15 Of The Best Private Dining Rooms In London
Scott’s, Mayfair
BEST FOR: A classic London experience.
Scott’s private dining rooms offer the perfect setting for business lunches and special occasions. You’ll still experience the same exceptional service and fine selection of seafood Scott’s is known for – only in a more intimate setting, within one of two spaces. The Platinum Arowana Room (large enough for six-eight guests) and The Private Room (large enough for 40 seated guests) are on the ground floor of the main restaurant and the lower ground floor below the main dining room, respectively.
Prices upon request; 20 Mount Street, Mayfair, W1K 2HE
Visit Scotts-Restaurant.com
Daphne’s, Chelsea
BEST FOR: Intimate parties.
The elegant Daphne’s Conservatory in Chelsea can accommodate up to 40 guests for a private birthday, anniversary lunch or dinner. If a drinks and canapés celebration is more your style, the space can hold up to 50 guests. In the summer, the bright conservatory creates an al fresco feel, while in winter, a blazing fire in the open range turns it into an intimate retreat. Head chef Michael Brown will create a seasonal menu for private events in the conservatory, highlighting the best of each season’s produce, too – plus, the room comes with candles and place cards already set up.
Prices from £14pp; 112 Draycott Avenue, Chelsea, SW3 3AE
Visit Daphnes-Restaurant.co.uk
J Sheekey, Covent Garden
BEST FOR: Later in the year.
Whether it’s a celebratory dinner, business lunch, birthday party or anniversary, iconic London restaurant J Sheekey could be the perfect setting. To really blow the budget, the restaurant is also available to hire exclusively. With a horseshoe-shaped bar and tables facing an open kitchen, the space can seat up to 52 guests and is ideal for more informal occasions. The adjoining terrace, equipped with heaters and blankets, provides further seating if outdoor venues are more your thing for the time being. Just bear in mind the restaurant is currently undergoing a refurbishment, with plans to reopen later this summer.
Prices upon request; 28-32 St Martin's Court, Covent Garden, WC2N 4AL
Visit JSheekeyAtlanticBar.co.uk
Gymkhana, Mayfair
BEST FOR: Specific cuisine.
Indian hotspot Gymkhana’s two secluded private dining vaults are located on either side of the lower ground floor. Guests will be offered a range of set menus – but can also create their own bespoke menu and wine pairings upon request. In line with the latest government guidelines, each vault currently accommodates up to six guests, although those with larger households are encouraged to contact a member of Gymkhana’s team. The restaurant is also available to hire for wedding receptions for up to 30 guests.
Prices upon request; 42 Albemarle Street, Mayfair, W1S 4JH
Visit GymkhanaLondon.com
Annabel’s, Mayfair
BEST FOR: Ultimate privacy.
Plenty will know Annabel’s, the private members’ club in Mayfair, but did you know the club also offers private dining to take the exclusive feel up a notch? Combining exceptional food, wine and service, The Flower Room is an enchanting space in which to entertain, filled with intricate details and fairy tale colours. In contrast, The Silver Room offers a more tranquil feel, with a muted colour palette. Downstairs, the hedonistic decadence of Club 46, The Jungle Bar and The Snugs are ideal for those looking to make the ultimate statement. Available for lunch, dinner and drinks parties, each space provides discretion.
Prices upon request; 46 Berkeley Square, Mayfair, W1J 5AT
Visit Annabels.co.uk
Balthazar, Covent Garden
BEST FOR: A central location.
Whether you’re looking for somewhere to hold a business meeting, cocktail reception, anniversary or birthday party, wedding celebration or networking event, few places are more central than Balthazar. Experience the same service, delicious food and ambient style of the London hotspot in a more intimate setting: its two spaces – ‘Le Petit’ and ‘Le Grand’ – are on the ground floor behind the bar and on the first floor above the main dining room. Both are accessible both through the restaurant or via their own exclusive private entrances – bonus.
Prices upon request; 4-6 Russell Street, Covent Garden, WC2B 5HZ
Visit BalthazarLondon.com
The Coral Room, Bloomsbury
BEST FOR: An indoor/outdoor vibe.
Adjacent to one of our favourite terraces in London, Dalloway Terrace, is private entertaining space The Coral Room. Intimate and sheltered, it’s the ideal space to reconnect with friends and family, clients or colleagues – plus, you can also use it as for a wedding reception for up to 15 guests or small events of up to 20 guests. Complete with a modern gazebo and heaters, it’s also equipped with a botanical canopy and cosy fireplace ready for when the evenings draw in. The events team can tailor each experience to the needs of your guests, too – from anafternoon tea to a five-course feast with cocktails and canapés.
Prices upon request; 16-22 Great Russell Street, Bloomsbury, WC1B 3NN
Visit DallowayTerrace.com
Spring, Covent Garden
BEST FOR: Elegant dining.
Set within in the New Wing of the iconic Somerset House, the dedicated event coordinator at Spring will ensure every detail of your private event or evening is covered. The Salon, its garden dining room, sits up to 36 guests in an enclosed interior atrium, allowing for year-round dining, while the entire restaurant is also available for hire, too, and can accommodate up to 116 (in normal times) for a sit-down dinner or up to 150 for a standing reception.
Prices from £85pp; Somerset House, Lancaster Place, Covent Garden, WC2R 1LA
Visit SpringRestaurant.co.uk
B&H Buildings, Clerkenwell
BEST FOR: A unique setting.
B&H Buildings has a generous selection of beautifully designed, light and atmospheric rooms for private dining, catering for groups of multiple sizes. Evoking an abandoned country house, the Restaurant and Greenhouse make up the main space. Mixing soft furnishings and armchairs with cane garden furniture and wrought iron benches, the whole space is filled with hanging baskets, fully grown trees and trailing creepers. Alternatively, The Café is bright and airy in the daytime or illuminated with beautiful hanging lamps in the evening for an elegant but informal dining experience. The main private dining room is lined with antique display cabinets and softened with hanging plants and creepers. Perfect for dinner parties, The Bottle Room provides a relaxed and intimate setting, too.
Prices from £500; 42 Northampton Road, Clerkenwell, EC1R 0HU
Visit BAndHBuildings.com
Hide, Mayfair
BEST FOR: Multiple options.
There are multiple private dining spaces on offer at London hotspot Hide, the restaurant behind Michelin-starred Ollie Dabbous. The Broken Room, The Shadow Room and The Reading Room are all located in subterranean vaults in The Bar Below, serving dishes from the main menu – perfect for smaller gatherings. Meanwhile, the Hide & Seek Rooms on the first floor offer a larger private dining experience and can be joined together for up to 20 guests, serving menus from the Above at Hide kitchen.
Prices upon request; 85 Piccadilly, Mayfair, W1J 7NB
Visit Hide.co.uk
Bob Bob Ricard, Soho
BEST FOR: Blow the budget.
Modelled on the royal dining carriage, the private dining room at Soho spot Bob Bob Ricard seats up to 16 guests (normally) and offers the full à la carte menu. Just be aware that this one’s expensive, so it’s best saved for special occasions. You’ll recognise all the signature Bob Bob touches here – luxe, over-the-top interiors and decadent place settings, not to mention the restaurant’s iconic ‘Press for Champagne’ buttons.
Prices from £1,000; 1 Upper James Street, Soho, W1F 9DF
Visit BobBobRicard.com
Sketch, Mayfair
BEST FOR: Opulent interiors.
This Mayfair venue offers three private dining rooms. The Lecture Room & Library restaurant can be hired for larger gatherings while The Library is a semi-private dining room, within the Lecture Room and Library restaurant, offering space for up to 16 guests. Alternatively, The Millicent Fawcett Room comes decorated in shades of burgundy, cream and silver, with richly upholstered armchairs. All guests will be served a four-course menu based on seasonal ingredients, with all private dining experience starting with a champagne and canapé reception, followed by the seated dinner with wines chosen by wine director Fred Brugues.
Prices upon request; 9 Conduit Street, Mayfair, W1S 2XG
Visit Sketch.London
The Ivy, Covent Garden
BEST FOR: The full package.
The Private Room at The Ivy is just as glamorous as the restaurant downstairs. Perfect for a wedding breakfast, birthday and anniversary celebrations, corporate lunches or dinner, the space was designed by the Martin Brudnizki Design Studio to include a twinkling bespoke bar and a striking collection of contemporary art. Executive chef Gary Lee and his team will create the menus for your event, inspired by the seasons and using the finest ingredients. Complementary flowers, candles and menu cards are also provided for the tables, with music also able to be arranged if needed.
Prices upon request; 1-5 West Street, Covent Garden, WC2H 9NQ
Visit The-Ivy.co.uk
Soho House 180 Works, Covent Garden
BEST FOR: Something a bit more low-key.
Part of the exclusive Soho House Group, 180 Works is based inside a Brutalist building on The Strand, and is also home to The Store X, Dazed MediaGroup, IMG and The Vinyl Factory. A flexible working space dedicated to the creative industries, The Loft includes a podcasting studio, DJ inputs, plus dedicated back of house kitchens, giving guests the opportunity to use their own chefs or hosts. You can also order food or drink into your own private space from the on-site café in advance – the only rules are that you have to clear your own space thoroughly before you leave.
Membership enquiries can be made here; 180 The Strand, Covent Garden, WC2R 1EA
Visit SohoHouse.com
Petersham Nurseries, Covent Garden
BEST FOR: Stunning florals
Set within the beloved Petersham space in Covent Garden, the restaurant's private dining room is available to hire for up to 40 people normally, offering a sophisticated dining experience within a beautiful and serene setting. While fees depend on the time of day and number of guests, the team can cater either a set lunch or dinner, with dedicated florists on hand to create beautiful, seasonal displays for any occasion. You can also book for breakfast, a working lunch, cocktails and canapés, or a decadent afternoon tea.
Prices upon request; 2 Floral St, Covent Garden, WC2E 9DS
Visit PetershamNurseries.com
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