We’re a firm believer that good things come in small packages, and so we’ve taken the time to round up the best private rooms in the capital for groups of ten and under
USP Front row seats to haute French-meets-Asian cuisine
Private dining 6, 10, 10
Our favourite option at this Gordon Ramsay restaurant in Mayfair is also its smallest: The Kitchen Table. Groups of four to six will watch the chef prepare dishes like scallop ceviche and harissa lamb cutlets, and those looking for a really hands-on experience can add a cocktail masterclass to the mix.
USP Quirky interiors with a party vibe
Private dining 8
A City bar from the Late Night London crew, The Gable is a fitting choice for small groups that seek a busier atmosphere for post-dinner drinks. Start them off with British bistro classics in the Nest – a private room for eight where the walls look like they’ve been woven by birds – then have them join the party in the main bar.
USP Opulent vault space that serves Michelin-starred Indian feasts
Private dining 9
We love the atmosphere in the low-lit, lower ground vaults, which are fitted out with red banquette seating and gold-wallpapered ceilings. There are two to choose from, but for your needs choose the nine seater. As for the set menus, we like the sound of the seven-course option with dishes like wild muntjac biriyani and complementing wines.
USP Very fine Italian food in a private wine cellar
Private dining 7
City-slickers are well aware that L’Anima serves some of the best Italian food in London, filling the elegant main room with suits and ties each evening. We’d have to agree with them, but we prefer intimate dinners for groups of seven in the wine cellar surrounded by Italian vintages.
USP Glass-walled PDR for added ambience
Private dining 10
Of Aqua’s two luxe Regent Street restaurants, Aqua Kyoto (the one serving stylish Japanese rather than modern Spanish) has the better private room for small groups. It seats just 10 people, but benefits from the feeling of being in a larger restaurant without the noise as it has been designed with glass walls. Larger groups should look next door.
See more of our favourites here.