Private dining venues for hire in London
Get a tailored shortlist from an expert
Your Questions, Answered
Beyond the obvious privacy, London PDRs offer complete control over your event's narrative. The Coral Room at Sexy Fish comes with its own amber onyx bar and those famous live coral tanks, whilst spaces like Bob Bob Ricard City's nautical salons include the legendary 'Press for Champagne' buttons at every table. Most crucially, you're buying time and space rather than just covers. The team at venues like Scott's will customise everything from menu cards to wine pairings, and many rooms include dedicated service teams who won't be juggling main restaurant duties.
The answer varies wildly by venue prestige and season. The Wolseley's candlelit PDR for 15 can book out six weeks ahead for December, whilst you might snag Luca's Garden Room with just two weeks' notice in February. Corporate favourites like Hawksmoor Guildhall's Sublime Society Room see steady weekday demand year-round. Through Zipcube's real-time inventory, you'll see actual availability rather than playing email tennis. Pro tip: Monday-Wednesday slots often have more flexibility and sometimes reduced minimum spends.
The sweet spot sits between 12-24 guests, perfect for board dinners or milestone birthdays. Intimate options include Gymkhana's vaults for 6-10 guests tucked underground, whilst Searcys at The Gherkin can combine rooms to seat 130 with those wraparound City views. Duck & Waffle's PDR maxes out at 18, creating scarcity that drives its appeal. For standing receptions, spaces transform dramatically - The Coral Room accommodates 80 for cocktails versus 48 seated.
Real pricing varies from Bob Bob Ricard City's set menus starting at £55pp to full tasting experiences at sketch pushing £300pp before wine. Most City venues operate on minimum spends rather than room hire fees - expect £1,500-£4,000 for premium Thursday evening slots. Searcys publishes transparent package pricing from £99pp afternoon to £140pp evening. Remember to factor in 12.5% service charge plus VAT where applicable. Through Zipcube, you can filter by budget upfront rather than discovering prices after three email exchanges.
Mayfair dominates the luxury end with Sexy Fish, Scott's, Hakkasan and Gymkhana all within a 10-minute walk of Green Park station. The Square Mile clusters around Liverpool Street and Bank, where Duck & Waffle, Bob Bob Ricard City and Brigadiers serve the finance crowd. Covent Garden offers theatrical options like SUSHISAMBA's circular PDR with private balcony. Marylebone provides refined alternatives including Orrery's terrace and Nobu's glass-fronted room away from the Mayfair scrum.
Beyond standard AV setups, London PDRs compete on Instagram-worthy elements. The Ivy Asia St Paul's Edo Room features a 12-foot samurai statue overlooking cathedral views. Bentley's Oyster Bar offers four nautically-themed rooms including the Crustacea Room. The River Restaurant's Art Deco PDR at The Savoy provides Thames glimpses. For pure drama, Sexy Fish's Coral Room houses two of the world's largest live reef installations. These features become conversation starters that guests remember long after dessert.
Absolutely, and often with significant savings versus dinner slots. Duck & Waffle's 24/7 operation means you can host sunrise sessions from 5am with full English options. The Wolseley opens its Art Deco PDR for power breakfasts from 7am, whilst Searcys at The Gherkin offers morning packages from £75pp. Lunch bookings at Benares or Hawksmoor often waive minimum spends entirely. These daylight slots particularly suit international clients working across time zones.
Most venues bundle room hire into minimum spend requirements rather than charging separately. Standard inclusions cover dedicated service staff, basic AV (screens and microphones), and printed menus. Searcys packages explicitly include canapés, three courses, wine and coffee from £140pp. Venues like Bob Bob Ricard City and Brigadiers might add welcome cocktails or petit fours. Always clarify whether prices include service charge (usually 12.5%) and VAT, as these can add 30% to your final bill.
Proximity to stations becomes crucial for evening events. Bentley's sits just 3 minutes from Piccadilly Circus, whilst The Ivy City Garden's Garden Room is barely 2 minutes from Liverpool Street's Elizabeth Line. Searcys at The Gherkin cleverly connects to four stations within 8 minutes' walk. For Mayfair venues like Scott's or Wiltons, factor in 10-12 minute walks from Bond Street. Consider booking requirements too - some venues need hosts to arrive 30 minutes early for setup briefings.
Height equals prestige in London's corporate dining hierarchy. Searcys at The Gherkin's level 38 PDRs or Duck & Waffle's 40th floor perch deliver instant impact with 360-degree views. For cultural weight, The Ritz's semi-private Ritz Room or Wiltons' 280-year heritage carry gravitas. Asian clients often appreciate Nobu or Hakkasan Mayfair's brand recognition. The River Restaurant at The Savoy combines riverside views with Gordon Ramsay's Michelin credentials. These venues understand diplomatic dietary requirements and discrete billing arrangements.