Your evening. Your guests. Your venue.
When you host a reception at The Central, the whole venue is yours. The Atrium welcomes your guests beneath its retractable glass roof. Wolfson Hall opens up beyond it, ready for the way your evening unfolds.
No other events. No shared spaces. No interruptions to the rhythm you have set.
Whether you are gathering 40 close friends or 190 colleagues, your reception unfolds in a setting that belongs entirely to you.
Diane and her team look after every detail from your first conversation onwards. They understand that the best receptions are built on flow: the welcome, the timing, the way one part of the evening leads into the next. They bring the same care to your reception that they would to their own.
Enquire about your reception
A setting with presence and warmth
Nestled in Westminster’s Marylebone Conservation Area, The Central sits at the quiet heart of London’s West End. The Atrium, with its retractable glass roof, brings natural light by day and a sense of occasion by night. Wolfson Hall sits beyond it, ready to receive larger numbers as the evening grows. Together, they create a venue that feels both elegant and intimate.
A team that cares about every guest
With decades of experience managing conferences and events, Diane has hosted receptions at The Central since it opened in 2021. She understands what makes a reception a success, and brings the same attention to your evening that she would to her own. From your first enquiry through to the close of the night, you have a dedicated team looking after every detail. On the night itself, a duty manager is present throughout. You are free to be among your guests.
Food and hospitality that your guests will talk about
Our in-house catering team builds bespoke menus for every reception, working to the highest standard in everything they produce. Canapes, bowl food, sharing platters, drinks packages, all designed around your guests and the shape of your evening. Every dietary requirement is accommodated as standard.
“The venue looks stunning in all of our photos and videos. We were over the moon with the venue and all of your help.”
Yvie & Harry
The food at a reception sets the tone. Our in-house catering team builds bespoke menus for every event, working with you to create something that suits the occasion and the people in the room.
Whether you have a clear vision or would welcome guidance, Diane will assist in shaping the menu around your preferences and your guests’ needs. Every dietary requirement across your party is accommodated as standard.
Reception catering typically includes:
A reception at The Central often begins in The Atrium with welcome drinks before opening up into Wolfson Hall as the evening grows. Each space can also stand on its own, depending on the size and shape of your reception.
Explore each space in full:
“A huge thank you from me and the family for a lovely dinner. The room looked beautiful with the flowers and the team was highly professional. The food was great and we had such a nice time together.”
Miriam
Lighting, sound and presentation work together to set the tone of an evening. Our facilities give you the means to shape exactly the atmosphere you want, whether that is a softly lit drinks reception or a livelier evening with music and entertainment.
A reception is built on small details: the flow of guests, the timing of canapes, the moment the music shifts. Diane and her team look after these so that on the evening, you can mingle with your guests.
Diane works with you from your first enquiry to the end of the night. She advises on layout, timings, supplier coordination and anything else that helps make your reception a success. On the night itself, a duty manager is present throughout.
Planning support includes:
The Central is easy to reach from across London, with strong transport links and a location close to some of the city’s finest hotels for guests travelling from further afield. The venue is also fully accessible throughout, with step-free routes and facilities to welcome every guest.
Our security team is on hand throughout your reception, so you and your guests can relax and enjoy the day.
Every reception is different. Here are some of the ways your evening can unfold.
Drinks reception (up to 85)
Cocktail reception (up to 150)
Wedding reception only (up to 150)
Milestone celebration
What types of receptions can The Central host?
Drinks receptions, cocktail receptions, wedding receptions, milestone celebrations, networking receptions and post-event drinks receptions. Diane will work with you to shape the format around your guests and the occasion.
Is the venue exclusively ours for the evening?
Yes. The Central operates on an exclusive use basis. There are no other events in the building during your reception.
Can we host a reception that follows a ceremony elsewhere?
Yes. Many couples marry at a separate venue and host their reception with us. The team will work with you to coordinate timings and arrival arrangements.
Can we bring our own suppliers?
Yes. You are welcome to bring your own florist, photographer or band. Our team will liaise with them directly to assist with coordination. We can also recommend trusted suppliers from our network.
Can you accommodate dietary requirements across our guest list?
Yes. Our in-house catering team can build your menu around your guest list. Vegetarian options are standard. Vegan, gluten-free and other dietary requirements can be accommodated with advance notice.
