We love the buzz of a busy dining room, but sometimes, it's nice to have a private dining room to yourself, isn't it? Nothing beats an intimate dining experience with friends and family; you get to enjoy the luxury of London’s culinary scene and sip on masterful cocktails in the privacy of your own specially-crafted ambience. No matter what the occasion, London has a whole host of amazing private dining rooms that will not fail to impress. From outdoor private dining in London, to themed restaurants or unique private dining rooms with the quirkiest experiences; there truly is something for every taste and preference. Among the many options you'll find in London, the capital specialises in private dining rooms with a view - often over the capital's unique skyline. Who could say no to that? Certainly not us, and neither will you when you see this selection.
London has everything: riverside spots, hidden courtyards, green spaces, and views from the top of huge skyscrapers. Of course, the setting isn’t everything - the perfect meal out is about the whole experience: the food, the drinks, the ambience and the dining room. We reckon this list delivers on every front.
There are so many reasons to take advantage of London’s private dining rooms. Of course, birthdays are an obvious one but they’re also great for weddings, corporate lunches, celebrations and even just a good catch up with friends or loved ones over an indulgent feast.
That’s why we went on the hunt to find the private dining rooms in London that tick all the boxes - the places where what’s going on outside the room is just as impressive as the experience inside. Whether you want to splash out on a riverside view or live it up with a sky-high panorama, we’ve sorted the view-tastic wheat from the chaff at these private dining destinations. Have a scroll through this list and marvel at all the beautiful views London’s private dining rooms have to offer.
The Lookout at 8 Bishopsgate, City of London
What: As you might expect, the view from the 50th floor of 8 Bishopsgate is rather good, putting The Lookout right up there with the best private dining rooms with a view in London. There are in fact four separate rooms to choose from, all with stunning views through floor-to-ceiling windows and seasonal British menus to match.
Where: 8 Bishopsgate, EC2N 4BQ
Book now: The Lookout at 8 Bishopsgate
One Hundred Shoreditch
What: There are lots of spaces at One Hundred Shoreditch for cosy private dinners, but the crown jewel has to be The Rooftop, with its rose gold accents, pink floor tiles and lush greenery. The One Hundred Room offers room for a few hundred, with panoramic views across East London.
Where: 100 Shoreditch High Street, E1 6JQ
Book now: One Hundred Shoreditch
Park Plaza Riverbank, Lambeth
What: Sitting right on the banks of the river Thames, you'd expect to find some of the city's best views from Park Plaza - and they don't disappoint. This four star hotel offers refined dining across its rooms, but this idyllic private dining space on its 12th floor brings something spectacular. Seat up to 80 guests for an elegant sit-down meal, or up to 150 for a standing social, with the capital's skyline as a backdrop. Whatever you're planning, Park Plaza provides an intimate ambience that will definitely leave a lasting impression.
Where: Park Plaza Riverbank London, SE1 7TJ
Book now: Park Plaza Riverbank
art'otel London, Hoxton
What: Towering over the streets of Hoxton, art'otel is home to cutting-edge galleries, as well as an array of restaurants and bars that ensure a creative backdrop for your next private dinner - as well as some striking vistas. Choose from 12 different meeting rooms, on the 24th floor, which can be hired individually or all together for a larger event. Or, head up to the 25th floor for a seat in the restaurant or bar, where the spectacular views continue.
Where: 1-3 Rivington Street, EC2A 3DT
Book now: art'otel Hoxton
City Social, City of London
What: No matter which of the three dining rooms you choose, City Social delivers incredible views of the city from the 24th floor of Tower 42. This is also one of the few high rise chef's table experiences in London - guests can watch City Social's talented kitchen team at work through a window into the open kitchen, or simply gaze out of the window and soak up the city skyline.
Where: 24th Floor, Tower 42, 25 Old Broad Street, EC2N 1HQ
Book now: City Social
Duck & Waffle, City of London
What: Duck & Waffle earns the trophy for being the highest private dining room in the country so, whether you’re marking a special birthday or just need to impress some important clients, there can arguably be no better place than this unforgettable venue. Gaze out over the Gherkin and watch the lights of London’s skyline sparkle while you dine from the restaurant’s special private dining menus.
Where: 110 Bishopsgate, EC2N 4AY
Book now: Duck & Waffle
SUSHISAMBA Heron Tower, City of London
What: For the best private dining rooms with a view in London, SUSHISAMBA’s dramatic mezzanine space is a strong contender. Set on the 39th floor, the room overlooks the main restaurant siphoning the buzz from the diners below. Thanks to its views of the city skyline, the private dining room particularly lends itself well to evening parties and celebratory meals where you can get some gorgeous sunset pictures.
Where: 110 Bishopsgate, EC2N 4AY
Book now: SUSHISAMBA City
Searcys at the Gherkin, City of London
What: Each of the private dining rooms at Searcys are named after clouds - aptly so, as you are so high up on the 38th, 39th and 40th floor of the Gherkin that you are, literally and figuratively, dining in the clouds. Entire floor to ceiling glass walls makes for a pretty incredible private dining room with a view. Use just one room for a small gathering or opt for exclusive hire and host the party of a lifetime.
Where: Level 38, 39 and 40, The Gherkin, 30 St Mary Axe, EC3A 8BF
Book now: Searcys at the Gherkin
Shangri-La The Shard, London Bridge
What: Found 125 metres up, on level 34 of the tallest building in Western Europe, it’s obvious that Shangri-La has some pretty impressive private dining rooms with a view. There is true versatility between the three rooms on offer with the ballroom featuring crystal chandeliers; the middle room hosting a modern style; and the smallest room offering a bright space with views of Tower Bridge.
Where: Level 34, 31 St Thomas Street, SE1 9QU
Book now: Shangri-La The Shard
Rose Court Events, Southwark
What: With an enviable high-rise location on the South Bank, Rose Court Events promises dinner with a view, thanks to jaw-dropping panoramic views of London. Nine different spaces allow for flexibility when it comes to picking the right space for your intimate occasion. Dress to impress and feast on delicious plates from award-winning caterers, Green & Fortune.
Where: 2 Southwark Bridge Road, SE1 9HS
Book now: Rose Court Events
The Stafford London, St James's
What: Five-star hotel, The Stafford London, has been delighting diners with its views and its gourmet menus for over 100 years. Boasting six different rooms, The Stafford Park Suite is the best private dining room with a view, thanks to its stunning views of Westminster, the London Eye and Big Ben. While only seating six, this outdoor private dining room creates an intimate space to soak up the sunshine.
Where: 16-18 St James's Place, SW1A 1NJ
Book now: The Stafford London
Sea Containers Events, South Bank
What: This iconic venue has made a name for itself as, arguably, one of the best private dining rooms with a view in London. You’ll have the pick of six event spaces across three different floors. The Wren, seating up to 36 people, provides unparalleled views of St Paul's and The Shard, while the roof terrace offers up 360 panoramic views, perfect for a social event along with a canape menu featuring fresh, British produce.
Where: 18 Upper Ground, SE11 9RQ
Book now: Sea Containers Events
We know how difficult it can be to make a decision on the best spot for a celebratory meal, so if you need a little more inspiration, you should check out 28 of the best rooftop restaurants in London for more gorgeous views of London's skyline.