The Best Private Dining Rooms In The West End – Part 1

Simply put, London’s West End rocks. It always has and always will, it is the central hub of the Capital’s social scene, the epicentre of London’s night life where all the tourists go, the heart of the entertainment industry, a shopping mecca and much more.

Feeling overwhelmed? Well we’re here to help – here in two parts are our tips for top private rooms in the West End where you and your guests can enjoy the vibe but without the crush. In Part One we’re talking Hot hotels and Iconic Fine Dining.

There are loads of fabulous hotels in the West End, but for special private spaces we love The Arch – a glamorous boutique hotel. It’s a stone’s throw from Marble Arch but the Martini Lounge – a double drawing room – is ideal for receptions and dinners, but is also popular for daytime events such as afternoon teas and baby showers. Especially cosy in winter when the two real fires are roaring. Downstairs Whitehall 944 is a more traditional private room with all the mod cons, while in the hotel’s foyer, The Study with glass walls and sofas, is perfect for small afternoon teas and informal meetings.

Nearby the Cumberland Hotel is home to W1, with its own entrance it’s a fabulously sparkly space for up to 65 designed by Kelly Hoppen in black, crystals and chandeliers. The private room backs onto the wine wall and has a highly polished oval wooden table for up to 22. An ideal space for wedding receptions and intimate events guests can choose between the brasserie menu and the Michelin-starred fine dining menu.

While over at the Mandeville hotel, the Reform Social & Grill has two private rooms for between 12 and 24 – with the feel of a gentleman’s club but without the fustiness – it’s an elegant space to enjoy traditionally influenced food in a modern way – their yorkshire pudding sliders proved so popular they’re now a permanent fixture!

Looking for a Private Room in an Iconic Fine Dining Restaurant

Of course fine dining options are also plentiful in the area. Heddon Street Kitchen by the multi-Michelin-starred Gordon Ramsay is striking space with various private and semi-private areas. The Private Dining Room for up to 12 is perfect for board meetings and brainstorms – there’s even a day delegate package on request. The first floor as a whole can be hired for 80 seated or 120 for a standing reception (the ground floor bar & lounge up to 40).

A great place to see and be seen at is The Ivy and their private room is some kind of special. The iconic celeb hang-out has a stunning art deco private room above the main restaurant. A recent refurbishment by Martin Brudnizki has given it new panache and a baby grand, but there’s nothing that can beat the harlequin stained glass windows and oak panelling. With a bar and reception area, there’s space for up to 60 (100 standing), it’s often used for after-parties, launches, networking, receptions, weddings, civil partnerships, anniversary and birthday celebrations.

Similarly striking windows and wood panelling can be found at Les Deux Salons, where the stunning private rooms seat up to 30, although there are several other nooks and crannies available for smaller semi-private events.

Over on Piccadilly the Crustacea Room at Bentley’s seats up to 14 guests and is ideal for any formal lunch or dinner with a reduced a la carte for just £55 lunch and £72 for dinner. But our top tip is the Swallow Street rooms – two separate spaces The Den and the Library which comprise its own private bar, bathroom, cloakroom facilities, piano, plasma screen, late licence and state of the art sound system for up to 60 seated (100 standing). Set three course menus start from just £40 per person including canapes, tea, coffee & petit fours.