Hire Barnard’s Inn Hall

Barnard's Inn Hall including chandeliers and stained glass windows

Nestled down a tiled alleyway off High Holborn, you will find the stunning and unique Barnard’s Inn Hall. Filled with historic significance and a peaceful atmosphere, our venue is perfect for a variety of events.  

Our Main Hall has been specially fitted to host lectures, but is also a wonderful setting for dinners, receptions and AGMs. On beautiful sunny days, your attendees can enjoy a private reception in our quiet courtyard. Beneath the hall, you will find the Council Chamber: an ideal space for boardroom meetings or private lectures. 

When booking with us, you will receive advice and assistance from our Events Administrator at every turn, from your first enquiry to the close of your event.  

Our experienced audio-visual team can provide your event with high-quality, such as microphones, lighting, television screens, filming and live-streaming.   

Our Venue’s History

Now home to Gresham College, Barnard’s Inn Hall is most famous for its appearance in Charles Dickens’ Great Expectations. It was established as an Inn of Chancery in 1454, and parts of the original building can still be seen in the Council Chamber. The Great Fire of London in 1666 stopped just metres away from the hall, and the building contains the only surviving crown posts in the city. In 1892 the freehold was purchased by the Mercers’ Company; the building housed the Mercers’ School from 1894 to 1959. Since 1991, Barnard’s Inn Hall has hosted over two thousand of Gresham College’s free public lectures, for all to enjoy. 

The Main Hall

The Main Hall is our largest and most versatile space. Our past events here include:  

  • Lectures and talks
  • Dinners 
  • Receptions 
  • Parties 
  • Book launches 
  • Round table meetings 
  • Conferences 
  • Competitions 
  • Filming for music videos and interviews 

The space is 69 square metres (740 square feet) with five television screens and a purpose-built backdrop. Included in the hire of this space is use of our kitchenette, 80 chairs, a selection of trestle tables, tablecloths and a lectern.   

Our hall can host the following capacities: 

  • 80 delegates theatre style 
  • 50 guests for a sit-down meal 
  • 80 guests for a standing drinks reception 
  • 18 to 21 delegates for a round table discussion 

Although the hall is steeped in history, the building has a built-in air conditioning/heating system, an adjoining disabled toilet, and is fully accessible from the street. 

The Council Chamber

The Council Chamber, situated below the main hall, is suitable for meetings and presentations. The space includes a projection unit, a large movable TV screen set up for hybrid meetings, and a large boardroom table with 18 comfortable chairs.   

Our Council Chamber can host the following capacities: 

  • 60 delegates theatre style 
  • 18 delegates for a table meeting 

Unfortunately, the Council Chamber is not wheelchair-accessible or suitable for those with mobility issues. 

What is included?

Included in our base prices are: 

  • 80 chairs 
  • 12 trestle tables (plus 3 half size) 
  • Tablecloths and coasters 
  • Churchill China 
  • Flip charts/whiteboards and pens 
  • Lighting 
  • Sound system with two handheld microphones 
  • Use of TV screens 
  • Catering supplier list 
  • Kitchenette 
  • Courtyard 
  • 2 pop-up marquees 
  • Events Administrator 

At an extra cost we can provide the following: 

  • Temporary staging 
  • Large marquee 
  • Waiting staff hire 
  • AV technicians – rates can be discussed depending on technical needs 
  • Tea/coffee & biscuits 
Contact Us

Contact us

Our team is on hand to help with the planning and delivery of your event. We can support your catering, AV and access needs. 

For a quote or further information, contact us at hall-booking@gresham.ac.uk or on 020 7831 0575.