The 10 best private dining rooms in London for special occasions
For as long as I can remember, birthdays meant private dining for my mother’s side of the family. Every birthday, we skip the usual restaurant chaos and the house parties. Instead, we book a private room to make the celebrations more intimate.
Over the years, we’ve explored countless spots across London (my aunt insists we never repeat restaurants for birthdays). And naturally, some dinners stood out more than the others.
And since it’s not my style to gatekeep, here are the private dining rooms in London that truly deliver exceptional food, attentive service, and an atmosphere that feels both intimate and special.
1. Sketch London – The Lecture Room & Library
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Address: 9 Conduit St, W1S 2XG
Contact details: +44 20 7659 4500
Operating hours:
- Sunday to Tuesday: 8:30 AM – 12 AM
- Wednesday to Saturday: 8:30 AM – 2 AM
Entry: ££££
Sketch’s Lecture Room & Library has some quirky and colourful decor that sets the mood for a unique dining experience. The mood strikes a perfect balance between being classy and creative.
The seasonal tasting menu had impressive flavours, textures, and presentation. A favourite is the Whole Gressingham Duck that features duck breast served with seasonal vegetables, red cabbage jam, and a rich Bigarade sauce.
The wine pairings complement the food perfectly and make every bite taste even better. The staff are helpful, friendly, and knowledgeable, which made us feel at ease.
In general, we found this London private dining room a great place to have special events or romantic evenings.
| Pro Tip: Book months in advance, especially for weekends, to ensure you secure a spot. Opt for the full tasting menu with wine pairings to truly enjoy the experience. |
2. Clos Maggiore
– Media credits: clos_maggiore
Address: 33 King St, Covent Garden, WC2E 8JD
Contact details: +44 20 4580 1174
Operating hours:
- Monday to Saturday: 12–2:30 PM, 5–10:30 PM
- Sunday: 12–2:30 PM, 5–10 PM
Entry: £££
When we stepped into Clos Maggiore, we immediately understood why many say it’s London’s most romantic restaurant. The private dining room is cosy and features lights and fresh flowers, making it feel like a fairy tale.
The French-inspired dishes were light, tasty, and beautifully presented. Our favourites were the silky duck breast and the perfectly balanced sauces. The staff was helpful without ever feeling intrusive, and the wine selection offered ideal pairings.
The soft music and warm lighting help guests relax and have a good time. It’s great for small wedding receptions, proposals, and anniversaries.
| Pro Tip: Try the seasonal tasting menu for the chef’s most impressive creations! |
3. Bob Bob Ricard
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Address: 1 Upper James St, Soho, W1F 9DF
Contact details: +44 20 3145 1000
Operating hours:
- Monday to Saturday: 12–2:30 PM, 5–10:30 PM
- Sunday: 12–2:30 PM, 5–10 PM
Entry: £££
We loved the playful glamour at Bob Bob Ricard, especially the “Press for Champagne” button that adds a touch of luxury. The Art Deco style of the private dining room makes it feel cosy and plush.
The beef Wellington stood out among the food we tried here. The pastry was perfectly golden and crisp, wrapping tender, medium-rare beef fillet and a rich mushroom duxelles. Each bite was buttery, savoury, and full of depth.
The staff was friendly and professional. Plus, the lights and decorations make the night feel special, as if it were a celebration.
It’s great for birthdays, business dinners, or a night when you want to impress your guests. The menu offered a wide variety of options, allowing everyone in the group to find something to enjoy.
| Pro Tip: Dress smart casual! They have a strict dress code, so absolutely no trainers. If you must wear jeans, make sure it doesn’t have rips. |
4. The Ivy – The Private Room
– Media credits: the_ivy_collection
Address: 1-5 West St, Covent Garden, WC2H 9NQ
Contact details: 020 3301 0500
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday: 11:30 AM – 11:30 PM
Entry: ££
The Ivy’s Private Room is one of the classiest private dining rooms in London. It’s big enough for 32 guests, making it a great place for family gatherings or business dinners.
While it’s bigger than other private rooms here, the space still feels intimate thanks to the soft lighting. Plus, the staff are attentive and ensure guests feel at ease all night.
The honey-glazed almonds they served were sweet, with a delicate crunch and a hint of rosemary. They came with spiced green Gordal olives that gave them that briny, meaty bite.
Each dish that followed was beautifully presented and arrived at just the right pace.
| Pro Tip: Book your table in advance and request a custom set menu to match your group’s preferences. The Ivy’s staff are great at tailoring dishes and wine pairings. |
5. HIDE – Above at HIDE
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Address: 85 Piccadilly, Mayfair, W1J 7NB
Contact details: +44 20 3146 8666
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday: 7 AM – 10:30 PM
- Saturday: 9 AM – 10:30 PM
- Sunday: 9 AM – 10 PM
Entry: ££££
The sleek design and panoramic views of Green Park from above at HIDE impressed us. The private dining room is classy yet warm, making it perfect for a celebration or an intimate corporate dinner.
The room can hold up to 20 guests and feels both exclusive and comfortable. The big windows let in natural light during the day and make the city look like it’s sparkling at night.
Their Dry-aged Cumbrian Bluegrey sirloin and Porthilly oysters are really good. The sirloin offers a smoky flavour that we really loved, while the oysters were briny and delicate.
| Pro Tip: Book the private dining room at sunset for the most dramatic backdrop. Ask for a rare vintage pairing; the sommelier’s selections are world-class. |
6. Brunswick House
– Media credits: brunswick_house
Address: 30 Wandsworth Rd, Vauxhall, SW8 2LG
Contact details: +44 20 7720 2926
Operating hours:
- Monday: Closed
- Tuesday: 6 PM – 10 PM
- Wednesday to Saturday: 12 PM – 2:30 PM, 6 PM – 10 PM
- Sunday: 12 PM – 4 PM
Entry: £££
Brunswick House was instantly one of the most interesting private dining places we’ve been to. The private room is located in a Georgian mansion and accommodates up to 24 guests.
It is full of antiques that give it a timeless feel. We had dinner by candlelight, surrounded by vintage mirrors and eclectic decorations that made the place really special.
The roast herb-fed chicken was juicy and aromatic. Meanwhile, the Rare Roast Highland Sirloin of Beef was rich and savoury. It was very tender, so it wasn’t hard to chew nor rubbery.
| Pro Tip: Choose this venue for gatherings that call for intimacy and charm. Don’t skip the chef’s seasonal dishes; they showcase the best of British creativity. |
7. Duck & Waffle
– Media credits: duckandwaffle
Address: 110 Bishopgate, EC2N 4AY
Contact details: +44 20 3640 7310
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday: Open 24 hours
Entry: £££
One of the best views of London from a restaurant is from the private room at Duck & Waffle. Perched on the 40th floor and holding up to 16 guests, it offers great views of the skyline in all directions.
The famous Duck & Waffle dish lived up to its name: it was crispy, savoury, and very satisfying. The modern European menu, on the other hand, brought new, strong flavours to the table.
| Pro Tip: Book a late-night reservation for the most dazzling skyline views. Pair your meal with a crafted cocktail like the Paloma or Ginger Rush for the perfect finish to the experience. |
8. Corrigan’s Mayfair – Chef’s Table
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Address: 28 Upper Grosvenor St, Mayfair, W1K 7EH
Contact details: +44 20 7499 9943
Operating hours:
- Monday: 4:30 PM – 9:45 PM
- Tuesday to Saturday: 12 PM – 2:30 PM, 5 PM – 9:45 PM
- Sunday: Closed
Entry: ££££
The Chef’s Table at Corrigan’s Mayfair is dining with a front-row seat to the action. You get to watch Richard Corrigan and his team make dishes with skills and passion.
The tailor-made tasting menu is both daring and comforting, featuring highlights such as potato gnocchi with roasted leek, summer vegetables, and aged pecorino.
The Quinta de La Rosa Estate White from Douro, Portugal, paired perfectly. The sommelier shares stories about the wines too, which adds to the experience.
It accommodates 14 guests, making it intimate enough to feel private yet grand enough for a special occasion.
| Pro Tip: Request a bespoke tasting menu designed for your group. Pair it with a sommelier-curated wine selection for a fully immersive evening. |
9. Maroto Restaurant
– Media credits: marotorestaurant
Address: 14 Vere St, Marylebone, W1G 0DJ
Contact details: +44 20 7889 9700
Operating hours:
- Monday: Closed
- Tuesday to Thursday: 5:45 PM – 10:30 PM
- Friday: 5:45 PM – 11 PM
- Saturday: 12 PM – 3 PM, 5:45 PM – 11 PM
- Sunday: Closed
Entry: £££
Maroto restaurant brings the tastes of Brazil to Central London. It has a private dining room that is both stylish and lively. The interior is modern yet cosy, making it an excellent venue for a fun dinner with friends or a more intimate celebration.
The picanha steak was tender and juicy, bursting with smoky flavour. Meanwhile, the feijoada had a comforting richness that felt like a warm hug in a bowl. The fresh seafood added a lighter and more vibrant contrast to the meal.
And of course, the caipirinha was perfectly balanced. It was zesty, refreshing and the ideal way to toast the night.
The private dining room can accommodate up to 20 people, making it ideal for groups that want to celebrate in style and with energy. The staff was friendly and the music was upbeat. It felt like a little escape to Rio in the heart of London.
| Pro Tip: Order a round of caipirinhas for the table to kick off the night. Ask about their sharing platters to make the evening more interactive and fun. |
10. Dinner by Heston Blumenthal
– Media credits: dinnerbyhb
Address: Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, 66 Knightsbridge, SW1X 7LA
Contact details: +44 20 7201 3833
Operating hours:
- Monday: 12 PM – 2 PM, 6 PM – 9 PM
- Tuesday: Closed
- Wednesday to Thursday: 12 PM – 2 PM, 6 PM – 9 PM
- Friday to Sunday: 12 PM – 2:30 PM, 6 PM – 9:30 PM
Entry: ££££
Dinner by Heston Blumenthal is like stepping into a culinary time machine. It brings old British recipes back to life with a Michelin-star polish.
The Mandarin Oriental’s private dining room provided an elegant backdrop for a meal that felt imaginative and refined. From the first bite, the “Meat Fruit” surprised us with its velvety chicken liver parfait and subtle citrus notes from the mandarin gel.
The room can accommodate up to 12 guests, making it intimate enough for a special occasion yet spacious enough for a formal dinner. The service was perfect; every detail seemed to have been carefully planned.
| Pro Tip: Dinner by Heston Blumenthal often hosts events, such as offering complimentary cocktails at certain hours. Always check their website before visiting to make the most of the offerings. |