LOCAL LOUNGE

We are thrilled to be able to continue our offer of free space at Shoreditch Town Hall as part of our Local Lounge project.

local lounge

Local Lounge - where we open our Front Room space for FREE for the local community to use - continues from Spring 2025!

Over the past year of the project being open, we have given space to 31 different community groups to host 165 different events ranging from meetings to creative workshops, training sessions to social events and more.

Applications for Local Lounge are now open for dates falling between Thu 1 May and Fri 29 August 2025. The space is free to use, and can be booked for one-off or multiple dates, based on availability. The event must benefit local people and activity should either be free or accessible to local people.

• We can only offer space to groups or individuals with a PLI certificate.
• We will prioritise groups based within Hackney.
• The space can host approximately 20 people seated or up to 40 people standing.
• We ask for a risk assessment, schedule and activity plan before the activity.

Available Dates & Times
Monday - Friday, 10am - 6pm
Limited evening and weekend availability

Please read the below FAQs for more details, and register your interest using this Expression of Interest Form.

Applications are considered on the first and third Monday of each month. In order to secure your desired dates, please apply as soon as possible. Dates are provided on a first come first served basis.

If you would like to view our Local Lounge Information sheet, head here.

You can view the space on our building 3D Tour by clicking here.

If you have any building specific questions, please call our Reception team on 020 7739 6176, or for any specific questions about the Local Lounge or your application please email susannah.bramwell@shoreditchtownhall.com

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is provided as part of the space?
Free use of the Front Room space at Shoreditch Town Hall. The space can have up to 40 people standing or 20 seated at tables. Tables and chairs are available in the space. We are unable to give assistance to set up, clear up or run your activity, we ask that you are completely self contained.

Is the space wheelchair accessible?
Yes, we have ramp access into our building and an accessible loo.

I need a different type of space, do you have anything else available?
We have a range of spaces available to hire. We can offer a 40% discount on hire prices for local charities, not for profits or grassroots organisations. You can find out more about the spaces in our building by clicking here.

Can we have tea and coffee set up in the space?
We can provide this based on our availability, at a charge of £2 per person.

It looks like there is a bar in the space. Can we use it?
The bar can be opened up at a minimum spend of £50.

Can we bring food into the space?
Yes, as long as it’s included in your activity plan and risk assessment. You can’t cook food on site. We don't have a cafe on site.

We’re selling tickets to the event, are we still eligible?
Yes, as long as tickets are affordable or you have a concession rate for local residents.

We want to run an activity that could create a lot of mess - is that OK?
Yes, as long as it’s covered in your activity plan, and you have the resources to clear up after yourself. We expect the room to be left as you found it. Where we need to bring in cleaners or remove large amounts of rubbish you will be charged.

We want to invite more than 40 people
The maximum standing capacity in the space with no tables and chairs is 40. If you want to host a bigger event we recommend looking at our other spaces and consider hiring one of these. You can find all our spaces by clicking here.

I work for an organisation that isn’t a not-for-profit or charity, can I still use it?
We’re only giving space for free to not-for-profit, charities, grassroots organisations or local individuals. If your organisation is not one of these, we are able to hire out the space at a cost. For details, please get in touch by emailing info@shoreditchtownhall.com

Is it big enough for a dance workshop?
Unfortunately not. The space is relatively small, so not suitable for movement.