Venue Review

Character: 19th century grand but simple soaring space.

Funky Features: Building designed by RH Moore, original dance-friendly 19th century red and black tiled flooring, grand high-ceilinged atrium with skylights, spectacular stone carving above main entrance showing hop-gatherers at work, internal balconies with ornate metal work, 24 hour loading access.

Location and History

Situated on Southwark Street in the trendy Borough market area and a stone’s throw from London Bridge Station, The Hop Exchange is one of Southwark’s most important nineteenth century buildings.

Borough High Street was the centre of London’s brewing industry from the 17th century onwards. Designed by RH Moore, the Hop Exchange first opened in 1867 and the atrium was used to view hops under natural daylight. In 1920, fires led to the two upper floors being removed and the rest restored as offices, with the grand atrium as its centrepiece.

Interior and Spaces for Hire

Spied through the iron crafted gates, the distinctive blue exterior of the Hop Exchange catches the eye. Inside is a high ceilinged rectangular atrium surrounded by cream and green painted ornate metal balconies. Inconspicuous cream doors give onto the offices surrounding the atrium. The original red and black tiled flooring makes a perfect dance floor and the skylights allow lots of natural daylight to flood into this beautiful space.

Voted one of London’s top 10 venues by RSVP magazine, the Hop Exchange is ideal for parties, awards ceremonies, fashion shows, canapé receptions, product launches, banquets, Christmas parties, wedding receptions and more. The space is highly versatile. In the past, curtains of lights have been hung from the high ceilings and areas sectioned off with drapes to create different sorts of atmosphere within the space. Outside, there is 24hour-loading access, which is rare in the city and means that setting up the event is hugely facilitated.

Since working offices surround the atrium, the atrium is accessible throughout the working day to set up and take down an event and a late licence is always possible.

Capacity: 450 stand-up reception / 260 sit-down dinner / 300 for a meeting.