The best private dining rooms in Cambridge to elevate your next occasion

Few other UK cities are as quintessentially British as Cambridge. Its world famous university boasts legendary British alumni - Stephen Hawking, Charles Darwin and Sir Isaac Newton to name a few - with historic museums and old colleges dotted around the city. On top of that, you’ll find charming punters gliding down the River Cam, old English pubs with roaring fires, and high tea at every turn.

With all its grandiose prestige and British charm, there is hardly a more impressive city in which to celebrate a special occasion. And what better way to mark a big milestone than a private dining room? As you might expect, private dining rooms in Cambridge are pretty breathtaking and brimming with history, from grand ballrooms to academic colleges and countryside estates. If you’re in need of a dining room to impress, you've come to the right place.

So, what’s all the fuss with private dining? Essentially, private dining offers a sense of exclusivity beyond that of a typical restaurant experience. Whether you hire a secluded private dining room within a restaurant, take over a larger venue or enjoy a buzzy semi-private dining space, there’s something about a private dinner that feels extra special. This isn’t something for every day - save it for a milestone celebration, corporate event or family gathering.

With such an array of beautiful pubs, hotels, cafes and restaurants to choose from, we've narrowed down the best private dining spaces the city has to offer. Our guide to private dining rooms in Cambridge spans all sorts of capacities, budgets and cuisines, ensuring you’ll find something to suit you.

Planning the office party this year? One of Cambridge's impressive hotels will be right up your street. Hosting an intimate family celebration? Perhaps a cosy British pub is what you’re after. Take a look at these fantastic spots for your next special meal, then go ahead and enquire to see if it's available on your preferred date. 

Homerton College

What: Homerton College is among one of the best in Cambridge, and it just so happens to offer private dining too! Inside, the iconic Great Hall is filled with historic portraits and American Gothic architecture - perfect for a large-scale formal dinner - while the Fellows' Dining Room suits a slightly more intimate occasion, with space for up to 88 guests. Perhaps a drinks reception is on the cards, in which case The Griffin Bar is your best bet. Alternatively, the Combination Room gives you access to the patio and garden, if you want to make it an al fresco moment.
Best for: Black tie events, formal dinners and al fresco drinks receptions
Where: Hills Road, CB2 8PH
Book now: Homerton College

The Rupert Brooke

What: The Rupert Brooke is a refined gastropub, with a brasserie-style open kitchen and several spots for private dinners. The upstairs private dining room, for example, has an adjoining balcony for soaking up the sun and plenty of sit-down space for multi-course meals, buffets and drinks. If you're throwing a lively dinner party, chuck on some of your favourite tunes and order a round of classic cocktails - the team here are passionate about curating memorable experiences, so you can have a bit of fun in the planning process.  
Best for: Family gatherings, lively dinners and casual buffets
Where: 2 Broadway, CB3 9NQ
Book now: The Rupert Brooke

Millworks

What: Set on the banks of the River Cam, Millworks boasts an atmospheric setting for your next private dinner complete with its industrial interiors and picturesque waterside views. The venue’s dedicated private dining room can seat up to 48 guests, with seasonal set menus showcasing locally sourced produce. Expect the likes of buffalo chicken wings, watermelon and feta salad, and chicken supreme, with an extensive wine list and signature cocktails to pair. For an extra-special occasion, combine your meal with a punt along the River Cam, taking in some of Cambridge's most iconic landmarks.
Best for: Birthday celebrations, family gatherings and summer parties
Where: The Watermill, Newnham Road, CB3 9EY
Book now: Millworks

The Gonville Hotel

What: A sophisticated hotel in the heart of Cambridge, The Gonville is suited to everything from graduation dinners to corporate events, and even al fresco soirees. There's a whole host of private dining spaces here: The Terrace is a sun-soaked space with floor-to-ceiling windows and beautiful views over Parker's Piece, while The Teepee provides an outdoor area for up to 80 guests. The food offering is versatile too, whether you're after an indulgent afternoon tea, some hearty British plates or a delightful set menu.
Best for: Graduation dinners, teepee parties and corporate functions
Where: Gonville Place, CB1 1LY
Book now: The Gonville Hotel

Navadhanya

What: As featured in the Michelin Guide, Navadhanya offers some of the finest Indian food in Cambridge, with an upmarket dining room and luxurious tasting menu. To make your dining experience even more special, the restaurant has two private dining rooms on the upper floor. One of Navadhanya's biggest sells is its seven-course tasting menu, spanning scallop moilee, dried shrimp and grilled lamb chops. The menu can also be paired with a wine flight, and there's vegetarian and vegan options too. 
Best for: Corporate dinners and special occasions
Where: 70 Newmarket Road, CB5 8DZ
Book now: Navadhanya

Novi

What: Novi is a venue that can do it all! By day, its an easygoing brunch spot - with bottomless options too - and by night, its a small plates restaurant, with botanical cocktails, an in-house smoker and Japanese BBQ. On top of all of that, Novi also has a variety of private event spaces. From a tastefully decorated meeting room, with a state of the art AV system, to an upper floor private area, with space for between 40 and 70 people, Novi can cater to everything from corporate functions to dance parties and drinks receptions too.
Best for: Canapes and cocktails, work dos and birthday parties
Where: 12 Regent Street, CB2 1DB
Book now: Novi

University Arms

What: As the city's oldest hotel, University Arms is made for grandiose occasions, like milestone celebrations, academic dinners and corporate gatherings. At the heart of the venue lies the Ballroom, where up to 180 guests can dine amongst stained-glass windows decorated with college crests, while looking out over the iconic Parker's Piece. For slightly smaller events, the space can divided in two: The Crick and The Watson, both of which offer an equal level of elegance, at a more conversational scale.
Best for: Academic dinners, formal events and corporate functions
Where: Regent Street, CB2 1AD
Book now: University Arms

The Fellows House

What: The Fellows House is a luxury apartment-style hotel with contemporary style and timeless touches. Just outside the city centre, the hotel features a couple of private dining options, with catering provided by the hotel's in-house restaurant, The Folio Bar & Kitchen. The first is The Hawking Suite, with hosts up to 24 guests and opens up onto the Fellows Garden. Featuring modern AV capabilities and a 75-inch display, its particularly suited to corporate functions. Meanwhile, The Observatory is an outdoor snug, with cinema-style sound, perfect for screenings and speeches. 
Best for: Movie screenings, corporate functions and al fresco events
Where: 33A Milton Road, CB4 1UZ
Book now: The Fellows House

Bistro du Vin

What: Bistro du Vin is the in-house restaurant at Hotel du Vin Cambridge, offering everything from sophisticated afternoon teas to hearty Sunday roasts and French-inspired mains. With an al freso terrace covered by parasols, a main restaurant with comfy dining chairs and a far-reaching all-day dining menu, it's the kind of place you can rely on for a casual private dinner. Whether you've got relatives with specific tastes, or vegetarian and vegan guests to cater to, Bistro du Vin is inclusive, cosy and fit for all.
Best for: Family gatherings, casual dinners and afternoon tea
Where: 15-19 Trumpington Street, CB2 1QA
Book now: Bistro du Vin

The Hole In The Wall

What: This Grade II listed country pub is the perfect place for a cosy private dinner filled with warming plates of British grub. The Hole In The Wall dates back to the 16th century and boasts traditional features, like wooden beams and a roaring fireplace. Its award-winning menu spans duck liver parfait with orange oatmeal cookies, seared tiger prawns with chorizo, and pork sausages with creamy mash. There's a whole load of delicious stuff to tuck into - just come with a hungry belly and some of your closest companions!
Best for: Family gatherings, Sunday roasts and proper pub grub
Where: 2 High Street, CB21 5JY
Book now: The Hole In The Wall

Planning a Cambridge staycation? Check out all the best brunch spots in the city, or save our full list of great local restaurants near Cambridge.