Red Room at 1 Lombard Street

The phrase ‘private dining room’ can sometimes be a contradiction in terms, with the room in question turning out to be just a separate area off the main restaurant. Which is why the Red Room at Michelin-starred 1 Lombard Street is a real find. Secluded and sophisticated, it’s tucked away downstairs with its own bar, making it perfect for discreet private dining.

Seating up to 22 on one table or rounds for up to 40, the room is also suitable for meetings or presentations, with a plasma screen and boardroom capacity for up to 20. The dark red walls maximise the cosy feel of this basement space, while its antique furniture and paintings, and draped curtains, give an almost theatrical feel to proceedings.

The food is predictably delicious, with an extensive choice of set menus offering traditional European classics such as supreme of chicken ‘sauce coq au vin’, braised lamb chump, and apple tarte tatin. We recommend pre-dinner drinks in the buzzy upstairs bar.

This article first appeared in Square Meal Venues & Events magazine, Summer 2008.