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Written by Mae Bristow - 15 February 2024


Our selection of the best Kensington private dining venues


There are three aspects to Kensington. First, there is Kensington proper including the area around Holland Park and the western edge of Hyde Park. There is South Ken, home to museums, Imperial British architecture, and luxury hotels. Last, there’s West Ken, a residential area so quiet by comparison it doesn’t feel like any of the other places it shares a place name with.


Kensington draws in tourists like a moth to a flame–it’s all that stately aforementioned Imperial architecture, the museums, and the five-star hotels. For Londoners, we tend to avoid tourist-heavy places as a rule, only braving them for a work event or the rare occasion we’re treated to an experience at an upscale restaurant or cocktail bar.


We’re not wealthy by any stretch of the imagination, nor are we visitors to the city, but for this article, we braved tourist-heavy Kensington and South Ken to explore the private dining rooms of the area.


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private dining room in zaika kensington private dining london
private dining room in zaika kensington private dining london

1. Inspired by the royal palaces of India: Zaika

Kensington, London

Located on the High Street, Zaika offers one of our top picks for Kensington private dining rooms. Indian cuisine paired with fine dining presentation in a relaxed, modern, and stylish space. Zaika’s private dining room seats up to 32 guests and epitomises softness and elegance.


Bespoke menus are on offer for this private dining experience but expect all the beloved Indian spices and flavours. From Shani Badami Chicken Korma, a classic dish served in Lucknow’s palace kitchens, to overnight-simmered Hyderabadi Lamb Shank—each dish is equally authentic and unique.


We enjoyed the design, decor, and atmosphere of Zaika’s private dining room along with its superb presentation of top-quality dishes.



the conservatory daphne's kensington private dining london
the conservatory daphne's kensington private dining london

2. An old favourite in South Kensington: The Conservatory at Daphne’s

South Kensington, London

Classic Venetian cuisine in one of the prettiest Kensington private dining rooms, the Conservatory at Daphne’s restaurant is a long-time neighbourhood favourite.


Daphne’s Conservatory is a lavish and exclusive space lined with elegant arched mirrors and decorative glass panels. An eye-catching tiled floor, terracotta urns bursting with seasonal greenery, and fragrant lemon and olive trees complement flashes of pale green in the woodwork–all these features combine to create an atmosphere evocative of the Adriatic coast.


The Conservatory can accommodate up to 24 guests on one long table, 32 seated on four round tables, or 50 for a canapé reception, and the standout private dining menus begin at £70 per person for three courses.


The Conservatory at Daphne’s is a long-time favourite and an elegant setting for birthdays, anniversaries, wedding receptions, and corporate gatherings.



private dining room macellaio rc south ken kensington private dining london
macellaio rc south ken kensington private dining london

3. An authentic and upscale Italian steakhouse: Macellaio RC South Ken

South Kensington, London

Macellaio RC in South Kensington is an Italian restaurant that has foregone pizza and pasta in favour of elevated cuts of meat. That was an exaggeration, of course, there’s still pasta on the menu, but the star here is the beef. Exceptional beef carpaccio, steak tartare, and as for cuts of steak: the Tomahawk, T-Bone, Ribeye Herefordshire… we could go on.


The modern and stylish Macellaio RC offers a private dining room in its basement that’s suitable for up to 26 guests. The Events Coordinator will create a bespoke private dining experience for you and your event–with plenty of pasta, Italian small plates, and those lovely steaks. For private dining events Macellaio operates on a minimum spend but beyond that, will create a bespoke event according to your budget.


Between the cuts of meat, the hospitality, and the exclusivity of the experience, Macellaio RC South Ken is one of the top Kensington private dining destinations.



private dining room the ampersand hotel kensington private dining london
private dining room the ampersand hotel kensington private dining london

4. Modern elegance in the Wine Room at the Ampersand Hotel

South Kensington, London

The Ampersand is a 5-star boutique hotel right near South Kensington Station–a luxury hotel in South Ken. No surprise there. Gorgeously preserved period features on the outside, the interiors of the Ampersand have embraced understated modernity and this is most present in the refined and intimate private dining room, the Wine Room.


This Kensington private dining room seats a cosy 10 guests for an experience of elevated cuisine made with the finest ingredients. For larger private dining events, the Library seats 14 guests, and the Games Room seats 32. Set menus for the private dining rooms begin at £35 per person. Each room is decorated in a unique design but the hospitality and quality menus on offer at the Ampersand are across the board.



the wine room enoteca rosso kensington private dining london
the wine room enoteca rosso kensington private dining london

5. Italian dishes in a low-key setting: The Cellar private dining room at Enoteca Rosso

Kensington, London

Near High Street Kensington Station and the southern entrance to Holland Park, Enoteca Rosso offers fine wines and seasonal Italian fare in its contemporary industrial chich surroundings.


The Cellar is Enoteca Rosso’s exclusive private dining room decorated with wine racks and bright contemporary graphics–also wine-related (there’s a theme here). The Cellar seats 12 at a round table but can accommodate 20 for a canapė reception. Cosy and intimate yet relaxed, it’s the kind of modern Italian restaurant and wine house you’d expect to find neighbouring the Design Museum and Holland Park.



the oratory the milestone hotel kensington private dining london
the oratory the milestone hotel kensington private dining london

6. A flare for the dramatic: The Oratory at the Milestone Hotel

Kensington, London

The Milestone Hotel is a short walk from High Street Kensington Station, another 5-star boutique hotel occupying a location that dates back to the 1600s. The Oratory is the Milestone’s dramatic circular private dining room, complete with an ornate vaulted ceiling, dark wood panelling, and handsome, traditional decor.


The Oratory seats an intimate 8 guests and is ideal for special occasions, elegant private dinners, business lunches, working breakfasts, or leisurely afternoon teas. The interior features a dramatic Knights Templar-like white and red, and additional services such as flowers, place card settings, entertainment, and ice carvings are available on request–nothing says dramatic quite like an ice carving.


The bespoke private dining menus feature 5 courses beginning with an amuse bouche and ending with a pre-dessert and dessert (you read that correctly) and begin at £68 per person. Expect 5-star fine dining and requisite presentation.



Find the very best of Kensington's private dining rooms

Do you have a dream private dining experience? The right private dining room can make or break your culinary adventure. Kensington is packed with fantastic dining rooms, all with their own particular aesthetic and cuisine. Browse the very best of them now and you could be eating alfresco with your friends or tasting a cutting edge menu in your very own chic private space. Hiring a private dining room has never been easier – take a look through our collection or simply tell us what you want and we'll get the venue to contact you.

Find My Private Dining Room

Guide to hiring a private dining room in Kensington

Kensington, an elegant and upscale district in London, offers a wide array of private dining rooms in some of the city's most prestigious restaurants and venues. Whether you're planning an intimate family celebration, a corporate dinner, or a special event, Kensington's private dining rooms provide a charming and exclusive setting. In this guide, we'll take you through the steps to hire the perfect private dining room in Kensington, ensuring an unforgettable experience for you and your guests.

Define Your Event Purpose:

Before beginning your search for a private dining room, it's essential to have a clear understanding of your event's purpose. Consider the following questions:

What type of event are you planning (e.g., a birthday celebration, business dinner, rehearsal dinner, or a wine and dine event)? Do you have any specific budget constraints for the venue and catering? Are there particular themes, decor, or ambience you desire for your event?

Online Platforms:

Kensington boasts a vibrant and diverse dining scene with numerous restaurants and venues offering private dining rooms. There are an endless amount of websites that will provide you with a rundown of the best private dining rooms in Kensington. It can often feel overwhelming to search through these sites. That’s why at HeadBox we work with the best venues and will circulate your event details directly to them. You’ll hear back from trusted venues that have availability and cater to your event. If only it were always this easy.

Location Matters:

Kensington is a large and varied district. Consider the convenience and accessibility of your chosen private dining room for your guests. Evaluate factors such as parking facilities, proximity to public transportation, and nearby accommodations.

Site Visits:

Our 3D virtual tour allows potential customers to explore our venue quickly to find the most suitable space for their event. With additional information such as brochures and factsheets embedded in the model, we spend less time answering requests for information, as it’s instantly available for our customers.HeadBox 3D models allow bookers to reduce their carbon footprint by cutting down on unnecessary travel to venues for physical site visits.

Amenities and Services:

Different private dining rooms offer various amenities and services. Verify that the chosen room can accommodate your specific needs, such as catering, audiovisual equipment, customisation of decor, and any special event planning assistance.

Budget Planning:

Establish a clear budget for your private dining event. Request detailed quotes from potential venues, including the rental fee, additional charges, and any deposit requirements. Negotiate where possible, but also be prepared to make adjustments to secure your preferred private dining room.

Catering and Menu:

Discuss your catering and beverage requirements with the venue. Determine whether the restaurant provides a catering menu, allows external catering, or offers customisable menus that align with your event's theme and dietary preferences. Ensure that the chosen venue can accommodate any specific dietary restrictions.

Event Timing and Reservations:

Confirm the private dining room's availability for your desired date and time. Some venues may have specific reservation policies, minimum spending requirements, or timing restrictions, so make sure these align with your event plans.

Contracts and Agreements:

Carefully review the terms and conditions outlined in the private dining room contract. Pay attention to cancellation policies, payment schedules, and other critical details. Ensure that all agreed-upon services and amenities are specified in the contract.

Accommodations and Transportation:

If your event involves out-of-town guests, consider the availability of nearby hotels or accommodations. Additionally, assess the convenience of public transportation options for your attendees.

Conclusion

Selecting the perfect private dining room in Kensington is a pivotal decision in the success of your event. Stop searching and let us find the perfect venue for you.

Frequently asked questions

Common amenities include catering services, customisable menus, audiovisual equipment, decor customisation, and private event staff. However, it's crucial to discuss your specific needs with the venue.

Private dining rooms in Kensington may have specific policies regarding event timing, noise levels, or any local regulations that need to be followed. Clarify these details to ensure a smooth event.

It's important to understand the private dining room's cancellation policy, including any associated fees or penalties. Review the terms and conditions of your contract to be fully informed.

Our 3D virtual tour allows potential customers to explore our venue quickly to find the most suitable space for their event. With additional information such as brochures and factsheets embedded in the model, we spend less time answering requests for information, as it’s instantly available for our customers.

Some private dining rooms provide in-house catering, while others may allow external catering services. Inquire about this during the venue selection process, taking into account your catering preferences and dietary restrictions.

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