The end of the year is in sight, so if you haven’t snapped up a private room for your annual family get-together, company party or reunion with friends, allow us to suggest some of the best in the capital.
China Tang
For the finest Cantonese delicacies, David Tang’s China Tang at The Dorchester will always be our first port of call. Located on Park Lane, you’ll find Sichuan specialities such as mapo tofu on the menu, best enjoyed in one of their three private dining rooms – Ping, Pang and Pong – which can accommodate up to 80 seated guests or 100 for a standing reception. You’ll need to book well in advance but it’s worth it: Sir David Tang’s decadent dim sum private dining rooms rank as some of the finest in the capital
German Gymnasium
Like many areas in London, Kings Cross has – in recent years – begun to make more of a name for itself thanks to fabulous new developments such as Granary Square (humming with cool places to eat, including Caravan and the Grain Store), the arrival of Central St Martins and the gorgeous Great Northern Hotel (GNH) – a boutique bolthole. It has also seen the launch of German Gymnasium – a gorgeous eating and drinking emporium by D&D London on the site of a grade 11 listed former gymnasium designed by architect Edward Gruning in 1864, which has only served to confirm that Kings Cross is now officially cool.
Situated a stone’s throw from King’s Cross station, this colossal space compromises a ground floor cafe, upstairs restaurant and bar that can accommodate over 447 customers inside alone (there’s also a large al fresco terrace for the summer months). However, the icing on top of this forest gateaux has to be the sophisticated semi-private dining space that can seat 32 guests for breakfast, lunch and dinner or 50 for a standing reception.
Gymkhana
Gymkhana was named Britain’s best restaurant back in 2015 and for good reason: Gymkhana justifies the hyperbole. The main restaurant at Karam Sethi’s Marylebone venture has the look and feel of a private club with the benefit of two private dining vaults secluded on either side of the lower ground floor.
Guests are offered a range of set menus or are able to create their own bespoke menu and wine pairing.With banquette seating in each vault, Sybarites can dine in groups of up to nine or up to 14. Gymkhana is also available for exclusive hire on each level, seating 50 guests on the ground floor and 50 guests on the lower ground floor.
Theo Randall at the InterContinental
To celebrate the 10th anniversary of his eponymous restaurant at the InterContinental, a second private dining room – which connects to the existing room via a sliding door – was introduced at Theo Randall. Separately the main room can seat up to 24 people, or 55 when both rooms are connected and can accommodate up to 100 for a standing drinks reception.
In keeping with Theo’s philosophy of seasonality and flexibility, private bookings are able to enjoy a completely customised menu. Guests are encouraged to speak with Theo prior to their event so that he can create a bespoke selection of dishes suited to their preference. Head sommelier, Vittorio Gentile will then design wine and cocktails pairings to match.
Another less formal option is the high-level Kitchen Table (designed for up to eight) which looks straight into the heart of the kitchen. This new option is perfect for group bookings that still want to absorb the atmosphere of the main restaurant.
The Ivy
Over a 100 years of history have earned The Ivy its enduring reputation as one of London’s best-loved restaurants, having started life as a humble café in 1917.
A classic celebrity haunt in the heart of Theatreland, The Ivy is a great place to enjoy traditional British dishes created by executive chef Gary Lee and his tea, in glamorous surroundings: the new Martin Brudnizki-designed private room exudes style owing to its elegant stained glass windows, oak panelling, private bar and baby grand piano. (A jazz trio, string quartet or other musical entertainment can also be arranged).
