Best London pubs with private dining rooms

Located in the heart of Chelsea, The Chalk Freehouse is a quintessential London gastropub, part of the Tom Kerridge group. Look beyond the sunkissed window seats and wooden curved bar, and you'll find an exclusive private dining room, fit for ten people. Gather around a central round table and enjoy a range of seasonal British dishes, cooked with finesse and flair.

We love The Surprise's gorgeous design quirks - naval themed artworks, hand-painted details on the walls, and decorative floral upholstery. Designer Isabelly Worsley has created a striking look for this Chelsea pub, and nowhere is that more evident than in The Hamilton Room - the pub's 35-seat private dining room. 

The Walmer Castle's magnificent private rooms can host groups of between 20-50 guests. The larger of those is the Lonsdale Room - a brightly-lit first floor spot with luxurious high ceilings and a private bar - but smaller groups of 20 can head to the smart Westbourne Room to enjoy The Walmer Castle's elevated pub grub.

The Princess of Shoreditch's beautiful 30-seat private dining room sits on the first floor, right above the always-busy pub. Large, arched windows invite natural light into the dining room, which feels very grand thanks to a marble fireplace and gold-framed mirrors. Elevated food also brings a touch of class to any occasion.

Perhaps a little more luxe than some of the other options on this list, Prince Arthur is all about the joys of Basque cooking. Upstairs at this glamorous Belgravia boozer is a stunning private dining room seating up to 60 guests for set menu dishes like Galician blonde beef rib, lobster rice, and Basque cheesecake.

The Morrell Room (named after Lady Ottoline Morrell herself) is a cosy little banquet room for up to 16 guests. Flooded with natural light in the summer, and filled with candle-lit charm in the winter months, this room is full of character. It also has a large screen and projector too, making it handy for business lunches. Large groups can also check out the more flexible 35-seat Dining Room. 

Dating back to 1710, The King's Head is rich with history, charm and nostalgia, characterised by vintage chandeliers, tall windows and draped curtains. Hidden in the pub's wine cellar is the Cellar Bar, a unique private dining space for around 50 people with its own private bar, projector and flatscreen - perfect for birthdays and corporate occasions.

Dating back to 1998, The Abingdon has been hosting memorable private dinners for decades. The vibrant restaurant has a 22-person semi-private space, which offers a buzzy atmosphere, or a Sofa Area, with a more relaxed feel and space for 12 guests. Enjoy classic British cuisine, bite-sized nibbles, and wines from all over the world.

Arguably one of the most interesting private rooms in London, The Hound's private dining room is called 'The Clink' - a reference to the building's past as a jailhouse, as this room is made up of three former prison cells. You wouldn't know it from the fabulous makeover the pub has had since, and The Hound now offers a range of private spaces, ranging from 18-50 guest capacity.

Among the many stunning private hire spaces at The Cadogan Arms, The Rose Room is especially impressive. This 35-seat private dining room has it's own horseshoe bar, as well as a stunning stained glass wall, four TV screens and state-of-the-art AV for live sporting events. Add in the exemplary food offering and no wonder The Cadogan Arms is so popular. A 40-seat dining room is also available, as is exclusive hire for up to 150 guests. 

The Lore of the Land is famously owned by British film director and food nut Guy Ritchie, and the Fitzrovia pub has a number of private hire ranging from 24-40 seat capacity. The Rhed Room is the most notable of those - a smart 24-seat private dining room, resplendent in polished timber, with a large banqueting table for celebration dinners. 

Part easy-going pub, part swanky tavern, The Good Oak offers classic, sharing-style Italian American cuisine, from ragu to risotto. Upstairs, there's a private dining room, with a capacity of 22 guests, designed with a long banquet-style table, antique paintings and charming tealights. Smaller groups can also hire the Nook, a semi-private, casual space within the main dining room.

A hugely popular Fitzrovia pub - arguably serving some of the best Irish coffee and Guinness in London - The George also has striking private rooms upstairs. Capacities range from the 28-seat Dining Room (pictured) to the cosy Green Room, which can host up to eight for a dinner of soda bread with Guinness butter, steaks from the grill and sticky toffee pudding. Full venue and floor hire is also available for larger groups.

For private dining in Bloomsbury, The Marquis Cornwallis boasts the feel of your local boozer with flexible spaces that work just as well for corporate lunches as they do birthday celebrations. The Drawing Room is the largest option, and can host up to 65 guests, while smaller bookable areas within the main dining room suit more informal gatherings.

With its contemporary, colourful interiors and three-course feasting menus, The Castle Farringdon is an ideal choice for those planning a private dinner in the City. Its Lounge Bar can seat 35, with room for up to 60 standing, while corporate-leaning groups can take over the Meeting Space which comes equipped for presentations and business meetings.

For those planning a private dinner in the heart of Clerkenwell, The Crown Tavern boasts several characterful spaces, from the 30-seater Apollo Room to the more intimate Clock Room which is ideal for 20. Group menus range from three-course feasting to relaxed buffets, with drinks packages and AV equipment also available.

This multi-level pub is one of Primrose Hill’s finest, with four unique private dining spaces, from the intimate 20-person Snug, to the top floor Brunel Bar which comes with its own bar and space for 60. The Pergola is a favourite amongst groups, an idyllic beer garden that’s perfect for 40 seated, or a few more standing.

Max de Nahlik's Holland Park boozer is exactly what you expect in this part of town - stylish, charming and homely, with a classic look that leans into the building's history. The first floor dining room has a real low-key elegance to it, with classic wooden tables and polished bistro chairs, with lots of natural light thanks its large, period windows. 

The White Horse offers a choice of three private dining spaces for those looking to host a celebration out west. The Stable Room can accommodate up to 65 and comes with a private bar, while the Coach House seats 26 beneath the venue’s original wooden beams. Smaller groups can head to The Saddle for a distinctive boardroom-style setting for just 12.