The Stafford London

The Stafford London needs little introduction. This luxurious five-star hotel, neatly tucked away in St James’s, has been delighting guests and diners for over 100 years (although the historic building itself dates back to the 17th century). Alongside the extravagant bars and restaurant, the hotel also boasts an impressive selection of private dining rooms. And, while each room offers a different capacity and style, they share a sumptuous trio of menus to choose from (although bespoke menus are also available).

The Wine Cellar is the largest of the private spaces (up to 32 diners) and dates back to the 17th century. Now, it is home to some 8,000 bottles of the world’s finest wines, and regularly hosts wine tastings and paired dinners. The next largest is The Sutherland Room, which can be used both privately or semi-privately, providing the perfect setting for up to 26 guests to enjoy an intimate meal in style. Located at the rear of signature restaurant Michael Caines at The Stafford, the room can be combined with The Panel Room for pre-dinner drinks. The Argyll Room, meanwhile, is a little smaller, able to host up to 14. Other spaces include The Pink and Panel Rooms, both allowing up to eight seated guests for an even more intimate private meal.

The Discovery menu is the most affordable of the three, featuring the likes of chicken liver parfait with blood orange jelly, aged Comte ravioli with fried quail egg, and custard tart with raspberry sorbet to finish. There are more extravagant menus on offer too, all the way up to the lavish Epicurean menu, which includes Orkney scallops, a magnificent beef Wellington with truffled mash potato, and Yamazaki rice pudding with roasted figs, plus the option of a cheese trolley.