The Engine Rooms are a series of cosy yet spacious chambers home to the original machinery used to lift the Bridge’s bascules, which today have been transformed into a captivating events space.
London’s defining landmark, Tower Bridge has stood proudly over the River Thames for 130 years and continues to be an important symbol of the city. But what many people don’t realise is that, once the crowds disperse, the entire building is available for private hire.
Among the Bridge’s three hireable event spaces, The Engine Rooms stands out as one of the most unique event venues, not just within the Bridge itself, but the entire city…
Situated under the southern approach to Tower Bridge, The Engine Rooms are a series of cosy yet spacious chambers home to the original machinery used to lift the Bridge’s bascules, which today have been transformed into a captivating events space.
The Engine Rooms provide a truly one-of-a-kind event venue that’s ideal for standing receptions, sit-down dinners, and corporate events. Surrounded by the striking, meticulously maintained Victorian engines, guests are immersed in the history and cultural significance of the Bridge, making it a sought-after venue for those seeking a distinctive and unforgettable setting.
We are proud to have partnered exclusively with B Corp-certified catering company, Social Pantry, for our event food and drink offerings. Whether you’re opting for a multi-course seated dinner or a cocktail-and-canapés party, any event hosted in the Engine Rooms promises to be a unique and memorable experience.
Speak with a member of our events team today to discover more about The Tower Bridge Engine Rooms venue hire.
Few event venues offer a setting as unique as Tower Bridge’s Engine Rooms. Located underneath the southern approach to the Bridge, the series of chambers have a spacious yet cosy underground feel, giving guests the feeling of being right within the beating heart of the Bridge. To enter the main events space, guests pass by the striking, bright green Victorian machinery that was once used to power the bridge, providing an unforgettable start to their event.
Dating back to 1886, the construction of Tower Bridge is an important part of London’s heritage. Inside the Engine Rooms, you’ll find information panels sharing fascinating insights into the Bridge’s origins, engineering, and the secrets behind its construction. This adds a unique dimension to events held here, offering guests the chance to engage with the Bridge’s history at their event — not to mention providing a ready-made talking point! For those with a particular penchant for history and engineering, we can even arrange for a Blue Badge guide to talk guests through the Bridge and its history in more detail—a unique extra touch that goes down particularly well at events with international visitors.
The Engine Rooms can be tailored to suit various event styles and sizes. Whether you’re planning an intimate dinner, a presentation, panel talk, or networking reception, the layout is flexible and can be adapted to meet your requirements. Read on for more details on the capacity of the Engine Rooms.
We’re proud to have partnered exclusively with Social Pantry for all event catering at Tower Bridge. A certified B Corp, Social Pantry is committed to creating exciting food and drink that not only delivers on taste and quality but also makes a difference. Known for its innovative, seasonal menus and sustainable practices, Social Pantry works closely with all its event clients to create bespoke dining experiences that reflect their tastes and values. Whether it’s a stylish canapé reception or a multi-course dinner, every dish is thoughtfully prepared to match the setting and occasion.
Hosting an event in the Engine Rooms at Tower Bridge offers an unforgettable experience, placing your celebration in one of London’s most unique and sought-after locations. With its cosy underground feel and the eye-catching Victorian machinery providing a memorable backdrop, The Engine Rooms is the perfect event venue choice for anyone looking for something a little different. Whether you want to impress corporate clients with a drinks reception steeped in history, or host a brand dinner or awards presentation, The Engine Rooms offers a unique, historical space for an event that your guests will never forget.
When you hire The Engine Rooms for an event, here’s what you can expect as standard:
The Engine Rooms can accommodate a range of event sizes:
The cost to hire the Engine Rooms for an event starts at £2002 for three hours (off-peak), including venue hire, VAT and security.
Starting costs for different types of event are as follows:
Canapé & drinks reception: From £96 per person
Canape & bowl food reception: From £116 per person
Seated meal: From £156 per person
For drinks only packages or added extras including additional courses, food stations, and more, get in touch via the button below to speak to one of our Event Planners.
Interested in hosting your next event in Tower Bridge’s historical original Engine Rooms? Get in touch via the details below to speak to one of our dedicated events planner.
Social Pantry has been catering events of all different kinds and sizes since 2011. So, whether you’re looking to host a formal sit-down dinner or prefer roaming food options like canapés and bowl foods for a standing reception, the Social Pantry team excels at tailoring their creative, sustainably-minded seasonal menus to suit your needs.
Social Pantry offers a range of different catering options for your event in the Engine Rooms:
The ideal choice for impressing guests at an awards ceremony or corporate presentation, expertly crafted 3-course, sit-down meals are a Social Pantry speciality. The talented kitchen team devises its menus thoughtfully and sustainably, making the most out of seasonal, local ingredients to create innovative dishes that deliver on big flavour and beautiful plating. Expect show-stopping dishes like Venison Fillet, Mash, Salt Baked Kohlrabi, Spiced Red Cabbage Purée, Sprout Tops, Green Peppercorn Jus; Halibut, Jerusalem Artichoke, Preserved Lemon, Umami Butter Buttermilk Sauce, Herb Oil, Sea Herb; and Potato & Celeriac Terrine, Baron Bigod, Cavolo Nero, Glazed Beetroot, Celery & Chive Sauce, Sherry Breadcrumbs.
Opt for a 2- or 3-course menu, or choose to add on extras including canapés, a cheese course, petits fours and more.
For those hosting a networking event, party or other event where mingling is encouraged, a canapés and drinks reception is a good way to go. Social Pantry’s seasonal canapés are small in size but big in flavour and have been creatively designed to stand out among the crowd, adding theatre to any drinks reception. Expect seasonally-changing, bite-sized beauties like Sourdough Crumpet, Parmesan Leeks, Smoked Crème Fraiche, Crispy Leek Tops; Beef Fillet, Potato Purée, Truffle Bearnaise and Sea Bream Tartare, Yuzukosho Mayo, Zero-Waste Fish Skin Furikake.
For standing receptions, parties and late night events, Social Pantry offers a bowl food menu. This range of dishes have been designed to satisfy late-night revellers without needing to leave the dancefloor. Think hearty, flavour-packed seasonal dishes that can be eaten with just a bowl and a fork, like Brown Butter Gnocchi, Spinach, Housemade Ricotta, Crispy Sage; Slow-Cooked Lamb Shoulder, Smoked Aubergine, Tahini Dressing; and Roasted Market Fish, Two Fields Olive Oil Mash, Seaweed Butter Sauce.
If you’re looking for that extra wow-factor, food stations are a popular option that can really bring an event to life. Social Pantry offers a range of immersive food stations, from roaming dessert bars, to cheese and charcuterie grazing platters, which can be set up around the venue for guests to try. We are also able to create something totally bespoke for a theme of your choice, and have previously created everything from an Indian food stall with live Pani Puri-making to an Alpine-inspired fondue station.
Whether your event calls for fine wines, a local craft ale station, a botanical gin bar or a bespoke cocktail menu, Social Pantry’s experienced team of mixologists and bartenders is on hand to deliver – just chat to one of our Event Planners about what you’re after.
Interested in hosting your next event in the unique Tower Bridge Engine Rooms? Get in touch via the button below to speak to one of our dedicated events planners.
A massive thank you again to you and the team for Tuesday’s event! Our hosts and clients really enjoyed the evening and hospitality.
A truly showstopping space, offering breathtaking, panoramic views of London. The Glass Floors allow guests to experience the iconic Bridge from new heights. The perfect setting for cocktail receptions, weddings, Christmas parties and more.
The neo-gothic architecture of this space provides a unique backdrop, featuring exhilarating views of the River Thames. This is the perfect space for your daytime event. Licensed to hold weddings and civil partnerships ceremonies.
We are redefining corporate events with unique, creative and stylish venue and catering options. We work closely with our clients to deliver experiences that speak to their core values.
From intimate occasions to large-scale celebrations, Tower Bridge is perfectly suited to host your event. Every event is unique and we offer bespoke services to create the perfect atmosphere that reflects your taste and style.
House to the original machinery once used to power the lifting of the Bridge’s bascules, the Engine Rooms offer an incredible and authentic space, perfect for standing receptions, sit down dinner and events.
We leave no stone unturned when planning your event at Tower Bridge, from the big picture to the finer details. We have answered a few of the more frequently asked questions below, but if you have any more, please speak to our team who would be happy to help.
We will cater for all dietary requirements – please speak to your
Event Planner for more information.
Up to 5 organisers may access the venue up to 30 minutes before doors open to guests. Approved suppliers are not included in this category as organisers.
The venue is available to hire until 01:00am at the latest; additional fees for venue hire, food, beverage, security, staff etc. to apply
Tower Bridge is fully accessible for anyone with mobility issues.
Cloakroom facilities will be provided in each space. In Walkways and Engine Rooms, the cloakroom will be manned by our staff.
We would be delighted to offer you 10% discount for any merchandise purchased from Tower Bridge’s gift shop.
Tours of Tower Bridge can be booked via your Event Planner in conjunction with your event. For more information please speak to your Event Planner
Here are our recommendations for getting to Tower bridge:
Catch the Tube to: London Bridge | Tower Hill | Tower Gateway
Catch the Train to: London Bridge | Fenchurch Street
Tower Bridge is just a short walk from each of these stations.
Jump on the Uber Boat to Tower Bridge Quay
The taxi & coach collection/drop-off point is north side of the bridge on
St Katherine’s Way by the Guoman Tower Hotel.
All quotes are bespoke, we’d would love to work with you on planning to make your event run perfectly.
