Unique private dining rooms: The quirkiest private rooms London has to offer

If you’re planning something special - a milestone birthday party perhaps, or a corporate dinner to impress a potential client - then a quirky private dining room could be just what you need to ensure a memorable party. Alternatively, if you are planning a business lunch and want something that will really stand out, a unique experience that stimulates both the taste buds and the mind will most certainly be memorable.

Fortunately, London has you covered on that front. This being such a historic city, many of the private dining rooms tucked away in London’s restaurants have their own stories to tell. At the Royal College of Surgeons, for example, you can dine surrounded by arguably the largest collection of scientific medical books in Europe! Or, if views are more your thing, there are lots of unique high rise private dining rooms (at City Social and Shangri-La The Shard, for example) that boast unmatched vistas across the London skyline.

Many of these private dining spaces also offer a drinks and canapes option so if you are planning an intimate gathering, these rooms could beautifully set the tone for your unique private dining experience.

From karaoke lounges to Shanghai-inspired drinking dens, our eclectic mix of London’s most weird and wonderful private and group dining rooms all have something different to offer, and we’re sure you’ll find one you love. Most private dining spaces offer a set menu and some offer the opportunity to work with the events team to create your own menu selection, adding an even more personal touch to your event.

Browse the list for a quick overview of our picks, and click the book now link to see more images, information and menus. You can even request a quote for your next private dining event.

Corrigan’s, Mayfair

What: Corrigan’s or Bentley’s would both fit happily on this list, but we’ll go with the former as it boasts a number of truly unique private dining rooms. The Kitchen Library, for example, is right next to the kitchen, giving you a proper up-close look at what’s happening in the engine room, whilst you dine surrounded by a library of Corrigan’s favourite cookbooks.
Where: 28 Upper Grosvenor Street, W1K 7EH
Book now: Corrigan’s Mayfair

Alain Ducasse at The Dorchester, Mayfair

What: One of London’s most iconic gastronomic destinations also boasts one of its most fabulous private dining rooms - what else would you expect from the legendary monsieur Ducasse? The Table Lumiere sits in the middle of the restaurant, but the seven guests around it are shielded from view by an incredible luminescent curtain, made of 4,500 shimmering optical fibres. The grub isn’t bad either, and all the tableware is exclusively made for the Table Lumiere by the likes of Hermès, Puiforcat and Saint-Louis.
Where: The Dorchester Hotel, 53 Park Lane, W1K 1QA
Book now: Alain Ducasse at The Dorchester

The Royal College of Surgeons, Holborn

What: The historic Royal College of Surgeons is a striking space in its own right, but the 80-capacity Library private dining room is particularly unique thanks to the proud green colour scheme, high ceilings and towering bookshelves. The library contains one of the finest collections of medical science documents in Europe - how’s that for unique?
Where: 38-43 Lincoln's Inn Fields, WC2A 3PE
Book now: The Library at The Royal College of Surgeons

Gringotts Wizarding Bank, Watford

What: A bank run by goblins is about as unique as it gets - we’d bet money on it. Located within the Warner Bros Studio Tour London, a grand setting is just part of the package. You’ll also be treated to a tour of the studio and get to see the Lestrange Vault, Gallery of Goblins, costumes, prosthetics, and items like the sword of Gryffindor.
Where: Studio Tour Drive, Leavesden, WD25 7LR
Book now: Gringotts Wizarding Bank

YOPO at the Mandrake, Fitzrovia

What: This plush, recherché space, with its blindingly bright red lacquer walls, is two parts sexy and two parts show-stopping. Flat screen TV and good music options add energy, not to mention the enormous faux rainforest canopy outside in the main dining room. YOPO at the Mandrake doesn't do things by halves. 
Where: 20-21 Newman Street, W1T 1PG
Book now: YOPO at the Mandrake

SUSHISAMBA Covent Garden

What: The breezy Latino vibes are perfect for the setting of Covent Garden’s South Pavilion, while a private balcony overlooking the piazza, some louche, seductive design and Sushisamba’s thrilling fusion plates add some pizzazz.
Where: 35 The Market Building, WC2E 8RF
Book now: SUSHISAMBA Covent Garden

Louie London, Covent Garden

What: Louie’s indulgent French and Creole menus already help it to stand out from the crowd, but the restaurant also has a couple of uniquely interesting private spaces, from the top-floor Cabana (complete with a 4K projector and sound system) and the beautiful foliage-laden terrace, which has a private entrance and retractable glass roof for sunnier days.
Where: 13-15 West Street, WC2H 9NE
Book now: Louie London

Colonel Saab, Trafalgar Square

What: Kitsch and chintzy to the extreme with antique furniture and carpets throughout, Colonel Saab is certainly a memorable space for a gathering. The restaurant spans multiple floors across a beautiful old townhouse, decked out in gold-gilded artwork, chandeliers, ceiling canopies and coral walls. Private dining spaces that include a bar, lounge and mezzanine as well as the main dining room, all of which can be hired together exclusively if you're planning a big soiree. If you’re looking for authentic Indian cooking in a striking setting, Colonel Saab is perfect for you.
Where: 42 William IV Street, WC2N 4DD
Book now: Colonel Saab Trafalgar Square

Luca, Clerkenwell

What: A picture of Luca’s beautiful verdant terrace says more than words ever could. Feast on Luca’s rustic Italian cooking under the sky or stars, surrounded by olive trees, climbing jasmine and a roaring fire in the stone fireplace - this, without a doubt, is one of London's best outdoor private dining rooms.
Where: 88 St John Street, EC1M 4EH
Book now: Luca

Park Chinois, Mayfair

What: Inspired by 1930s Shanghai, Park Chinois is easily one of the most distinctive, recognisable restaurants in London. There are lots of rooms to choose from but the scarlet red Salon Rouge is our favourite, thanks to the stunning rectangular Makassar ebony table, luxurious fabrics and that iconic decorative pendant light.
Where: 17 Berkeley Street, W1J 8EA
Book now: Park Chinois

The George, Fitzrovia

What: The stunning upstairs at The George is a great spot if you want to feast on exquisite British pub food in a gorgeous setting. The Private Dining Room retains some of the pub's old period features, like a huge stone fireplace, with a bit of glossy modernish thanks to the scarlet wall paint. 
Where: 55 Great Portland Street, W1W 7LQ
Book now: The George

Mercedes-Benz World, Surrey

What: Just outside London, Mercedes-Benz World doesn’t just offer private dining. It offers group dinners in full view of the race track below. If that wasn’t enough, Mercedes-Benz World also offers a range of team-building experiences and activities from fascinating displays to racing in a realistic simulator and testing your mettle with blindfolded 4x4 driving.
Where: Weybridge, KT13 0SL
Book now: Mercedes-Benz World

L'oscar London, Bloomsbury

What: This old Baroque-style church was once the headquarters of the Baptist Church - these days it’s a Grade II-listed monument to maximalist glamour, with stone carvings, rich wood panelling and a flamboyant purple-and-gold colour scheme. The Committee Room is quite something, with a majestic fireplace and peacock wall motifs.
Where: 2-6 Southampton Row, WC1B 4AA
Book now: L'oscar London

Barge East, Hackney Wick

What: Dinner on a barge? It doesn’t get more quirky than that does it? You might be surprised at the quality of what the Barge East team can create on an old Grain Barge, offering compact, seasonal tasting menus as well as street food classics for larger groups. Our favourite spot is the Canopy Room, which seats 24 on the upper deck with views over the canal.
Where: White Post Lane, E9 5EN
Book now: Barge East

Bar Crispin, Soho

What: One of our favourite London wine bars, Bar Crispin also has something special hidden in the back - The Greenroom, which seats up to 16 for a private dinner. Perfect for an intimate dinner or a drinks party, The Greenroom’s moody emerald colour palette and Bar Crispin’s exceptional wine list combine to practically guarantee a good time.
Where: 19 Kingly Street, W1B 5PY
Book now: Bar Crispin

Inca London, Soho

What: Inca is a kaleidoscope of colour and flavour - part snazzy Soho restaurant and part immersive rainforest experience. Inca’s selection of ceviches, tacos, tiraditos and more have long been popular in London, and the 16-seater private dining room offers a more exclusive setting to enjoy all the delights of Inca, including live music, DJs and more.
Where: 8-9 Argyll Street, W1F 7TF
Book now: Inca London

City Social, City of London

What: Stunning vistas, award-winning food and an address that’ll earn you instant kudos, Jason Atherton’s City Social is at the top end of London’s private dining scene in more ways than one. Both the sleek, moody, art-deco rooms have beautiful high rise views, and the smaller has a neat little kitchen window, where you can watch City Social’s chefs hard at work.
Where: 24th Floor, Tower 42, 25 Old Broad Street, EC2N 1HQ
Book now: City Social

Shangri-La The Shard, London Bridge

What: Dining 125m in the air, on Level 34 of the tallest building in Europe? That’s pretty unique if you ask us. Two separate dining rooms are east and west facing respectively, but the views are impressive on both sides, and the food is equally accomplished.
Where: 31 St Thomas Street, SE1 9QU
Book now: Shangri-La The Shard London

On the hunt for a private dining room that won’t break the bank? These affordable private dining rooms in London should be just the ticket.