Private Dining Rooms in London

Why hire a private dining room in London?

London is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, and with good reason. From its rich history to its vibrant culture, there's always something to do and see in the city. But what many people don't know is that London is also home to some of the best private dining rooms in the world.

Whether you're looking for a place to celebrate a special occasion or just want to enjoy a meal in luxury, London's private dining rooms are sure to impress. Here are some of the main benefits of hiring a private dining room in the capital.

• Privacy: A private room allows you to enjoy your meal without worrying about being disturbed by other diners.
• Personal service: Private dining rooms frequently come with their own dedicated staff. This means you can relax and enjoy your meal without having to worry about anything.
• Luxury: Many private rooms are located in the best hotels and eateries in London, including Michelin starred restaurants. So, you can expect top-notch service and food.
• Location: Private dining rooms in the capital are easy to get to thanks to the city's excellent transport links, particularly those in central London.
• Something for everyone: Private dining rooms come in all shapes and sizes. Whether you're looking for a small and intimate setting or a large and lavish one, you're sure to find what you're looking for in London.
• Great for special occasions: Private rooms are the perfect venue to celebrate a special occasion. Whether it's a Christmas meal, team away day or any other milestone, you can be sure that you'll have an unforgettable experience.

What kinds of private dining rooms can you hire in London?

There are all sorts of private dining rooms available to hire in London. Here are some of the most popular options for private dining events:

Fine dining restaurants

Private dining rooms in London's best fine dining restaurants offer an intimate and luxurious experience. You can expect impeccable service and cuisine, as well as a stunning setting. A fantastic example is the spectacular Searcy's at the Gherkin. Located at the top of The Gherkin, it boasts unbeatable views over London and will wow guests with its passion for seasonal British produce.

Hotel restaurants

Many of London's best hotels have private rooms that can be hired for any occasion. These are often located in the hotel's main restaurant, so you can enjoy the same high-quality food and service. The iconic Trafalgar St James hotel is a favourite of ours. Its private dining space, Room, is fitted with floor to ceiling windows and features an impressive retractable roof. Flooded with natural light in the day and surrounded by the city lights at night, it's the ideal spot to dine al fresco with the safety of a roof should the rain decide to roll in.

Gastro pubs

Private dining rooms in gastro pubs are perfect for more informal occasions. They offer a relaxed and comfortable setting, with great food and drink to match. The Barracks at The Artillery Arms in Old Street is a perfect example. This traditional and characterful pub serves top-notch food and real ales and can accommodate up to 30 guests seated.

Bars and brasseries

Private dining rooms in London's bars and brasseries are perfect for more informal occasions. They offer a relaxed atmosphere while still being stylish and sophisticated. Hush Mayfair with its beautiful Sir Roger Moore Room is a great option for those looking to enjoy amazing food in a stylish setting. This tastefully decorated room has its own private bar and can accommodate up to 66 guests for a seated meal, making it perfect for private parties, corporate events and other special occasions.

Unusual private dining spaces

If you're looking for something a little bit different, there are plenty of unusual private dining spaces to choose from in London. We love the Home Dressing Room at Lord's Cricket Ground, where you can dine at the most famous cricket ground in the world, surrounded by cricketing history and overlooking the pitch itself. Or why not consider The Tavern at London Dungeon? It's perfect for Halloween parties or any other spooky occasion!

Where can you hire a private dining room in London?

There are private dining rooms available to hire all over London. Here are some of the top places to look.

Mayfair

Located in the heart of London's West End, Mayfair is one of the most popular areas for private dining. There are a number of high-end restaurants and hotels located here, so you're sure to find somewhere that's perfect for your needs. Two private dining rooms we adore are the Le Petit Plantanes at contemporary French restaurant [Les Plantanes] - headed by Michelin star chef Thierry de Laborde - and the Mews Map Room at Mews of Mayfair. With its antique maps, characterful beams and stunning chandelier, it's a memorable place for good food and conversation.

The City of London

If you're looking to entertain clients or employees with a dinner party in the heart of the city, look no further than the City of London. The place to be for upmarket professionals, you'll find many of the city's best private dining rooms here. One of our favourites is the The Music Room at Vintry and Mercer Hotel. Oozing contemporary style yet surrounded by history, this is a truly atmospheric space to entertain.

Kensington and Chelsea

Kensington and Chelsea is home to some of London's best-known landmarks, including Kensington Palace and Hyde Park. This area is also home to a number of excellent restaurants and hotels, making it the perfect place to hire a private dining room. An excellent example is The Ampersand Hotel. Just a stone's throw from many of London's most popular museums, it's Games Room is a unique space where you can dine surrounded by books and curiosities!

Covent Garden

Covent Garden is one of the most popular tourist spots in London, and it's also home to a number of excellent private rooms for dining. If you're looking for somewhere with a bit of character, check out the two private dining rooms at The Ivy Market Grill. Right on the Covent Garden Piazza in the heart of London's theatreland, they're fittingly decorated with stars of the stage and screen and artfully lit.

King's Cross

King's Cross is a major transportation hub, with easy links to the city's airports, train stations and tube lines. It's a popular spot for business travellers and tourists alike, making it a convenient place for group dining. With lots of natural light and panoramic views of King's Cross, the [First Floor Dining Room] at The Lighterman is a beautiful dining room and the perfect place to entertain, whether you're looking to host a corporate event or celebrate a personal milestone.

East London

East London is the place to go if you're looking for something quirky and on-trend. It's full of hidden gems, and that includes private dining rooms! One of our favourites is Oslo in Hackney, where you can have the whole venue to yourself. Housed in a former Victorian railway station, it's got a buzzy atmosphere and an eclectic menu to match, along with quality craft beers and tasty cocktails.

West London

Leafy West London is home to some of the city's most fashionable neighbourhoods, including Notting Hill and Kensington. It's also home to some beautiful private dining venues. We love the wholesome Cafe at Daylesford Organic. Intimate yet spacious, this farm shop feels like a real sanctuary away from the hustle and bustle of the nearby Portobello Road, and has talented chefs to boot.

How much does a private dining room in London cost?

Private dining rooms can range in price from a few hundred pounds to several thousand, so it's important to know how much you're willing to spend before you start looking. The cost of hiring a private room typically varies based on several factors, including:

• Size of the room
• Type of room (formal, semi-formal, informal)
• Location of the room
• Amenities included
• Catering options
• The day and time of hire
• How they charge you
• Whether or not you have exclusive hire of the whole venue While some private dining rooms in London will charge you a fee for hiring the room itself, most will simply charge you a set amount per person, or will operate on a minimum spend basis. That said, most private dining room hire ends up falling somewhere within the £500-£1,000 price range. This makes private dining a relatively affordable option compared to some other forms of entertaining.

What to consider when you're hiring a private dining room in London

When you're hiring a private dining room in London, there are a few things you need to keep in mind.

Type of room

There are three basic types of private dining rooms in London: formal, semi-formal, and informal. Formal rooms are usually located in high-end hotels and restaurants, and they come with all the bells and whistles you would expect from a fine dining establishment. Semi-formal rooms are usually located in mid-range hotels and restaurants, and they offer a more relaxed atmosphere. Informal rooms are often located in pubs and other casual eateries, and they're perfect for large groups or more casual gatherings.

The size of your group

Remember to consider the size of your group. Private dining rooms typically accommodate anywhere from two to fifty people. However, every space is different and we've seen some that can accommodate up to 200! Be sure to consider your guest list before you start searching for a private dining room, so that you can choose somewhere that will comfortably fit everyone in your party.

Location of the room

Private dining rooms are available all over London, so you'll need to decide which area of the city you want to be in. When choosing a private dining room in London, it's important to choose one that's easy for your guests to travel to. The closer the room is to your guests' homes or places of work, the easier it will be for them to get there. Public transport in London is excellent, so your guests will be able to get to your private dining room without any problems. However, it's always a good idea to choose a room that's close to a tube or train station, just in case.

Private versus semi-private

While we’ve focused mostly on fully private dining rooms so far, it’s important to note that you can also find semi-private dining rooms. Semi-private rooms are areas that give you your own private space but that are connected to the venue’s main dining room. So, which is better?

Well, it all depends on what you’re looking for. Semi-private rooms tend to pick up on the atmosphere of the rest of the venue which can be a positive thing if you want a dining experience that’s buzzy and energetic. However, if you want somewhere quiet and completely separate, then you’ll probably prefer a fully private space.

Amenities included

Private dining rooms in London come with a variety of different amenities, from fully stocked bars to private chefs. Some private rooms may have their own private entrance, while others will require you to walk through the main dining room to reach your private space. When you're choosing a room, it's important to think about what sort of amenities you'll need and which ones you can live without. Don't forget to consider those less glamourous elements too, such as cloakrooms and toilets.

Catering options

Private dining rooms in London usually come with a range of different catering options, from buffets to sit-down meals. When you're choosing a room, it's important to think about what kind of food you want to serve and how much you're willing to spend. Don't forget to also think about any dietary restrictions your guests may have. Most private rooms will be able to accommodate special diets, but it's always a good idea to double-check before you book.

How to hire a private dining room in London

Hiring a private dining room in London is easy. All you need to do is…

1. Put a list of your event details together. First, collate all your event details, such as your budget, the number of guests and any other requirements. Put them in priority order so you get a clearer idea of what’s a necessity and what’s simply a nice-to-have.
2. Shortlist locations. Do some research into where you guests will be coming from and transport links. Use this to pull together a shortlist of locations within London that would be suitable for you to host your dinner party in.
3. Find a venue. Lastly, you just need to find your perfect venue. You can look at the venues we’ve listed above, or use our search function to find the right venue for your needs. Remember to use the filters to narrow down the options by location, budget and more.

Then, all that’s left is to contact the room of your choice through Hire Space, and get your event booked in the diary! Read our complete guide to venue finding if you want more tips on finding the right venue for your event in London. Or, feel free to get in touch with our venue experts, who’ll be happy to give you a hand finding you the ideal venue.