Exclusive Private Dining Venues in London

Have you been tasked with organising someone’s big birthday event? Knowing where to even start with such an important party can be tough, especially when all of the responsibility rests on your shoulders.

From modern and sophisticated corporate venues for a business meeting to fun and quirky bars that are perfect for a birthday bash or Christmas party, and grand spaces that will serve as the ideal setting for a gala dinner, you’ll find it all featured below.

Have a Budget

When planning a birthday party for one of your nearest and dearest, sometimes budget isn’t really the first thing that pops into your mind. But that doesn’t mean that it’s not important. While you might want to spoil the person who’s turning 50, this shouldn’t cause you any financial worry. Plan out how much you have to spend, what others have said they would contribute, as well as cost estimates for the different aspects of the party that you are planning. You’ll need to think about the cost of venue hire and catering in particular, and don’t forget a cake and present!

Find the Perfect Venue

The type of venue that you go for will all depend on the type of birthday party that you are planning to host. Are you hoping to have a sit-down dinner? If so, then consider one of the many private dining venues for hire in London. Themed parties are also always a good option, and private dining venues will be more than happy to accommodate you with this.

Pick a Time and Date

Once you have a venue in mind, you’ll need to set a time and date for your party. Of course, it’s good for it to be as close to the birthday date as possible, but if this falls on a Monday, then having a big celebration isn’t always going to work out. Choose a date that works for the majority of the guests so that you can get as many people there as possible. The time will also depend on the type of party it is, and the personality of the birthday boy/girl. Generally, parties start in the late evening, but it’s not unheard of to have one that starts early in the afternoon and then finishes a bit earlier as well.

Consider the Location 

You will need to choose a venue that is both easy to access and has all of the features that you need. Ideally, it will be close to public transport or at least good accommodation, as this ensures an easy journey for guests. Remember that when it comes to a brilliant event, it is all about location, location, location!

Luxury Dining Experience – The Menu

If you decide to go for a private dining venue for the party, then the next important thing that you’ll need to consider is the menu. Of course, one good thing about the private dining scene is that you can either partially hire them or hire the venue in full. Regardless, you're going to first want to consider the foods that the birthday girl/ boy enjoys, and then talk to the catering staff for their advice on the best menu dishes to keep guests happy.

Guest List and Invite

You’ll need to consider carefully who you want to invite to a party like this. If you are having a sit-down meal, then places for it may be limited, and you might have to split your invites between those invited for the meal, and those invited to join you afterwards. One of the most vital things to remember about a 50^th birthday party is that it’s important not to just invite current friends, or the ones seen most often. To make the birthday party really special, see if you can dig up some people that live a bit further afield to attend. Old friends and new are what make a birthday shine, Of course, you’ll need to invite everyone with plenty of notice so that they can plan in advance!

Décor and Favours

Unless you’ve decided to go for a themed birthday party, then you don’t need to do too much when it comes to décor. It’s always really nice to have some photos of the birthday person through the decades so that they can look back, laugh, and reminisce. Apart from that, stick to the style that suits your venue the best. If that’s balloons and streamers, then go for it. If it’s more subdued, then stick to a classical look and maybe invest in some nice centrepieces for the table. Giving out party favours to the guests in attendance is a great memento for them to remember the evening by. Everyone likes being given a little something, whether it’s chocolates or something more unusual, and you can be sure that everyone involved will really appreciate the gesture.

Entertainment

Entertainment is a major factor when organising a 50th birthday party. Whilst everyone will be chatting during the meal, you’re unlikely to want the fun to stop there. Luckily, there are lots of different things you can do at this type of party to make sure that everyone is entertained. For one, a slideshow of photographs and different memories, with guests telling stories about the birthday boy/girl is sure to go down a treat. If you are looking to hire someone, then consider whether your venue can accommodate a live band or a comedian to provide something a little bit extra to your night. Party games can also be great fun, particularly if there are a lot of guests who don’t know one another that well.

Turning 50 is one of those special birthdays that the majority of people will want to celebrate. Once you have the venue and the guestlist sorted, planning a birthday bash for your friend or family member won’t seem too bad at all. Everyone will be more than willing to chip in and make this event extra special.

How much does it cost to hire a private dining room in London?

Private dining rooms can seem expensive when you compare the cost to a table for two, but it’s important to remember you’re really paying for the experience, the personal attention and the privacy. Whether you’re hoping to win over an important client, or you’re celebrating a special milestone, hiring a private dining room can help make it an event to remember. Venues will normally require a fee for the space on top of your food and drink costs, but some spaces are able to offer a minimum spend even for private rooms. It’s always worth asking your favourite venues what packages and payment options they have available, and the venue manager will be able to make suggestions that will suit your budget.

What is included in the price of a private dining room in London?

Prices will vary between venues, and will sometimes include some food and drinks expenses but often will not, so it’s really important to check in with the venue manager to get a run down of what is included in the price. Some spaces will offer specific packages or set menus to accompany their private dining spaces which can offset some of the cost of hiring the room. It’s important to remember that the main element you’re paying for is privacy, which can totally change the atmosphere and experience of an event.

How can I hire a private dining room in London?

Finding the right private dining room to hire in London can be a daunting task. There are charming and exclusive restaurants in every area of London to suit every budget, so narrowing down to the right one can take a long time. We’re here to help - we’ve built an advanced search function so you can get really specific about what you’re looking for. Whether you need to choose a venue based on access requirements, available technical equipment or parking facilities, you’ll be able to find the perfect space for your next private dining event on Canvas.

What are the best private dining venues with a view in London?

When you’re looking for an event space with a view in London, there are two tricks that top event planners use to find the right space: look for a venue at the top of a building, or look for a venue by the river. If you're considering unique and elegant spaces, Somerset House offers stunning options like the Millicent Fawcett Room and the Coral Garden, both featuring a private entrance and beautiful private areas. For a chic, contemporary vibe, Louie London provides an exclusive atmosphere, and the Lotos Room is another excellent choice for an intimate setting with stylish décor. If you're considering hotels, there's the Beaumont Hotel and Milestone Hotel that provide luxury with exceptional views.

What is the usual private dining seating style?

Most private dining rooms are seated banquet style, with the guests all seated around one large table. However, depending on the event you’re hiring the private dining room for, the venue manager may be able to offer theatre, cabaret or standing. Be sure to specify when you’re making the booking to give the event space enough time to prepare, and hosting different styles of seating can increase or decrease the capacity of the space, which may also impact the price.

Where are some good private dining venues in London?

In Covent Garden and Soho, you'll find trendy spots for the perfect private dining experience. Mayfair and Marylebone are home to upscale venues for group dining, with private spaces sometimes featuring a main restaurant for wedding receptions and corporate events. For those seeking a central location, Trafalgar Square and Hyde Park Corner feature elegant options with iconic views, whereas East London and areas near Liverpool Street provide chic, modern venues ideal for intimate dinners and other special occasions. If you prefer a classic London vibe, consider South Kensington, Bloomsbury, or Clerkenwell for charming and historically rich settings, and keep an eye out for venues with a garden room or terrace. You could hire a whole venue or hall in West London and the Oxford Circus area for versatile spaces, or Tottenham Court Road and London Bridge for their convenient locations with a range of stylish fine dining options. Areas such as Kensington, Marylebone, and Soho never fail!