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Barbican reveals new event space for London’s conference and events market

Published by Neil Thompson, 2nd March 2026

Barbican reveals new event space for London’s conference and events market

The Barbican will open The Lakeside Room in September, a new space available to the conference and events market, bringing additional capacity and flexibility for planners seeking a central London venue for receptions, meetings, private dining, Christmas parties, product launches and conferences for up to 120 delegates.

Flooded with natural daylight and fully accessible, The Lakeside Room will support modern business events with catering delivered within the same space, helping organisers create a seamless guest experience from arrival to final service. The Lakeside Room will be able to host:

  • 120 for drinks reception
  • 80 for seated dinner
  • 60 for theatre-style

With demand for mid-sized event space continuing to outpace supply across the whole of the City of London during peak periods, the addition of The Lakeside Room gives planners an alternative option for 20 to 120 guests.

“Planners want spaces that are flexible, welcoming, and easy to deliver in. The Lakeside Room combines daylight, accessibility and a modern design with a straightforward event flow, including catering in the same room. It is a compelling new option for everything from networking and festive celebrations to smaller conferences and private dining.”

Jenny Waller, Head of Sales, Barbican.

The Lakeside Room will be suited to a wide variety of formats, including:

  • Hospitality and client entertainment
  • Networking receptions and drinks parties
  • Smaller meetings and briefings
  • Intimate dinners and celebrations
  • Christmas parties
  • Conferences for up to 60 delegates
  • Fashion shows and product launches

To support planners and production teams, The Lakeside Room offering includes:

  • AV suitable for meetings
  • Standard lighting for receptions
  • Power provision suitable for typical event requirements
  • Clear wayfinding and signage to support guest journey

Licensing and music - The room will operate within standard licensing to a 1am finish (late licensing options subject to approval). Background music is supported, and acoustic performance options may be possible within licensing parameters. Where events include fashion or production elements, sound level checks and technical reviews can be arranged.

Availability - The Lakeside Room will be available Monday to Thursday, with overnight holds available to support set-up, rehearsals or production requirements.