The open space to dance is great but they have too many silent rehearsals when no performances are…read moregoing on. We were dancing with music and security told us not to, so we turned our music off. But then security couldn't tell off a guy that is disturbing other people and started shouting at us for no reason! Disgusting

Such a great space and particularly versatile. It's free to wander into and they often have lots…read moregoing on, particularly art exhibitions and music concerts. Many are free which is just brilliant and really allows everyone to experience the arts. There's also a bar, cafe and shop. I visited on this occasion for the World Press Photographer exhibition. The space was well organised for this although it did get crowded by the actual exhibition boards (probably as it was Sunday afternoon the first weekend it was open). There was a lot of space around it though if you wanted to get out of the crowds for a moment. The area is a hive of activity and it's ideal to visit when planning a whole day out as it's close to numerous restaurants, bars, cafes, shops, exhibition space, the river and the South Bank for a stroll. It's worth keeping an eye on what they have going on in the centre. I've been to free jazz concerts, photography exhibitions and just for a drink and catch up with a friend.

The old Hampstead Town Hall is a fantastic events space. As you'd expect from an old civic…read morebuilding, there is a certain aristocratic charm, that gave the two events I attended here a touch of decadence. Space wise there a several halls where each could hold groups of up to one hundred people comfortably. There is also a cafe on site, and people who can help with lighting, setting up etc... The functions I have attended here were spiritual new-age extravaganzas that came over very well indeed using two of the larger rooms. Although I am sure this space could work very well with more formal events.

Telegraph Hill Centre (http://thcentre.com) is self-funded venue, it receives no funding from local…read moreauthorities. As such, every penny Telegraph Hill Centre makes from hire charges, goes back into maintaining and improving the building. I've hosted five events at the Centre and each time have received a great deal of practical help and advice from its team. Telegraph Hill Centre has a large main hall with a raised stage. There is also a proper kitchen tucked away to one side of the main hall which could be used to serve food and drinks. Its a great space for a theatrical event, a party, or a music gig and can accomodate up to 200 people standing, 100 seated, or up to 60 if you're opting for 'cabaret' style seating around tables (this comes from practical experience from hosting events there). The second largest space at Telegraph Hill Centre is known as 'The Lounge', this offers a flexible rectangular space to accomodate an event for up to 40 people standing or around 25 seated. This also has a screened off food serving/bar space with sinks, hot water and the like. The Centre has spaces available to hire from as little as £10 an hour. Though most spaces are fairly bare, they can be dressed up with a little imagination the bareness offers a blank template to work from I guess. There are ladies and gents toilets as well as a disabled loo which is wheelchair accessible. You can access the building on the level so for those with mobility problems, access is possible. Telegraph Hill Centre will soon be refurbished so I imagine things will only get better. The 3 stars are because I think a refurb is needed, and would take it to a 4 star venue easily. I gather there are plans to install a lift so that the upper floors can be made more accessible. There are 2 members of staff who can help and they are usually contactable between 10.30am and 2pm. Details of the venue, what goes on there and how to contact them are availble from the Telegraph Hill Centre website http://thcentre.com

I must have walked past the Hosue of St Barnabas countless times without ever bothering to stop and…read moreread the plaque next to the imposing entrance door. This opens as by magic upon pulling the old-fashioned bell. I love being invited to private members clubs! This one actually feels not that dissimilar to other Soho town house clubs nearby - what makes The House of St Barnabas stand out is that it is a charity for homeless people rather than a money-spinner for property developers. The interior is quite dark and very comfortable, I would have liked more time to explore more of the rooms. Excellent setting for a daytime meeting, plus the now ubiquitous collection of lone workers and their MacBooks. The club hosts a series of interesting sounding cultural events - with a bit of luck I hope to be invited back for one of those.

Great place So…read morebizarre : a hostel for homeless women becomes a nightclub for Hooray Henries! They say they give 50% to the Charity Lovely inside,an old church is part of the premises. Really worth a visit, even if you cannot afford or want membership! I should say the staff are the best anywhere .

A wonderful community play centre for local parents and under fours/fives. No registration just…read moreshow up. Ivy Centre operates from 54 Ivy Street, just off Hoxton High Street. They have messy days, cafe days and a kind staff headed by the wonderful Angela. The space can be let for events and children's parties as well.

Dragon Hall is a Central London venue where classes of various kinds are on offer. It's located in…read morea quiet street, meaning that it's both convenient for the West End and peaceful; a particular bonus if you are going there to check out meditation or some other calming activity! The hall is essentially a community centre, run by a trust that has a particular interest in providing activities for young people in the area. But there is plenty going on for adults, too. The building itself is lovely and modern, very tastefully done which makes a pleasant change from a lot of other places i've attended for classes!

The Dragon Hall is a community based organization that provides the venue for a range of events…read moreinvolving youth and adults a like. I think it is a great project, when you go inside you can appreciate the kind of events people are involved in. For instance, the artwork of some of the young people is very impressive. One of the rooms had a cartoon dragon, which was made by a group of troubled teenagers. Keeping them busy and out of trouble. Organizations like this one give a second chance to those in need, they feel wanted and belonging to a group. Furthermore, they hire out their venues to other business to fund their own initiatives. I came her as the result of a friends invitation to an afternoon of activities involving parents and children. It was really fun especially for the children. Colouring, toys for all ages (0-4), songs, dancing and it was all for free. These are held three times per month. With tea and biscuits at the end. What a great thing for the community, I hope this is a trend that really catches on.

This community centre has several sizes of rooms for hire, however as it is Methodist premises…read morealcohol is not permitted. There are various activities that take place here. There is a playgroup on weekday mornings, on certain afternoons there are clubs for the retired. On some evenings there is a youth club. On Tuesday evenings the Community players meet and twice a year they put on various plays.On thursday evenings the New Eltham Operatic Society meet and twice yearly they put on on an opera or musical. All these productions are very good are well attended. In January each year there is the Pantomime which is as good if not better than the professional shows and is always a sell out over 2 weekends.

The Arts Club is one of the best, and liveliest, private clubs in London. Given the number of…read moreprivate clubs in London that is certainly saying a lot. Beyond the bars and dining, there is the history of the Club. The Arts Club was founded by Charles Dickens and Anthony Trollope. It is of course interesting to dine anyplace where Charles Dickens once dined, but to dine at a club which Dickens founded is an entirely new level of connect.

The Arts Club is a great spot for a quick drink, breakfast or dinner. The food menu is large so you…read morecan satisfy about any requirements with plenty of variety. The bartenders have a regular contest for cocktails so those are always fun to try. Their bar snacks are also excellent with both olives and nuts.