Private dining venues on a budget in London – Part 2

In the second of our series featuring private dining venues on a budget, it’s often a good idea to check out a gastro pub, restaurant group or high street chain. Many of these have private rooms and with very affordable menus, sharing options or specific-timed set menus like lunch or early dinner, that give parties incredible value.

Pubs & Gastro Pubs

The Star Tavern, Belgravia

This gem may be a pub, but it’s a pub Belgravia-style and its grand dining room on the first floor can host up to 34 guests seated (50 standing) in its plush library-esque surrounds. Canapés are available for receptions, or full menus for more traditional seated lunches and dinners but prices are surprisingly reasonable – especially for the area – with starters starting from £6.50, mains £11 and rough price per head around £30.

The Prince Albert, Chelsea

The River Room at this famous south London pub has views of Battersea Bridge and the stunning park. Its modern first floor private dining room defines pub-chic with wonderful windows boasting views of the park and letting in light. With space for up to 50 guests seated or 80 standing and menus starting at just £23 per person, it’s a great venue option for local parties and celebrations. 

The Pilot, Chiswick

This local favourite features The Garden Room, a great party room for up to 40 seated at the back of the beer garden that’s separate to the main pub. Ideal for parties and family get togethers as well as business events or standing receptions, this Fuller’s pub also features a great selection of Sipsmith gins and an easily accessible pub menu. It’s also handily located a few minutes’ walk from Gunnersbury tube station making it super-accessible despite its W4 postcode.

Old White Bear, Hampstead

A 16^th century inn, this veteran north London pub offers an intimate first floor dining room for just 14 seated or 25 standing. Its Mediterranean leaning menu changes monthly with features such as antipasti and charcuterie plates and menus start at a very affordable £25 per person.

The Northcote, Clapham

This legendary pub at the corner of Northcote Road and Battersea Rise has been a stalwart feature of the area for decades and offers a recently refurbished, casually designed private dining room on the first floor for up to 35 guests. Its modern European menu starts at around £25 per person and includes sharing platters and canapé boards as well as more traditional courses.

Groups and Chains

Aubaine

With several sites in London, this stylish bakery-cum-brasserie has several venues with private rooms. Two great ones to note are:

The Notting Hill restaurant with its stunningly elegant room with views of Hyde Park and wonderful period features. Menus start at £32 per person and they can host up to 65 seated in the Opulent Room (90 standing) or 70 in the bar. A real hidden gem for locals and organisers looking for somewhere special to host parties or corporate entertaining within a budget but definitely without a budget feel.

Similarly, over in Mayfair, the private room offers two private rooms – the brick lined, vaulted ceilinged – La Cave – for a more intimate 27 guests or the light and airy Garden Room for up to 20. There’s also a semi-private area for up to 40 guests.

Polpo

With five London venues, this authentic and delicious Venetian-focussed Italian restaurant group offers private rooms for between 30 to 100 guests at its sites in Covent Garden, Notting Hill, Soho, Smithfield, Chelsea. Menus cost from around £33- £40 per person and cocktail masterclasses can also be arranged. 

Brasserie Blanc

Also boasting five London venues and with a new uber-modern site on Fulham Reach with stunning river views and space for up to 110, this classic French casual dining restaurant group from the iconic Michelin starred chef Raymond Blanc also has sites in Tower Hill, Chancery Lane, Southbank, Threadneedle Street. With space for parties from up to 225 guests, and menus starting from £25 per person, it’s a great venue for gatherings of all natures.  

Piccolino

Part of Individual Restaurants, this popular and buzzy Italian chain’s London venue is in Exchange Square in the City’s Broadgate area. Its private dining area on the mezzanine floor can seat up to 24 or 40 standing, menus start from £36 per person for a three course meal although there’s also a party menu available with individual options.