Planning a summer event comes with one big question: what’s the right setting?
From terraces to elegant indoor spaces and fully styled marquees, the format you choose will shape everything from atmosphere to catering and entertainment.
Whether you’re hosting a networking reception, company celebration or client entertaining event, these insights will help you choose the right format and create a summer event that your guests will remember long after the summer season is over.
Marquee Events: Flexible & Weather-Ready
Our summer marquee is more than a temporary structure—it’s a fully serviced, purpose-built space. Installed for two months, it’s designed to deliver a seamless experience with all the amenities you’d expect from a permanent venue, such as toilet facilities.
As well as this, you have the added convenience of the marquee being your wet-weather option in the unpredictable British weather.
Unlike stretch tents or dry-hire garden setups that often rely on separate facilities, our marquee is fully integrated within the grounds, providing a cohesive and elevated guest experience. You also have the option of removing the furniture inside to make the space a completely blank slate for you to personalise to your event.
Things to consider:
- Food options:
Marquees are incredibly versatile when it comes to catering. Canapé receptions are perfect for networking events, allowing guests to circulate and connect easily.
Bowl food works well for sociable parties, giving a relaxed and interactive vibe, and food stalls are ideal for larger celebrations, creating immersive experiences where guests can choose dishes at their own pace.
BBQs or adding an upgrade of a grazing station add energy and engagement, making the food a memorable part of the event itself.
- Drinks options:
Our marquee allows for a fully customisable bar experience. From elegant champagne receptions and curated wine lists to bespoke cocktail menus and branded bar setups, drinks can be tailored to suit your event.
- Entertainment options:
A marquee gives you full creative control. It’s perfectly suited for live bands, DJs, staging, and full production setups, with the ability to manage lighting and sound for maximum impact.
There’s also space to incorporate interactive elements—from roaming performers and photo experiences to arcade games and even garden-based activities like inflatables—creating a dynamic and engaging guest experience both inside and outside of the space.
These dining moments help transform food from a practical necessity into part of the rhythm and atmosphere of the event.
Best for:
- Corporate Summer Parties
A marquee is ideal for large-scale corporate celebrations where impact matters. The fully customisable space allows for branding, themed styling, and high-impact entertainment, creating an immersive experience that reflects your company —while built-in amenities ensure everything runs smoothly, whatever the weather.
- Awards Evenings
For awards ceremonies, a marquee provides the flexibility to design a structured yet visually impressive setting. With space for staging, AV, lighting, and dining, it supports a seamless flow between formal presentations and celebration, all within a unique summer environment.
Terrace Events: Relaxed and Social for Long Summer Evenings
Terrace events at Gray’s Inn offer a premium outdoor experience without the need for full exclusive hire—perfect for stylish summer celebrations of up to 200 guests.
Why choose a terrace?
Set within five acres of private gardens in central London, our terrace provides a rare balance of open-air ambience and seamless event delivery. It’s a space designed for connection—where guests can mingle, unwind, and enjoy the energy of a summer evening in an elegant yet relaxed setting.
The extended terrace encourages natural movement between spaces, from alfresco seating to garden strolls, all framed by a distinctive backdrop that brings a sense of occasion to even the most informal gathering. And, with access to the marquee included, you have the reassurance of a wet-weather option without compromising the experience.
Things to consider:
- Food options:
Terrace events are best paired with lighter, more flexible dining styles. Canapés and bowl food allow guests to eat comfortably while standing and socialising, creating a natural flow throughout the evening.
This format works particularly well for networking-style events or mixed guest groups, where movement and conversation are key.
- Drinks options:
A terrace setting calls for refreshing, seasonal serves. From Prosecco or Pimm’s receptions to summer cocktails, mocktails, chilled wines, and beers, drinks menus are designed to complement the open-air environment.
- Entertainment options:
The terrace lends itself beautifully to ambient and interactive entertainment. Acoustic musicians or jazz trios set a relaxed tone on arrival, while roaming performers, such as magicians, add moments of surprise and engagement.
Garden games like giant Jenga, croquet, or Connect Four bring a playful, social element, encouraging guests to relax and interact.
Best for:
- Client Receptions
The terrace offers a relaxed yet refined setting that’s ideal for hosting clients. The open-air environment encourages natural conversation, while curated food and drinks create a sense of occasion—striking the perfect balance between professionalism and a sociable space.
- Networking Events
With its flowing layout and sociable atmosphere, the terrace is perfectly suited to networking. Guests can move freely, engage in conversation, and enjoy light dining without the structure of a seated event—making interactions feel organic and engaging.
Indoor Events: Elegant & Weather-Proof
Indoor spaces provide a reliable and polished setting, whatever the weather.
Why choose to host an indoor event?
If your event calls for structure, speeches, or a more formal tone, indoor spaces provide the perfect backdrop. With controlled lighting, acoustics, and layout, they allow for a seamless and polished experience from start to finish.
Things to consider:
- Food options:
Ideal for plated dining, multi-course meals, and more traditional catering formats that benefit from a structured setting.
- Drinks options:
Full bar service, curated wine pairings, and pre-dinner receptions can be delivered effortlessly within the space.
- Entertainment options:
Perfect for live performances, presentations, and awards segments where sound, staging, and lighting control are essential to delivering impact.
Best for:
- Corporate Dinners
Indoor spaces provide the elegance and structure required for formal dining occasions. With seated service, a refined atmosphere, and seamless delivery, they are ideal for hosting senior stakeholders, leadership teams or key client events.
- Conferences & Presentations
For events that rely on clear communication and precise timing, indoor settings are essential. Full control over lighting, acoustics, and staging ensures presentations run smoothly and professionally, creating a focused and engaging experience for attendees.
Key Factors to Consider When Choosing Your Event Format
When deciding between a marquee, terrace, or indoor space, keep these key factors in mind:
- Guest experience: Do you want a relaxed, social feel or something more formal?
- Weather: The British summer weather can be unpredictable, so you should make sure to consider contingency options.
- Event style: Do you want to host a networking event, an awards ceremony or a summer party?
- Entertainment needs: Will you need staging, sound or space for performers?
- Catering style: Your menu should match the flow and format of your event.
Bringing Your Summer Event to Life
The right summer event format doesn’t just set the scene; it defines how your guests will experience the event from start to finish.
Whether you’re planning an intimate terrace reception, a fully styled marquee celebration or an elegant indoor dinner, choosing the right setting is the first step to creating something memorable.
Get in touch at [email protected] or 020 7458 7960 to explore how Gray’s Inn can help you find the best format for your summer event and start bringing your ideas to life.
Photography Credits
James Everett
Liz Isles
