Alternative London Restaurants For Office Christmas Parties
The annual office Christmas party is often one of the working year’s highlights. With so much to offer in the Capital, and so many interesting options, why not plan to do something really different and memorable this year.
So here are our top ten picks for a fantastic alternative Christmas party night, guaranteed to blow the socks off the boring old turkey dinner with a cracker and some ropey red wine.
Dirty Bones – Kensington
First up is Dirty Bones, just of High Street Kensington. This earthy, retro chic basement den offers a private dining room for up to 34 or exclusive hire, Christmas menus featuring hot dogs, ‘bone’ selections and chicken stacks as well as live music from 9 (Thurs, Fri and Sat) which almost guarantees an impromptu dance or two.
The Princess Victoria – Shepherd’s Bush
Further out west is The Princess Victoria in Shepherd’s Bush. Taking modern pubs to a new level, the PV is winning awards left right and centre as – it’s not just gastro but great vino too. One of the most popular local pubs, its stunning upstairs private room – for up to 70 – has been impeccably refurbished and is perfect for a relaxed Christmas party, with everyone spilling out into the main pub afterwards for continued revelry. The main pub can also be hired exclusively for up to 200 standing or 140 seated.
Hixter – City of London
In the City, Hixter is sure to be one of this Christmas’s must-visit venues. The uber-cool 70-s style Mark’s Bar in the basement can be hired as a private room and is perfect for a dress down City bash, whilst still guaranteeing the impeccable cuisine that Mark Hix is so famous for. Seating up to 60 or 100 standing there are even feast menus and surf n turf options. It’s really too good to miss
Ice Bar London – West End
For the truly brave and adventure hungry why not try Ice Bar London. Guaranteed to be memorable, the Ice Bar is, believe it or not, actually a bar made wholly of ice. Guests are given jackets to keep warm and canapé receptions for up to 40 minutes can be ‘enjoyed’ in -5C. For the remainder of the evening, the rest of the venue comprises other areas available for private hire (for 80 or 30 guests seated) where parties can enjoy more normal temperatures, show off party frocks and enjoy dances.
Babylon at The Roof Gardens – Kensington
For those with ‘high’ Christmas expectations, you cannot get any finer than Babylon at the Roof Gardens. A totally unique semi-private space for up to 30 guests or exclusive hire for up to 100, the trees, gardens and flamingos make hard to believe you’re actually 7 floors up on a roof. It’s guaranteed to give guests the ‘wow’ factor and have them talking about the party for years to come.
The Stafford London – St. James’s
We continue with the Stafford Hotel’s cellar. It doesn’t get more unique than this – down through the kitchen and caged wine bottles into the bowels of the hotel is the cellar room – a stunning arched space lit with candles and steeped in history. Seated events for up to 44 can be combined with wine tastings and it’s a one in a million room that is guaranteed to stick in the memory.
Bam-Bou – Fitzrovia
Back above ground, the creaking staircases of BamBou and its fabulous Asian/Vietnamese menus make for a different kind of evening altogether for up to 30 seated on the first floor dining room. For those wanting a standing reception (up to 60) or a discrete space to retire to after dinner the Red Bar at the top of the building is ideal.
Heliot – Leicester Square
Fancy a James Bond style wow factor for your Christmas party? Why not try Heliot, the restaurant at the Hippodrome Casino on Leicester Square. The former iconic nightclub is now an iconic casino filled with black jack tables and roulette wheels. Heliot’s private rooms allow for privacy during the meal, while guests can spill out into the main bar or restaurant afterwards to soak up the exciting casino atmosphere.
Carrara at The St James Theatre
For the more arty and creative, Carrara at The St James Theatre is an exciting new option. Having only opened two years ago, relatively few have discovered its potential for private dining. Up a stunning solid marble staircase is the main restaurant –a light airy space with seating for up to 45, while the theatre brasserie and bar can also be used for standing receptions for up to 200. For parties up to 120 who also want to include entertainment, the studio is ideal as it comes with a stage that would be perfect for a stand up – or dare we suggest it – karaoke.
The Dock Kitchen
Finally, for those wanting chic urban design and top tukka, The Dock Kitchen in an old wharf building in Notting Hill is ideal. Steve Parle’s eclectic and ever changing seasonal food is second to none, while the décor by British designer Tom Dixon gives it hip street cred. Takeover half the restaurant for parties of up to 52 or the showroom below the main restaurant can also be used for exclusive standing receptions.
The above venues are just a few of the alternative venues for Christmas parties listed in Private Dining Rooms. View our previous blog on exclusive London restaurants to host your Christmas party. We also offer a complimentary venue finding service to help our visitors find the perfect private room for their event.
Please feel free to call our Events Team on 020 7305 5044.
