I am looking to organise a party in London, England, on a Saturday
night in September to
celebrate our recent engagement. What venues are available and
appropriate within my parameters?
- I would like somewhere ideally in the West End. 
- I would like somewhere cool & trendy but with character
- I am OK with a min. spend of £1,000 (but not more)
- The number of attendees is as yet unknown but it could be anywhere
between 80 and 120 so the room should be able to facilitate this
should just over 100 attend.
- It is not a sit-down meal, just beers & cocktails and perhaps some canapes. 

Given this budget guarantee, there should be some nice available
places so hope to get a list of about 10-20 ideas.

Thanks

Does your budget of £1,000 include drinks & canapes?

Funny, I was just checking back on the date of a company launch party
I went to in June last year.

My off the cuff estimate was £15,000 min

About 100 people, but adept at hoovering wine and canapes.

They have an entertainment room underneath the Savoy, it is tacky and
they treat you like scum.

Personally I would look around for a likely looking venue and/or a catering company

£1,000 is not going to get you far, but a truly classic (but
declassee) occasion can tolerate a pay bar.

Congratulations on your engagement!

Here are a couple of sites that could be of help:
http://www.squaremeal.co.uk/venues/london/
http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?num=20&hl=en&lr=&c2coff=1&safe=off&q=party+venue&near=London,+UK

As the English Probono and Frde seem to suggest, 1000 pounds, 10 per
head, can't be expected to cover drinks and canapes, even if your
guests are attuned to a pay bar after the champagne.  No champagne? 
Whatever, I'm assuming that at least the first round will be on you.

Personally, I would think about trying to have it in a pub of your
choice that is the right size for the crowd; one that will agree to a
closed party without additional charge.  There are just so many nice
pubs in quiet residential areas, but I am more traditional than
trendy.

Here's a place that I've been to a few times and should be able to fit
within your budget:

The Concert Artists Association
20 Bedford Street, 
Covent Garden, 
London

You should be able to find their number in the book.

The CAA number is 0207 836 8172

And their chef (who will do a buffet or whatever if required) is 0207 836 2884.

They are on two floors and the walls are covered with piccies of
Variety Artists and posters for shows.

Very friendly.