London has some of the best private dining rooms of any city - with new and wonderful rooms being added all the time. If you're on the look out for something special, then here's our pick of 10 new private dining rooms in London you ought to have on your radar in the run up to Christmas
For oenophiles
Mission
250 Paradise Row, London E2 9LE
Tucked away from the main road in Bethnal Green in a railway arch Sager & Wilde's new Californian-inspired restaurant and bar is quite beautiful. The wine list is similarly attractive, making it the place to go if you're entertaining folk who are into their wine. The private dining space overlooks the dining room, so you get all the buzz of this super-cool East London spot, but a little more privacy.
Seats: 30 for dinner - up to 40 for a reception
Menus: There's a variety of seasonal and holiday feasting menus available ranging from £28 to £35 a head
To book: email hello@missione2.com
For musos
Andina
1 Redchurch St, London E2
Just minutes away from the City, the private dining room here is called the Games Room. As you might expect, DJ/owner Martin Morales has a top sound system for you to take over with your own music - or just go with his own collection of more than 2,000 Peruvian funk vinyl. This private dining room is open from 8am so why not schedule a breakfast meeting here complete with Andean cachangas - crisp toast breads - and a selection of superfood juices.
Seats: 20
Menus: Choose your own set menu or get them to tailor-make one for you. Minimum spend applies
To book: email welcome@andinalondon.com
For hiding away
The Cage at Wright Bros Soho
Kingly St, London W1B 5PW
Essentially a supersized version of a lobster cage, the clever design of this private dining space allows Wright Bros to configure it for smaller or larger parties, so it's just the right size for your group.
Seats: 20 or 35 for a standing event
Menus: These range from £35 per head to £90 and are served a la carte style followed by desserts designed for sharing.
To book: call 020 7434 3611 or email soho@thewrightbrothers.co.uk
Find out more about Wright Bros Soho
For showing off
Quaglino’s
16 Bury Street, London SW1Y 6AJ
If the new-look Quaglino's wasn't glitzy enough having just had millions spent on it, the private dining rooms have all the glamour and a birds-eye view of the action in the main dining room below. Best to get a big group together so you can take over the largest and best option - the Prince of Wales room.
Seats: 36 seated or 60 for a drinks party
To book: Call 020 7484 2002 or email ellisbj@danddlondon.com
Find out more about Quaglino's
For high-flyers
City Social
Tower 42, 25 Old Broad Street, London EC2N 1HQ
The best views at Jason Atherton's city venture are reserved for private dining clients - we liked the fact you get your own reception area to mingle in for pre-dinner drinks before you sit down to dine above London. You may want to move folk around mid-course so everyone gets to enjoy that view.
Seats: 22 (There's also a chef's table private room with views into the kitchen that seats 10)
Menus: These run from £65 to £110 per head.
To book: email privatedining@citysociallondon.com or call 020 7877 7708
Find out more about City Social
For English elegance
Fera at Claridges
49 Brook Street, Mayfair, London W1K 4HR
The private dining room at Fera isn't the most unusual or exotic of private dining rooms - it's set just off the main room and set off with sliding glass doors. But you do get to enjoy some of the best food in London and the novelty factor of this being one of London's newest Michelin-starred restaurants.
Seats: 12
To book: email reservations@feraatclaridges.co.uk or call 020 7107 8888
For Soho fun
Polpetto
11 Berwick Street, London W1F 0PL
On the one hand, the private dining room at Polpetto is downstairs on everyone's way to the loos. But on the other hand, it does give you a perfect view into the kitchen to watch chef Florence Knight and her team at work. It's a popular space, having been booked up pretty much since this Soho spot opened, so get in quick if you want it for a Christmas do.
Seats: 10-12
Note: No minimum spend but two table sittings – 6pm until 8pm / 8.30pm until close. Deposit required.
To book: email events@polpo.co.uk
For showing off
Marcus
The Berkeley, Wilton Place, Knightsbridge, London, SW1X 7RL
Everyone who comes into Marcus Wareing's restaurant will have to go past your table enjoying themselves with your own mini pass into the kitchen. Of course you could close the glass partition, but where would be the fun in that?
Seats: 10
Menu: Head Chef Mark, together with Marcus, will create a bespoke menu presented by individuals from their kitchen team.
To book: email reservations@marcuswareing.com or call on 0207 235 1200
For beating the queue
Barrafina Adelaide Street
10 Adelaide Street, London WC2N 4HZ
With just 29 seats upstairs and no reservations at this white-hot restaurant, the only way to ensure a booking if you don't want to queue is to take the private lower ground floor dining room. The room down here has its own open kitchen and bar.
Seats: From 8 to 32 guests - or book a drinks and pintxos reception for up to 60. Alternatively take over the downstairs counter as a ‘Chef’s Table’ with your own chef and a tasting menu.
Menus: Minimum spend of £1000 with menus starting at £38 a head
To book: email events@barrafina.co.uk or call 020 7440 1456
For cosy neighbourhood vibes
Primeur
Barnes Motors, 116 Petherton Road, London N5 2RT
As with Barrafina, popular neighbourhood spot Primeur doesn't take bookings - they don't even have a published phone number. Which means that to book the downstairs dining room here you'll need to go round in person. The food (and eclectic drinks list) mean it's definitely worth the bother. And it does mean that if you're thinking of crossing town for this well-reviewed restaurant, that you know you'll have a space set aside for you and your party.
Seats: 14
To book: see above
