The Best Spaces To Throw An Event In London, From Private Dinners To Major Parties 

Planning an event is no mean feat – especially if you’re in London. There’s so much to consider: managing everyone’s schedules, factoring in costs, travel times, themes, the guestlist... and, importantly, the venue. So where do you host a great party in London?

Well, you can stop looking. Between us, Team Service95 have thrown and attended dinners, drinks and blowout bashes across the city – and have brought together our favourite spots here in one place. Whether you’re looking for a private dining area with a twist, a cosy area to hire for drinks or a full venue to take over for a night of fun, we’ve covered it all. Get ready for a night (or day) to remember...

For A Small(ish) Group: The Best Private Dining Rooms In London

Looking to bring your friends together for an intimate dinner? From rooftop spots to some of the best sharing menus in the city, these are our go-to private dining rooms in London...

The Greenhouse at The Culpeper, Whitechapel

The Setting: On the rooftop of East London pub The Culpeper, you’ll find the greenhouse: an intimate private dining room in the form of, yes, a glass greenhouse. Each floor of the building has a different offering, from the ground floor pub and first-floor restaurant to bedrooms on the second. With a dedicated server, you can enjoy a family-style meal that reflects the English bistro menu of the restaurant below (from tartare and paté to start to grilled meats for main – plus apple crumble for dessert). Afterwards, you and your guests can continue on the night with drinks on the ground floor (and even stay over, if going home feels too far).

Capacity: Seats up to 10 people (6 people minimum)

Cost: Sharing menu £65pp; minimum spend £750

Book For: The view. There’s nothing quite like the London skyline at night, and the glass greenhouse allows for 360-degree views of the city as you dine. Book to arrive just before sunset to see the city in every light.

The Baring, Islington

The Setting: In that sweet spot between Islington, Hoxton and Dalston, you’ll find The Baring – a traditional pub with a refined twist (the kind you can go to for a nice meal, as well as a cracking pint). Downstairs, you’ll find plenty of tables dotted around for a walk-in but upstairs plays host to a beautiful private room, with its own bar, overlooking the open kitchen. (You might have seen that they’ve just opened a second pub in Camberwell, The Kerfield Arms. There’s a 24-person private dining room opening there in the next few months, so for those looking for somewhere Southeast, keep an eye on their website!)

Capacity: Seats 10-32 people

Cost: Sharing menu £60pp; Tuesday-Thursday there is no minimum spend, Friday-Sunday there is a £2,000 minimum spend

Book For: The space – filled with natural light (thanks to huge floor-to-ceiling windows) and chic design touches for a quietly elegant setting. Oh, and the cocktails never miss.

St John, Smithfield

The Setting: If you’re familiar with the London dining scene, then you’ll know St John – the restaurants, bakery and wine shop by Fergus Henderson and Trevor Gulliver. Its nose-to-tail menu features longstanding classics, such as beef mince on dripping toast and Welsh rarebit, plus inventive, ever-changing small plates (think crispy pig skin with dandelion and roast shallot). While both the Shoreditch and Smithfield locations are available for full restaurant hire, the Michelin-starred latter spot has a private dining room that’s perfect for long, languorous lunches or an evening feast with friends.

Capacity: The Smithfield dining room seats up to 16 people

Book For: Delicious food and great wines, guaranteed. Special mention goes to the desserts – always, always order the madeleines.

Forza Wine, Peckham 

The Setting: High above the ever-busy Peckham Rye high street, you’ll find the original Forza Wine location (its second outpost is at the National Theatre on the Southbank). It serves up what’s now the London restaurant staple: small plates and natural wine, with a regularly changing menu, banging soundtrack and some of the friendliest staff you’ll meet. Head out onto its sprawling terrace and you’ll see its private dining nook: a simple square room outside of the main restaurant, with arguably the best view of the London skyline – so you can make as much noise as you want.

Capacity: Seats up to 10 people

Cost: You can order the whole menu for four people for £125

Book For: A really great time. The private room allows you to connect your phone to the speaker, so you can play any music you like; there are litre carafes of wine on offer; and every meal should be rounded off with a Custardo® (yes, a custard-espresso hybrid). Heaven.

The Reading Room at Hide, Mayfair

The Setting: For a refined affair, take yourself to Mayfair – the Michelin-starred Hide in particular. You might know it for the Instagram-favourite spiral staircase and bubbling acorn cake, but there’s more to it than the (admittedly stunning) aesthetics. A focus on British produce results in an inviting, not-too-fussy menu, whether you’re visiting for breakfast (a must), lunch or dinner – when the tasting menus really shine. There are eight private hire rooms at Hide, plus an option for wider venue hire, all serving up set menus to please any crowd. However, the standout has to be The Reading Room: tucked away in the basement, lit by glowing bulbs and surrounded by books – the ideal celebration spot for bibliophiles.

Capacity: 6-8 people

Cost: Minimum spend is £350 for breakfast, or £1,000 for lunch and dinner

Book For: A truly private experience – this is fine dining with a playful twist.

The Pie Room at The Holborn Dining Room, Holborn

The Setting: Anything that takes place at the five-star Rosewood hotel is going to be a high-end affair. But (in the best way) its restaurant – British brasserie The Holborn Dining Room – is always welcoming. And, most importantly, it serves pies. The best pies, in fact. That’s where the private dining aspect comes into play. The Pie Room is a kitchen by day, dining room by night, dedicated to serving the classic British dish in an intimate setting. Current options include Norfolk black chicken and wild mushroom pie with leek fondue and tarragon, or a classic pork pie made to perfection.

Capacity: Seats up to 10 people

Cost: The set menu (of starter, main or pie, side and dessert) is £95 per person, with a minimum spend of £800 for reservations with fewer than 5 guests

Book For: The pies, of course! For true pie-lovers, you can also book masterclasses in The Pie Room and learn how to make their savoury delights at home.

The Green Room at Bar Crispin, Soho

The Setting: Just off Carnaby Street in the middle of Soho is not where you’d expect to find a small plate and natural wine haven – and yet Bar Crispin is just that. The restaurant focuses on seasonality and sustainability, prioritising British ingredients. Underneath the main restaurant you’ll find The Green Room – designed by Jermaine Gallacher, it looks like something straight out of Oz, where you can dine on feasting menus by chef Fabien Spagnolo, paired with wines from the cellar.

Capacity: 14 people seated or 50 standing in The Green Room; 28 people can also be seated across the whole venue

Cost: Minimum pre-order is £24pp for standing canapés and drinks, or for dining, seated menus are £48pp for lunch or £58pp for dinner; full venue hire starts from £2,000 minimum spend

Book For: The emerald-green setting (it’s like no other private dining room we’ve been in) and the wine list – an extensive, mainly European offering curated by head of wine Alex Price, and sourced from independent merchants. Expect a wide variety of organic and biodynamic wines, plus some rare grape varieties, to suit every taste.

Silo, Hackney

The Setting: Over in Hackney Wick, by CRATE brewery (if you fancy a beer beforehand), you’ll find the world’s first zero-waste restaurant, Silo. It’s “a restaurant without a bin”: meaning the carefully crafted set menu uses every part of every ingredient, with nothing thrown away. The concept alone is inventive – and the food even more so. While the whole venue is available for private hire for large gatherings, the private dining room is perfect for a smaller group come evening – it’s only available from 6pm, Wednesday to Saturday.

Capacity: 10-14 people

Cost: Minimum spend is £1,500, plus service charge

Book For: An immersive, unique dining experience. One to share with fellow foodies, who’ll join you in quizzing the staff about what goes into each dish.

For A Medium-Sized Gathering: Where To Book For Drinks & Group Dinners In London

Looking for something a little roomier? Whether it’s birthday drinks, an engagement celebration or post-work drinks, these private bar areas and larger dining rooms in London will do just the trick...

SOMA, Soho & Canary Wharf

The Setting: From the team behind restaurant Kricket (known for its clever spin on traditional Indian flavours) is cocktail bar SOMA, which is influenced by its sister spot’s cuisine. The first outpost is beneath Kricket’s Soho restaurant in Central London, while the new second space is just behind Kricket Canary Wharf. Entering both feels like you’re stepping into a space-age speakeasy: all clean lines, minimalist interiors and mood lighting, hidden behind unassuming doorways. While you can hire out the whole spaces, each has a private lounge for a drinks gathering, with comfortable seating to lounge on as you sip on cocktails until the early hours (both have late licenses, with SOMA Soho open until 3am on Saturdays).

Capacity: Up to 25 in Soho, 15 in Canary Wharf

Cost: Lounge private hire from £1,000, plus service charge

Book For: The truly killer line-up of cocktails, featuring unexpected core ingredients such as coffee, tomato and... peas. All delicious – it’s probably best to go with a group, so you can work your way through the whole menu.

Bocca Di Lupo, Soho

The Setting: This award-winning Italian restaurant might be in the middle of the West End, but it has all the comfort of a classic Italian trattoria, with a menu by chef patron Jacob Kenedy, inspired regional Italy using seasonal ingredients. Downstairs, this becomes even more apparent, with the wonderfully cosy-yet-refined private dining space: a wood-panelled room with a private bar that sits completely separate to the main restaurant.

Capacity: Up to 20 people with a family-style layout; up to 32 around a bespoke table; up to 45 standing

Book For: Comforting Italian food at its finest – the set menus offer a mix of sharing starters and fresh pasta, with mains to keep all to yourself (from salt cod to sirloin steak). And you’ll be thankful that the dolci is sharing, too, so you can enjoy a taste of everything – the rum baba is not to be missed.

Seed Library, Shoreditch

The Setting: In the basement of One Hundred Shoreditch hotel, you’ll find Seed Library – a bar by drinks connoisseur, Mr Lyan. As with any Mr Lyan menu, you can expect a host of surprising, strange yet always sippable cocktails. The space is exactly what you want for a party: dimly lit, with a retro design and vinyls lining the walls – it’s like stepping into the 1970s. Come evening, DJs such as Love Vinyl, Shortee Blitz and Hoxton record shop take over the decks to dial up the party vibe. The whole space can be hired, but groups can take over several corners of the bar – so you can soak up the atmosphere while having a space to sit and catch up with friends. The best of both worlds.

Capacity: Group areas seat up to 15 people; whole venue capacity is 120 people

Cost: No minimum spend for smaller groups; minimum spend for full hire is £20,000 on Saturdays (including security and cloakroom use)

Book For: Excellent, excellent drinks to enjoy until the early hours (it’s open until 2am on weekends).

The Camberwell Arms, Camberwell  

The Setting: Southeast London’s The Camberwell Arms does hearty food very well. (Special mention goes to its Scotch bonnet and pork fat on toast, sharing Sunday roasts and sensational pies for two.) Head chef Mike Davies is behind the pub’s British-focused menu, which attracts visitors from all over the city but is a firm favourite with locals, who fill the space every day of the week. Upstairs, there’s a bright, airy private dining space filled with long tables – great for communal lunches, birthdays and even weddings.

Capacity: 18-50 people

Book For: The great location (there’s a host of other pubs and bars along Camberwell high street for a post-dinner pub crawl) and the feasting menus. Everything is plonked in the middle of the table, ready for you to all tuck in for a genuine family-style meal.

BAO KTV, across London

The Setting: There are seven BAOs across London now, all serving up Taiwanese cuisine that never misses (including, of course, those fried chicken bao buns). But did you know that in the back of several of its restaurants, you can find the best karaoke rooms the city has to offer? Welcome to BAO KTV: private rooms you can hire in two-hour slots, where you can dine, drink and sing your heart out to Western and Asian classics. (You can find them in the City, Borough, Marylebone, Shoreditch and Battersea locations.) For bigger groups, you can hire out BAO King’s Cross in its entirety – with bespoke baos created specially for the occasion by chef Erchen Chang.

Capacity: 2-23 people, depending on the room

Cost: This is the best part (snacks aside, of course) – there’s a minimum spend of £35 per person, which can be redeemed back on food and drink during your slot

Book For: The New York room at BAO City – the largest (and newest) karaoke room on offer: slick design, lots of tables for a sit-down dinner and plenty of space to dance. The sharing platters are also a must.

Curious Kudu, Peckham

The Setting: For modern European cooking with a South African twist, head to Kudu in Peckham, (or its sister restaurant Kudu Grill in neighbouring Nunhead). The menus change regularly, bu always involve some kind of delicious grilled meats, a brilliant selection of vegetarian sides and a series of flavoured butters to go alongside its signature bread. Next door to the original Kudu restaurant, you’ll find Curious Kudu: a gorgeous, homey-style separate space that can be exclusively hired for an actually private dinner and drinks.

Capacity: Up to 14 people seated, or up to 35 standing

Cost: No room hire cost, but a £200 deposit is required; set menus range from £69-75pp

Book For: The ultimate feast. The set menus offer an abundance of flavourful dishes, with the main course (for non-vegetarians) acting as the star: huge cuts of grilled meats and fish, served right in the middle of the table.

The Studio Space at Pophams, London Fields

The Setting: If you like London bakeries, Pophams will already be a firm favourite, thanks to its crisp, flaky, buttery puff pastries with a twist (hello, maple bacon swirl). The London Fields location also plays host to a pasta restaurant come evening – but for those looking for a private gathering with a difference, look to the Pophams Home store just steps away from the OG bakery. Alongside its collection of homewares, there’s the Studio Space: a bright room tucked under the arches, which can be hired for private use – from dining and drinks to dedicated workshops. Perfect if you’re looking for an event with a difference.

Capacity: Up to 15 people

Book For: The workshops. In the Studio Space, the team can arrange a variety of workshop (from pottery painting and bookbinding to cocktail making), all accompanied with food and drink from the bakery and restaurant.

Upstairs At The Department Store, Brixton

The Setting: As the name suggests, above the newly renovated Department Store complex in Brixton (home to restaurants, businesses and a coworking space), you’ll find rooftop members’ club Upstairs. While you do have to join to access its bar, restaurant and stunning terrace day-to-day, you can hire its spaces for private functions for an additional fee – with everything from small terrace spots to the spectacular Dome available for private use.

Capacity: 14-250 people, depending on the space

Cost: From £575, depending on the space

Book For: The Dome – yes, the glass-domed turret on the top of The Department Store can be hired out, with capacity for 14 seated for private dining or 30 standing, with access to the terrace. Worth hiring just for the views as you look up to the sky while you dine.

OMA, London Bridge

The Setting: ‘Private’ and ‘Borough Market’ aren’t two words you’d expect to see together. But in the middle of one of London’s oldest and biggest food markets, you’ll find OMA: a restaurant above sister spot and souvla bar Agora, “inspired by the serenity and simplicity of the Greek isles” – which filters through into everything from the food (simple, delicious, packed with flavour) to the setting (as sleek and serene as you’d hope). Group bookings are taken Monday to Sunday, with an entire ‘wine annexe’ available for private dining (think seasonal and Mediterranean-inspired family-style feasts of breads, spreads, crudo, skewers and clay pots), along with a covered heated terrace overlooking Borough Market, for larger gatherings with a difference.

Capacity: 8-30 people in the wine annexe; 65-80 on the terrace

Book For: That unique birds-eye view over Borough Market. And the wine list – a 400-strong selection that focuses on minerality and salinity, with an emphasis on Greek wines. When booking a private event, a dedicated member of the OMA wine team is on hand to help curate your drinks menu.

For A Large Group: The Best Party Venues To Hire In London

For big gatherings – whether it’s a weddings, big birthday or work event – you might need to hire out a whole venue. These are the spaces we’d recommend...

Gothic Bar, King’s Cross

The Setting: The iconic St Pancras Renaissance Hotel deserves an equally iconic bar. Fortunately, that is the case with the Gothic Bar – which is a strong contender for the most beautiful bar in the city. Adjoining the hotel’s restaurant, The Midland Grand (a must-visit, with an expectedly stunning private dining room) this is the perfect spot for a pre-dinner drink on the heated terrace, or to spend an entire evening working your way through the note-perfect menu, which focuses on Eau de Vie, Absinthe, and Champagne cocktails. The entire space is available for exclusive hire, with a late license and a network of DJs, florists and entertainers to tap into for an evening to remember.

Capacity: 55 seated; 180 standing

Cost: £5,000 room hire and £10,000 minimum spend

Book For: A truly decadent soirée – the original Gothic Revival architecture has been perfectly preserved, and enhanced with rich velvet fabrics, mood lighting and plush seating. A dream venue.

Amie Wine Studio, Belgravia

The Setting: Amie started as a delivery-only, very chic rosé brand. Now, it’s evolved into a full offering of white, red, rosé and sparkling wines, plus this airy wine bar, wine shop and art gallery, just a short walk from Victoria station. While you can pop in for a drink and nibbles at any time, the entire venue is available to hire – it has its own kitchen and allows catering for private events.

Capacity: Up to 53 people

Cost: From £240 per hour

Book For: A great central spot that still feels intimate. It’s tucked away in Eccleston Yards – a courtyard with a handful of restaurants and shops, with a central area of picnic tables where guests can spill outdoors if the weather allows.

Kaso Rooftop, Shoreditch 

The Setting: Head to the top floor of East London’s One Hundred Shoreditch hotel on Friday and Saturday nights, and you’ll see the rooftop come alive. Kaso is the new opening bringing the relaxed vibe of the Mediterranean and Aegean to London. The space is the perfect party venue: enjoy a few drinks at sunset on the terrace before guest DJs bring on a soundtrack of old-school classics and R&B come 9pm. And because it’s only open on weekends, it’s available for hire, Sunday to Thursday.

Book For: The menus – Eastern Med-inspired small plates menu by chef Ilknur Celik and a short but excellent cocktail menu means you can while away an evening over a relaxed dinner, before heading inside to dance the night away with views of the London skyline.

No.23 at Carousel, Fitzrovia 

The Setting: The name Carousel is very fitting, considering the head chef changes here on a weekly basis – allowing for a new experience, every time you visit. However, the main kitchen team stays the same, meaning they gain experience working with celebrated chefs from across the globe – which trickles down into the menus for its wine bar and private dining offerings (where they can also create something bespoke, depending on what you’re looking for). There’s a couple of great spaces for hire within the main restaurant, but the real highlight is No.23, the mezcalaria and toastada bar next door, with a separate entrance that can be hired exclusively. (If you’re looking for a bigger space, Carousel also serves up the food for events at Shoreditch Arts Club – see below for more details.)

Capacity: Up to 23 seated, up to 40 standing

Cost: From £1,500 (excluding VAT)

Book For: A cosy sanctuary with an excellent menu – agave-centric drinks accompanied by Mexican-inspired bar snacks and tostadas by Ollie Templeton. Oh, and they host a great mezcal tasting.

Shoreditch Arts Club, Shoreditch

The Setting: Across three floors in East London’s iconic TEA building, you’ll find Shoreditch Arts Club. What was once a loading bay is now a flexible events space – one to book for big parties, presentations, screenings and even private dinners (more on the food below). There are plenty of options to choose from, whether it’s the double-height lobby, first floor bar, private cinema room or the entire venue.

Capacity: From 12-200 people, depending on the space chosen

Book For: A design-led, highly functional and super fun space that’s designed for hire – so everything can be catered to your needs. Not to mention the food, which is created by the team at Carousel (see above), so you know it’s guaranteed to be good.

Blue Mountain School, Shoreditch 

The Setting: The six floors of Blue Mountain School play home to a combination of spaces dedicated to art, food, collaboration and thought. There’s the one Michelin star, seven-table restaurant Cycene; an exhibition space; listening room; events space and rooftop, which all play host to a series of exhibitions and events throughout the year. Private hire options include booking out the 16 seats in the restaurant, or its adjoining private dining space, along with the rooftop for larger groups.

Capacity: 16-40 people, depending on the space

Book For: The Rooftop. Of all the spaces available to hire, this is by far the most special. It’s designed by Valentin Loellmann, with bespoke furniture made by the studio in Maastricht, with its own kitchen and custom-built sound system – and a terrace, to enjoy views across London on clear days. What more could you ask for?

The Hero, Maida Vale

The Setting: Casual yet lovely, our new favourite Maida Vale pub serves up nostalgic British food and cask ales on the ground floor. (The ultimate Sunday spot.) Upstairs is a more refined grill restaurant – and above that, you’ll find The Loft. The space is inspired by a New York loft, with plastered walls and a cosy log burner, and can be configured to suit your needs, whether it’s a private dinner or drinks-and-canapé affair.

Capacity: 30 seated; 70 standing

Book For: An event where you want to feel like you’re in your own home – but better. The atmosphere is truly cosy and inviting. Alternatively, there’s the The Library on the second floor: another cosy private hire spot for up to 45 people that’s lined with books, along with a record player and vinyls for you to select from, available on Mondays and Tuesdays.

3’6 Bar at Fortnum & Mason, Piccadilly

The Setting: It’s at Fortnum & Mason. Need we say any more? Actually, yes, because this isn’t the traditional tea salon you might associate with the classic British food institution. No, 3’6 is a bar on the third floor of the flagship store, featuring a modern, artful design and – dare we say it – cooler vibe. The drinks are exceptional, as is the food, and you can hire out the whole space for an elevated drinks reception.

Capacity: Up to 80 people standing

Cost: Minimum spend £4,000

Book For: An immaculate evening: there’s a piano, for live music, a dedicated cloakroom and the best bar snacks you might ever try (venison scotch eggs, anyone?).

Sessions Arts Club, Clerkenwell

The Setting: Sessions House is a Grade II listed building in Clerkenwell, housing a host of private hire spaces – but what we’re really into is the restaurant, Sessions Arts Club: a modern European restaurant, bar, art and performance space with a curated programme of events. The restaurant (both the dining room and mezzanine level, plus the surrounding terraces) can be hired in full.

Capacity: 60 people seated; 100 standing

Cost: From £4,000

Book For: A setting like no other. The grand building is both raw and refined, with the original mouldings and sweeping staircases intact, contrasted with unpainted, uncovered walls for a modern spin. Once the lights are dimmed and candles are lit, it’s truly spectacular.

Stereo, Covent Garden

The Setting: Underneath Covent Garden you’ll find this “subterranean haven”, mixing influences of New York and Parisian nightlife with that of London’s West End. Expect live music, glittering disco balls and a huge bar (great to perch at with an aperitif). There’s also a restaurant and a late license – meaning this is the place to hire out in full if you’re planning a big bash.

Capacity: Up to 575 people

Cost: From £11,000 for full venue hire

Book For: A big night out. The team can arrange for a band or a DJ (or both), plus there’s lots of room to dance, and a dedicated canapé menu to keep your guests fed and happy.