Apothecaries' Hall

Apothecaries' Hall

Great Hall

The beautifully furbished Great Hall remains as it was in 1670 with a carved screen at the south end of the room, a minstrels’ gallery at the north end, and an oak floor, dating from 1671. The room is full of life sized portraits and stunning stained glass containing Coats of Arms of Past Masters and former Officers of the Society.

The central 24-branch candelabrum suspended from the ceiling was presented to the Society by Sir Benjamin Rawling, who was Sheriff of London and Master in 1736.

Apothecaries' Hall

Courtyard

An ancient archway guarded by golden unicorns leads into a beautiful quadrangle Courtyard.

This secluded, paved space was recently refurbished and is now available for hire, with the historic Great Hall available for use as a wet weather alternative. Please note the Courtyard is included in the Hall hire and is not available as an individual space.

Apothecaries' Hall

Parlour

The Parlour is a carpeted, brightly-lit and air-conditioned room containing a large, wall-to-wall showcase in which many of the Society’s apothecaries’ drug jars and pill tiles are displayed. It adjoins the Court Room and there is a connecting door between them.

Please note that the Parlour can be let on an individual basis.

Apothecaries' Hall

Court Room

The oak panelled Court Room is reminiscent of the Great Hall in look and dates from the same period.

The room is dominated by two large stained glass windows, one depicting the Society’s Coat of Arms, the other the Stuart Royal Arms. Portraits adorn the walls, and the painting which hangs over the fireplace is that of Gideon de Laune, Royal Apothecary to Queen Anne and founder of the Society. It was presented to the Society of Apothecaries in 1641. The Court Room and adjacent Parlour are connected via oak doors.

Please note that the Court Room can be let on an individual basis.

Apothecaries' Hall

'The Shop'

From 1672 until 1922, the Society of Apothecaries manufactured medicinal and pharmaceutical products onsite, and sold some of their products from a retail outlet known as ‘The Shop’ opening onto Water Lane (now Blackfriars Lane). Much of the manufactured drugs were to supply clients of the society which included the navy and the army.

Reimagined, the new Shop opened its doors in September 2021 as an elegant entrance and foyer to the hall complete with a champagne bar and a roaring fire. French doors open to the courtyard making it ideal for summer pre-dinner drinks and receptions.

The bar takes its inspiration from the original dispensing counter and drawers whilst original apothecary jars decorate the walls.

This beautiful room can be used as an additional reception space before dinner or for post-dinner drinks. It can also be used in conjunction with the courtyard in the summer.