London's most affordable private dining rooms: 18 great value options to try

Dining out in London is a fairly common occurrence – not to state the obvious - but when it comes to organising an event for a special occasion, such as a birthday or anniversary, it makes sense to consider a private dining room. Whether you're organising a family get-together, intimate dinner with friends or a blowout birthday bash, no doubt you'll want to get away from the public eye, close the doors and turn up the music. London offers plenty of places to dine behind closed doors, no matter your preferred cuisine or budget.

We know what you’re wondering: does cheap mean, well, not very good? Absolutely not! Every single option in this guide offers high-quality food and drink, fantastic service and a welcoming atmosphere, with the added bonus that they just happen to be great value for money. Granted, private dining isn't exactly known for being affordable, especially in London, but there are ways around ending up with a hefty bill at the end of your meal.

Most of these private dining rooms operate on a minimum spend basis, with no hire fee, meaning you just have to hit a certain amount to qualify for the booking. Don’t worry, we’ve made sure all minimum spend requirements are within reason, which depending on the number of people you’re hosting, can work out surprisingly cheap per head.

Don’t believe us? We’ve rounded up some of the most affordable private dining rooms in London that make it possible to enjoy your own exclusive space without shedding a tear at the bill. What’s more, the majority offer a selection of set menus for private bookings, from three-course meals to sharing feasts, that help to keep costs down even further.

The best part? Hiring these rooms on a budget doesn’t mean you have to compromise on quality. From London's best vegetarian spot to crowd-pleasing Portuguese fare, these are some of the most affordable private dining rooms in London that promise plenty of bang for your buck.

Mowgli Charlotte Street, Fitzrovia

What: Now with restaurants up and down the country, Mowgli has become one of the nation’s favourite Indian spots, renowned for its vibrant street food, accessible menus and twinkling interiors (these guys love a fairy light). When it comes to fun, relaxed and lively private events, you won’t go far wrong with Mowgli, and its flexible set menus are another part of the draw. Feast on the likes of yoghurt chaat bombs, fenugreek fries, fragrant curries with rice and roti as you celebrate a special occasion with friends and family. You can hire the private dining room for 30, or the whole first floor for 32 guests.
How much: Minimum spend from £500, set menus from £25 per person
Where: 5 Charlotte Street, W1T 1RE
Book now: Mowgli Charlotte Street

Megan’s at the Sorting Office, Islington

What: Megan's at the Sorting Office offers two well-priced private dining options for small to medium-sized celebrations. The Long Table has a minimum spend of £1,000 for up to 35 people – working out at less than £30 a head – while the Lounge requires the same spend and can hold up to 30 guests. We’d argue that’s pretty unbeatable. Tuck into Megan’s signature Mediterranean menus, from sharing feasts to a Turkish brunch, and add your choice of drinks package for the ultimate meal to remember.
How much: Minimum spend from £1,000, set menus from £29.90 per person
Where: 6 Esther Anne Place, N1 1WF
Book now: Megan’s Islington

Casa, London Bridge

What: Casa’s beautiful decor, buzzy atmosphere and please-all Portuguese menus are a surefire hit for any celebration. There are two private dining rooms at this London Bridge site: the Boa Vida room for up to 14, or the Boa Pinga for up to 45 – although it’s possible to hire the whole floor if you feel like going all out. Menus start from £45 a head with dishes served for the whole table to share. Think salt cod fritters, fiery chorizo and Casa’s signature piri piri chicken all served with rice, chips and slaw. Minimum spend requirements vary depending on the time and day of your booking – simply get in touch with the team to find out more.
How much: Minimum spend on request, set menus from £45 per person
Where: 32 Southwark Street, SE1 1TU
Book now: Casa London Bridge

Salut!, Islington

What: Seating up to 35 on a private hire basis, with smaller groups of 15 non-exclusively, Salut! offers fantastic value for money. You’ll find it on the Essex Road, just a short distance from Dalston, serving up casual fine dining fare in a comforting neighbourhood setting. Set private dining menus (which start at just £50 a head), offer effortlessly on-trend French and British bistro-style fare, peppered with global influences. Daytime private dining events benefit from ample natural light, whereas candlelit evenings offer warmth and cosiness.
How much: Minimum spend on request, set menus from £50 per person
Where: 412 Essex Road, N1 3PJ
Book now: Salut!

The Prince Regent, Herne Hill

What: Planning a private dinner in South London? This Victorian pub brings plenty of character to your upcoming celebration, with its wood-panelled interiors and all the cosy charm of a proper neighbourhood local. Hire the Regency Room which comes with its own bar and DJ booth and can host up to 60, or the more intimate Drawing Room which is perfect for groups of up to 40. There’s even an outdoor terrace for those looking to dine al fresco. Menus keep things casual, so you and your guests can opt for a selection of finger food - think Cumberland sausage rolls, crispy chicken thighs and tempura prawns.
How much: Finger food packages from £15 per person
Where: 69 Dulwich Road, SE24 0NJ
Book now: The Prince Regent

Barge East, Hackney

What: Not only do you benefit from the novelty of dining on a barge with your mates, but there's also a wealth of unique and cosy private spaces at this quirky venue to choose from, many of which don’t require a minimum spend at all! There are two dedicated private dining rooms on board, the Canopy for 16-26 guests, and the Captain's Garden for four to eight. The latter has no minimum spend requirement, and the former starts from just £800. Once everyone's selected a menu and a drink each, you'll find that's easily done! Set three-course menus and drinks packages are available, and if you fancy some extra entertainment, be it live music or an art workshop, the team can help organise that for you too.
How much: Minimum spend from £800, set menus from £45 per person
Where: White Post Lane, E9 5EN
Book now: Barge East

Vagabond Carnaby, Soho

What: Vagabond’s Carnaby Street site is the largest yet, offering a central location and several spaces available for private hire, each leaning into the industrial feel with steel winery tanks and a bar built from wine barrels. The Sitting Room offers a cosy backdrop for up to 60, whilst the Atrium is ideal for more intimate events for 30 and comes with folding doors that allow for direct access to the terrace. The main draw is Vagabond’s famous interactive format, with over 140 wines available via self-pour machines, allowing guests to sample the wines at their own pace, alongside a selection of seasonal small plates.
How much: Prices available upon request
Where: 14-16 Ganton Street, W1F 7BT
Book now: Vagabond Carnaby

The Camberwell Arms, Camberwell

What: Housed inside a 19th-century building, The Camberwell Arms offers the best of both worlds, with a cosy ground-floor bar and dining area and a bright, exclusive-hire room upstairs. Inside, it’s got the feel of your traditional boozer with high ceilings, a wooden fireplace and your very own bar, with the option to add personalised touches and really make the space your own. There's no hire fee, just a minimum spend of £1,000, working out at just £20 a head for 50 guests - which is pretty affordable in our books.
How much: Minimum spend from £1,000, set menus from £48 per person
Where: 65 Camberwell Church Street, SE5 8TR
Book now: The Camberwell Arms

Grand CHOLAN, Canary Wharf

What: Looking to upgrade your private dinner with waterside views? Grand CHOLAN's first-floor space overlooks the Docklands, making it hard to beat. Here, you can host up to 40 guests in an elegant setting that comes complete with white-clothed tables and botanical touches. Elsewhere, Grand CHOLAN offers an al fresco seating area for just 20 guests, whilst larger spaces can host up to 100. The menu, led by chef Ramesh Babu, is rooted in South Indian and Tamil traditions with everything from lamb shank curry and butter chicken to an extensive dosa selection.
How much: No hire fee, mains from £12 per person
Where: 3 Turnberry Quay, E14 9RD
Book now: Grand CHOLAN

Agrodolce, Fitzrovia

What: Few places this central offer such an affordable option, but Agrodolce hits the mark, serving up a slice of Roman charm right in the heart of the capital. Its semi-private space is perfect for groups of 25, allowing the feel of privacy whilst still getting to be a part of the action, whilst exclusive hire turns the restaurant into your very own private dining room for up to 70. The handmade pasta is the star of the show, with set menus that boast four courses and bottles of wine to share. Expect cacio e pepe, pappardelle with white ragu, and the site’s signature carbonara, followed by a traditional saltimbocca, and classic Italian desserts such as tiramisu and panna cotta.
How much: No hire fee, set menus from £65 per person
Where: 67 Charlotte Street, W1T 4PH
Book now: Agrodolce

Gallio, Fitzrovia

What: For an affordable private room in the heart of London, look to Gallio. This warm Mediterranean restaurant is great for all kinds of celebratory events, and crucially, it doesn't charge any hire fees - just a reasonable minimum spend depending on the day of the week. Group menus start from £30 a head for 10 people or more, and you can add a welcome drink for £5 per person. Keep your eyes peeled for dishes like baked halloumi with honey and zaatar, beef stifado, and crema catalana. 
How much: Minimum spend on request, set menus from £30 per person
Where: 7 Charlotte Street, W1T 1RF
Book now: Gallio

OXBO Bankside, Southwark

What: Tucked right on the banks of the Thames, OXBO Bankside brings a stunning central location right by the Tate Modern and Shakespeare’s Globe. Inside, the space is airy and bright with lofty ceilings and statement lighting. It’s a great pick for group dinners of all sizes, with dedicated semi private spaces that can host groups for 20 or 42, and seasonally changing set menus that include the likes of grilled octopus, zero-waste beef croquettes, and grilled tuna with fennel salad and crushed potatoes. Plus, private dinners for groups of 20-50 get a welcome drink on the house, which just helps everything feel even more affordable!
How much: Group menus from £48 per person
Where: 2-8 Great Suffolk Street, SE1 0UG
Book now: OXBO Bankside

Bridge Baker, Fulham

What: Looking to keep things casual without compromising on quality? Bridge Baker’s Fulham location is as inviting as it is affordable, with a cosy, neighbourhood vibe that’s sure to go down a treat. The 22-capacity dining room is available to hire exclusively, or you can just hire part of the main restaurant. Menus here are very reasonably priced with the cheapest options including a pizza of your guests' choosing and a glass of wine. You can even add tiramisu or a charcuterie platter and dough balls to share if you're looking to make the evening a two or three course feast, or jazz things up with a pizza and tiramisu masterclass that is sure to be a unique private dinner for all.
How much: No hire fee, set menus from £24 per person
Where: 811 Fulham Road, SW6 5HG
Book now: Bridge Baker  

Duck and Rice, Battersea

What: Found within London’s iconic Power Station, Duck and Rice brings a stylish setting, blending the atmosphere of a modern British pub with bold Cantonese menus. Whilst not strictly private, there are several secluded spaces, allowing you and your guests to gather around a large table whilst soaking in the buzz of the surrounding restaurant. Choose from several set menus with a selection of sharing dishes for the whole table. Expect the likes of crispy aromatic duck, pork and prawn shumai, and black pepper beef.
How much: Group menus from £50 per person
Where: Battersea Power Station, Circus Road, SW11 8DD
Book now: Duck and Rice

The Horniman at Hays, London Bridge

What: Set within the iconic Hay's Galleria on the banks of the Thames, The Horniman at Hays brings buckets of atmosphere, making it the perfect choice for your next birthday party or team social. There are two private spaces to choose from, the old-school Mezzanine which can seat up to 64, or the Wharfside Bar which offers its own private bar and entrance, and can host up to 100 for sit-down dinners. There's a whole host of buffet menus available which are sure to keep your guests well fed throughout the evening, with plates such as crispy chicken sliders, salt and pepper chicken wings and beer-battered mushrooms.
How much: Buffet menus from £19.50 per person
Where: Unit 26, Hay's Galleria, SE1 2HD
Book now: The Horniman at Hays

Shoryu Ramen, Soho

What: Specialising in Japanese street food, Shoryu Ramen has several sites around the capital, offering a sleek and minimalist backdrop for those looking to keep their private dining on the more affordable side. Its central Soho venue boasts a relaxed private room for up to 16 guests, and you can choose to have one large table, or three smaller ones. The room is all yours for 2.5 hours, and if you need more time, just let the team know and they'll work their magic. It's just £75 to secure the room, with a minimum spend of £300. Menus start from £29 and offer an extensive selection of ramen, including the signature Shoryu Ganso Tonkotsu, as well as curries, donburi, poke bowls, Shoryu buns, yakitori from the grill, and a whole host of side dishes. Pair with sake, cocktails or mocktails for the complete dining experience.
How much: Hire fee £75 plus a minimum spend of £300, set menus from £29 per person
Where: 3 Denman Street, W1D 7HA
Book now: Shoryu Ramen Soho

Cinnamon Bazaar, Covent Garden

What: Cinnamon Bazaar offers a private dining room with a difference. You and your guests will be seated in the Khari Baoli private room right above the main restaurant, boasting vibrant decor reminiscent of India’s famous bazaars. Party menus are on offer, stuffed full of Vivek Singh's masterful Indian cooking including the likes of samosa chaat, and chicken leg curries with house black dal and bread for the table. Finish your feast off with a carrot and ginger toffee pudding. 
How much: Minimum spend on request, set menus from £35 per person
Where: 28 Maiden Lane, WC2E 7JS
Book now: Cinnamon Bazaar 

Pizarro, Bermondsey

What: Jose Pizarro's eponymous Bermondsey restaurant is beloved in London for delicious, accessible tapas plates that are perfect for sharing at your next private dinner. Menus here are, unsurprisingly, all about tapas, with fixed prices per person that will get you a selection of hot and cold dishes and even include desserts. Options here span the likes of croquetas of the day, padron peppers, mussels in a spicy sauce and Spanish black pudding. Cocktails and wines come at an additional cost but it shouldn’t set you back too much with house wines that won't leave you worrying about the bill.
How much: No minimum spend, set menus from £55 per person
Where: 194 Bermondsey Street, SE1 3TQ
Book now: Pizarro 

While many of these venues keep the cost breakdown nice and simple, if you’re still struggling to decipher your hire charge from your minimum spend, check out our complete guide to how much it costs to hire a private dining room.