For groups who want a personal and tailored dining experience, private dining rooms can provide more intimacy, seclusion, and comfort than a regular table in a restaurant would. These special spaces can be a place to relax and let one’s hair down, somewhere to wow and impress, or a unique way to treat a loved one. Whatever the occasion, private dining rooms offer flexible luxury for those looking for a more elevated event. So, if you are looking for such a time in Central London, that's where this handy guide comes in, which showcases some of Mayfair’s best private dining rooms.
Mayfair, one of the swankiest areas in London, boasts an extensive range of private dining rooms suited to any occasion. Be it a corporate event, birthday bash, or 'just because', every single one of these private dining rooms offers seriously exclusive spaces for an unforgettable time. Discover tasting menus and chef’s tables which offer delicious food in a special setting, as well as basement rooms or semi-private spaces that all offer differing levels of privacy. Of course, all of these options guarantee attentive servers to ensure a smooth-flowing experience. Whatever the group’s needs, these private dining rooms don't just meet them, but exceed them.
For those wanting to be close to the action, many of these eateries offer semi-private spaces, allowing for more discretion while also retaining some of the liveliness of a bustling restaurant. There are also myriad options for truly private rooms, for a more subdued and refined atmosphere. Sweeping views, distinctive decor, and elegant service are on offer for both large and small groups alike. Yes, Mayfair’s best private dining rooms really do have something for everyone.
While Mayfair is one of London’s more upmarket neighbourhoods, promising glamour and glitz in spades, there are still more casual alternatives on offer for those wanting to let loose or take it easy. Nevertheless, this list showcases some of the best private dining in Mayfair, with options to suit any and everyone.
Bentley's
What: Bentley’s boasts diners four elegant private rooms suited to varying dining preferences. The Swallow Library provides cosy seclusion, with a secret hidden street-level entrance and built in bookcases creating a relaxed atmosphere in the bustling heart of Mayfair. This room can be combined with The Swallow Den, which boasts a piano and late licence, to become The Swallow Street Rooms, perfect for larger and more lively events. Upstairs, the intimate Crustacea Room exhibits chef Richard Corrigan’s personal art collection, and the contemporary Rib Room is a fresh contrast from the more traditional former. Along with this mixed choice of private dining options, Bentley’s serves a variety of menus, including tasting, a la carte, canapes and bowl food.
Where: 11-15 Swallow Street, W1B 4DG
Book Now: Bentley’s
Brown's Hotel
What: Brown’s Hotel boasts a grand history, and has hosted many greats over the years, from dignitaries to royals to literature legends. Period finishes and elegant decor are found in each of its private rooms, from the cosy St George’s, which seats up to eight diners, to the largest event space, the Clarendon room, which hosts up to 70 for dinner. The iconic Roosevelt room, named after both President Roosevelt’s visited the space, can be conjoined with the historic Niagara room, awash with natural sunlight, to create an event space which holds up to 120 standing guests. In addition, splendid views of Dover street can be enjoyed from both of the intimate Lord Byron and Graham Bell rooms. Accompanying these antique private spaces, a luxurious seasonal menu that champions British produce and flavour is offered to diners.
Where: 33 Albemarle Street, W1S 4BP
Book Now: Brown’s Hotel
The Maine Mayfair
What: The Maine townhouse aims to bring New England style to the streets of Mayfair, and it certainly delivers. Each of the four rooms evoke a distinctive vibe, perfect for a unique private dining experience. The Brasserie is its stand-out space; seating 90 diners, this grandiose space sets a moody and glamorous tone with its Cabaret theme. Rich colours, flashy chandeliers, dark leather and live music provide large groups with an exclusive experience. Alternatively, The Tavern, nestled inside a brick-vaulted cellar, gives off an intimate speakeasy atmosphere that's better suited to smaller events. For those looking for a laid-back dining experience, the Drawing Room is a brighter space that would work well for corporate functions. Most impressively, its alfresco Terrace seats up to 100 diners, with heaters and covers to ensure a comfortable oasis at any time of year.
Where: 6 Medici Courtyard, W1S 1JY
Book Now: The Maine Mayfair
Corrigan's Mayfair
What: Irish chef Richard Corrigan's Mayfair flagship promises an utterly refined experience in any of its four private dining spaces. Larger parties can dine in the classical Lindsay Room, while those looking to enjoy the buzz of the main dining room can sit in Poet’s Corner, which is partitioned off via a curtain. For more intimate affairs, there’s the clubby Chef’s Table (a luxurious room which benefits from a glass wall overlooking the kitchen), or the intimate Kitchen Library, which places you firmly in the middle of the action, and sees you dine from tasting menus served by the chefs themselves.
Where: 28 Upper Grosvenor Street, W1K 7EH
Book Now: Corrigan's Mayfair
Alain Ducasse at the Dorchester
What: Private dining is designed for moments where you’re looking to impress, and it doesn’t get much more impressive than dining at a three-Michelin starred restaurant by one of the world’s best known chefs. At Alain Ducasse at The Dorchester, there are three private dining rooms to choose from, with the jewel in the crown being the oh-so-romantic Table Lumière, which is festooned with fibre optics dangling from the ceiling. If you’re opting for something a little less intimate, choose the light-filled Salon Park Lane with its high ceilings, or the Salon Privé, a cosy alcove featuring dark green walls studded with thousands of green silk buttons.
Where: The Dorchester Hotel, Park Lane, W1K 1QA
Book Now: Alain Ducasse at the Dorchester
Benares
What: Michelin-starred Benares boasts four private dining spaces, including the intimate Chef’s Table which features a glass window looking directly into the kitchen. Equally as intimate, The Sommelier’s Table sees your meal expertly paired with wines while you sit inside Benares’ mightily impressive wine cellar. Elsewhere, larger groups can opt for The Dover or Berkeley Room, each featuring dark wood walls and sepia-coloured prints depicting the holy city of Benares, which the restaurant is named after. On the food side of things, you can expect classic Indian dishes given welcome contemporary twists.
Where: 12a Berkeley Square, W1J 6BS
Book Now: Benares
If you want to see more of what this charming area has to offer, check out these Mayfair breakfasts that are worth getting out of bed for.