If you’re new to the idea of private dining, allow us to introduce you! Private dining rooms come in all shapes and sizes, from cosy little nooks in a traditional gastropub to modern rooftop terraces with private bars. Some are built for large-scale banquets, while others are much more intimate by nature - this guide even features a private dining room for two!
There’s not a one-size-fits-all approach, but generally, private dining experiences are all about celebrating a special occasion with an added sense of exclusivity.
For those of you who are curious about private dining in Leicester, we’ve put together a guide to all the very best spots in the city. Perhaps you have a milestone birthday around the corner, or maybe you’re in charge of planning your best friend’s baby shower. Whatever the occasion, a private dining room is a great way to create a memorable moment with your nearest and dearest.
In this round-up of private dining rooms in Leicester, you’ll find everything from budget-friendly options to unique dining experiences, to cuisines from across the globe. If you have a good idea of what you’re looking for, it’ll be easy to fine tune your decision, and if you’re not sure where to start, this guide is a great place to begin.
We’ve covered all the need-to-know details, like room capacities, menu options, dietary restrictions and other added facilities. All you have to do is browse this list, select your favourite and book your table.
As one of the oldest cities in England, Leicester has a particularly great selection of pub private dining rooms, spanning basement bars with wooden interiors and more contemporary spaces with sun-soaked beer gardens. Aside from all of that, there’s also a whole host of restaurants serving top-quality Indian cuisine, beautiful brunch plates and authentic Italian pasta. Sharing-style dinners, proper British pub grub, bottomless brunch - it’s all here in our guide to private dining in Leicester.
The Cradock Arms
![downstairs bar in pub and mussels in a bowl]()
What: The Cradock Arms is the epitome of a proper British gastropub, featuring traditional wooden interiors, soft cushion seating and a spacious beer garden. The pub welcomes private dinners of all varieties, whether its a low-key birthday celebration or a more formal corporate event. The bottom bar space has a capacity of up to 100 guests, complete with its own bar and facilities. While the menu changes regularly, there's always a fantastic selection of bar snacks, sandwiches and classic mains on offer, as well as a kids menu.
Best for: Family get-togethers, casual occasions and gatherings in a gastropub
Where: 201 Knighton Road, LE2 3TT
Book now: The Cradock Arms
The Manor House at Quorn
![banquet table with floral centrepiece and chicken with potato and veg]()
What: Offering luxury accommodation and refined British cuisine, The Manor House at Quorn is an excellent choice for a private dinner, especially if you're looking to combine it with an overnight stay just outside of Leicester. The private dining room sits separately from the main restaurant, creating a sense of exclusivity while remaining bright, airy and welcoming. A long banquet table sits beneath tasteful chandeliers, with the space hosting up to 22 guests. Menus can be tailored to your taste, spanning stone baked pizzas, fresh sandwiches and hearty mains. There's also great WiFi and an LCD projector, should your event call for it.
Best for: Corporate events, engagement parties, milestone anniversaries
Where: Woodhouse Road, LE12 8AL
Book now: The Manor House at Quorn
The Clarendon Inn
![range of pub mains with pints of beer and beef burger with chips]()
What: This humble corner pub is a local hotspot for live sports, proper pub grub and ice-cold pints of craft beer. While there isn't a dedicated private dining room, The Clarendon Inn offers full venue hire for large-scale dinners and celebrations. The pub has a range of contemporary features, including exposed brick walls, neon signage and leather booth seating, with a sun-soaked beer garden out back. Take your pick from classic British favourites, like chicken wings, loaded fries, and toppling beef burgers, and save space for dessert - the sticky toffee pud isn't to be missed.
Best for: Casual occasions, pub private dinners and hearty British cuisine
Where: 7-9 West Avenue, LE2 1TS
Book now: The Clarendon Inn
Kayal
![dining table with lantern and rice]()
What: Specialising in Keralan seafood, Kayal dishes up quality Indian cuisine in the heart of Leicester. The popular restaurant chain is well-versed in delivering memorable private dinners, with personalised service and dynamic dishes. A secluded function room hosts up to 50 people, with dedicated party menus for groups of 15 or more. Kayal's signature dishes are great for sharing, with plenty of dosas, curries and biryanis to go around. This vibrant restaurant is suited to a wide range of events, and it can even organise personalised t-shirts to mark the occasion.
Best for: Birthday celebrations, casual occasions and corporate events
Where: 153 Granby Street, LE1 6FE
Book now: Kayal
Giggling Squid
![banquet table with glasses of prosecco and thai green curry]()
What: A staple in Leicester's food scene, Giggling Squid is renowned for its delicious Thai flavours and colourful dining room. The restaurant is popular for group bookings and private dinners, whether you have a big moment to celebrate, or simply want to elevate a low-key occasion. A carefully curated private dining menu makes ordering easy, offering a choice of two or three courses per person. Kick off with some prawn crackers and chilli chickpeas for the table, before diving into starters, mains and desserts of your choosing.
Best for: Thai cuisine, multi-course menus and birthday dinners
Where: 3-5 St Martin's Court Square, LE1 5DF
Book now: Giggling Squid
Sapori
![bar area in restaurant and croquettes with chicken]()
What: Sapori is everyones go-to Italian restaurant in Leicester for an extra special occasion. Offering an elevated, modern take on Italian cuisine, the restaurant brings a touch of luxury to your event, while remaining friendly and welcoming. Since you're celebrating, go for the signature tasting menu, with a total of eight courses and an optional wine pairing. Dishes include Iberico pork cheek, Cornish monkfish and banoffee pie tartlet - yum! The restaurant is also happy to open on Sundays and Mondays for private celebrations - just get in touch with the team.
Best for: Special occasions, romantic gestures and engagement parties
Where: 40 Stadon Road, LE7 7AY
Book now: Sapori
Chutney Ivy
![curries in tiffin tins and chicken wings]()
What: For a private dinner filled with authentic Indian cuisine, head straight to Chutney Ivy. Food is prepared fresh each day and the menu can be curated to suit your taste. Its a great place for sharing-style dinners, with a whole bunch of delicious dishes to choose from, including samosas, salads and curries. There's also an extensive selection of vegetarian and vegan plates, ensuring guests with dietary restrictions are well-catered for. Friendly service is the cherry on top of the cake - simply sit back, tuck in, and enjoy some quality time with friends and family.
Best for: Authentic Indian cuisine, family gatherings and sharing-style plates
Where: 41 Halford Street, LE1 1TR
Book now: Chutney Ivy
San Carlo
![dining room with yellow chairs and italian starters with burrata and prosecco]()
What: There's hardly anywhere more glamorous in Leicester than San Carlo. This gorgeous Italian restaurant is perfect for sophisticated private dinners and large group bookings of up to 100 guests. The private dining room is elegant, modern and stylish - suited to drinks receptions, corporate parties and birthdays. Design your dream menu with the help of the kitchen team, whether you're after a full-blown sit-down meal, or a more casual ensemble of canapes and bar snacks. And if you're after a few bottles of fine Italian wine, you're in the right place.
Best for: Large-scale dinners, birthday parties and corporate dos
Where: 38-40 Granby Street, LE1 1DE
Book now: San Carlo
Bill's Leicester
![colourful dining room and brunch plates on outdoor table]()
What: Bursting with brilliant brunch plates, signature British staples and international flavours, Bill's is the whole package. This specific Bill's site doesn't have a private dining room, but it does have a great group dining menu. Just pull up a table in the main dining room and get down to ordering. If its a breakfast date, take your pick of Bill's brekkie plates which includes your choice of two drinks, because who can choose between a fresh OJ and a hot cup of coffee in the morning? For more a traditional dinner, there's the options of two or three set courses, spanning burgers, salads and mac 'n' cheese.
Best for: Breakfast meetings, multi-course menus and birthday dinners
Where: 10 Shires Lane, LE1 4AN
Book now: Bill's Leicester
Barceloneta
![spanish style dining room and prawns with lemon wedge]()
What: Barceloneta is a real local favourite, having stood in the heart of Leicester since 1990. Designed to feel like an authentic Spanish pincho bar, the restaurant is decorated with vibrant tiles, Spanish momentos and cosy seating nooks. Barceloneta welcomes private dinners on its upstairs floor, which has space for 60 people seated or 70 standing. It also has its own private bar and toilets, creating an added layer of exclusivity. Party menus are available for big groups, offering an array of tapas, bar snacks and sharing-style plates.
Best for: Birthday parties, anniversary celebrations and family-friendly occasions
Where: 54 Queen's Road, LE2 1TU
Book now: Barceloneta
Looking for more Leicester-based restaurant recommendations? Check out these fun and quirky restaurants in the city and make a note of these afternoon tea spots near Leicester. Or, simply head straight to the very best restaurants in Leicester.