Planning a Christmas get-together for a team of 20 to 80? At The Running Horse, just a stone's throw from Aldgate East, three semi-private spaces offer different ways to celebrate: The Stables, The Yard and The Paddock. The right fit depends on whether your group wants a corner of its own, a spot at the centre of the pub, or a party where the food takes the lead.
All three keep you within the life of the pub, rather than shutting you away from it. The venue offers festive menus, canapés and platters, with bespoke menus and packages available to discuss with the events team. Here’s how to choose between the spaces.
The Stables: a little separation, with the pub in view
Elevated above the main floor, The Stables feels like your group has its own space while still being part of the action. It’s fully cornered off, with a view over the room, so it suits a team that wants some separation without losing the atmosphere of a pub Christmas party.
The space fits up to 20 seated or 40 standing. That makes it a natural option for a smaller team dinner or a standing drinks gathering, and a good one to consider if your numbers are around 20 to 40. Birthdays and team drinks are among the occasions it’s designed for; for a festive booking, ask the events team which menu format will work best for your plans.
The Yard: make the pub’s lively heart your meeting point
If your team wants to be where the energy hits, look at The Yard. It’s right by the main bar, with high tables and bench seating, and room for 45 seated or 80 standing. Easy access to the bar and a central position make it well suited to after-work drinks and larger gatherings that want to feel part of the pub.
The Yard can also be broken up to suit smaller numbers. That flexibility is useful if your party is nearer 20 than 80, or if you want a defined area without taking the whole space. For a standing Christmas reception, its capacity reaches 80; for a seated meal, the listed capacity is 45. Let the team know your expected numbers and whether you’re planning to sit down, stand and mingle, or combine the two.
The Paddock: put festive food centre stage
Tucked by the open kitchen in the lower seating area, The Paddock puts the rotisserie and grill in full view. It’s the space to consider when sharing food and a sit-down meal are central to the occasion. The Paddock seats up to 40 or holds up to 50 standing, with a semi-private, casual atmosphere.
That makes it a strong fit for a team meal or a standing reception with sharing platters doing the rounds. The Running Horse serves fire-roasted food, including rotisserie chicken, alongside proper drinks, craft beer on tap and cocktails. Festive options include Christmas menus, canapés and platters; ask which choices suit your event and group size. For a team of more than 50, compare the Yard’s standing capacity or discuss other arrangements with the events team.
Choose by the kind of Christmas party you want
For a group that wants its own corner, with a view across the pub, start with The Stables. For a bigger standing party close to the bar, The Yard offers the most room of these three. For food-led celebrations beside the open kitchen, The Paddock brings the rotisserie and grill into view. If your preference is a seated meal, compare the listed seated capacities as well as your guest count: standing and seated numbers differ in each space.
The venue caters for Christmas parties from smaller semi-private gatherings through to full venue hire, and its team can shape a package around your plans. When you enquire, share your likely numbers, preferred space, whether you want a seated meal or drinks gathering, and any interest in festive menus, canapés or platters. The team can then help you work out the best fit for your celebration.
Ready to plan a Christmas party in Aldgate? Get in touch with The Running Horse events team through the website to discuss The Stables, The Yard or The Paddock and request a tailored proposal.