Organising a private dining event with a difference? If you want to really impress your guests, opt out of the obvious options like restaurants, bars or the local boozer, and instead, take them to one of the world's most prestigious art galleries. The Courtauld Gallery hosts one of the most impressive art collections in the UK and is world-renowned for its iconic position within Somerset House's historic courtyard.
Such a wow-worthy location not only provides brilliant transport links, making the journey from in and around London easy for your guests, but a whole experience which is sure to start off your event beautifully. Within the gallery itself, the second and third floors offer two separate spaces to entertain guests while the likes of The Old Masters and Van Gough look on.
The Blavatnik Fine Rooms offer a suite of six galleries positioned across the entire second floor of the building, with a capacity of up to 200 guests for a cocktail reception or an intimate seated dinner for up to 50 people in the Rubens and Baroque Room. Here, the likes of the the Royal Academy, Royal Society and Society of Antiquaries have, throughout the years, hosted meetings and dinners, meaning you'll be dining in the same rooms where some of the most important decisions in the arts world have been made.
The recently, and beautifully, restored LVMH Great Room is where you'll find the most significant collection of works from Cézanne in the UK, with a capacity of up to 150 for a standing reception, and the potential to host seated meals upon request. In the summer months, take advantage of The Courtauld Terrace which has a permanent bar and décor that changes with the seasons. Here, you can host up to 60 people for a reception and 40 for dinner.
And, finally, for a more low-key affair the colourful and creative Art Cafe is a dynamic backdrop for breakfasts and receptions, with capacity for up to 100 people standing, or 50 for dinner.