Looking for the perfect private dining room for 40 people? You’re in luck! We’ve compiled some of the best options in London so you don’t have to, with options for every budget, style, cuisine and occasion.
Finding a private dining room for 40 people might seem like a challenging task. Many private spaces cater for small groups and more intimate occasions only, such as an anniversary dinner or a client lunch. But there are plenty of exclusive hire spaces that cater for larger groups, too. Venues of this size are usually suited to celebrations with family and friends, small receptions and birthdays, while on the corporate side, you might be looking at Christmas parties or networking events.
In this list, you’ll find a whole range of options to suit all your event planning needs. Some venues are available for exclusive hire which means that you and your loved ones gain access to the entire venue for your event. Consider it the ultimate private dining room! Elsewhere, you’ll find dedicated spaces with semi-private dining rooms for up to 40 seated guests. One offering, for example, houses a mezzanine-level space that overlooks the main dining room, while another is a space situated inside a food hall with its own bar and kitchen counter. Case in point: we can almost guarantee you’ll find a private dining room you like in this list.
The hard part, of course, is choosing one. If you click through to the relevant listing, you’ll find full descriptions about the venue, as well as photos, menus, room capacities and how to book. Whatever you’re planning, whether it’s a celebration with friends or a team party, make sure to consult our list of the best private dining rooms in London for 40 people first. Then, go ahead and click ‘book now’ to nail down your reservation.
15-17 Harrington Gardens, South Kensington, London, SW7 4JJ
Set within the gorgeous The Other House hotel, The Owl & Monkey is a vibrant but sophisticated private dining space with a beautifully decorated bar. Blending brilliant menus and intriguing interior design, the atmosphere here is suited to all private dining occasions, from social and family gatherings to networking dinners.
Central European
Cafes
British
Brasserie
Hotel Bars
Max Dining 100
110 Bishopsgate, City of London, London, EC2N 4AY
High-rise views and fusionary menus will help take your private dinner to the next level, with Sushisamba’s glamorous 38th floor location. If you’re looking for a low-lit, moody spot that’s set to impress, then choose the Samba Room which can accommodate up to 50 guests.
Peruvian
Sushi
South American
Japanese
Brazilian
Max Dining 70
44-46 Southwark Street, London Bridge, London, SE1 1UN
Modern but still homey, O Ver is an Italian restaurant by Borough Market crafting authentic Neapolitan dishes. The ground floor is an intimate space. Designed in the image of a speakeasy it offers a cosy location for dinners of pizza, pasta, and authentic Italian dishes.
2-4 Farmer Street, Notting Hill, London, W8 7SN
This Notting Hill hotspot offers blended menus of Mexican and Japanese cuisine, amongst a rather unique backdrop of intricate murals and potted cacti. Tuck into plates of tacos and sushi, all washed down with Margaritas and Sake, in the ground floor dining space which comes with access to the outdoor terrace.
Pan Asian
Mexican
Japanese
Max Dining 60
2-6 Southampton Row, Holborn, London, WC1B 4AA
Known as a bastion of enigmatic styling, L'oscar offers a stunning backdrop for private dinners whether corporate or social. Set within a Baroque-style, grade II listed former church, The Library features vaulted ceilings and sumptuous velvet chairs, while The Baptist boasts a unique octagonal chapel design sure to impress any guests.
Modern European
Mediterranean
Vegetarian
Vegan
Cheese
British
Bars
Afternoon tea
Hotel Bars
Max Dining 90
45 St Martins Lane, Covent Garden, London, WC2N 4HX
St Martins Lane London offers several exceptional private dining experiences for 40 guests, including The Back Room, a versatile space arranged with banquet-style dining, and Studios 1 & 2, which when hired together can be organised in a boardroom formation. Both feature modern ethereal design elements with glamorous touches.
Bars
Afternoon tea
Hotel Bars
French
Max Dining 220
35 Spital Square, Spitafields, London, E1 6DY
A charming French bar and bistro, Galvin is the complete package with its exposed brick walls, chequered tablecloths, and glass rooftop to ensure an abundance of natural lighting. The Conservatory and Garden is perfect for smaller groups, whilst exclusive hire is available for up to 60.
Modern European
Mediterranean
Max Dining 60
81 Coleman Street , City of London, London, EC2R 5BJ
Centrally located, steeped in history, and beautiful to look at, Armourers’ Hall offers the ideal space for group dining with 40 guests. Of the various rooms, The Gold Drawing Room is the obvious choice, complete with rich decoration, flexible catering, natural light, and exquisite chandeliers.
26 Albemarle Street, Mayfair, London, W1S 4HY
The Dragon Room at Isabel is a real find. It's eclectic, vibrant, and designed to lend a cinematic air that's all about discovery. Matched with a seriously tempting cocktail menu, and a suitably glamorous menu influenced by Latin and Mediterranean traditions. We'd save this one for important celebrations.
Moroccan
Japanese
Max Dining 40
22 Charterhouse Square, Barbican, London, EC1M 6DX
Bringing a taste of rural France to the people of London, Le Cafe du Marche has a number of charming spaces where you can enjoy regional wines and bistro favourites. Hire out Le Rendezvous or Le Grenier, for smaller groups of 35 and 50 respectively.
54 Formosa Street, Maida Vale , London, W9 2JU
The Waterway in Little Venice offers private dining across its garden, terrace, function room and restaurant interior. The Function Room particularly is perfectly sized for 40 diners, and comes with a fully-stocked private bar, self-serve drinks and tailored wine lists. Sharing platters or three-course set menus make it ideal for larger group celebrations.
Modern European
Max Dining 95
The Stafford London , St. James's, London, SW1A 1NJ
Oozing with timeless charm, this five star hotel has been welcoming diners for over 100 years. The Wine Cellar offers the ideal subterranean space for up to 44 guests. Showcasing a collection of over 8,000 bottles of the finest wines, you know you’re in safe hands with the sommeliers here.
Burgers
British
Afternoon tea
Max Dining 44
8 Balderton Street, Mayfair, London, W1K 6TF
The Beaumont is a gorgeous, luxurious hotel in Mayfair, with a number of mid-size private dining rooms for hire. Both the Munnings Room and the cherrywood-panelled Lotos Room are perfect for groups of up to 40 guests, and the cooking at the hotel is superb, riffing on comforting classics like sole meuniere and steak bearnaise.
British
Afternoon tea
Max Dining 80
6 Medici Courtyard, Mayfair, London, W1S 1JY
Offering a truly luxurious place for private dining, The Maine’s glamorous interiors are second to none. This historic Mayfair townhouse comes with a number of spaces for private hire, from its chandelier-donned Brasserie to the alfresco Terrace.
North American
Steak
Brasserie
Fish
Max Dining 130
1 Lombard Street, City of London, London, EC3V 9AA
Private dining at 1776 offers an elegant setting with a refined ambience, bespoke architecture, and curated artwork. As for the food, 1 Lombard Street’s executive chef James Holden is on hand, cooking up a British-inspired menu to ensure a luxurious private dining experience.
Modern European
British
Max Dining 50
The Old Westminster Library, Westminster, London, SW1P 3BU
Housed in the old Westminster Library, The Cinnamon Club brings heaps of character in its bright and contemporary spaces, with award-winning menus of Indian cuisine. The Library Bar offers a casual environment for receptions of up to 50, with alternate rooms, such as The Gallery and Reading Room, also available.
103-105 New Oxford Street, Soho, London, WC1A 1DB
For something a bit different, why not try Arcade Food Hall on Tottenham Court Road? Switch up your private dining with this buzzing spot that offers eight open kitchens alongside a Thai restaurant. Embrace the Arcade charm with a pool table, ping pong and even a Whisky cocktail dispenser.
Nepalese
Middle Eastern
Mexican
Thai
Sushi
South American
Japanese
International
Indonesian
Indian
Max Dining 320
62 Seymour Street, Marylebone , London, W1H 5BN
Looking for private dining in Marylebone? The Italian Greyhound’s neutral colour palette and foliage filled dining rooms are perfect for any occasion. Occupying the site’s ground floor, The Garden Room offers an exclusive space ideal for banquet-style dining for between 10-50 guests.
60 Berwick Street, Soho, London, W1F 8SU
With Spanish and Italian influences, Ember Yard is the destination for an authetic wood-fired fine dining experience. For groups of up to 42, the restaurant's Josper Room is the perfect spot to experience an intimate private dinner.
Modern European
Tapas
Spanish
Bars
Italian
Max Dining 42
Albany Street, Regent's Park, London, NW1 3UP
Melia White House offers elegant private dining near Regent’s Park, with versatile, neutrally styled rooms for intimate dinners, business events or larger celebrations. The slick, sophisticated Primrose Room is well set up for business events in particular, but private dining celebrations can always head for the hotel's lovely Mediterranean restaurant, Arado.
Modern European
Mediterranean
Tapas
Steak
Spanish
International
Hotel Bars
Fusion
Wine Bars
Max Dining 120
12 Angel Court, City of London, London, EC2R 7HB
In the heart of the City, Mint Leaf London offers a contemporary and sleek design with its columned dining room and moody, low-lit spaces. Theatrical cocktails and menus of elevated Indian cuisine are all on offer here, to be enjoyed in the Lounge Bar, Mezzanine Champagne Bar or Large Private Dining Room.
Vegetarian
Vegan
Bars
Indian
Halal
Wine Bars
Max Dining 60
Pancras Road, King's Cross, London, N1C 4TB
If you’ve got guests travelling in from across the country, why not consider The Great Northern Hotel? Located in the heart of King’s Cross, you’ll find several sleek spaces that manage to retain some of their historic charm. The Lounge is the main dining area and can easily seat up to 60 guests.
British
French
Max Dining 16
Camden Passage, Islington, London, N1 8EG
A long-standing Islington haunt, Frederick's has been hosting celebrations for over half a century from Camden Passage. The Club Room accommodates up to 40 seated guests or 50 standing, complete with private bar, terrace, and garden views. The 75-inch screen makes it ideal for presentations and business lunches too.
Modern European
British
Max Dining 120
Criterion Building, Piccadilly Circus, London, W1J 9HR
Famed for its extensive collection of music memorabilia and vibrant atmospheres, Hard Rock Cafe knows how to throw a party. Host your dinner in the extravagantly decked out Legends Room, with room for up to 40 people, and enjoy menus of American diner classics.
North American
Vegetarian
Vegan
Tex Mex
Steak
Burgers
Bars
Barbecue
Ice Cream
Max Dining 400
60 St John’s Wood High Street, St John's Wood, London, NW8 7SH
Soutine in St John’s Wood offers an elegant, Parisian-inspired private dining room for up to 40 guests. Hidden at the back of the restaurant, it blends bistro charm with versatility for any occasion. Seasonal French dishes, set menus for larger groups and classic all-day favourites create a warm, memorable dining experience.
Modern European
Brasserie
French
Max Dining 40
37 Bedford Street, Covent Garden, London, WC2E 9EN
Covent Garden restaurant thirty7 offers soulful, brasserie-style private dining rooted in sustainability and warm hospitality. The upstairs restaurant seats 40 for seasonal, Mediterranean-inspired menus, while the intimate basement bar suits relaxed drinks, also for up to 40 guests. Flexible food and drink packages make it ideal for memorable events of all kinds.
Modern European
Brasserie
Bars
Max Dining 40
8 Sir Simon Milton Square, Victoria, London, SW1E 5DJ
Slap bang in the heart of Victoria’s dining district, Rail House is a truly versatile venue with several spaces that could happily seat 40. Host a drinks and canape reception on the Terrace or organise a sit down dinner in the rustic Dining Hall.
Modern European
Steak
Central European
Caribbean
British
Brasserie
Italian
International
Fusion
Max Dining 150
Lancaster London, Bayswater, London, W2 2TY
Set within the Royal Lancaster London, Nipa Thai excels in its private dining offering, thanks to authentic Thai cuisine, traditional teak décor, and fantastic drinks. The all-female kitchen, led by head chef Sanguan Parr, offers tailored menus and full-throttle flavour, creating a memorable and intimate experience.
Pan Asian
Vegetarian
Thai
Afternoon tea
Max Dining 50
3 St. James's Street, St James's, London, SW1A 1EG
Certainly one of the most atmospheric private dining rooms on this list, Berry Bros. & Rudd's cellar spaces are truly envy-making. For groups of 40, the Sussex Cellar is the go-to. Accessed via one of the charming townhouses, it's a true escape from the buzz of St James's.
Modern European
British
Wine Bars
Max Dining 121
71 Great Titchfield Street, Fitzrovia, London, W1W 6RB
Drunch in Fitzrovia offers Kave, a cosy speakeasy-style private dining room for up to 40 guests. Hidden beneath the restaurant, it features brick-built caves from 1890, a private bar, DJ desk and intimate nooks. Guests can enjoy cocktails, sharing plates and optional event add-ons like DJs and photographers.
Modern European
Mediterranean
Max Dining 40
23 Catherine Street, Covent Garden, London, WC2B 5JS
For those on the hunt for a central spot, Opera Tavern is found in Covent Garden, bringing a touch of Mediterranean warmth to the heart of the capital. The La Scala Room boasts space for up to 43 guests seated, complete with exposed brickwork and moody lighting. Enjoy Spanish-Italian sharing menus, with signature dishes designed to share.
Modern European
Tapas
Spanish
Italian
Max Dining 43
116 Pall Mall, St. James's, London, SW1Y 5ED
Prestigious 116 Pall Mall is sure to impress as soon as your guests get the invite, and inside, this Grade I Georgian mansion boasts grand spaces across five floors. The St James Rooms are often combined to create an elegant space for banqueting, complete with balcony access overlooking The Mall.
Modern European
Mediterranean
British
Afternoon tea
Max Dining 250
23 St James's Street, Mayfair, London, SW1A 1HA
Fancy a taste of the glamorous French Riviera? Head to Amelia’s Room, a cream-toned space within Riviera in Mayfair, with rattan details and sculpted lighting that recalls the sophistication of St Tropez villas and Cap Ferrat terraces. Perfectly made for birthdays, celebrations, and corporate occasions, guests can choose from sunshine-soaked Mediterranean set menus bursting with premium ingredients.
Modern European
Mediterranean
French
Max Dining 90
Planning private dining in London for 40 guests
Hosting 40 people for lunch or dinner moves firmly into large-group territory, where space, structure and clear coordination become essential. At this size, you are often looking at substantial private rooms, dedicated event spaces or partial exclusive hire of a restaurant. Whether you are arranging a milestone birthday, a wedding reception, a baby shower or a corporate dinner with clients and colleagues, the room needs to feel generous without losing atmosphere.
Private dining rooms in London for 40 people typically require careful thought around layout and service flow. Long banquet tables create a shared, celebratory feel, while rounds can help smaller clusters of guests converse more easily. Pre-agreed set menus, drinks packages and a clear running order for speeches or presentations all help the event unfold comfortably, particularly when working to a schedule.
What works best when hosting 40 guests in a private dining room?
With 40 diners, clarity and structure make a noticeable difference. A defined seating plan avoids confusion on arrival, while a single set menu or a limited choice in advance makes things easier for the venue, keeping your meal running smoothly. It's also worth confirming whether the room has its own entrance, cloakroom space or reception area, particularly for corporate entertaining or formal celebrations where first impressions matter.
How should you approach layout and atmosphere for a group of 40?
Room configuration has a strong impact on how the event feels. A single long table encourages a shared experience, ideal for celebratory dinners, while multiple round tables can help break up the group for easier conversation. Consider ceiling height, lighting and acoustics too; larger private dining rooms in London for 40 people benefit from adjustable lighting and sound control so speeches can be heard without straining.
Are private dining rooms for 40 guests fully exclusive?
In many cases, a booking for 40 will secure a fully enclosed space, and sometimes even exclusive hire of a smaller venue. However, this varies depending on overall room capacity and minimum spend requirements. It's sensible to confirm whether the area is completely separate from the main restaurant and whether other events may be taking place nearby, particularly if privacy is a priority.
What are the key logistics to consider for a 40-person event?
Large-group dining often involves additional practical details. Check access for suppliers if you are bringing a cake, flowers or branded materials for a business event. Clarify timings for arrival drinks, the duration of table use and any cut-off times for music or speeches. Most venues state clearly what sort of AV equipment they have on offer as well, so if you're planning speeches, video or the like, check with the venue to make sure they have the required equipment. For weekday corporate bookings, ensure service pacing allows for presentations without disrupting the kitchen’s schedule.
Do restaurants require a minimum spend for 40 people?
For groups of this scale, venues commonly operate on a minimum spend rather than a simple per-head reservation. The figure may vary depending on the day of the week, season and level of exclusivity. Discussing budget expectations early on allows the events team to suggest suitable menu formats, drinks packages and room options that align with your plans.
Find the right private dining space for 40 guests
Organising a dinner or reception for 40 calls for confidence in both the venue and the team behind it. From structured corporate evenings with presentations to lively birthday feasts with speeches and toasts, the right setting provides enough room for everyone to feel included while keeping the event cohesive. Exploring private dining rooms in London for 40 people through SquareMeal makes it easier to compare room capacity, layout options and minimum spend details in one place.
If your numbers shift slightly, you might also consider private dining rooms for 30 guests, or private dining rooms for 50 guests to give yourself additional flexibility. Browse the venues listed above, review their event spaces and make direct enquiries to secure a room that suits your guest list, budget and vision for the occasion. Or, why not use our free concierge service to find the perfect private space for your event?
Or, if all you’re looking for something to match a specific occasion, then be sure to check out our guides to the best private dining rooms for birthdays, the top private dining rooms for hen parties, or even London's best spaces for corporate private dining, where you're sure to find plenty of fantastic options. Happy hunting!