Private dining has been a pretty popular concept in London for some time now, and with Brighton being branded as ‘London by the sea’, it was only a matter of time before this seaside city caught on. Brighton’s food scene is thriving right now, home to beachside restaurants, hidden neighbourhood gems and buzzy rooftop bars. But when it comes to a special occasion, a private dining room is a great way to really make the most of what these restaurants have to offer.
If you’re new to the world of private dining, you’d be forgiven for thinking it’s nothing more than a secluded room in a restaurant with a long banquet table. But, private dining rooms come in all shapes and sizes, and we’re here to help you find the perfect match for your event. Take this list, for example. Below, you'll find cosy pub private spaces, rooftop restaurants with sea views, and even a dramatic dining hall with a glass dome ceiling.
With varying capacities and cuisines on offer, it’s a good idea to have a browse of everything that’s out there. If you have a larger (potentially fussier) guest list, you might want to go for a far-reaching menu, with something to suit everyone’s taste, and if you’re booking for a more intimate occasion, perhaps you can nail down the cuisine to something more specific - is that surf and turf calling?
Of course, Brighton is home to plenty of beachfront venues, boasting beautiful sea views and spacious outdoor areas. Particularly in the summer months, these restaurants get booked and busy with private dinners, and for good reason. An exclusive event with your nearest and dearest set against the backdrop of the rolling waves is hard to beat - we’d highly recommend sampling some seafood since you’re so close to the ocean too!
Whether you’re here to finalise your private dinner plans, or just having a browse for future reference, our guide to the best private dining rooms in Brighton has everything you need.
Lion & Lobster
![private dining table under chandlier and long banquet table in pub]()
What: We love this Brighton pub for many reasons - its proper roast dinners, cute little courtyard and charming old-school interiors - but its private dining rooms are the cherry on top. The Lion & Lobster has a couple of options for private dining - The Secret Dining Room is great for around 14 guests situated around one long banquet table, while The Parlour Table is best for an intimate party of six, with a grand oval dining table and soaring tall windows. In terms of food, expect a step up from your usual pub grub - think butter chicken wings, Korean BBQ pork bites and smash burger with fries.
Best for: Intimate dinners, family gatherings and Sunday roasts
Where: 24 Sillwood Street, BN1 2PS
Book now: Lion & Lobster
Burger & Lobster
![lobster roll salad and croquettes and dining room with pink chairs]()
What: Burger & Lobster has become well-known in the restaurant scene for its surf and turf style dining, indulgent sides and buzzy atmosphere. Its Brighton site has a private dining room for 22 guests, featuring three gorgeous marble tables - great for birthday parties, work dinners and casual group dining. The menu offers something for everyone, with juicy beef burgers, wild lobster and plant-based options all in the mix. You can also work with the team to help tailor your event, with food and drink packages crafted to suit your needs.
Best for: Birthday parties, work lunches and dinner with friends
Where: 15 Market Street, BN1 1HH
Book now: Burger & Lobster
The Copper Clam
![dining table with sea views and vase of flowers with candlesticks]()
What: This family-run beachfront restaurant is a charming backdrop for a private dinner, where you can enjoy fresh seafood while gazing out at the beautiful sea views. Inside, The Copper Clam boasts a private dining room for between 14 and 25 guests, which overlooks both piers. You can tailor the menu to suit your occasion, with canapes, buffets and a la carte all on offer. Plus, private dining is available for lunch too, so you can enjoy uninterrupted daytime views and plenty of natural light.
Best for: Graduation dinners, family lunches and milestone anniversaries
Where: 143-144 Kings Road Arches, BN1 2FN
Book now: The Copper Clam
The Walrus
![cosy pub seating nook and underground speakeasy with blue velvet seating]()
What: A pub, restaurant and cocktail bar all rolled into one, The Walrus is a versatile, reliable and fun-loving venue for any occasion. There's a range of private spaces for hire, from The Tusk Club (a speakeasy space with a dancefloor and DJ booth) to The Hideaway - a cosy, charming nook for 40 people. Spread over four floors, there's plenty of potential for large-scale events and the food menu is a real crowd-pleaser, with classic pub cooking for all to enjoy. If you're looking for somewhere that ticks all the boxes, The Walrus is a great bet.
Best for: Casual occasions, family gatherings and after-work socials
Where: 10 Ship Street, BN1 1AD
Book now: The Walrus
The Seahorse
![restaurant with glass windows and canapes and cheese boards]()
What: If you're looking for a seaside venue with panoramic views over Brighton, allow us to point you in the direction of The Seahorse. Featuring wraparound glass windows, the restaurant is a feast for the eyes, particularly as the sun begins to set in the early evening. Aside from the visuals, the restaurant has a versatile menu suited to parties and events, with options for casual snacks, nibbles and sit-down meals. Depending on the size of your party, you might want to consider The West Wing - a semi-private space for 30 guests that enjoys the buzz of the main restaurant.
Best for: Engagement parties, corporate events and summer soirees
Where: 26 Kings Road, BN1 2LN
Book now: The Seahorse
The Golden Peacock
![naan bread with curries and bottle of beer]()
What: The Golden Peacock is one of the best spots in Brighton for Indian food, offering warming curries, steaming rice and tasty veggie options too. While there's no private dining room, the restaurant is well-suited to semi-private dinners and casual group dining of around 15-30 people. This informal neighbourhood spot keeps things casual, with a laid-back atmosphere, friendly service and easy-going dishes. Trade prim and proper for welcoming and relaxed at The Golden Peacock, where you're welcome to linger as long as you like!
Best for: Casual occasions, weeknight dinners and comforting Indian cuisine
Where: 71 Ship Street, BN1 1AE
Book now: The Golden Peacock
Rockwater
![long banquet tables with fur chairs and outdoor greenhouse with wood logs]()
What: Rockwater is all about beachside luxury, with a glass-fronted dining room, contemporary chandeliers and upholstered pastel seating. You have two choices when it comes to private dining: The Lodge is located on the ground floor, with a retractable roof, festoon-lit patio and food truck, while the upstairs roof terrace is designed for drinking and dancing, with views over the water. Since you're by the sea, why not try out some of the restaurant's fresh seafood? There's crab taco chips and whole baked sea bream, as well as the signature Rockwater burger with bacon marmalade and smoked onion aioli.
Best for: Rooftop parties, sophisticated events and seafood by the sea
Where: Western Esplanade, BN3 4FA
Book now: Rockwater
Hotel du Vin
![long banquet table with white tablecloth and candlesticks]()
What: Just a short stroll from the coast, Hotel du Vin exudes elegance, with a range of private dining rooms to choose from. The SMWS Snuggle Room is a fabulous space, with forest green walls and vintage candlesticks, while the Screwpull is a subterranean room with exposed brick and a central wooden table. The Dome is perhaps the grandest of them all, with a capacity of 100 guests, seated around white tablecloth tables beneath a dramatic dome glass ceiling. The food offering can be tailored to your taste, whether you'd like delicate canapes, supper snacks or little crostinis.
Best for: Milestone celebrations, business lunches and large-scale dinners
Where: 2 Ship Street, BN1 1AD
Book now: Hotel du Vin
Want to explore more of what Brighton's food scene has to offer? Check out the best spots for brunch in the city, where to go for a hearty Sunday roast, or head straight to the best restaurants in Brighton for a full list of all the top eats.