The British summer isn’t always the most reliable, but 2022 proved to be amazing, and our clients’ thoughts turned to al fresco summer events; specifically rooftop and garden parties.

We have spoken to almost every rooftop and garden venue in London over the course of the past few months – from hidden gems to greenery-filled verandas to seasonal marquees to terraces with incredible views. Some are available for full private hire, others semi-exclusively.

When you’re planning a summer party, we’d recommend a standing reception with canapés and a range of long, refreshing drinks. Fun dessert canapés or themed / branded ice creams are a great talking point. See below Sunflower’s top tips for a successful summer roof terrace event:

  • Make sure you check if the venue has a PA system that can be used outside for speeches. One of our clients incorporated a quick standing meeting with their drinks reception
  • If lots of your staff are going to be there, consider bringing in a photographer for some candid party and head shots. One venue we looked at has a stunning greenery wall that makes a brilliant backdrop for profile pictures.
  • Keep an eye on the weather forecast and make sure you either have a contingency space (or lots of umbrellas!) for rainy weather, and keep your guests informed if it’s going to be very hot so they bring sunglasses, hats and sun cream. We can provide branded / themed parasols, hats or fans as a unique take away.
  • Staffing is a perennial problem – and has been since Brexit and Covid decimated the British hospitality industry – meaning that it’s worth ensuring that there are enough servers for your event. One venue couldn’t offer cocktails or tray service due to the lack of staff, but we worked with the venue and were able to negotiate a short list of non-sparkling cocktails that could be pre-prepared and served quickly.

If you’re looking to make the best of the British summer in 2023 and would like some support in finding the perfect venue, do get in touch with the Sunflower event team! The best roof terrace and garden venues get booked up very quickly and our extensive database can offer a solution for any set up you would like to explore. We can also help run the event on the day, taking the stress away so you too can enjoy a Pimm’s or two – the classic summer cocktail will be 100 years old in 2023 if you need an excuse to celebrate?