With party season here, it’s time to think about private dining rooms – of which London has plenty. In our list, we’ve detailed the city’s most photogenic private pads, whether a table surrounded with shimmering lights, a country manor-style dining room, or a sci-fi studio smuggled beneath Oxford Circus.
118 Piccadilly, London, W1J 7NW
COYA Mayfair: Private Dining Room
COYA never shies away from a party, and its private dining spaces in Mayfair and the City of London both channel this energy. In Mayfair, you’ll feel like you’re at a country dinner party thanks to the big oak table and gilt-framed family portrait; COYA City has gone for more of a classic party vibe, collaborating with tablescape stylists LAY London to create a night sky-inspired room.
Scott’s: Renoir Room
Scott’s private space is tucked behind the main restaurant, with mirrored wall panels covered in art by Joan Miró, Marc Chagall, and (the room’s namesake) Pierre-Auguste Renoir. But the floor is where it gets funky: it’s made of hundreds of green agate stones and illuminated by Lalique lights. Factor in a custom private menu and you’ve got a belter for your next business lunch.
20 Mount St, London, W1K 2HE
1 Chiltern St, London, W1U 7PA
Chiltern Firehouse: The Garden Room
Although the ever-exclusive Firehouse is known – and beloved – by most, not many know that it also has a private room overlooking the Courtyard. Seating between eight and 12 people, the garden-themed room is a bit further away from the main restaurant, giving it an air of proper privacy, and serves a special four-course menu.
Alain Ducasse at The Dorchester: La Table Lumière
This glittering experience transcends the traditional private dining room: instead of being a separate space, la table is in the middle of the main restaurant, encircled by a curtain of shimmering fibre optics. You’ll then choose the tableware you want to eat your seven-course tasting menu from, with choices including Hermès china, Puiforcat silverware, and Saint-Louis crystal.
53 Park Ln, London, W1K 1QA
33 St Thomas St, London, SE1 9RY
Hutong: The Shanghai Room
Featuring spectacular floor-to-ceiling views over Tower Bridge and the City, the smaller of Hutong’s two private rooms seats 18 or stands 50 – ideal if you’re hosting a larger group for drinks. It’s secluded from the rest of the restaurant by huge hand-carved wooden doors but retains the vibe of the main dining room via red lanterns and ornate chairs.
Luca: The Pasta Room
There are three private dining rooms to choose from at Luca: The Terrace, The Garden Room, and (our favourite) The Pasta Room. Stepping in here feels like you’ve walked into an Italian home kitchen, with candlelit wooden tables, crockery-lined shelves, and the aroma of Luca’s seasonal pork ragu. Foodwise, you’ll be eating four courses of recently Michelin-starred fare; guest-wise, there’s space for 10.
88 St John St, London, EC1M 4EH
20 Berkeley St, London, W1J 8EE
20 Berkeley: Private Dining Room
Like the rest of 20 Berkeley, this 16-seat private dining room is designed to feel like a country house, complete with fluffy carpet, a Welsh dresser and an array of potted plants. You and your guests will sit family-style around one big table and share a selection of the restaurant’s fiercely seasonal dishes, which are sourced from the best producers around the British Isles.
The Tent (at the end of the universe): Chef’s Studio
If you’re looking for something a bit different, try the 12-person private dining room at The Tent. It’s a bit of a mission to find: the restaurant is hidden behind an unmarked door in Fitzrovia, and the private room is further concealed behind a sound-proofed staircase. Once you’ve found it, though, you’re in for a treat: the room is sci-fi-themed with a statement gallery wall, and you’ll be eating eight courses of chef John Javier’s signature Chinese cuisine.
17 Little Portland St, London, W1W 8BP
St Pancras Renaissance Hotel, Euston Rd., London, NW1 2AR
Midland Grand: Private Dining Room
It’s no surprise that the private dining room at Midland Grand is one of the city’s most beautiful: it was designed by renowned Parisian architect Hugo Turo. Like the rest of the restaurant, the 14-seat room is a masterclass of Victorian elegance, with marble pillars, florid carpets, and a huge working fireplace festooned with flowers. Make sure to drop by Gothic Bar for a pre-dinner tipple, too.
You’ve got good taste. We’ve got the specialist knowledge. As a Quintessentially member, you have a priority seat at every Michelin-starred restaurant, speakeasy cocktail bar, and chef’s table experience – anytime, anywhere. Click here to discover membership.
