London has a whole host of amazing private dining rooms – none more spectacular than those which with enticing views of the capital. If you want to splash out on a riverside view or live it up with a sky-high panorama, we’ve sorted the view-tastic wheat from the chaff at these 10 private-dining destinations where what’s going on outside the room is just as impressive as the experience inside.
Aqua Shard, London Bridge
With views of Thames-side landmarks and beyond from its slanted floor-to-ceiling windows inside The Shard, this glass-encased private room is a showstopper. On the day, guests can choose from a bespoke à la carte private-dining menu that reflects the main restaurant’s seasonal ethos and use of British ingredients.
Where: Level 31 The Shard, 31 St Thomas Street, SE1 9RY
Capacity: 24-40
The Balcony at Galvin at Windows, Mayfair
If you want to mainline that ritzy feeling of really living it up, head 28 floors skywards to Chris Galvin’s flagship restaurant. This semi-private space is raised and set apart from the main dining room, all the better to enjoy the spectacular views over Hyde Park and the capital’s pricier postcodes.
Where: London Hilton, 22 Park Lane, W1K 1BE
Capacity: 16-30
Bunga Bunga L’Osservatorio, Battersea
For a view with a difference, Bunga Bunga’s penthouse private room has stargazey telescopes fixed beneath its glass roof – at night, this vista puts London life into perspective. Come here for a tongue-in-cheek party experience you won’t forget – another surprise is the hidden karaoke system loaded with more than 15,000 songs...
Where: 37 Battersea Bridge Road, SW11 3BA
Capacity: 30
Chong Quin at Min Jiang, Kensington
For a back-to-front look at the capital’s skyscape, take the lift 10 floors up to Min Jiang’s plush private dining room, whose mirrored wall reflects the restaurant’s panoramic views over Hyde Park, west London and beyond. Set menus start at £40 per person – if you can, order the signature Beijing duck.
Where: Royal Garden Hotel, 2-24 Kensington High Street, W8 4PT
Capacity: 20
City Social, City
With its dark-wood aesthetic, marble tables and chic flower arrangements, City Social’s private dining room means business. However, that doesn’t mean there’s no place for pleasure here: the windows stretching the length of the room offer terrific views of the City. Take time to appreciate them, perhaps with a cocktail from the excellent list.
Where: 24th Floor, Tower 42, 25 Old Broad Street, EC2N 1HQ
Capacity: 22
Duck & Waffle, City
Wherever you sit in this oblong private space, you’re guaranteed a breath-taking view of London thanks to the room’s carefully placed mirrors. The endless view stretches at least to the outskirts of the capital; chef Tom Censi’s inspired international comfort-food dishes compete ably for your attention.
Where: 110 Bishopsgate, EC2N 4AY
Capacity: 18 seated
The Lounge at Sushisamba, City
Just one floor below Duck & Waffle, Sushisamba’s glitzy private dining offering is best experienced at night, when the lights of the capital twinkle far below you and the lively atmosphere from the adjacent bar permeates the space. Tuck into set sharing menus – and cocktails – that showcase Sushisamba’s Brazilian-Japanese fusion cuisine.
Where: Heron Tower, 110 Bishopsgate (38-39th floor), EC2N 4AY
Capacity: 40 seated
River Room at The Gun, Docklands
Not only does this Docklands favourite have an elegant, high-ceilinged private room – all oak and original features – but its terrace is also a lovely space on which to kick off your private event with pre-prandial drinks. Both areas pride themselves on their wide-angle views of the Thames and leafy Greenwich.
Where: 27 Coldharbour, E14 9NS
Capacity: 16 seated
Chef’s Market Table at The Shard’s Ting by Shangri La, London Bridge
For a truly special private-dining experience, book Ting’s chef’s table, which combines arresting views of the London skyline, a personalised four-course Modern European menu with an Asian twist, and exquisite wine pairings within a sophisticated setting. Landmarks to spot include St Paul’s Cathedral, Tower Bridge, Canary Wharf and more.
Where: Level 35, The Shard, 31 St. Thomas Street, SE1 9QU
Capacity: Eight
The Viñoly Room at Sky Garden’s Fenchurch Restaurant, City
This sleek, minimalist private dining room atop the Walkie Talkie building presents you with near-uninterrupted views of London through its wall-to-wall windows. Since the waiting list for Sky Garden’s bar bookings stretches almost as far as the views, a reservation in the private room can be a smart (albeit more expensive) route into this destination.
Where: Level 37, 20 Fenchurch Street, EC3M 3BY
Capacity: 16
For more private dining room options throughout London, visit our private dining rooms page.