Top City Halls in London, United Kingdom

Interesting architecture and nice to visit

It is a striking, modern building that really stands out. While it was challenging, it was also a lot of fun to build. I’m glad I could help bring it to life and create something truly special for London.

Very nice building. We attended the "Gin to my tonic" festival here. The main hall is stunning, high ceilings & beautiful pictures on the wall. There is a stage for a band to play & a few separate rooms leading off the main hall. An excellent venue choice for the festival.

Nice venue to hold a gin festival. It was spacious and staff were friendly and welcoming

We got married in this beautiful place, surrounded by friendly faces who patiently guided us through every step. In the moment, I wasn't focused on all the details or the venue's style, but looking back at our photos, I see how perfectly the hall framed our special day.

Definitely a nice place. Security was very… secure.

My fiancé and I came here for a marriage registration appointment and the registrar we dealt with was very helpful and nice. Actually everyone we interacted with on the day was very nice from the security guards who greeted us at the entrance and the secretary who confirmed our appointment at the desk. KUTGW

Kensington Town Hall was built in 1972-1976. The space could have been used much better. The pond that leaked into the underground car park has gone. The public toilets just inside the car park have been closed.
The halls are hired out extensively, so the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea is maximising income.

Love the architecture but maybe knot the administration within.

Went to Town Hall to meet an officer I have never met before so could not identify him by face. Clocked in 15mins before my meeting time and the receptionist told me she has let him know. Waited 20mins then asked if she can call and she said she will shortly. Waited another 20mins only to realise the gentleman I was waiting to see had walked passed me 4 times and the receptionist didn’t bat an eye because she was busy discussing her lunch plans with another colleague and what she does with her boyfriend on days off. Was late to work as a result. If you’re planning to go for urgent business maybe get the officers phone line so you can call them directly.

They sent me a pcn because of a prohibited right turn at Gerrard place in Chinatown, it was night and I could not see any signs so I turned, the signs don’t have lights, I have checked these reviews and multiple other people have received a £65 fine for this!! How is this fair? £65 is a days wage for someone to work all day? So you think because we take an accidental right turn we don’t get to eat for a day? By far the worst and greediest council I have ever seen, they line their pockets with fines and expensive resident permits, you can’t even park in their areas with a blue badge, extremely greedy and unprofessional, I had to fork out £65 of which I didn’t even have for the prohibited right turn of which other people have fallen for that too, and also for usin a blue badge in a resident bay! £65 is extortion!! Down with this council, they reject all appeals and love to take everyone’s cash, utter disgrace!!

Getting off the cable car I went to see the City Hall but it was closed as it was the weekend. A good looking building but unclear if it’s easy to access even when open owing to security gates.

Reached out for a light pollution from a neighbour complain online to them and when I finally got an appointment after 15 days for the visit to assess, they completely ignored the problem I was facing and said they can’t do anything!

The Kensington Townhall is an architectural marvel that seamlessly blends history with modernity. From its grand facade to its meticulously designed interior, every detail exudes elegance and charm. The spacious halls and versatile event spaces make it perfect for a variety of functions, from weddings to corporate events. The attentive staff ensures that every event runs smoothly, leaving guests impressed and satisfied. Whether you're attending an event or simply admiring the building from the outside, Kensington Townhall is a must-see destination in the heart of the city.

The worst ever the houseing team was rude to me and pot down the phone on me today at 4.04pm 12/03/2024 he did not even let me speak and pot me on mute and was so rude to me from the houseing

Received superb service from Tonie who helped me with my parking permit last week. I had opted for callback having been placed in a queue and Tonie called me back within a few hours. Whilst it wasn’t immediately obvious what the problem with my application was, she diligently pursued all avenues and found the issue. Tonie then gave very explicit instructions on what to do next.
I’d been dreading calling the council as previous experiences have been quite dire so felt it only right to leave a positive review when the service had been exemplary. Thank you!

This supposed town hall cares one iota about its community
Do not move to Earl's Court or any where near You will live a living nightmare
Kensington and Chelsea are murderers
Remember Grenfell
Justice for Grenfell
Remove all of governance as they no longer represent freedom or justice

Was given an unjust parking fine even though I had paid for the parking on Just Park. I challenged the PCN and they rejected my claim straight away. They don’t care about being fair just to line their pockets and steal your money! Stay away from parking in the area cause they will do everything they can to fine you.

Be really careful when you park in the side street next to Hendon town hall there a is big black van constantly watching the street ready to give parking tickets, my pay by phone application wasn't working and they gave me a ticket straight away, I've contested the ticket but please be aware of this.

I have lived in Wandsworth for several years in more than one place and my interaction with the Council has been quite pleasant. While the website (especially parking permits bit) can be confusing and there are indeed many options when you call, I was able to solve majority of questions online, and when I could not, I was able to quite quickly get to a person on the phone and they were very helpful and kind and I had my questions resolved. I am grateful!

Nice venue. Went for an art show.
Set up well.

I have been a Kensington & Chelsea resident for more than 30 years. The levels of Customer Care I have received from the Kensington Town Hall are nothing short of amazing! Whether in person or by phone, I am always treated with kindness and respect. Today I spoke to a member of the Benefits Division who had such genuine empathy, patience and willingness to help. Absolutely nothing was too much trouble - definitely above and beyond my expectations!!

Contacted debt collectors for money I never owed and now the debt collectors won’t stop harassing me even though Westminster have confirmed it was a mistake and I don’t owe any money. When I call Westminster they tell me to call Equita, who tell me I do owe money and they’re coming to my address and put down the phone.
I am disabled and this kind of harassment is illegal.
I fell down the stairs after getting off the phone the last time with them because I was shaking so much.
They let illegal landlords operate all over the borough and ignore reports. When you move they then ensure you’re harassed for money you don’t owe.
It’s genuinely disgusting. No job could lead me to abusing disabled people, not even to put food on the table. Shame on you.

I photographed Alenka and Alex's beautiful intimate wedding at Camden Town Hall, the staff were professional and courteous and the venue itself was beautifully staged and lit. The surrounding area is fabulous for some photo opportunities also.

It is very dissapointing to see that the council has failed as an authority and they are unable to take any action on people who are disturbing the community. We strongly feel that our council tax payments are a waste.

We have complained about a certain group of selfish people who party after 12 am with loud music near winstanley road which is behind the clapham junction station. This is happening on Fridays and saturdays after 12 am till morning 5 am. This had been happening for sometime and complained many times but the council has failed.

Even at this very moment it is happening. Being a pregnant mother i find it more difficult with these disturbances and we are awake till morning because of the loud music and the strong base.

Nice building inside and out.

Nice building. Plenty of signage, lovely staircase. Comfortable rooms

A dystopian geometrical mess of plastic apartments has fragmented the view of this once historic landmark, sadly Battersea Power-Station has now been engulfed by this architectural nightmare.

Wandsworth planning department failed to safeguard the integrity of this historic site from the international property developers that continually decimate the outlook of London with tacky domineering buildings.

It would seem the principles of architecture have clearly gone amiss by its creators, as these obnoxious structures are not in keeping with the vernacular of the surrounding environment.

Take note from European cities like Vienna that have a more considered approach to the disciplines of urban design and planning, opting for green space and low-rise architecture thats both tasteful and sensitive to its local area and citizens.

How does Westminster City Council allow retail outlets such as CandyLogo, situated on Oxford Street, trade to children? However, not one of their hundreds of items are not labelled with pricing. The lady in front of me was going to be charged £4 for a packet of crisps for her child. She refused and left the shop. I was charged £6.99 for a PEZ sweet for my grandchild !!! It is an absolute rip-off, and their practices shouldn't be allowed 🤬

Got an unfair PCN by council. I followed the Google map route and got fined because Google map suggested misleading route. Map showed I should turn left while road sign is terribly shown. Absolute rubbish and corrupt. Video footage shows 3 cars out of 4 cars made the same mistake and yet council is not considering this factor. I have now given feedback to Google map. The route now updated that means less PCN issued to drivers. Discourage the council taking PCN from innocent citizens.

A short walk from London Excel Center, on the Elizabeth line.
Expect high security, airport style.
We were only in the foyer/media room. Lots of meeting rooms. Very polite and diverse staff which reflects London's population. We were offered a light lunch which was very considerate.
The yacht hotel isn't far, lots of other hotel chains too. Easy access., lots of food and drink places to have a bite.
The site has a café/lounge.
The infrastructure is massive and space isn't used to its full potential. Could provide more services for Londoners.

What a beautiful venue to get married at! I have photographed a few weddings here and each time we've always had more than enough options to choose from for photos. The stunning staircase and stone arches at the front of the building create a lovely backdrop for the couple. Not to mention the staff are always friendly and accommodating!

The eastern area team are a joke call handlers are rude and useless. These people take tenants money and don’t actually do anything
dodgy Contractors are full of cowboy builders like purdy stupid plumbers with zero iq my building has been leaking for over 1year and a half still ongoing and they still can’t figure it out they lie and there all in on it This council is full of crooks who take home a wage but don’t actually do there job

Based on my experience with Wandsworth Council pcn "officers" very rude, no compassion and liars. I was helping a heavily pregnant lady with her shopping and unloading her car and taking them to the kitchen which is located at the back of the property. within 3mins I had a ticket.
I asked him to cancel it but apparently he was waiting for 6mins and could see what I was doing. Hiding his bike out of site and out of view. Cheap shot kinda guy.
Due to the process of contesting the ticket and the possibility of losing a days work to go to a hearing to let someone, with sense listen to my reason. I paid the ticket but then that is what councils want. Hit motorist and keep on hitting them. Get people to work against eachother in order for a couple more quid in the pay packet.

Booked a bulky wasted removal with Hackney incompetent council for the 9th of October they failed to pick it up and I paid £20 for the service . They stole my money and 10days later the items are still outside and haven’t been collected I’ve called for 2weeks with someone to help but no one has helped me !!! incompetent pathetic people now my neighbours are annoyed with me USLESS PEOPLE !!!

More like worthless council, reported a noise complaint back in August, called them directly they told me that the “noise officer” is “not available” at the moment, and promised they will contact me via email , well that was two months ago and I still got woke up by loud music from my neighbor everyday. WE PAY £132 EVERY MONTH TO THESE CLOWNS AND COULDN’T EVEN GET A SINGLE RESPONSE, what a scam.

Big compliment to Kemi in complaints team at Hackney Council who dealt with my complaint on some outstanding repairs from Purdys great communication and kept me up to date on everything she pushed through till the job got completed thanks again for all your help you a great asset to the council very professional and approachable great at what you do!

been constantly chased for years about council tax for a period after I moved out of the property. i have uploaded evidence multiple times over the years and been told this is resolved. but they keep sending me reminder letters. after calling again to check whats going on they tell me i did not upload evidence. only when i give them the reference number they find it in the system but nobody ever looked at it. literally no way to trust them unless you get something in writing. still on this case hope this won't affect my credit score.

UPDATE: it "seems" to be resolved now. sometimes you just need to get the right person on the line. hope this is not coming back anymore.

Nice place. Had to register a death, but also got married.

If you are bidding for housing, You’ll notice a very doggy bidding situation happening. There’s definitely corruption because even if you are No1 in the list where the house is near to transportation or is a new building, you will see it being directly offered to someone who is not even in the list or is no where near the top bidders. This happens 100% of the time to houses new or by train stations.

An interested media or authority should dig into this because a shocking story of corruption in Hackney housing will come to light.

The staff here are the rudest people you will ever meet. They are not only rude but can sometimes be verbally abusive. They just want to do the bare minimum and do everything in their power to show you their detest for their job. Appalling !

Very good wedding venue. Newly refurbished

Dear City of Westminster,
I am writing to express my appreciation for the designated areas for street performers and buskers throughout the city, particularly in the central London area of Leicester Square. However, I believe that the council could do more than just provide designated areas. I have attended many beautiful performances that were cut short due to the batteries dying or running low. You could see the look of disappointment on people's faces, and the footfall throughout the city is huge. It is essential to encourage and help such performances that encourage people to attend this beautiful capital of London. This is practically a free service offered by these fantastic performers that contribute to the cultural essence of central London.
I would like to request that the council consider providing power points on site. It would be a nice contribution that would help up-and-coming talent. Most of these locations are within a short distance from essential power services such as street lights. It wouldn't be such a problem to create a power point in the center of the designated areas. This would also facilitate a broader performance base, as some people have limitations on equipment that supports battery operation. It would also improve the sound system's performance to give the people a better and clearer quality of sound. I don't see any reason this cannot be achieved with all the advancements in technology and equipment at disposal.
Thank you for taking the time to read my request. I hope you will consider implementing this recommendation, which would benefit both performers and audiences alike.
Sincerely,
Padraig G Brennan

If you like modern architecture you'll love this beautiful modern building. It's captivating in its simplicity.
I live in the area so I'm happy that the London mayor has chosen east London to be his base. Hopefully money, jobs and recreational facilities will be pumped into Canning town and the surrounding areas.

Here is another one star review about this notorious council.

I was living in Hackney back in 2021 and after having moved out they sent me council tax bills which should not even be in my name as I was only renting a room.

I submitted the documents to appeal and asked them to cancel all those bills. I haven't heard back from them for months and cannot reach anyone.

I have later been told that Hackney is notorious for high and erroneous council tax bills. If you are moving to the area beware!

The council that asks for money for the “repairs” they are doing and the only time workers actually showed up and done works they destroyed our internet cable and didn’t care. Scaffolders the council chose are in front of house 8am on Saturday whistling and singing because ignorance is bliss…the worst part is that council does not care that they’re doing a ridiculous job Lol 👏🏻

Hackney Council has been nothing but difficult and not understanding and their PCN system seems driven to pressure people into paying without considering appeal.
My wife got a PCN for driving through a certain area. She made an appeal online and a week later we got a letter from them saying they don't accept representations from a 'third party' (car is registered in my name) and one needs to send a letter of authority (no way to do online!). We sent it but they said they haven't received it after a week when I queried over the phone (which I honestly don't believe or they take ages to open it) and wouldn't even accept granting authority over the phone and pressurise into paying because otherwise the fine would increase since it's been 14 days. To me that is unfair tactics and meant our appeal wasn't even considered. The only response I got was that I should've sent the letter as a tracking letter but that's just the symptoms of a system that is clearly not fit for purpose. No understanding, willingness to cooperate or humanity, I was told every action has a consequence and to better look at signs next time!

I photographed two wedding ceremonies at the Chelsea Old Town Hall and it's such a beautiful venue! Also the surrounding streets of Chelsea are beautiful for before or after wedding photographs.

Incredible!! Memorable!! City Hall is a distinctive building on the south bank of the River Thames in London. Designed by Norman Foster, it's the headquarters of the Greater London Authority and features a curved glass facade and spiral walkway with impressive views of the city. The building is known for its modern architecture, sustainability features, and iconic status in London's skyline.

Great place for events and fairs. I went today to the Parallax Art Fair and the space allowed several stands and many attendants. It was spacious and comfortable. Hope to attend more events there soon

A fantastic venue for a wedding. I photographed Susan & Dodi's wedding here a few years ago and what an incredible building, just stunning!

I am a professional photographer and photographed a few weddings there and always really enjoyed it! It's a really nice place to get married! The light is great and there's a lot of space that's really important for creating great photos. The marble stairs in the interior, the entrance of the building, the paintings on the upper floor and the hallway. The staff are amazing, and all registrars are friendly and helpful. A pleasure to photograph all my happy couples here.

I photographed a wedding here at the start the end of 2021 and it's one of my favourite venues in London. The staff are lovely and it's like a well oiled machine. There are some really cool spots around Chelsea for portraits and also some cool pubs for drinks before and after ceremonies.

The Queen's death was a momentous event and we will always remember where we were when we heard the news. It was clear from the build up during the day that after the initial shock, we were going to hear imminently. However, one carries on as normal and I went to Hendon Town Hall in North London for a meeting of the Local Pensions Board where I sit as the Independent Member. The meeting was held in the main Council chamber which was empty apart from us and there was nobody in the public gallery. The mood was relatively quiet and about half way through the Chair was told that the Queen had died. The meeting was brought to a close and we all stood for a minute silence under the Queen's portrait. Before leaving, I took a photograph to capture the moment.

As I waited for the bus home I reflected that I had been born just under the reign of George VI and there would now be another King. Like many people in 1953 my parents got a TV set For the occasion and we crowded round to watch the coronation. I went around telling everybody "I have seen the Queen's coronation on television".  As I held my rucksack with laptop because Council meetings had just become paperless, I reflected on what a different world it was then compared with now and whatever is to come.

I love this place. We got my son birth certificate in 2017 the day when it was heavy ❄️ snow, and the day we booked a ceremony for my husband he said, hope it's won't snow and here we go again, was showing on the day we came to ceremony, but not that heavy snow as in 2017.
Thanks for this friendly atmosphere for people who work there. Hope this year I will manage to pass my life in the UK and will come for my ceremony, for now 3 times failing.

Camden Town Hall is Grade II list building, fully refurbished between
August 218 and April 2023.

Re-opened for Registry Services (births, deaths, and weddings - three classy new venues for the happy couple); Electoral Services, Committee and Council meetings.

Chelsea Old Town Hall is a stunning listed building in royal borough of Kensington and Chelsea. We had the pleasure of visiting on the weekend for a wedding.

Newly refurbished, this magnificent Grade II, late Victorian building, lovingly restored to its original glory, provides a beautiful, memorable and photogenic backdrop for weddings and receptions.

Ample parking along the high street with lots to see and do if just visiting as a tourist. Would recommend visiting!

We went today at the births registering office to register our newborn baby. The deputy registrar delivered a quick and comprehensive service, was very polite and professional towards us. A nice experience altogether!

Been reporting fly tipping for months now its got so bad there are rats now. Outside my ground floor flat outside my kids bedroom window. Its disgusting. I've been phoning the council. And someone keeps picking up the phone then hanging up. 10 times this has happened to me. Fuming right now

First off you’d be forgiven for confusing this new City Hall frontage with two other buildings with similar glass revolve entry doors and grey n White corporate ambience. This is therefore the third of its kind on Victoria Street heading west to east from Victoria Rail/ tube station. Once inside it’s all turn stiles and secure conscious reception staff who need to thaw out ! I ‘melted’ down for them when they simply ignored the obvious solution of using a telephone to check the departments we were visiting, and our appointments when one of their terminals was down. You do not create a bottleneck at 9 am in a so called ‘accessible’ public building. The joke was we then waltzed through the barriers without a bag check. Really !!
The signage for where to go was appalling. As an Autistic person lead to rely on appealing to staff already climbing into the lifts about which lift covered the 19 th floor and how did we operate them without a key card. It’s rather ironic that was there to attend an equality and diversity event. I had plenty of material for it. I’m sure that a lot of my comments will be taken on board and significant changes for user friendly entry and navigation of this building will be implemented soon. The lifts are smooth if rather small, the floor materials seamlessly switch between cement flagging to smooth carpet tiling to laminate in the cafe area and the glass partitions are largely matte or etched finishes. I would argue again with signage when it’s applied to such chic toilet facilities. One is never enough if the doors to the cubicles are right on the corridor and they look like full length cleaning cupboards. I can’t say the view through the full length cathedral style windows on the 19 th floor didn’t make me feel queasy so if height adverse avoid standing too close. Distract yourself ! The views over Westminster Cathedral and other sites in the distance are impressive though and imagine the lights at night are pretty stunning.

Beautiful place for anyone looking to get married in the area. Gorgeous interiors and nice rooms, perfect for more intimate ceremonies. I photographed quite a few weddings there and always enjoy coming back!

The building is beautiful. I know they are closing it for renovation now but so far I loved the interior. Quick service for naturalisation.

The staff are lovely here. You know they're busy but they're always courteous and help you out as much as they can. I had a number of questions that I asked both online and in person and was always happy with the responses I got.

The only thing that could use some improving is their website - some things aren't too easy to sort online and I had to email them, but got a call back and when dealing with the same issue in person they got everything sorted for me right there and then.

This Grade II Listed early Twentieth Century municipal building a masterful showcase of Belle Époque flourishes, tropes and craftsmanship. Exuding optimism and bravura at the apogee of Empire.
Warrants attention; be it only to savour the hubris.

I have photographed weddings at Camden Town Hall numerous time, and I'm always excited to return to this beautiful venue.
I always rely on natural light, which along with the beautiful, historical setting provides a perfect setting for the wedding ceremony.
Couple/group shots are easily stages on the grand staircase, and the corridors are great for more intimate couple portraiture.

Highly recommended town hall from a photographer's perspective.

Henrik
UK Wedding Photography