Best Christmas party venues for small groups in London

The Cooks’ Room at Hawksmoor in Borough is a dedicated private dining space able to accommodate up to 18 people. Featuring a stunning open kitchen where its professional chefs cook up a storm in front of guests, this theatrical venue is sure to add plenty of drama to your festive celebrations.

This South Bank venue comes alive for the festive season with twinkling decorations and special festive menus. Experience this magical winter wonderland with your nearest and dearest and book the private dining room or the Gallery for up to 22 guests.

The Holmes Hotel on Baker Street is packed with beautiful, intimate rooms for small Christmas parties, including a billiard room for those who fancy whiling the evening away with some friendly competition. We also love The Conservatory, which features a huge skylight which opens into the private courtyard above.

If you’re on the hunt for a central hotel to host your event, then COMO’s selection of lavish spaces could be exactly what you’re looking for. Perfect for a more corporate Christmas party, choose from The Met Boardroom, The Met Lounge or The Met Studio for groups of six to 14.

For many, Christmas isn’t complete without a bit of a singalong, so look no further than a festive get together at Lucky Voice. The Soho site offers nine individual karaoke rooms, each available for private hire, that can cater to smaller groups from four to 15 people.

Embody all the glitz and glamour of Asia House in your upcoming Christmas Party with this historic Georgian Townhouse. Whilst there are several spanning ballrooms for larger events, you’ll also find a selection of smaller spaces such as The Library, up to 22 guests, or Fine Room 1, which is perfect for 30 diners.

Slap bang in the heart of the city, Casa do Frango invites guests to swap turkey for something a bit different with its menus of Portuguese classics. Host your festive feast in the Sol or Mar rooms, which can each hold 14 guests, or combine the two for something a bit larger.

This venue on the River Thames is designed to provide a space for people to meet, entertain, impress and inspire. It boasts nine flexible event spaces offering panoramic views of London, along with a choice of exceptional catering options, from bowl food to three-course dinners.

Nestled away on Great Titchfield Street, this cosy, speakeasy-inspired bar offers a chic and intimate spot for your festive celebrations. Here, you’ll find two breakaway vaults, perfect for private dining this Christmas, with Jem’s Room, which can seat eight, or Kef’s Room, which is ideal for just seven guests.

For a stand-out spot, Bocconcino’s central location and menus of delectable Italian fare are a winning combination. The Sotto private dining room is ideal for parties of 23 or less, complete with a private bar and full DJ setup to bring your party to life.

Love seafood and, well, olive oil? This cosy Italian restaurant and wine bar on Bermondsey Street specialises in both. Book the Ground Floor space for 30 guests, or choose the Kitchen Floor for smaller groups of 20, with delightful menus of Italian cuisine and fine wines to cater your party.

Enjoy a dramatic dinner or drinks party within the Amazonian-inspired surrounds of The Mandrake’s unique event spaces. Book the Greenhouse for groups of up to eight, offering an abundance of natural-lighting and foliage for a quiet reception. Elsewhere, the impressive, red-lacquered private dining room is sure to leave an impression.

Gorgeous Ochre makes full use of its place at the National Gallery, with a number of grand spaces available for hire. The private dining room offers a unique experience - an imposing space in the heart of the gallery with towering ceilings, and views out over Nelson’s Column and St Martin-in-the-Fields.

Known for its oyster bars and Michelin-starred menus, Bentley's promises excellent cuisine, from chef Richard Corrigan, and extensive wine lists for your upcoming festivities. This versatile Mayfair townhouse has several spaces available, such as the Swallow Library, Rib Room and Crustacea Room - perfect for parties of 12 to 30. 

For a slightly more relaxed space, why not try The George? Once a favourite amongst the city’s artists, writers and poets, this cracking gastropub has several stylish dining rooms, such as The Gluepot Bar or The Green Room, which can accommodate groups as small as four people.

The quirky Bohemia private dining room seats 12 for a very special dinner, with La Terrazza’s contemporary Italian food taking star billing. Alternatively, check out the Living Wall Bar, which can host around 30 for drinks amid the Hotel’s lush vertical gardens.

Head up to the heights of Heron Tower’s 40th floor and you’ll find Duck & Waffle, with its modern and stylish spaces. The private dining room seats just 16 and boasts floor-to-ceiling windows and mirrored walls to ensure those epic views have maximum impact. It's guaranteed to make your Christmas party memorable.

For something a little bit less traditional, why not try Inko Nito? This vibrant yet relaxed restaurant comes with cherry blossoms hanging from the ceiling, vibrant neon signs and extensive menus of yakitori skewers and easy-going Japanese dishes that could be ideal for a drinks reception for up to 20 guests. 

This stylish subterranean cocktail bar serves up plenty of Latin American flair, even over Christmas. Unforgettable cocktails steal the headlines, but don’t sleep on the classy Nikkei party food, all delivered in a glamorous space punctuated by mood lighting, hammered copper wall panelling and a backlit blue bar.

Private members' club, The Groucho, specialises in effortlessly chic and unusual interiors as well as top-notch food to solidify itself as an excellent Christmas party spot. A selection of festive menus can be enjoyed in the bright and stylish Mackintosh Room, perfect for up to 16, or the art-focused Carter Room, ideal for groups of 22. 

Combining outstanding food and drink with live jazz and blues, 28-50 by Night is home to multiple small spaces, from its VIP Square next to the bar and stage, to the Upper Circle dining room which boasts views over the main restaurant.

Ideally located in the heart of Shoreditch, The Lightwell is a dry hire venue that allows you to put your own spin on your Christmas party. With staff on hand to help you pick everything from the best local caterers to suppliers for things like flowers and live music, you’re in good hands here.

Covent Garden is always a popular part of town for Christmas parties, and Margot’s Club Room is ideal for groups of around 30, offering a chic space for a get-together. We love the timeless design here - marble flooring meets polished brass - and the Italian cooking is superb too.

Bennie is smack bang in the middle of London, but has the vibe of a welcoming neighbourhood local. The private dining room houses 12 guests making it perfect for more intimate dinners, with Christmas menus leaning towards classic, comforting dishes.

Irish chef Richard Corrigan’s eponymous restaurant promises spectacular food as standard, so the only decision you’ll need to make is which room to host your bash in. Smaller spaces include the intimate Chef’s Table, semi-private Poet’s Corner, atmospheric Kitchen Library and grand Lindsay Room.

Whilst each of Roka’s venues offer relaxed, intimate spots for your festive do, the Aldwych location has more to choose from, with its Lounge Table for up to 14, or banqueting-style tables in the main restaurant for up to 16. A buzzing atmosphere and stylish backdrop are bound to make your event a success.

MBER comes with a bit of history, sitting on Pudding Lane, just across the round from the spot where the Great Fire of London started. The design here is slick - copper accents, dark metal and warm wood - and small groups can head to the very fashionable cellar bar, with its rare sake collection and Tom Dixon furnishings.

Sunday in Brooklyn’s industrial chic style and easy-going menu have made it a popular choice in London for private events, and the latest Marylebone site offers that same NYC attitude in the centre of London. There are lots of intimate rooms for smaller groups - we especially like the cosy, mood-lit Bedford Room.

Switch things up from the usual turkey and Christmas pud with Zuaya’s eclectic Latin American menus and colourful interiors. The inventive tapas plates are great shared between groups, and once you throw in some exotic cocktails and resident live DJ, any event at Zuaya is bound to become a memorable party.