Somerset House

The open courtyard at the centre of Somerset House, framed on all sides by the 18th-century facades and centred on the fountains. Measuring roughly 60m by 44m, it is the largest space on the site and is regularly built out with a clear-span structure for dinners, receptions, catwalks and product launches.

Originally a barrel-vaulted barge house linked directly to the Thames, now a gallery and events space across the ground floor and mezzanine of the South Wing. The mezzanine takes large-scale dinners and receptions; the whole gallery suits press days, fashion shows and conferences.

An alfresco terrace set against the 18th-century facade with sweeping views across the Thames. Hired for summer receptions and parties, with the Seamen's Hall included as wet-weather contingency.

Entered directly from the Fountain Court and linked by connecting corridors, the West Wing is a run of renovated rooms with light wooden flooring, fireplaces, high ceilings and ample natural light. A blank canvas used for exhibitions, showcases, press days and product launches.

Across from the Fountain Court, a blank-canvas space of open-plan, interlinking rooms with high ceilings and large windows. It has its own private entrance and an abundance of natural light, and is used for press days, drinks receptions and winter parties.

In the New Wing, a room with a deliberately raw finish: dramatic pillars, high ceilings and exposed floorboards set against views over the Thames. It has its own private entrance and takes dressing well, which is why it is favoured for immersive events, product launches, fashion shows and photoshoots.

A suite of interlinking, open-plan rooms in the New Wing with a raw aesthetic, dramatic original fireplaces and exposed brick archways, picked out by custom lighting tracks. Its own private entrance, and heavy potential for dressing.

One level below the fountains and hidden from the public. The Deadhouse runs directly beneath the Fountain Court, its 18th-century memorials set into the walls of a stone tunnel; the Lightwells are a long-standing favourite of location managers. Nooks, archways and heavy sound isolation by depth.

A suite on the first floor of the South Wing with original features, natural daylight and views across the London skyline. Two private balconies come with the hire: one facing south over the Thames, the other north over the fountains.

The ground-floor hall of the South Wing: black-and-white marble flooring, Corinthian columns and large sash windows. Entered through the central doors from the Fountain Court, it leads straight out onto the River Terrace, which makes it the natural room for an evening reception with a dance floor.

A suite of rooms reached by the Nelson Staircase, each flight of which is an architectural piece in its own right. Marble fireplaces, wooden floors and large sash windows with panoramic views across the Thames. Originally home to the Navy Board.