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Written by Mae Bristow - 22 February 2024


Top venues for Chinese New Year celebrations


The Lunar New Year is celebrated by millions of people across many cultures on the first or second new moon of a lunisolar calendar. Whilst many cultures celebrate Lunar New Year and the customs differ by calendar and culture, in London, it is most commonly observed through Chinese New Year celebrations in central London's Chinatown, and it is these Lunar New Year celebrations we want to celebrate in this article through the world of Chinese fine dining.


We travelled across central London to find the best restaurants and private dining experiences where you can celebrate Chinese New Year.


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1. Celebrate Chinese New Year with this luxury private dining experience: Gouqi

Charing Cross, London

Located near Trafalgar Square, Gouqi fine dining Chinese restaurant, helmed by renowned Chef Tong Chee Hwee, offer a private dining experience with menus showcasing the finest ingredients and Chinese flavours, techniques, ingredients, and dishes inspired from across the country.


At this top private dining establishment, we recommend the 8-course tasting menu or the 3-course signature sharing menu–add the legendary Peking Duck, we highly recommend it. Gouqi can also create set menus based on a la carte preferences. Classics such as the Dim Sum, Salt and Pepper Squid, and Black Pepper Beef are superb and exquisitely presented.


Gouqi has two interconnecting private dining rooms, Crimson and Ruby, which seat 12 and 10 respectively. Combined, the private dining room can accommodate up to 22 guests. The rooms can accommodate 15 in each and 45 guests combined for standing events.


Gouqi also offers exclusive venue hire of up to 100 guests and hosts events in the Berri Bar that can accommodate up to 25 guests.


For private dining, the minimum spend from Sunday to Thursday is £1,200 per room, and on Friday and Saturday the minimum spend is £1,500 per room, however, prices may vary depending on the date, time, and duration of the booking.


A truly top private dining experience to celebrate the Chinese New Year.



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dim sum at park chinois chinese new year venue
dim sum at park chinois chinese new year venue

2. Restaurant and club inspired by 1930s Shanghai: Park Chinois

Green Park, London

Celebrate Chinese New Year at Park Chinois, the Mayfair restaurant and club inspired by the glamour of 1930s Shanghai. Split across two floors and offering two distinct dining experiences, this is a venue celebrating Chinese cuisine through a fine dining experience.


The stunning Salon Rouge and Salon Noir are exclusive private dining rooms at Park Chinois. Salon Noir seats 9 guests around a circular Makassar ebony table. Salon Noir is lit by a Baccarat chandelier and wall sconces by Lucien Gau and also features a striking white Carrara marble fireplace in the English Rococo revival style.


Salon Rouge, located within Club Chinois, seats 12 guests around a handsome, rectangular Makassar ebony table. Salon Rouge features luxurious fabrics, featuring stunning, hand-gilded ceiling mouldings by an artisan French atelier, and a bespoke decorative pendant.


Park Chinois offers group dining menus–Noir at £130 per person, Rouge at £150 per person, Jade at £200 per person, and vegetarian at £100 per person.



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dishes at a wong for chinese new year venue
dim sum at a wong chinese new year venue

3. Enjoy a 3-hour multi-course journey across China: A. Wong

Pimlico, London

Located equidistant to Victoria and Pimlico stations, A. Wong is a renowned Michelin-starred Chinese restaurant known for its extensive tasting menus and dim sum. Chef Andrew Wong is also an anthropologist, a specialism that influences his cooking style that is modern yet rooted in and inspired by the past.


The decor is modern with a jewel-tone colour palette and there are touches of Chinese aesthetics in the furnishings and decorations, but it is A. Wong's stunning presentation of dishes that steals the show.


Choose from a lunch dim sum a la carte menu or tasting menu and in the evening A. Wong offers its renowned Collections of China (vegetarian option available) multi-course tasting menu priced at £200 per person. A high-end dining experience with the finest ingredients showcasing the flavours and techniques of China's many regions.


A. Wong is all about elevating Chinese cuisine and offering guests an experience of the highest calibre.



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dish at hakkasan private dining chinese new year london
hakasan private dining chinese new year london

4. Modern Cantonese cuisine, world-class mixology and dramatic design: Hakkasan

Fitzrovia, London

Hakkasan Hanway Place, the Michelin-starred modern Chinese restaurant specialising in Cantonese cuisine was established in Fitzrovia in 2001, and designed by Christian Liaigre, the restaurant exemplifies the sophisticated Hakkasan design ethos now found in Hakkasan restaurants around the world.


The restaurant offers semi-private dining rooms for guests to experience. Ling Ling is an intimate private dining room that can accommodate 20 guests in a chic black and gold room evoking Chinese aesthetics. Hakkasan pays homage to ancient Chinese cuisine through unique blends and authentic Cantonese recipes with contemporary techniques and influences. Expect Michelin-level ingredients and presentation in elegant surroundings.



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dim sum canton blue chinese new year venue
dim sum at canton blue chinese new year venue

5. High-end Cantonese cuisine at the luxury Peninsula Hotel: Canton Blue

Hyde Park Corner, London

Blue may be in the name but the Peninsula Hotel's Canton Blue is an ode to the primary colours on the inside with beautiful decorative and contemporary maritime-themed displays in yellow, red, and blue Cantonese porcelain. The backlit ceiling panel depicting a celestial navigation map combined with the decor make for an elegant atmosphere, the perfect polished environment for the high-end Cantonese cuisine on offer.


Canton Blue offers two private dining rooms – the Silk Room and the Music Room and offers an a la carte menu, dim sum menu, and a Lunar New Year 6-course set menu priced at £168. The set menu features the highest quality Chinese ingredients and dishes like steamed scallops, and crab, Drunken Duck, and Barbecued Pork all presented at a level that matches Canton Blue's refined surroundings.



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Find the perfect venue to celebrate Lunar New Year

The Lunar New Year is celebrated by millions of people across many cultures on the first or second new moon of a lunisolar calendar. In London, the Lunar New Year is most commonly observed through Chinese New Year celebrations in central London's Chinatown. We travelled across central London to find the best restaurants and private dining experiences where you can celebrate Chinese New Year.

Match with venues

Crafting Unforgettable Moments: A Guide to renting a Lunar New Year venue in London

Lunar New Year, also known as Chinese New Year or Spring Festival, is a vibrant and culturally significant celebration celebrated by millions of people around the world. In London, Lunar New Year celebrations bring together diverse communities to usher in prosperity, good fortune and happiness. If you're planning a Lunar New Year event in London, finding the perfect venue is key to creating a memorable and festive atmosphere. In this guide, we'll explore everything you need to know about hiring a Lunar New Year venue in London, from choosing the ideal location to planning seating arrangements and understanding pricing options.

Understand the significance of Lunar New Year: Before diving into venue selection, it's important to understand the significance of Lunar New Year. This traditional festival marks the beginning of the lunar calendar and is celebrated with family reunions, feasts and cultural rituals. Consider incorporating traditional elements such as red lanterns, dragon dancing and auspicious decorations into your event to honour the spirit of Lunar New Year.

Identify suitable venues: Start your venue search with HeadBox by identifying venues in London that are suitable for hosting Lunar New Year celebrations. Look for venues that offer ample space for food, entertainment and cultural activities. Consider factors such as location, capacity, accessibility and amenities when evaluating potential venues.

Research Lunar New Year themes: Lunar New Year is rich in symbolism and tradition, with each year associated with a specific zodiac animal and elemental energy. Research Lunar New Year themes and motifs associated with the current year's zodiac sign to inspire your event decor and ambiance. Incorporate traditional colours such as red, gold and yellow to symbolise prosperity and good fortune.

Plan seating arrangements: Determine the seating arrangements for your Lunar New Year event based on the nature of your celebration. Whether you're hosting a formal banquet, a casual buffet or a cocktail reception, make sure the seating arrangements encourage mingling and social interaction among guests. Consider round tables for family-style dining or lounge seating for a more relaxed atmosphere.

Customise the venue décor: Transform your chosen venue into a festive Lunar New Year setting by customising the decor to reflect the spirit of the occasion. Decorate with traditional Lunar New Year symbols such as Chinese lanterns, cherry blossoms, lucky coins and zodiac animal motifs. Incorporate elements of prosperity and abundance to create an auspicious atmosphere for your guests.

Incorporate cultural entertainment: Enhance your Lunar New Year celebration with cultural entertainment and performances that showcase the festival's rich heritage. Consider hiring lion dancers, traditional musicians or martial artists to entertain guests with dynamic and engaging performances. Create opportunities for guests to participate in interactive activities such as calligraphy, fortune telling or dumpling making workshops.

Understand pricing options: Pricing for Lunar New Year venue hire in London can vary depending on factors such as venue size, location, amenities and the duration of the event. Some venues may offer package deals or special promotions for Chinese New Year celebrations, while others may charge standard rates. Discuss pricing options and any additional fees with venue representatives to ensure they are in line with your budget.

Secure catering and menu selection: Plan your Lunar New Year menu with careful consideration of traditional dishes and cultural preferences. Work with the venue's catering team or outside caterers to create a menu that showcases auspicious foods and symbolic ingredients believed to bring good luck and prosperity. Consider offering a variety of options to accommodate your guests' dietary restrictions and preferences.

Manage logistics and event coordination: As the event date approaches, coordinate logistics and details with the venue's event staff to ensure a smooth and successful celebration. Confirm set-up and tear-down times, technical requirements and any special arrangements for entertainment or decor. Designate a point of contact to oversee event logistics and address any last-minute issues or changes.

Celebrate with joy and harmony: On the day of your Lunar New Year event, embrace the spirit of joy, harmony and togetherness as you celebrate with friends, family and loved ones. Create meaningful moments and cherish the traditions of the Lunar New Year as you welcome in the New Year with optimism and positivity.

Hiring a Lunar New Year venue in London provides the opportunity to celebrate this cherished cultural tradition in a vibrant and festive environment. By choosing the ideal venue, planning thoughtful decorations and entertainment, and embracing the spirit of the Lunar New Year, you can create an unforgettable experience for your guests. May your Lunar New Year celebration be filled with joy, prosperity and auspicious blessings as you welcome in the New Year with warmth and hospitality.

Frequently asked questions

Lunar New Year themed menus often feature traditional Chinese dishes that symbolise prosperity, longevity and good fortune. Popular menu items include dumplings, spring rolls, whole fish, longevity noodles and sticky rice cakes. Vegetarian and non-traditional options may also be available to accommodate different dietary preferences.

When selecting a venue for a Lunar New Year celebration, consider factors such as space for entertainment and cultural activities, availability of Chinese cuisine or catering options, and flexibility to customise decorations. Venues with ample parking or convenient transport access may also be preferred for the convenience of guests.

It's advisable to book a Lunar New Year venue well in advance, especially during peak celebration periods. Aim to secure your preferred venue at least a few months before the event date to ensure availability and allow sufficient time for planning and preparation.

Yes, many venues will allow you to customise the decor and entertainment to reflect the theme and spirit of the Lunar New Year. Coordinate with the venue's event coordinator or outside vendors to discuss options for décor, entertainment and cultural elements that align with your vision for the event.

When planning a Lunar New Year celebration, it's important to respect cultural traditions and customs. Avoid sensitive or offensive imagery and ensure that entertainment and activities are culturally appropriate and inclusive. Consider consulting with individuals or organisations within the local community for guidance on cultural sensitivity.

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