Just a short walk from Farringdon Station sits Old Sessions House, which has undergone a rejuvenation while retaining many of the building’s historic features. Boasting high ceilings and having the original crown glass windows still intact, this venue now attracts a heap of exclusive events, such as Autumn 2017 Burberry fashion show and art exhibition.
The storied history of this former London Courthouse
Old Sessions House, known as Middlesex Sessions House at the time, opened in 1782 and was the nation’s largest courthouse, built with some of the most expensive materials of the time. The building was the setting of hundreds of legal cases in London, and featured in Charles Dickens’s classic story Oliver Twist, where the titular character was caught and taken to the magistrate.
Eventually, the court was relocated and became the headquarters of a manufacturer of weighing machines, and later on a Masonic Lodge. However, it wasn’t until 1994 that Old Sessions House became a Grade II listed building. Only 5% of buildings in the UK are given this award, showing just how unique the architecture of this space is.
What events have taken place in the space?
Today, Old Sessions House has become a destination for both work and leisure, but also draws in exclusive events. As well as the 2017 Burberry fashion show, it has also hosted the Dezeen awards 2019 and Elle decoration awards. More recently, the venue featured in British Vogue, who covered TopJaw host Jess Burgess’ wedding to singer Taura Lamb, where Game of Thrones actress Sophie Turner was a bridesmaid.
Other features that give the building its wow-factor and keep the VIP guests coming is the rooftop terrace complete with pool, and the Sessions Arts Club restaurant that sits in the old Judges’ Dining Room, where Bella Hadid launched her new fragrance.