The 16 leading unique private dining rooms in London

Chef Tong Chee Hwee has left an indelible and delicious mark on the London culinary scene. After an incredible 18-year tenure helming the much-vaunted Hakkasan brand, he is now embarking on an exciting and mouth-watering new venture: Gouqi.

Gouqi is nestled in the heart of London at 25‐34 Cockspur St, opposite the Canadian Embassy in Trafalgar Square. The venue prides itself on using premium live produce sourced from around the globe, resulting in a menu bursting with an abundance of flavours, techniques, ingredients, and dishes drawn from across China. The food is the star of the show, of course, and is served on custom‐made chinaware, tailored to celebrate each individual dish.

What could be more unique than that?

Gouqi have a minimum spend of £1,200pp Sunday-Thursday, and £1,500 on Friday and Saturdays. For groups of 6 or more, they have an 8-course tasting menu at £128 available, with a wine pairing option at £108pp. That not doing it? you may also create your own set menu.

Have you ever sat down for a meal, inhaled the soft aroma of roasting meats, glanced around your surroundings and asked, softly: “But would Bryon have eaten here?”

If the answer is no, then read a book you uncultured swine! If the answer is yes, we have a place for you. Located on the famous city pleasure grounds of Holland Park, Belvedere’s illustrious History is an embarrassment of riches when it comes to Victorian high society: the likes of Byron, Dickens and Israeli are known to have stomped the peacock-busy grounds and presumably ruminated on the sins of Empire.

Today the affair is less dramatic and more delicious. The setting, obviously is incredible, with architecture and horticulture conspiring to seduce any lucky diner. You can expect the menu to race through an Italian leaning affair; authentic Italian delicacies, from freshly made pasta draped in velvety sauces to mouthwatering wood-fired pizzas with a perfectly crispy crust. It makes you want to write a poem, doesn’t it?

Located in Spitalfields, Kenza fuses the distinct styles of the Middle East in a space of rich fabrics, cushions, carved tables, and exotic charm. Enjoy henna tattoos, music, and even a snake charmer.

The Dar Cherifa private room features hand-painted Arabic calligraphy and an ornate chandelier crafted over 9 months by 12 Moroccan maalem (craftsmen) and can accommodate up to 60 people. Alternatively, you can book the Dar Lazrak private table that can seat up to 14, or hire the entire restaurant with a capacity of 250.

The menu celebrates subtle scents, complex spicing, and traditional ingredients used in innovative ways. The dishes are ideal for sharing, brought to the table in a continuous flow that enables you to enjoy a dining experience like no other.

Kenza boasts a unique cocktail menu, a specialist wine list, beautiful interiors, music, and specialised entertainment for a truly unique private dining experience in London.

Located nearest Peckham Rye station, Market Place Peckham is on its A-game when it comes to private hire. The industrial space is cool and casual, decorated with neon signage, lots of greenery, and trendy wicker lampshades that give off mood lighting.

This unique private dining space offers amazing street food vendors and can accommodate a whopping 500 people in the Main Hall, and comes complete with expansive screens, sweet DJ sets, a contemporary cocktail bar, and a versatile layout designed to accommodate a myriad of activities and occasions.

Market Place Peckham is game for all of your private hire needs: parties, meetings, team drinks, workshops, film screenings, and more. Go for the unique space and street food vendors, and stay for the atmosphere and DJ sets.

Permanently moored in Paddington Basin, London Shell Co.'s Grand Duchess proves a truly unique dining experience for those wanrting quality seafood, wine and a memorable setting.

You expect your plate to be piled high with the finest British seafood; Donegal oysters, hand-dived scallops, and Trubot served with jersey royals and chicken butter stand out on the refined menu. Wine, of course, has also been given a thoughtful treatment – a tight roster of well-paired bottles will bring your meal up a level.

With seating for 42, and options to stand 50 (with a canapé menu), plus extra room in the deck area come summer, this is a refreshing balance of idiosyncratic quality without novelty.

The Mail Rail at The Postal Museum is possibly the most unique private dining venue – a distinctive subterranean blank canvas event space. The impressive, industrial venue has countless historic architectural features including vaulted ceilings and exposed brickwork.

That's where history ends, however. These days, The Mail Rail at The Postal Museum is a neon-lit event space ideal for big private parties, conferences, or myriad other events. This venue's super unique offering is an exclusive opportunity to experience an underground miniature train ride through the secret 100-year-old Mail Rail tunnels.

The space is highly adaptable and has a capacity of 250 in a theater-style layout, and its closest transport link is Russell Square on the Piccadilly line. The epitome of the past meets the present – signed, sealed, and delivered.

Nestled near Marble Arch tube station, Frameless transcends the ordinary with its unique offerings for private dining. Through its state-of-the-art projection system, guests are immersed in breathtaking backdrops that transform any space into a captivating setting.

Dine in the iconic Qatar stadium, amidst the vibrant hues of coral reefs, or even floating weightlessly in the vast expanse of outer space. Immerse yourself in a surreal dreamscape among famous works of art by Dali and Rousseau, or step into the impressionist era with Monet and Van Gogh. The options are endless.

With a generous capacity of 450, Frameless is available for exclusive private hire, allowing for an unforgettable dining experience that melds sophistication and imagination.

Minimum Spend: from £1,200 depending on time of day for blank canvas space, from £15,000 for entire venue

Experience a truly extraordinary private dining experience at The Iceberg Lounge, located near Piccadilly Circus. Operated by the infamous Oswald Cobblepot, AKA The Penguin, this venue transcends ordinary dining with its immersive DC Universe theme.

Step inside and be greeted by a giant penguin sculpture, setting the stage for a Gotham City-inspired menu featuring the freshest delicacies from Gotham City Harbour. Expect live entertainment, including performances by the Black Canary.

With a seating capacity of 110 and standing capacity of 500, this unique venue is available for exclusive hire, offering an immersive affair that plunges guests into a world of comic book enchantment.

Tucked away near Piccadilly Circus tube station, the Study at the London Library offers a truly exceptional setting for private dining.

Beyond its stunning yet modest façade lies a space adorned with traditional oak bookcases and an original Robert Adam fireplace, emanating timeless sophistication. Steeped in literary history, it has hosted ten Nobel Prize winners, immersing guests in an ambience of intellectual grandeur.

Available for private hire, this intimate venue can accommodate up to 30 guests, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a refined and exclusive dining experience in the heart of St. James's Square.

Just steps away from St. Paul's tube station, The Briefing Room at F1® Arcade unveils itself as an extraordinary venue for private dining. Enter a bright and colourful private lounge with an exclusive champagne bar. Immerse yourself in the striking views of St. Paul's Cathedral while savouring a menu that takes inspiration from an array of global flavours.

But that's not all—prepare for an adrenaline rush as the venue offers exclusive access to eight immersive racing simulators, bringing the heart-pounding excitement, glamorous ambience, and thrilling spirit of Formula 1 racing right to your fingertips.

With a capacity of 90, this unique venue is available for private hire, fostering an exclusive dining experience that seamlessly blends dining with high-octane fun.

Minimum Spend: packages starting at £35 per person

Located near Hoxton tube station, Dalston Fish Tank at Showroom is an extraordinary space, nestled within a refurbished railway arch, offers 2,000 square feet of usable area, complemented by additional outdoor space.

La pièce de résistance? Marine tanks brimming with vibrant and exotic fish, creating a captivating backdrop for your dinner gathering. Dive into a feast of flavours and atmosphere that will leave you hooked from the first bite. Whether you crave meat, fish, or vegetarian options, the menu caters to all tastes.

Available for private hire, immerse yourself in this aquatic wonderland with up to 200 guests.

Situated near Fenchurch Street tube station, Sky Garden extends over three stories and rising 155 metres above the city. It unveils awe-inspiring 360-degree panoramic views of London and the captivating River Thames.

Immerse yourself in the enchanting beauty of meticulously landscaped gardens and innovative architectural wonders. Indulge in a culinary journey guided by the creativity and skill of talented chefs, complemented by the expertise of skilled mixologists.

With the capacity to host up to 300 guests for dinner or 700 guests for a reception, Sky Garden offers exclusive hire, granting you and your guests a rare opportunity to dine amidst the unrivalled backdrop of London's captivating skyline.

Located near Tower Hill tube station, The Ivory Vaults is situated between the iconic Tower of London and the majestic Tower Bridge. This 200-year-old structure radiates charm and individuality.

Within the historic vaulted cellars of the Ivory House at St. Katharine Docks, guests can embark on a culinary journey with a wide-ranging menu that spans from modern British delicacies to rustic Italian fare, spicy Moroccan delights, and authentic Indian cuisine.

With a capacity of 450, this exclusive hire venue features nine intimate dining areas interlinked by a vast open passageway, fostering an intimate atmosphere even within the larger space.

Located right by the Covent Garden tube station, Sarastro has established its unique identity for private dining in London. Sink into the comfortable seating adorned with unique Turkish fabrics that boast vibrant colours and intricate patterns while you embark on a culinary journey of Mediterranean cuisine infused with a delightful Turkish twist.

The venue's impressive architecture further enhances its allure, creating an atmosphere that is truly mesmerising. A feast for the senses, Sarastro can even arrange live entertainment, allowing you to enjoy dinner and a show in one captivating experience.

With a capacity of 225, this exclusive hire venue invites you to revel in a one-of-a-kind dining affair that seamlessly combines cultural richness with gastronomic delight.

Nestled near Chancery Lane tube station, The Great Hall at Lincoln's Inn is steeped in centuries of tradition and grandeur.

This historic space, opened by Queen Victoria in 1845, was designed by the acclaimed Philip Hardwick in the Tudor Revival Style. With its high, vaulted ceilings and adorned with a magnificent fresco by G.F. Watts, it exudes an air of majestic beauty to enjoy at your private dining event.

With a capacity to accommodate up to 400 guests, this distinguished venue is available for private hire, offering the added option to include the enchanting Bench Rooms as reception areas.

Built in 1912 by the visionary Charles Barry Junior, The Masonic Temple at the Andaz Hotel unveils itself as a truly unique venue for private dining. Nestled near Liverpool Street tube station, it transports guests to a world of opulence and intrigue.

With Italian marble, chequered floors, a mesmerising blue dome ceiling adorned with gold zodiac details, regal thrones, and decorated mahogany doors, this venue exudes grandeur. Embark on a culinary journey that showcases thoughtfully sourced and carefully served dishes, using fresh ingredients that celebrate the season and embrace local flavours.

With a capacity of 70, this remarkable space is available for private hire, promoting an unforgettable dining experience immersed in history and culinary excellence.