Skinners’ Hall: How a historic London venue blends heritage with modern cloakroom technology

London is a city where centuries coexist on every street corner. Medieval alleyways open onto glass towers, ancient pubs operate beside global brands, and historic event venues are quietly reimagining themselves for a digital-first world. From Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese, rebuilt after the Great Fire of 1666, to immersive modern venues like 22 Bishopsgate, London thrives on contrast. Somewhere perfectly balanced between these extremes sits Skinners’ Hall, a historic London venue that blends heritage, innovation, and modern hospitality technology.

Skinners’ Hall is a historic London venue at the heart of the UK.

Skinners’ Hall is a beautifully restored Grade I-listed building (the highest protection level for historic structures) with Scheduled Ancient Monument status, located in the heart of the City of London. Its origins trace back to 1295, when the Company of Skinners first leased land known as ‘Copped Hall’. Rebuilt after the Great Fire of 1666, the hall has hosted centuries of banquets, civic gatherings, and ceremonial events, making it one of London’s most enduring historic venues.

Unlike museums frozen in time, Skinners’ Hall remains fully operational. Today, it functions as a premium event venue, offering distinctive, accessible spaces for conferences, private dining, receptions, and civil wedding ceremonies. Original artwork, rare artifacts, and historic interiors form a living backdrop to modern events, a compelling draw for clients seeking a unique London venue with character and credibility.

What are London’s Livery Companies?

To understand the significance of Skinner’s Hall, it helps to understand London’s ancient livery companies. These organisations played a central role in shaping the city’s trade, governance, and social fabric. While rooted in medieval guilds, livery companies like the Skinners continue to evolve, supporting education, charitable initiatives, and community development across the UK.

This dual responsibility, preserving heritage while remaining financially and socially relevant, presents a unique challenge. Historic venues must meet modern expectations without compromising the integrity of centuries-old buildings. For Skinners’ Hall, innovation is not optional; it is essential to ensuring long-term sustainability.

How does Skinner’s Hall blend heritage with modern Innovations? 

Skinners’ Hall has undergone a thoughtful transformation, carefully integrating modern infrastructure within its historic framework. Rather than altering the hall’s architectural character, digital systems have been discreetly embedded to support contemporary events.

Upgraded audio-visual technology enables seamless conferences, presentations, and hybrid events without visually intruding on heritage spaces. Enhanced climate control and intelligent lighting systems protect priceless artworks and archives, preserving historic materials while improving guest comfort.

Hall Director Paul Richards explains: “We have been very selective in identifying systems that work and provide an improved service. Customers have higher expectations, whether that be readily accessible Wi-Fi provision or modern built-in audio-visual amenities.”

Digital storytelling tools now enhance guided tours and educational outreach, allowing visitors to engage more deeply with the hall’s social and economic history. Behind the scenes, technology also supports the Company’s philanthropic operations, ensuring its centuries-old mission continues to operate efficiently in the modern world.

Modern event expectations in historic venues

Today’s event attendees expect speed, clarity, and frictionless experiences regardless of whether an event is hosted in a modern skyscraper or a 700-year-old hall. Small operational details, such as check-in, navigation, and cloakroom efficiency, significantly influence guest satisfaction.

For historic venues, these expectations create pressure. Manual systems, paper tickets, and slow queues feel increasingly outdated, especially for premium London venues hosting high-profile guests. Modernisation, however, must be sensitive; intrusive technology can quickly undermine the atmosphere that makes heritage venues special.

Why did Skinner’s Hall choose a digital cloakroom system? 

As part of its redevelopment strategy, Skinners’ Hall sought modern solutions that aligned with sustainability goals and enhanced the guest experience. One area identified for improvement was the cloakroom.

Previously, the venue relied on traditional paper cloakroom tickets, an approach that proved costly, wasteful, and error-prone. Lost tickets, misplaced items, and slow collection times created unnecessary friction during busy events.

The introduction of Chexology, a state-of-the-art digital cloakroom system, offered a solution that respected the hall’s historic setting while delivering modern efficiency.

“The redevelopment of our Scheduled Ancient Monument provided the opportunity to add modernity within a historical setting,” says Richards. “The introduction of modern cloakroom facilities pairs with our drive to seek sustainable ways of working and improving our customer experience.”

How does Chexology enhance the guest experience?

Chexology’s paperless coat check system is designed to be fast, intuitive, and secure. When guests check in their coats, staff take a quick photo and link it to the guest’s phone number. There are no paper tickets, no apps to download, and no confusion. A simple text message becomes the claim ticket.

This approach eliminates lost tickets, reduces queues, and minimizes waste, a key consideration for sustainability-focused venues. The addition of a security photo also enhances trust, reassuring guests that their belongings are safe.

What might otherwise be a forgettable interaction becomes a positive moment of engagement, reinforcing the overall quality of the event experience.

Why do digital cloakroom systems matter to the city of London?

Chexology has quickly become the preferred digital cloakroom solution for leading London venues, including Convene, Searcys, and Mansion House. As competition increases across the events sector, venues are recognising that operational efficiency directly impacts brand perception.

From historic halls to modern nightclubs, digital cloakroom systems help venues move guests through spaces more efficiently, reduce staffing pressure, and deliver consistently high service levels.

What does the future hold for historic event venues in London? 

Skinners’ Hall demonstrates that heritage and technology are not opposing forces. When implemented thoughtfully, digital solutions can protect historic assets, improve sustainability, and elevate guest experiences all without compromising architectural integrity.

As London continues to evolve, historic venues that embrace sensitive modernisation will remain relevant, competitive, and commercially successful. The future of heritage is not about preserving buildings in isolation, but about keeping them alive, active, and connected to contemporary audiences.

Ready to modernise your venue’s cloakroom? 

From iconic concert halls to underground dance floors, London’s most in-demand venues are moving beyond paper systems and embracing digital solutions like Chexology. Whether you manage a 500-person club in Marylebone or a centuries-old hall in the City, modern cloakroom technology can transform operations, speed up queues, and elevate the entire guest experience.