Although I’ve never been to a Hamleys party, it sounds ridiculously cool. Starting with a tour of the store, a themed party or a night spend at Hamley’s – they offer a massive range of different parties.
This is my favourite venue for a children’s party. If you live in Notting Hill, this is definitely the place for you. Sneak through the secret door at the back of this fabulous toy shop and you’ll find yourself in a secret little house. Tell them what you want and they’ll make it happen, they even ship in mini burgers for the grown ups.
Lots of people know Gambado for their incredible soft play, they’ve got everything from dodgems a climbing wall and a carousel, with a separate soft play area and art sensory for the little ones.
This would be pretty mega, for any aspiring racing drivers. Obviously better for older children, they set up a race circuit and use brand new carts which are branded to represent the top F1 teams with venues in Battersea and Dulwich.
Sharky and George for me, are the ultimate in kids’ party planners. They have all sorts of different themed event ideas, from movie making, to music video, to discos, survival, quest or cooking parties – there really is something for everyone. They’re able to arrange your party from start to finish, taking care of every little detail.
Star Command Laser Tag
Set in Picadilly this is a another goodie for older children,. A one an a half hour experience with laser tagging for twenty or more players in a space station themed arena. They can organise cakes and tea for the party goers before heading out for round two.
This is a really good option for the summer. You get to tour the zoo and meet the actual zoo keeper. They have a tree top party room to eat in, and can supply party food and even party bags. Party games for the children and probably the coolest thing, is that the birthday girl or boy gets their special brick to personalise, for all visitors to see in the years to come.
While on the theme of zoos, London Zoo is a corker. They have masses of options to choose from. BBQs overlooking the lions, games on the lawn, or a DJ disco to dance the night away. They also offer bed bug sleep overs, where you’ll be taken on a nighttime tour around the zoo. Pretty cool!
Hire Animal Fu characters Mabu the Monkey, DJ Finshuey The Grasshopper and Master Storky to teach traditional Kung Fu stances and skills at your little one’s party. What a way to keep them entertained! Parties are available for children from 3 – 8 years old. All you need is a room big enough for all children to move freely.
Chelsea FC
This will probably be most boys’ dream, there are two party options to choose from. The football party starts with a tour of the stadium, followed by a game (not on the actual pitch). The museum party starts again with a tour, followed by a museum tour.
I’ve been to lots of parties here, and it always works really well. Exclusive use of the kidsz one for an hour and then onto a private party room around the corner. You can order a birthday tea or bring your own. A great option for nursery children.
Happy Faces is actually a hair salon in Fulham, but they also have a variety of party packages for all different ages. From Peppa Pig, to Pirate parties, and even pampering parties, they will accommodate almost anything. I’ve never used it as a party venue, but I bet they do it well.
This is a great venue for a party, but even better if you’ve been to a show before hand, and it’s smack bang in the middle of Shaftesbury Avenue. I’ve seen a handful of children get scared here, but most of them love the feel and watching the animals of the forest roar.
They have two great venues, and organise a great party, but one thing I’d love to try out is their new party bus in Chiswick. It looks pretty awesome and has to be seen to be believed.
I went to a party here a few months ago, and I was mega impressed. You can hire the room upstairs, organise your own entertainer, in plenty of space. Bumpkin serve delicious children’s food – a huge selection and a good balance of healthy versus naughty. They’ve also started a great afternoon tea, which would be perfect for any little lady.
This would be a great option for more grown-up girls. Freshly made sandwiches and painting china, what more could they want? In Fulham, Battersea and Richmond.
Another good option for a grown-up girl, hold an icing party for any budding baker in their Notting Hill Cafe, while grown-ups and sip tea. I also hear the icing ladies are mobile and will come to you.
Beaufort House
I’ve been to lots of good parties at Beaufort House on the King’s Road Chelsea, and it’s good for all ages. Pick your theme and they’ll organise the entertainers, disco, dancing, a great tea and pretty much anything else you need.
Kasimira Party Organisers
Based in the heart of Chelsea, and voted one of Tatler’s ‘top ten party organisers, Kasimira has built up a strong reputation for organising children’s parties that are just out of this world. They’re able to look after every aspect from invites to entertainment, and have years of planning experience.
I saw Amanda’s Action Club in full swing at the Plusher event last weekend. I’ve never seen children so excited at an event. The absolute favourite of my little ones had to be the team of break dancers who did an awesome show and then went on to teach children of all ages a few classic break dancing moves.
