Updated on 29 March 2018
Although getting older isn’t something most people look forward to, birthdays themselves are always something to celebrate, mainly because of the presents and everyone being extra nice to you. If you’d rather not fret over the logistics of planning a dinner, why not hand it over to the experts and host your celebration in a private dining room?
Celebrating your birthday in a private dining room doesn’t have to be as pricey as you might think, many come with little to no room hire cost and then you pay for a set menu per person. If you are celebrating a big birthday then of course there are also plenty of luxurious private dining rooms for an all-out extravaganza. Many private dining rooms also offer additional options such as pre-ordered birthday cakes, a wine menu to complement your chosen dishes and even decor packages that include table plans and place names- so every detail is taken care of. This way you can focus on the most important part - having fun.
To help you find the right private dining room for your birthday celebrations, we have rounded up some of the most birthday-worthy below. If any of them take your fancy, click through to the listing and go to the ‘private dining’ tab to make an enquiry.
12 Hay Hill, Mayfair, London, W1J 8NR
Clearly crafted for a high spending Berkeley Square clientele the rich variety of rooms and reception spaces deliver an old world, Mayfair charm and an insouciant chic.
10 Grosvenor Square, London, W1K 6JP
Whether you’re catering for a group of 10 or 50 there’s much to enjoy at this sleek, no-holds-barred Mayfair confection, including both its tasty food and well-drilled service.
Claridge's, 55 Brook Street, Mayfair, London, W1K 4HR
Private dining at Claridge’s has always been both stylish and multi-optioned, epitomising roaring 20s opulence. It’s no different today to what it was a century ago.
16 Bury Street, St. James's, London, SW1Y 6AJ
Quags has always been the biggest, brassiest, classiest canteen in town from the days when royalty reserved tables here through Dexter’s unruly demise at Quags in One Day. The private rooms are first-rate.
1 Carlton Street, Piccadilly Circus, London, SW1Y 4QQ
Two private dining spaces at Aquavit tick all the boxes in terms of food, setting and professional savoir faire. Swoon at an array of individualistic dishes and a handsomely developed wine list.
10 Paternoster Square, London, EC4M 7DX
The private dining room, complete with bar, strikes all the right notes for a smart-casual occasion, while the kitchen and drinks offerings are a happy mix of taste, technique and precision.
10 Dover Street, Green Park, London, W1S 4LQ
If your group is 18 or fewer and you’re looking for privacy without stifling the natural ambience of the restaurant, one of these three semi-private vaults at Mnky Hse will be for you.
9a Devonshire Square, London, EC2M 4YN
A neighbourhood crowd enjoys the intrinsic sense of fun at this quirky space that captures the spirit of the Highlands. Tasty if unchallenging food adds informality, as too the virtual shooting range.
20 – 21 Newman Street, Fitzrovia , London, W1T1PG
Plush, bright individualistic space, characterised by its beguiling red lacquer paintwork and its cosmopolitan air. Well drilled staff, confident kitchen and good audio visual gear completes the picture.
45 Great Queen Street, London , WC2B 5AA
The convivial subterranean Club Room, seating up to 32 guests, oozes luxury and bonhomie away from the madding Covent Garden crowds. Plush leather seating and a well-stocked bar provide further comforts.
336-337 Strand, London, London, WC2R 1HA
STK London offers a swanky, modern set of rooms for everything from dark, moody hen nights to high tech corporate affairs. Louchely glamorous. Professionally confident. A stand-out in the neighbourhood.
67-77 Charterhouse Street, Farringdon, London, EC1M 6HJ
Three private rooms in a cool industrial chic setting inject energy and ample vibe to this Smithfield staple, loved by the local creatives. Expect contemporary cocktails and wines to compliment the meat.
Temple Pier, Victoria Embankment, London, WC2R 2PN
Guests can revel in the gentle splashing of waves on the hull of this floating masterpiece where private dinners or drinks receptions are both novel and memorable.
Royal Festival Hall, Belvedere Road, Waterloo, London, SE1 8XX
The River View reception area can be booked for semi-private dining and makes for something pretty special, with the ambient restaurant complementing the river views.
24th Floor, Tower 42, City of London, London, EC2N 1HQ
The frisson from inspecting London is well worth the effort of the 24 storey ascent at these handsome art-deco rooms. The food is magic too. The experience memorable.
Criterion Building, London, London, W1J 9HR
Peripatetic crowds may have made this brasserie famous around the world but The European flagship knows a thing or two about hospitality and entertainment, and it all comes together beautifully in its private rooms and spaces in Piccadilly Circus.
43-51 Great Titchfield Street, London, W1W 7PQ
Squirrelled away in the bowels of this unique and super-popular venue, this 'one-part hunting lodge, one-part horsebox’ is nothing if not memorable. Tasty if calorific food keeps formality at arm’s length and encourages libation.
8 Lancashire Court, Mayfair, London, W1S 1EY
This happy marriage of Bond Street polish and unpretentious warmth rests very gracefully in this pair of private rooms that can really upscale any private event. Natural light and a natural sense of hospitality are further pluses.
The Old Westminster Library, Westminster, London, SW1P 3BU
The splendour of the Old Westminster Library setting and a variety of unique and well-appointed events spaces makes The Cinnamon Club one of the stand-out venues on the private dining scene.
74 Charlotte Street, Fitzrovia, London, W1T 4QH
Stunning, deeply flavoured food by Monica Galletti and wines to match makes this one of Charlotte Street’s loveliest private dining experiences. Easy-on-the-eye interior gilds the lily.
2-3 Threadneedle Walk, City of London, London, EC2R 8HP
This glitzy, show-stopping hotspot has a vast array of fabulous and versatile rooms for private occasions. It never fails to impress, and the high classy cooking jumps with clean flavour.
39 Albemarle Street, Mayfair, London, W1S 4JQ
Tycoons, would-be tycoons and football fans enjoy the exposed brick walls and mural depicting a scene from the Godfather at this Mayfair playground serving simple but seriously good Italian grub alongside wine of a similar order.
28-29 Dover Street, London, W1S 4LX
The enticing whiff of Ibiza courses through the DNA of this small but well-run group with sister locations in Milan and the Balearic isle. The presence and culinary direction of a top chef lends gravitas.
13-15 Tavistock Street, Covent Garden, London, WC2E 7PS
Four distinct private dining spaces at this attractive Georgian restaurant deliver time warp fun alongside gustatory pleasure at what is sure to become a popular Covent Garden staple.
110 Bishopsgate, London, EC2N 4AY
The decor hardly matters when you’ve got London for wallpaper, but here it’s the best of both worlds, with the earthy notes of the fixtures and fittings providing comfort alongside the exhilarating views.
For a more comprehensive take on London’s private dining scene, take a look at our dedicated private dining page, where you can filter all options by price, cuisine and more.