This is a guest blog by Lily Frohlich, Content Marketing Manager at VenueScanner – a company that aims to create a frictionless venue discovery and booking marketplace.

There’s certainly no shortage of warehouses out east, and it’s no wonder, given east London’s industrial past. The white-washed studios and exposed brick spaces you see today were once the tanneries, breweries and factories of industrial London. And with more and more people looking to hire unusual, multi-functional venues for meetings, conferences, and parties, there’s no sign of these urban spaces going out of style.

These open, unique spaces are the ideal blank canvases for your next event. They even feature dry hire, so there are no restraints on external catering. Read on for eight of the most in-demand warehouses available for private hire in east London.

1. Hoxton Arches

This striking space is set within a converted railway arch in trendy Shoreditch. With 2,500 square feet to play with, Hoxton Arches is an ideal gallery space, boasting exposed brickwork and distressed original features. And whether you’re searching for a wedding venue with a difference or a space to display your debut show, Hoxton Arches’ team of experienced event managers are on-hand to help. Find out more here.

2. Lumiére London

If you’re after an open-plan venue boasting loads of natural light, then Lumiére London is the space for you. The aptly named White Loft provides the ultimate blank canvas for your event, while the Victorian Loft’s bohemian mix of vintage furniture and versatile textures makes it a cosy and comfortable alternative. Find out more here.

3. The Warehouse

While slightly less of a blank canvas space than some of our other selections, The Warehouse offers an excellent wide-open dining space. Fully equipped with wooden bench tables, this Whitechapel-based warehouse is the perfect spot for corporate events and product launches. Find out more here.

4. MOTEL

Well-known MOTEL has hosted its fair share of high-fashion events. The space has been home to photoshoots for Louis Vuitton, Dior, Elie Saab, GQ, and Vanity Fair to name just a few. MOTEL’s ample natural light and high brick ceilings make it a perfect option for daytime events. They’ve also got capacity for 150 standing, so there’s no shortage of space at this venue. Find out more here.

5. Hawker House

We couldn’t talk about ultimate warehouse venues for hire without mentioning Hawker House. The epic 2,000 – 3,000 capacity warehouse is available to hire from Street Feast. With nine bars, twelve street food traders and optional pool and beer pong tables, this previously derelict warehouse is a one-stop-shop for a fantastic event. If you’re looking for something a bit more low-key there’s also the option of hiring some of the smaller spaces within Hawker House separately. Find out more here.

6. Shoreditch Studios

We’re heading back to the railway arches for another stunning space. Shoreditch Studios is slightly more ‘rough around the edges’ than some of our other arches, but what it lacks in polish it makes up for in authenticity. Expect vintage furniture and original features galore – perfect for a shabby-chic style event. Holding up to 350 guests standing, Shoreditch Studios is a great option for art exhibitions, conferences, fashion shows, or corporate functions. Find out more here.

7. The Garage at 47/49 Tanner Street

You really can’t get much more industrial than 47/49 Tanner Street. This venue is the ultimate fixer-upper – providing a gritty, bare-bones backdrop to your event. Dress it up with fairy lights and candles and marvel at the oxymoron you’ve created. This urban space holds 100 people standing and dates back to the Victorian era. Find out more here.

8. The Steel Yard

The Steel Yard, located under Cannon Bridge Station, is the ultimate industrial-era warehouse; it even features an original Victorian cargo hoist as a reception area centrepiece. Once an economic powerhouse dating back to the 19th century, The Steel Yard is now available to hire for £2,220 per day, holding up to 500 people. Find out more here.

As you can see, there is a lot on offer when it comes to warehouse spaces in east London. Most venues listed are available for dry hire, often allowing external caterers and BYOB, but do make sure to check the specifics of this with each venue first. Once you have decided on your venue (maybe one of these?!), this guide to venue management should be your next port of call.