Our pick of the best new places for group dining and private events in the City
Edited by Heather Steele
THE IVY CITY GARDEN
The Ivy Collection pops up in the City with another pretty private dining room
We particularly like this location’s Garden Room because of its light and bright aesthetic. That it’s a two-minute walk from Liverpool Street station naturally adds to the appeal. Large windows on two sides offer views on to 18th-century St Botolph church, while the room is decorated in bright hues and antique mirrors. Elegant cocktails from the onyx bar are a strong suit, so start everyone off with a flute of the signature kir royale with Briottet rose liqueur and Sipsmith sloe gin. As for the food, it lives up to the Ivy name with classic dishes such as blackened cod fillet and shepherd’s pie. Finish off with melting chocolate bombes – impossible not to Instagram as they melt under the warm salted caramel sauce.
Private dining 32
69 Old Broad Street, EC2M 1QS | 020 3146 7744
RED ROOSTER
Marcus Samuelsson’s legendary Harlem restaurant and music venue opens a sister property in Shoreditch
Marcus Samuelsson created a musical and culinary institution with Red Rooster in New York City. Seven years later, he’s opened Rooster number two in the basement of the
Curtain Hotel. Live soul, blues and jazz music are the stars here, but the menu’s no wallflower: Southern crowd-pleasers in the form of Obama short ribs (the ex-prez is a fan), chicken ’n’ waffles and the Bird Royale Feast for two, which arrives topped with sparklers. The big flavours travel well to a secluded and cool private dining room next door. Naturally, the music doesn’t, so groups might want to move to the bar for an after-dinner dance over cocktails made by cult mix-masters Trash Tiki. Also enquire about going semi-private by taking over the banquette-seated area around the stage.
Private dining 18 |
Semi-private dining 30
45 Curtain Road, EC2A 3PT | 020 3146 4545
COYA ANGEL COURT
Latin-American flavours and spirit arrive in the City
The lively atmosphere of Coya’s second UK outpost near Bank makes it a fun place for more casual entertaining. Its private dining room is found at the centre of the main restaurant behind sliding doors and is decked out with blue velvet chairs, an Inca-inspired rug, and a carved wooden table. From the selection of Peruvian small plates we tried, the seabream ceviche with crispy corn and coriander came out top.
Private dining 12
31 Throgmorton Street, EC2N 2AT | 020 3907 0000
TEMPER CITY
Neil Rankin trades tacos for thalis
A 1980s soundtrack is as welcoming as Temper’s host at its new Bank branch. It may look hi-spec (designed with City clientele in mind), but fun is still on the agenda in a room centred around an open fire pit where guests can dine counter-side. Here, former Pitt Cue/Barbecoa/Smokehouse chef Rankin has turned his attention to curries and tandoor-grilled meats. Groups should opt for the feasting menu for the best of both: smoked duck masala alongside kimchi lamb skewers and goat chop. The 60-capacity Mezzanine is the best spot to soak up the Bon Jovi-heavy playlist along with punchy cocktails (try the Glasgow Kiss: gin, vermouth, Buckfast and triple sec), while a 40-capacity terrace will be a sure-fire hit in summer.
Exclusive use 300 |
Private dining 60
30 Throgmorton Street, EC2R 7HJ | 020 3004 6984
BEST OF THE REST
JAZZGIR
Canary Wharf’s Jazzgir (020 7001 0400) combines small plates with live jazz. We enjoyed a tuna carpaccio with asparagus purée and a rabbit ragu with fresh pappardelle. The venue has fine views over the water and is available for private hire for up to 60 guests.
TRAFALGAR DINING ROOMS
Perched on the corner of the square of the same name, The Trafalgar Dining Rooms (020 7870 2901) is a glam spot for groups of eight within the revamped
Trafalgar St James Hotel. Mediterranean flavours are delivered best in the starters – picture creamy burrata with heirloom tomatoes and crispy courgette fritters.
Check out more options around the capital here