Whether it be a milestone birthday, an engagement party or just a long overdue get-together, nothing makes an occasion feel more special than booking a private dining room. With a top-class venue and your own exclusive area, we find that everyone gets just that little bit more excited to attend. Plus, many restaurants with private dining options also offer drinks packages so that your guests can be met with a glass of fizz, or even a carefully curated menu to highlight the best signature dishes.
With the guiding hand of an events team, the experience of organising a shindig is more enjoyable, too. From music choices to the cocktail menu, let one of Manchester’s best venues for private dining help you make your gathering a walk in the park – leaving you to enjoy the best bits of catching up with those you love.
And, there are lots of options to boot. Maybe you’ve been imagining a heated terrace for a large group and plenty of drinks to go around, or an intimate dinner in a chic setting looking out to beautiful skyline views. There are plenty of places to pick from with the experience and excitement to help host your party.
We’ve done the research on which Manchester-based restaurants, bars and events spaces offer options for private dining and have detailed the type of occasion they might work best for, as well as how many people can be catered to.
If you’ve never considered opting for a private dining room before, this is the perfect time to explore the idea. Many don’t charge a hire fee or minimum spend, but allow your group to enjoy a bespoke experience. So, it’s time to get planning, send out some invites and put on your dancing shoes for an evening of fun and catching up with your favourite people.
The best private dining rooms in Manchester for birthdays
Everyone likes to feel special on their birthday, and having your own space especially for your nearest and dearest to enjoy is one way to make an occasion feel extra memorable. We like that these venues put an emphasis on aesthetics as well as the food, with beautiful settings that will look great on pictures as well as delicious dishes for everyone to enjoy.
Hawksmoor Manchester
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What: With dark-hued wall panelling, low lighting and wooden furniture, Hawksmoor Manchester has a cosy, old-world feel which is perfect for an intimate get together. The space houses a central oval table to facilitate group conversation and there are multiple menu options available. Treat your gang to cocktails on arrival and choose between three specially designed sharing menus which include Hawksmoor classics.
Maximum capacity: 14
Where: 184, 186 Deansgate, Manchester, M3 3WB
Book now: Hawksmoor Manchester
20 Stories
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What: Your special day deserves a venue that has a certain je nais se quois, and with knock-out views over the city, Stories could just be that place. Here, the private dining room has a polished feel with modern décor and, crucially, floor to ceiling windows which look out above the rooftops. If you want your friends to be wowed, book a table as the sun is setting and watch the space be filled with a golden glow. A party of 14 will happily fit around the long dining table and there are options to hire the whole restaurant or outdoors terrace if you’re organising a wedding or function.
Maximum capacity: 16
Where: No 1 Spinningfields, 1 Hardman Square, Spinningfields, Manchester, M3 3EB
Book now: 20 Stories
Kala Bistro
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What: Kala Bistro is the minimalistic neighbourhood restaurant that lets the food really shine. Offering a first class menu in an unpretentious setting, the team here serve the kind of food you genuinely want to eat, showcasing simple dishes that have been executed with finesse. Available for large group dining and exclusive hire, it makes for an ideal spot to celebrate everything from birthdays to milestone anniversaries.
Maximum capacity: Up to 70 people
Where: 55 King Street, M2 4LQ
Book now: Kala Bistro
Fazenda
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What: Fazenda is a South American restaurant which aims to deliver an authentic gaucho experience. With high-quality grilled meats, Fazenda offers rodizio-style dining which comes from Brazilian culture. The chain’s Manchester branch has three spaces for entertaining private parties, for both smaller and larger groups. The snug dining room allows guests to choose from the main menu, but if you’re planning a less intimate spread, the heated outdoor terrace or main bar works for a drinks reception.
Maximum capacity: 14
Where: The Avenue, Spinningfields, Manchester, M3 3AP
The best private dining rooms in Manchester for corporate events
Want to impress your boss by organising the company’s next team away day? One of these sleek Manchester-based venues could just be the trick. With sophisticated vibes and top-notch food, the office will be singing your praises in no time.
WOOD Manchester
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What: Located on the mezzanine level of WOOD Manchester - the eponymous restaurant from chef Simon Wood - is Homage, an intimate lounge area dedicated solely to serving cheese, chutneys, wines and beers. You can hire this space exclusively for both corporate and celebratory events, but we think it provides a relaxing yet upmarket setting in which to impress clients with some fantastic cheese and wine pairings.
Maximum capacity: 16 guests
Where: Jack Rosenthal Street, Manchester, M15 4RA
Book now: WOOD Manchester
Gaucho
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What: Gaucho has earned a name for itself as one of the fanciest places to enjoy a good steak, and so it fits the bill if you’re looking to treat a client or treat your team. Gaucho Manchester is a particularly impressive space – formerly a church – and many of its original features have been preserved, including a large organ. This branch offers three options for private dining, including the wine room which seats 11, the dining room which seats 18 and a semi-private raised area which seats 40.
Maximum capacity: 40
Where: 2A St Mary's Street, Manchester, M3 2LB
Book now: Gaucho Manchester
Peter Street Kitchen
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What: Peter Street Kitchen fuses Japanese and Mexican cuisine in a sleek, sophisticated setting. With an experimental menu of small plates, the experience is an atmospheric and culinary delight, especially if you take over the private dining area. This space offers a Hibachi table, complete with its very own fire pit, located in The Kabe, a secluded part of the restaurant.
Maximum capacity: 12
Where: Free Trade Hall, Peter Street, Manchester, M2 5GP
Book now: Peter Street Kitchen
Best private dining rooms in Manchester for big groups
Well, look here – aren’t you popular! If you’re planning a bash for a large amount of people these venues can cater into the hundreds.
Cane & Grain
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What: Cane & Grain is a multi-faceted bar and restaurant, drawing inspiration from skate culture, tiki bars and secret speakeasys. The menu focuses on American fare, giving special attention to meat-based dishes such as belly ribs and fried chicken. The venue has three floors, each with a different identity. For example, on the second level you’ll find the Science and Industry floor, inspired by a laboratory, with low-lit atmosphere and zany neon signage.
Maximum capacity: 50
Where: 49 - 51 Thomas Street, Northern Quarter Manchester, M4 1NA
Book now: Cane & Grain
Peaky Blinders
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What: Enjoy indulgent gastropub grub in a 1920s-themed setting at Peaky Blinders, which is named after the popular TV show. Design features include floral wallpaper, old-fashioned props and lots of plush velvet, to transport you back a 100 years ago. Diners can feast on the likes of fish and chips or hearty burgers, with a mix of British and international cuisine. There are several private dining options available from The Italian Suite which caters for 14 people in red booths for drinks and nibbles, up to the entire balcony which can be booked for all kinds of celebrations such as corporate events and wedding receptions.
Maximum capacity: 150
Where: 23 Peter Street, Manchester, M2 5QR
Banyan Bar & Kitchen Corn Exchange
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What: Banyan spans four regional venues across the UK, each offering informal but aesthetically pleasing dining options, perfect for big groups. The Manchester branch has three private hire options, depending on the size of your party. For a dinner of 18, The Well offers a snug and stylish room with a long dinner table for everyone to gather around. While elsewhere the main restaurant can be completely taken over, holding up to 130 for a proper shindig. There’s also a selection of food and beverage options to ensure your guests are fed and watered, including welcome prosecco or beers, and buffet food of chicken, burgers and pork skewers.
Maximum capacity: 130
Where: Unit 4, The Corn Exchange, Exchange Square, Manchester, M4 3TR
Book now: Banyan Bar & Kitchen Corn Exchange
Black Dog Ballroom
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What: Black Dog Ballroom is a cool, underground bar inspired by the urban edge of New York City. With exposed brick and industrial furnishings, it’s a great night-time venue. The Ballroom is available for private hire for gatherings of up to 80 people, as well as a location for meetings and conferences. While the Ballroom has a cosy, ‘gentleman’s club’ feel, the Pool Hall is also available to hire for up to 80 people, and includes free games of pool.
Maximum capacity: 80
Where: Basement Aflecks Palace, 52 Church Street, Manchester, M4 1PW
Book now: Black Dog Ballroom
On a budget? You might like our pick of the best cheap eats in Manchester