The State Apartments at the Royal Hospital Chelsea - laid out for a lavish reception dinner.

Receptions and Dinners

You are here:

Receptions & Dinners

Receptions & Dinners

We offer a variety of stunning venues to suit every occasion. Whether you are planning a gala dinner, a cocktail reception or intimate dinner you will find the ideal setting right here. 

With a rich history and stunning surroundings, our team is committed to making your event a truly memorable experience. We understand the importance of creating the perfect atmosphere and will work closely with you to ensure every detail is meticulously planned and flawlessly executed. From your initial enquiry to the final farewell, we are here to make sure your event is everything you envisioned.

The Great Hall

Designed by Sir Christopher Wren as a dining room, the Great Hall is the largest of the interior spaces at the Royal Hospital and is still used daily by the Chelsea Pensioners. It has changed little in its 330 years and retains an imposing air of grandeur with magnificent oak panelling and paintings of British monarchs, including Antonio Verrio’s striking 17th- century mural of King Charles II. 

Capacity:
Seated, with dance floor: 120 
Seated, no dance floor: 180 
Standing: 320

Availability: 
6pm-12 midnight

Perfect for:

  • wedding receptions 
  • dining events 
  • receptions
  • gala dinners.

Figure Court

With views onto the Thames, Figure Court dates from the 17th century. This central courtyard forms the oldest part of the Royal Hospital and is bordered by an elegant Doric colonnade, the Chapel, the State Apartments, Wren House and the Great Hall. Overlooked by Grinling Gibbons’ gilded statue of King Charles II, Figure Court provides a stunning location for summer drinks before dinner. 

Capacity:
To match the indoor space being hired

Availability: 
A wet weather venue must also be hired alongside Figure Court

The State Apartments

With views of the Thames, these beautifully designed rooms have hosted gatherings attended by Royalty for more than 300 years. With ornately decorated ceilings and Old Master paintings by the Studio of Van Dyke, Lely and Kneller. The Council Chamber and Ante Room create a suite of elegant and versatile interiors for dining, receptions and civil ceremonies. Part of Figure Court is included when hiring the State Apartments – perfect for an outdoor drinks reception space.

Capacity:
Seated: 60 
Standing: 100-160

Availability:
9am-11pm

Perfect for: 

  • civil ceremonies 
  • dining events 
  • lectures 
  • receptions.

Soane Stable Yard

Tucked away within the historic grounds of the Royal Hospital Chelsea, the Soane Stable Yard offers a truly unique event setting. Once a working stable yard it has been recently renovated. Set around a cobbled courtyard, the venue includes a welcoming café, a well equipped meeting space and a large outdoor courtyard all available for private hire. Whether you are looking to host an outdoor summer drinks reception or a small training day.

Capacity:
Seated: 30 
Standing: 100

Availability:
9am-11pm

Perfect for: 

  • meetings and training
  • away days
  • receptions
  • dining events

Wren House

Wren House provides magnificent views across the Royal Hospital’s gardens and out towards the Thames. Recently refurbished, it is a perfect space for more intimate gatherings, dinners or meetings. With direct access to the South Grounds and Figure Court, it offers the flexibility of combining both an indoor and outdoor event. 

Capacity:
Boardroom or Cabaret: 20 with various breakout spaces 

Availability:
9am-11pm

Perfect for: 

  • meetings and training
  • team building
  • dining
  • receptions