North London party venue ideas? (for dd's 4th birthday) Save our house from being trashed by small people!

[muumi]

It has taken a couple of years, but now I have learnt that children's parties and our teeny living room absolutely do NOT mix (chaos in a small space = bad!!)

Soooo, do any of you have ideas for venues in the North or North West London area? I really haven't come up with any more of a plan than not to do it at home. What do you think? Should I just hire a hall and do games, food etc, or be more adventurous and go for an entertainer or a place that 'does' parties properly.

Ideas/advice gratefully received.

[BlameItOnTheBogey]

Whereabouts in N/NW London are you?

[muumi]

Crouch End/Muswell Hill but we can travel if necessary.

[BlameItOnTheBogey]

Not sure if it is what you are looking for and might be a bit far but the leisure centre in Swiss Cottage does all kinds of fabulous children's parties. They have various activities on offer and there is a great restaurant thing attached which offers children's party food afterwards. Worth giving them a call?

[southeastastra]

think you can still hire hall at ally pally

[muumi]

I shall look into Swiss Cottage. I didn't know that the cafe there did party food. I love it there.

Actually, whilst I remember it, I'm sure the Kentish Town leisure centre does parties too.

[frogs]

Any local leisure centre will do kids parties an hour on the soft play plus an hour for tea is the usual deal. Some will provide catering as well, but it tends to be pretty basic. Leisure centres that I know have soft play include the Talacre Centre in Kentish Town and the Sobell Centre in Islington, but there will be others it's a big money earner for them.

Otherwise pretty much every church will have a hall that they hire out, you just have to phone and ask. Ditto local community centres. There are squillions of the things. Highbury Fields two o'clock club is particularly nice for summer parties as there's a big outdoor area and they get to use the toys and equipment.

Freightliners City Farm hire out their classroom for parties at the weekends for about £50, with the added bonus of nearby animals.

But I'm sure you'll be able to find somewhere nearer to you.

[BlameItOnTheBogey]

Yes they do the most amazing little party set up at the Swiss Cottage cafe. It's really lovely - long tables and little chairs and delicious looking food. Plus it's all done for you so really low effort required.

[mustrunmore]

Are you on a budget? If not, just hire Topsy Turvy in Brent x!
Powerleague do parties.

We have the space problem too, and a money problem, and the problem of both kids being witer birthdays! Last year we just hired a bouncy castle for after school, and did hot dogs all round... it was November

[muumi]

I think we'll do Topsy Turvy for DS's 3rd birthday next year. They look like they do lovely parties - we were there for a play yesterday. But at the moment Highbury Fields sounds like a winner. I remember walking past there when there was a party on and it looked great. I shall make a call and see what the availability is like.

Thanks for all your suggestions though. I shall check them all out...