There really is something extra-special about booking a private dining room for a special occasion. Not only do you get to feast on some spectacular grub, but you get to do so in a personalised setting, with many restaurants curating the dining experience especially to the celebration at hand.
It’s also inherently relaxing handing over the baton to someone else – knowing the location, food, music and everything in-between is already taken care of can be a huge comfort. Simply send out the invites and job’s a goodun’.
The hardest part, really, is deciding where to book. Yes, the food is an integral part of the dining experience, but so is the decor, ambience and service. If you’re a large group looking to let your hair down, then plenty of space and a banging playlist is a must-have. But if it’s a more formal affair you’re after, such as a work meeting or business lunch, then smart surrounds and attentive service are likely to be high on your list.
We've dug out the best private dining rooms in Birmingham to suit every occasion. Fancy a blowout meal in a Michelin-starred restaurant? We’ve hauled a selection of options that are bound to impress. Or, looking to feed a crowd in a low-maintenance, laid-back space? Keep scrolling for our list of rooms that are best for relaxed gatherings, including home-from-home pubs and a South American themed bar.
And for those who've never considered hiring a private room before, why not? You don't really need an occasion at all. Just a few of your favourite people and a free day or evening. Then, let the good times roll!
Many restaurants offer set menus, tasting menus and bespoke options, so make sure to enquire when you make your booking. And to make things even easier, you can use the links below to skip to the most relevant section.
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Best private dining rooms in Birmingham for corporate events
Hosting a business meeting or interview? The right setting is paramount to striking the right tone. And if smart décor and attentive service are likely to sway your decision, these restaurants offer that in spades. Leave a lasting impression on colleagues with one of these top picks.
Purnell’s
What: Established by Michelin-starred chef Glynn Purnell in 2007, and earning its own Michelin star in 2009, Purnell’s is a fine dining restaurant with a focus on classic dishes - carpaccio of beef, Scottish halibut and raspberry pavlova to name a few. For a truly special affair, guests can book the private dining room which offers plenty of natural light thanks to huge windows.
Maximum capacity: 12
Where: 55 Cornwall Street, B3 2DH
Book now: Purnell's
Marco Pierre White Steakhouse Bar & Grill Birmingham
What: If a room with a view is what you’re after, then be sure to make a booking at Marco Pierre White Steakhouse Bar and Grill. Located on level 25 of the cube building with spectacular views of the city, it offers three modern meeting rooms that cater to the needs of the client, from rooms for two for 1-2-1 interviews to groups of 100 in the Champagne Room.
Maximum capacity: 50 seated and 100 standing
Where: 200 Wharfside Street, B1 1PR
Book now: Marco Pierre White Steakhouse Bar and Grill Birmingham
Edgbaston Park Hotel
What: Located on the University of Birmingham’s lush campus, the Edgbaston Park Hotel can meet all your private dining needs - whether you’re hosting a conference, a dinner or a drinks reception. Garth House, a grade II listed arts and crafts building, is the perfect place to host an intimate event. You can expect character lighting, feature fireplaces and a spacious reception room. Whether you’ve got your heart set on an afternoon tea or a set menu, you won’t be disappointed.
Maximum capacity: 14
Where: 53 Edgbaston Park Road, B15 2RS
Book now: Edgbaston Park Hotel
Indus Restaurant
What: Are you a curry aficionado? Look no further than Indus Restaurant at Park Regis where you can enjoy a delicious set menu which caters to your private dining needs. Whether you’re in the mood for vegetable samosas, butter chicken masala or carrot, fudge and vanilla ice cream, you won’t be going home hungry. Better yet, you can take in the views of Birmingham from the Sky Loft which sits up to 90 people, or you can host a smaller event in the Dunlop Suite.
Maximum capacity: 240 seated and 300 standing
Where: 160 Broad Street, B15 1DT
Book now: Indus Restaurant
Best private dining rooms in Birmingham for birthdays
There isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution to birthday gatherings which is why we’ve rounded up a host of different private dining options in Birmingham with multiple themes, cuisines and numbers in mind. From fine-dining fare to Indian food with a difference, take your pick.
The Ivy Temple Row
What: With sites in numerous major cities across the UK, chances are you’ve heard of or dined at, The Ivy at one point or another. If you enjoyed yourself the first time around, why not plan a special occasion at The Archer Room in Birmingham? Decorated in true Ivy style, with green walls, vintage prints and plenty of plant pots to boot, it’s a versatile space that’s perfect for private parties and special occasions.
Maximum capacity: 22 seated and 40 standing
Where: 67-71 Temple Row, B2 5LS
Book now: The Ivy Temple Row
Adam’s Restaurant
What: Michelin-starred chef Adam Stokes’ eponymous restaurant offers simple, well-executed, classic-modern dishes, the high calibre of which have scored it a Michelin star and 3 AA rosettes. For those who wish to indulge in the masterful food away from the main restaurant, Adam’s offers both a private dining room and a chef’s table. The former seats up to 18 guests while the latter holds 12, or if you like you can hire the whole restaurant for 52 people (75 for a drinks reception).
Maximum capacity: 18 for a private room
Where: 16 Waterloo Street, B2 5UG
Book now: Adam's Restaurant
Simpson’s
What: The landscaped garden is a lovely touch at Simpson’s, where diners can enjoy an aperitif outside before they dine in the summer months. The décor offers a strong nod to nature and seasonality, with a long wooden table, textured place mats, green chairs and photographs of trees covering the walls. The room also backs onto the aforementioned garden. Book in for classic British fare at this Michelin restaurant.
Maximum capacity: 16
Where: 20 Highfield Road, B15 3DU
Book now: Simpson’s
Itihaas
What: Contemporary meets traditional at Itihaas, which takes influence from the cuisine of Northern India. For hire is the Tiffin Suite, a 12-seat room complete with its own cocktail bar and dressed in the style of an old library. Create your own bespoke menu, if you like, for a personalised experience.
Maximum capacity: 12
Where: 18 Fleet Street, B3 1JL
Book now: Itihaas
Gaucho Birmingham
What: Gaucho’s sleek and sultry interiors are synonymous with the restaurant group, known for their Argentinian steaks and wine. Their Birmingham outpost also caters for private dining events of up to 14 people which would be perfect for a birthday boy or girl who loves steak.
Maximum capacity: 14
Where: 55 Colmore Row, B3 2AA
Book now: Gaucho Birmingham
Chapter Restaurant
What: This nature led restaurant, which prides itself on seasonality, has a number of private spaces for guests to choose from. From the Bar Lounge which can seat 30 people, to ‘Section 2’ of the dining room where you soak up the buzz of the restaurant while enjoying your own private space. Better yet, you can get your hands on everything from breakfast baps to seared Brixham scallops.
Maximum capacity: 90 seated and 200 standing
Where: 5-6 Greenfield Crescent, B15 3BE
Book now: Chapter Restaurant
Café Lovelife
What: The Mediterranean inspired restaurant in Digbeth promises a lot of love and almost no waste. The menu, which is almost completely gluten free, has a range of halal, vegan and vegetarian options. It also offers group bookings for 20 to 60 people, and the option of private hire during the week. If you’re looking to host an intimate get together with friends, you could enjoy their street food buffet menu for example, trying everything from garlic honey labneh and spicy focaccia to a huge selection of kebabs.
Maximum capacity: 60
Where: 28 Floodgate Street, B5 5SL
Book now: Cafe Lovelife
Best private dining rooms in Birmingham for big groups
We’ve classed a big group as any venue that hosts 20 people or more. So, if you’re struggling to cut down the guest list, don’t panic - you don’t have to with this lot.
Varanasi
What: There are multiple private dining rooms on offer at Varanasi, which serves up posh Indian-style grub in opulent surroundings. It caters for private functions such as birthdays and weddings of up to 350 guests if you want. We recommend the Siddhartha Lounge which seats 20 people and includes the Shahi Dawat set menu.
Maximum capacity: 350
Where: 184 Broad Street, B15 1DA
Book now: Varanasi
Cosy Club Birmingham
What: There are two Cosy Clubs in Birmingham, but the one located on Bennet’s Hill offers two private dining spaces in a Grade II listed building. Choose from The Board Room (32 seated, 50 standing) or The Holden Room (50 mixed seating), both of which include a projector, sound system and presentation screen. The Board Room also includes a private bar if you're booking for a wedding or a birthday.
Maximum capacity: 50
Where: 33 Bennetts Hill, B2 5SN
Book now: Cosy Club Birmingham
Best private dining rooms in Birmingham for relaxed gatherings
We totally agree – you don't really need a special occasion to book a private dining room. Simply rally the troops and make it a weekend to remember - whatever the reason.
F1 Arcade Birmingham
What: Have fun racing against friends or colleagues with the ultimate F1 simulator experience! Big groups can take over the entire venue, or if there are only a few of you, it's possible to choose from a number of semi-private spaces that allow you to soak up the electric atmosphere of the venue. With lots of social areas that can be hired for your next celebration or birthday, as well as 53 dynamic racing simulators, this awesome private venue certainly one-ups your local pub or restaurant.
Maximum capacity: Varying capacities
Where: 2 Chamberlain Square, B3 3AX
Book now: F1 Arcade Birmingham
The Old Joint Stock
What: For a laid-back vibe and lively atmosphere, The Old Joint Stock is a solid option. It’s one of the Fuller’s Ale & Pie pubs and is housed inside a Grade II listed building, reflected through the grand décor and high ceilings inside. Guests can book the Old Joint Stock Theatre upstairs, which has a capacity for 80 people, when there's not a performance on. For a semi-private experience, guests could book the Mezzanine Balcony which overlooks the bustling bar below.
Maximum capacity: 100
Where: 4 Temple Row West, B2 5NY
Book now: The Old Joint Stock
If you are looking to book somewhere in the city that has more of a party vibe then explore our pick of the very best bottomless brunches in Birmingham.