Private Dining Rooms In London With Views.

Room With A View

When you think “private dining”, it’s easy to get wrapped up in the idea of a room, off the main restaurant, tucked away from the rest of the world. While this idea is very quaint, these rooms can often become low-lit windowless chambers, exclusive only to you and your guests. It can all start to get a bit cloak & dagger. While this is actually a rather fun idea, there’s nothing to say you have to totally shut yourself away when you dine privately. Why not treat your diners to their own personal view – the perfect side-ingredient to complete your private party.

For lush, green, garden views, there’s The Bridge Room at The Prince Albert. Located close to Chelsea’s popular King’s Road, this private room is designed with several chunky windows that dot the perimeter of the space and stand out from the ornate walls. Think the Elizabethan era meets Lady and the Tramp, with its bold dog-patterned wallpaper. You’ll be served platters of canapés and robust puddings, all complimented by charming views of Battersea Park.

Close by in Kensington, The Roof Gardens present Babylon, a dining room that offers a stunning view across London, without feeling too immersed in the bustle of the city. The terrace here can be used for al fresco dining, if you so wish. This is fantastic on a summer evening in London, with the gentle hum of black cabs wafting up from the Kensington roads below and a view of the city from it’s less industrial suburb, that almost allows a voyeuristic, elitist experience.

For a totally different dining experience, with an extremely distinctive type of view, head to the Centre Point building in central London. On its 31st floor is a large private event room and on it’s 33rd floor is Paramount’s Red Room. For those unfamiliar, Paramount is the restaurant that sits atop the Centre Point building, just next to Tottenham Court Road station. It boasts a 360° perspective of London – you can stroll around the perimeter of the bar and take in the city from every angle. The Red Room – named so thanks to its plush red walls and copper coloured finishings – is there for private use. Seat your guests in front of a glass wall and take in the ever-impressive London skyline. As you dine, you will almost feel like you’re on the precipice of a glassy cloud, keeping a watchful eye on the capital.

If it’s height you’re looking for, on the 23rd floor of the Hilton London Metropole is Minako at the Met, one of the highest restaurants in London. The menu here is exquisitely eloquent and exceptionally different – Minako’s take on Asian Fusion. China meets Japan meets Vietnam meets Thailand, blending crispy salmon recipes with peppers, seaweed, sweet and sour juices, delicious duck, mouthwatering rice, all topped off with an extensive cocktail and wine list. The view here may not be quite as high up as the view at Paramount, but it is stunning with its direct views of Tower Bridge and the London Eye – especially spectacular at night-time.

Alternatively, if you’re happy with a lower street view, Green’s at Bank is nestled in the heart of The City’s financial district. It offers The Runner Bar and the Cornhill Room, the former being for an event for over 100 people and the latter being more intimate. It has low-arched windows that offer an impressive view of the Bank of England and the Royal Exchange, making you feel as if you are in a Dickensian counting house.

Rather than looking out over the streets of London, Bluebird in Chelsea’s private room offers you an aerial perspective, simply by looking to your feet. Set in a converted attic, you can enjoy their delicious menu of game, seafood or produce from France, as you watch the activity below you.

“Fabulously dramatic views” are the order of the day at Manicomio in the city. Manicomio offer “a three storey haven in the heart of the St Paul’s District” with their personal dining room that gives you a more up-close, immediate look at the neighbouring architecture. Rather than look out across the rooftops, this eatery cocoons you in amidst the towering buildings of the city. It’s all about height here. Despite its private rooms being only on the first and second floors, Manicomio seat you amidst long windows, tall ceilings and modern finishings. All accentuated with a wonderful a la carte menu.

If it’s riverside views your after, try out The Dock Kitchen in Notting Hill, located in a Victorian wharf building and with a private dining room that leads onto a terrace overlooking the neighboring dock.

Similarly, Boisdale of Canary Wharf gives you a choice of several private rooms, overlooking the Cabot Square fountains and with uninterrupted views across London. Executive Head Chef Andy Rose has designed a Scottish/English menu that offers delicacies in the form of everything from shellfish to lamb. The private rooms here are also wonderfully individual. Dine amidst the works of artist Jack Vettriano in the room of the same name, raise your glasses in the Johnnie Walker Blue Label Room or admire the alternating artwork of the Boisdale Fleming Gallery Room.

Nearby, The Gun is located on the Thames in Docklands – opposite The 02 – and plucks its produce straight from the nearby Billingsgate fish market. Here, choose from three private rooms – the Red Room, the Cabin Room and the River Room (all seating around 20 people for dinner) and enjoy a wonderful view of the Thames.

For a view from the water, The Leven Dutch barge is an oak paneled ship moored at the West India Quay and looking out over the impressive London docklands. When you’re not admiring the resident wildlife of the Quay – ducks, swans and even the odd seal – you’ll be taking in the sights of Canary Wharf and the O2 Arena. The barge is perfect for a family party with its relaxing saloon area or its sit down dinner table.

Whether it’s height, water or the greenery of the beautiful city gardens and squares you’re after, these excellent venues allow you to take a room with a view in majestic London.