Great Private Dining Rooms in The Docklands (part 2)

There were just so many places we wanted to list in this area that we’ve had to add a part deux to our Best Private Dining in the Docklands, reconfirming what a hot destination this part of town has become. In this second instalment we’re focusing mainly on the developments in docks, wharfs and Crossrail Place.

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Private dining at West India Quay

The Sipping Room

Modern European

The Sipping Room’s relaxed modern gastro pub surrounds lend themselves to everything from relaxed meetings to birthday brunches, big celebrations and even wedding receptions. With a variety of spaces available for hire, the venue can cater for parties from 120 seated in the downstairs place or 160 for a standing reception. Set menus start at just £25 per person for 3 courses but definitely check out their Ibiza style brunch with a glitter punch every Saturday – ideal for birthday parties and bridal showers. Bottomless brunch costs £30 per person for 2 courses and 2 hours of unlimited cocktails.

Browns

Traditional Brasserie

Part of an old 19th century sugar warehouse, Browns overlooks the dock and is full of character. It offers a versatile private dining space downstairs with full disabled access and comes with a bar and projection screen. Open 7 days a week, they cater for everything from birthdays to business lunches, presentations and conferences with up to 60 guests able to be seated on round tables. Set menus start at £24.95 for 3 courses rising to £34.95. View on Private Dining Rooms.

London Marriott

International

With 20 event rooms, 14 breakout areas and capacity for up to 260-300 guests, high speed Wi-Fi, a complete modern AV spec and a fully serviced business centre, this luxury Marriott hotel has facilities for everything from full corporate entertaining and conferencing to weddings. Our top tip is the mezzanine rooms which boast natural daylight, while some of the others offer Thames River views. Breakfast starts at £25, sandwich lunches from £28, and 3 courses from £39 per person.

Rum and Sugar

Caribbean

Embracing its quirky, industrial roots, Rum and Sugar provides a truly unique space for parties from 85 for dinner or 250 for standing reception inside or groups of 80 (seated) to 100 on the superb outside terrace. The whole restaurant can also be hired exclusively with catering covering fork buffet, barbecue or seated dinner. To make your event even more special, add one of their brilliant extras – tutored rum tastings, rum and food pairings and cocktail masterclasses to really get the party buzzing – or just enjoy some of their 200 rum varieties!

Manhattan Grill

Steak

This restaurant has fabulous views and offers a semi private mezzanine area above the main dining room for up to 40 people seated on four round tables. Pre-dinner drinks and standing receptions can also be arranged in the G&Tea bar. Canapé menus start at £16 per person for 6 pieces, while for seated dinners, a 3 course meal costs from £39. A minimum spend applies which is based on minimum numbers.

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Crossrail Place

Sticks n Sushi

Japanese

Situated in the Crossrail development, the restaurant is next to Canada Square Mall’s Adams Plaza exit and offers semi-private dining space in the back of the restaurant on a long row or L-shape for a maximum of 22 guests. Set menus are advised for groups of more than 10 and start at £26 for the Greener menu rising to £48. And just because its sushi doesn’t mean they don’t cater for everyone – there’s even a Man-food menu with no fish!

Chai Ki

Modern Indian

This stylish, modern Indian soul food restaurant offers a private dining area for 30 guests as well as larger (but not private) tables for groups in the restaurant. Party menus are served in a sharing style, change seasonally and currently start at £37.50. Their Toddy Shop also offers party menus groups over 10 guests which start at £10 for breakfast menus or £26.50 for lunch and dinner.

Best of the rest

Plateau, Canada Square

French

From renowned operators D&D London, this fine dining French restaurant situated opposite One Canada Square Tower has amazing NY-style views. With two private spaces just off the main restaurant The Private Dining Room seats up to 25 or 30 standing, while The Garden Room decorated in beautiful blossom branches can seat 16 or 20 standing. The restaurant can also be hired exclusively. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, menus start at £45 for 3 courses and a minimum spend applies starting from £500.

The Pagination, Cabot Square

Gastropub

From Drake & Morgan, this industrial inspired gastropub offers flexible semi private areas and an outside terrace for parties between 20 to 150 seated, 200 outside on the terrace or 250 for standing receptions. They cater for everything from breakfast meetings, lunches and dinners to theatre style corporate events and are a popular wedding reception venue. Set menu packages for 3 courses start at £25 per person. We love the ‘bite’ menus at £12.95 per person for 10 pieces or the meat-heavy ‘butcher’s menu’ for £24.95 and the vegetarian-leaning garden platter for £23.95 They also do a cracking brunches and afternoon teas (pre-order necessary) that are ideal for birthday celebrations.

Scoff and Banter, New Providence Wharf

Modern British Cuisine

Set inside the Radisson Hotel Blue, Scoff and Banter’s six private rooms are situated on the first floor and can cater from 70 to 200 guests. With fully AV-equipped rooms, the menus start from £45 per person for 3 courses including tea and coffee. Dishes are different to the main restaurant menu but still modern British in theme and have recently been revamped. Our top tip is the daily delegate package with rates starting at £60 pp for 3 tea breaks, working lunch, room hire, stationery, Wi-Fi and flip chart. There’s also a car park on site (£15 pp).

Iberica La Terraza, ​Canary Wharf

Spanish

A five minute walk from Canary Wharf station, this authentic Spanish restaurant offers tapas, barbequed and grilled meats and has a variety of spaces for private hire, from the lounge or bar areas for 15 to a small mezzanine for 28, a large mezzanine for 55 seated or up to 220 guests for a standing reception as a restaurant exclusive. Guests can enjoy after work drink receptions, corporate events and personal celebrations, with tapas style group menus starting at £25 per person as well as canapé options from £18 per person, hand-carved ham and sangria prepared in front of guests.