Get a room! Whether you're organising a family get-together, corporate 'do, or a romantic date night, no doubt you'll want to get away from the public eye, close the doors and turn up the music. London offers plenty of places to dine behind closed doors, no matter your preferred cuisine or budget.
Dining out in London is a pretty common occurrence, therefore when organising an event for any special occasions such as birthdays or anniversaries it makes sense to explore your private dining options. London's collection of private dining rooms is rather extensive, each with its own unique style and atmosphere. Looking for a more discreet room away from the noise of the main room, or something right in the heart of the action allowing you to soak up that buzzing atmosphere? Perhaps you want something lavish and luxurious for that one special night, or a functional modern room kitted out with all the tech you need to smash the big presentation? Whatever it is, you’re guaranteed to find something to your liking.
There are several things to bear in mind when planning a private event, not least of all budget. Private dining isn't exactly known for being affordable, much less so in the increasingly expensive UK capital. That said, there are plenty of affordable private dining rooms in London that won't break your budget, if you know where to look. These spots don’t charge astronomical room hire fees, and the majority offer set menus, sharing platters or canapes that help to keep your dinner affordable. The best part? Hiring these rooms on a budget doesn’t mean you have to compromise on quality. From authentic Italian cuisine to London’s buzzing steakhouses, these are some of the most affordable private dining rooms in London. For more, check out our article that tackles the question, how much does it cost to hire a private dining room?
Read on to find out our private dining recommendations for getting more bang for your buck.
No. 29 Power Station West, Battersea
What: This all-day dining spot offers simple yet stylish spaces for your next private dinner, even boasting picturesque views of the Thames. The subterranean private room seats 16, with alternate options of a unique cinema room complete with lavish seating and giant screens. Two or three course menus are available in the evenings, including the likes of artisan platters and porcini mushroom pappardelle, with brunch feasts available earlier in the day. You can even ‘build your own bar’ with several reasonably-priced drinks packages including mojito, gin and spritz bars for some delightful tipples.
Where: 29 Circus West, SW11 8NN
Book now: No. 29 Power Station West
Bridge Baker, Fulham
What: Looking to keep things casual without compromising on the quality? Bridge Baker’s Fulham location is as inviting as it is affordable, with a cosy, neighbourhood vibe that’s sure to go down a treat. The 22-capacity dining room is available to hire exclusively, or you can just hire part of the main restaurant. Menus here are very reasonably priced with the cheapest options including a pizza of your guest's choosing and a glass of wine. You can even add tiramisu or a charcuterie platter and dough balls to share if you're looking to make the evening a two or three course feast, or jazz things up with a pizza and tiramisu masterclass that is sure to be a unique private dinner for all.
Where: 811 Fulham Road, SW6 5HG
Book now: Bridge Baker
Drunch, St John's Wood
What: Fancy tucking into some comfort food without going over your budget? Drunch serves up Mediterranean-inspired classics all day long. Get stuck into Turkish eggs on toast and shakshuka for brunch, or visit for dinner, when the menu includes the likes of truffle arancini with wild mushrooms or prawn linguine with tomatoes, olives and capers. Both the restaurant and lounge are available for private hire with their eye-catching and bold decor.
Where: 38 St John's Wood Terrace, NW8 6LS
Book now: Drunch
Alfi, Spitalfields
What: Housed in the buzzing Spitalfields Market, this charming Italian restaurant and wine bar offers excellent cuisine and a selection of European wines, available on tap or bottled. Private dining here comes in several forms with space from 12 to 200 people including its own dedicated Nook which allows diners to tuck themselves away from a couple of drinks and some small plates. The best part: menus here are pretty reasonably priced, so there’s no need to break the bank for your dinner. Menus offer the likes of charcuterie platters and grilled focaccia and even come with the option to add free pouring wine, so you won’t have to worry about racking up an enormous drinks bill.
Where: 3 Crispin Place, E1 6DW
Book now: Alfi
Cinnamon Bazaar, Covent Garden
What: Cinnamon Bazaar offers a private dining room with a difference. You and your guests will be seated in the Khari Baoli private room right above the main restaurant, boasting vibrant decor reminiscent of India’s famous bazaars. Party menus are on offer, stuffed full of Vivek Singh's masterful Indian cooking including the likes of samosa chaat, and chicken leg curries with house black dal and bread for the table. Finish your feast off with a carrot and ginger toffee pudding.
Where: 28 Maiden Lane, WC2E 7JS
Book now: Cinnamon Bazaar
Franklin & Baines, Clapham
What: Showing you can do stylish dining without that hefty price tag, Franklin & Baines is found in the heart of Clapham, boasting a buzzing atmosphere and a hefty selection of steaks. Small and large plates are available here, with several dishes straight off the grill. This one has different offers everyday, helping to keep things even more affordable, whether that's two-for-one steaks, discounted wines or bottomless prosecco.
Where: 68-70 Clapham High Street, SW4 7UL
Book now: Franklin & Baines
Pizarro, Bermondsey
What: Jose Pizarro's eponymous Bermondsey restaurant is beloved in London for delicious, accessible tapas plates that are perfect for sharing at your next private dinner. Menus here are, unsurprisingly, all about tapas, with fixed prices per person that will get you a selection of hot and cold dishes and even includes desserts. Options here span the likes of croquetas of the day, padron peppers, mussels in a spicy sauce and Spanish black pudding. Cocktails and wines come at an additional cost but it shouldn’t set you back too much with house wines that won't leave you worrying too much about the bill.
Where: 194 Bermondsey Street, SE1 3TQ
Book now: Pizarro
Chai Ki, Canary Wharf
What: Located in Canary Wharf, Chai Ki brings vibrant menus of contemporary Indian cuisine, showcasing a glamorous industrial-chic decor with exposed pipes and golden fixtures. Private dining here takes place on the mezzanine deck above the main restaurant, allowing you to be separated from the rest of the diners without missing out on any of the atmosphere. Party menus here are more than affordable, offering three courses that will see the likes of lamb samosas and kerala fried cauliflower to start, followed by mains of spiced chicken and paneer curries. Finish with gulab jamun or mango kulfi for a full feast.
Where: 1 Crossrail Place, E14 5AR
Book now: Chai Ki
Aik Sitar, Covent Garden
What: It doesn't get more central than an evening at Aik Sitar - this South Asian restaurant is slap bang in the middle of London and offers authentic cooking at reasonable prices, which is a winning combination in our eyes. Private dining here takes place in the site’s wine cellar, a rustic spot with ambient lighting that will have you feeling like you’re in your own little world. There are no set menus here, but the a la carte is rather affordable with mains of tandoori lamb chops and rogan josh to the special crab curry or tandoori prawn masala.
Where: 149 Strand, WC2R 1JA
Book now: Aik Sitar
Asia House, Marylebone
What: From business meetings to private lunches and intimate dinners, this venue caters to it all. Asia House is located right in the heart of Marylebone in a Grade II-listed building with unparalleled elegance. There's even a Gallery - which displays Asia House's regular exhibitions and can be hired for standing receptions or seated meals for up to 60 guests - and a Library with bookshelf-lined walls and the building's original fireplace. Buffet menus are available to cater your dinner, offering mains, desserts and a side salad, with three-course menus available for a larger feast. It’s all pretty affordable considering the elegant and stylish setting which is bound to impress your guests.
Where: 63 Cavendish Street, W1G 7LP
Book now: Asia House
No3, Clapham
What: From the muted orange and gold colour scheme to the large windows inviting bursts of natural light, No3’s private dining room makes for a classy yet relaxed space for your upcoming event. Whether you’re looking for two- to three-course a la cartes, build your own buffets or a selection of canapes and bowls to nibble on, there’s bound to be an affordable option to take your fancy. Plus, you even have the option for al fresco dining if you’re after a spot for a summer’s evening. Menus here are pretty classic with everything from mussels and Caprese salads to start, and seabass or chicken Kiev to follow.
Where: 3 Nightingale Lane, SW4 9AH
Book now: No3
Fancy a private meal with amazing views over the capital? Check out our recommendations for private dining rooms with stunning views of London.