When looking for a space to be the backdrop of your next event, be it a birthday, wedding breakfast or corporate dinner, it's important to find somewhere with easy transport links, great food and plenty of atmosphere.
Polpo Soho, the brand's original flagship branch has stood on Bleak Street since 2009. Just a stone's throw from Carnaby Street and Oxford Circus tube station, its fantastic location is just one of the many reasons it's a total crowd pleaser for private dinners.
Inspired by the traditional bàcaris of Venice, the menu is made up of small, sharing-style cicheti plates which are perfect for a large group. This traditional Italian technique allows everyone at the table to try a mix of flavours and is the best way to bring people together.
The restaurant itself is small and intimate, with a cosy vibe and atmospheric lighting which hangs low into the room and is accessorised with linen napkin-like shades. While the main dining room is gorgeous - we particularly like the clay-pink walls - private dining bookings usually take advantage of the exclusive-hire space on the lower ground level.
The Campari Room has the capacity for 24 people to come together and break bread around one central table. You can work with the chefs on creating a bespoke menu of sharing plates, picking out your favourite dishes from the offering, which can be enjoyed between the group.
In true Italian style, the team are also passionate about starting any meal with a typical aperitivi, so first off, ensure your friends, family or colleagues have either a Campari Spritz or Peach Bellini to kick things off with.
Then, in terms of menu highlights, we love the sound of the broad bean, pea and goat's curd crostino, alongside the beef shin rigatoni and chilli, garlic prawns with rocket. For afters, no one is going to say no to the Nutella pizza, especially with a side of pistachio gelato.