways and water features – not to mention a view of the original London Wall from the Roman era.