15 private dining rooms with a view

Moored on the River Thames, Woods Quay is located between Cleopatra’s Needle and Waterloo Bridge. It is the newest addition to the Woods’ Silver Fleet collection and provides panoramic riverside views from the Houses of Parliament all the way to Southbank.

Its private dining space, The East Wing, has a capacity of 56 and provides an intimate experience as the guests watch Michelin-trained chefs as they prepare culinary masterpieces. For larger gatherings, the West Wing bar can be privately hired, accommodating up to 90 guests.

Complete with a wraparound outside deck and a well-stocked bar serving cocktails and spirits, what better way to indulge than with a private dinner on the River Thames?

Mediterranean restaurant & bakery, Toklas, offers a 100-cover sun-facing terrace in the heart of Temple just round the corner from the Strand and Temple station. The glass doors of the Toklas restaurant open out onto an expansive pergola-covered, plant-filled terrace with views of London's prettiest buildings from centuries past.

This semi-private space designed by Miria Harris is complete with a retractable awning and heaters in autumn and winter and feels like a secret garden of a sun trap with an outdoor bar in spring and summer. Stunning views by day, lovely and candle-lit by night. The space is contemporary, upscale yet still relaxed. A top-class private dining space in London with ambiance, views, and a standout menu.

Just along from Tower Bridge, Le Pont De La Tour is a haven for those seeking a French-inspired culinary experience. Traditional cooking meets innovation at this riverside destination.

The interiors are 1930s meets Parisian chic. Take in views of the Thames and across the city as you enjoy your meal.

For intimate gatherings, the Salon Privé offers a private dining space accommodating up to 20 guests while The Wine Cellar has seating for 30. With over 300 bottles of wine filling the space, it makes for an impressive backdrop to your event.

Impress your guests by hosting arrival drinks in the atmospheric wine cellar or on the sunny terrace.

Minimum Spend: starting at £50 per person for lunch and £66 per person for dinner.

For a unique private dining experience that celebrates the deep blue, head to Regent’s Canal to London Shell Co.

Docked in Paddington, guests can enjoy intimate dining on a refurbished Prince Regent canal boat looking out down the Thames. This floating restaurant offers a seasonal menu that shifts throughout the year, focussing primarily on fresh seafood.

The whole barge has a capacity of up to 80 guests with the private dining room accommodating groups of 12-20 for intimate affairs. Carefully curated wine, cocktails, and spirits are served alongside for a luxury experience.

With its opening coinciding with the 200th Anniversary of Regents Canal, get there in time to try their selection of British wild game alongside treasures from the sea.

All aboard!

Minimum Spend: starting at £3,000 depending on the day and number of guests.

The elegant Viñoly room sits atop the Walkie Talkie's Sky Garden, in the heart of the City of London. Tucked away within the stylish Fenchurch Restaurant, this elegant room is perfect for hosting intimate gatherings of up to 16 guests.

Indulge in a contemporary British menu crafted by renowned head chef Michael Carr, featuring dishes such as lobster and beef tartare with a selection of vegetarian options available. With main courses priced at around £40 and starters at £20, the Vinoly Room is one for the expense account as you look over the city.

Minimum Spend: starting at £1,375 depending on the day and time of day.

For a contemporary venue with panoramic views of the cityscape, try Searcys at the Gherkin and dine privately in a London landmark.

Perched atop one of the capital's most recognizable skyscrapers, Searcys is located on the 38th floor of the skyscraper and offers five private dining spaces. A menu of locally sourced seasonal dishes can accompany the London views. With space for up to 140 guests, Searcys can accommodate intimate gatherings or big bashes.

For a treat, head up to the Iris bar and sip on a tipple from their fully stocked menu whilst taking in the scenery.

Minimum Spend: morning from £75 per person + VAT, afternoon from £99 per person, evening from £140 per person.

Nestled on the 10th floor of The Standard Hotel, Decimo offers an enchanting dining experience looking over the city.

With its floor-to-ceiling windows offering panoramic views, this space is a sight to behold. Guests can enjoy Decimo's menu, a blend of Mexican and Spanish cuisine, which can be customised to suit your event. Curated wine and cocktail pairings are also available.

Its semi-private area presents the best of both worlds for its guests, providing them with their own intimate setting while still immersing them in the restaurant's ambience. Open until 2 a.m., Decimo hosts a range of DJs, ideal for those seeking an unforgettable night of revelry.

This Hammersmith spot celebrates all food seasonal and fresh paired with Italian wines and French champagne.

The River Cafe boasts a glass patio that bathes the space in natural light, offering stunning river views and glimpses of the kitchen gardens. Watch the chefs in action as the open kitchen brings culinary artistry to life.

The private dining room, seating 18, provides a customisable setting for any occasion. This space holds a hidden gem; their glass-fronted fromagerie. (tightly sealed for no cheesy whiffs).

Enjoy a pre-dinner reception on the outdoor patio, embracing the greenery, and even meet the chefs for a memorable experience.

Minimum Spend: starting at £120 per person.

Experience a piece of the Caribbean at this riverside venue along the southern bank of the Thames, just by Vauxhall.

Offering an indoor restaurant, a rum and shack bar, and additional seating on the outdoor terrace, you could host a Caribbean-themed private event (if that takes your fancy) with a group of up to 300.

The Caribbean is evoked through the tropical murals and colourful vintage holiday ads throughout the decor. Its hospitality, tropical bottomless brunches, and rum masterclasses have rightly proved popular for those in the know.

Perched on the 28th floor of the London Hilton on Park Lane is Galvin at Windows. This spot combines panoramic vistas of the capital, including the iconic Buckingham Palace, with high-end cuisine for a luxury experience.

Transport back to the glamour of the 1930s and delight your guests with Michelin-starred cuisine. Private dining options range from small tables for an intimate do to up to 300 if you are looking for something larger.

Adding to the allure, the venue's General Manager is none other than Fred Sirieix, renowned as the Maitre D'of Love from Channel 4's award-winning show, First Dates.

Elevate your dining experience at Duck & Waffle located on the 40th floor of Heron Tower—the highest dining room in the country.

With a curated set menu, the dishes draw inspiration from the freshest market ingredients and are designed for sampling and sharing. Indulge in unparalleled views of the London skyline through floor-to-ceiling windows.

The private dining space accommodates up to 16 guests seated or 25 standing. With booking available for any time of the day, guests can enjoy dining from sunrise to sunset.

Minimum Spend: menus starting at £35 per person for breakfast, £45 per person for brunch, and £75 per person for lunch and dinner.

Experience the authentic flavours of North Chinese cuisine at Hutong, located on Level 33 of the Shard.

With a capacity for up to 120 people, this extraordinary venue offers a choice of views: The Beijing private dining room overlooks the London Eye, while The Shanghai boasts breathtaking views of London Bridge.

With the menu designed for sharing, guests can savour the rich variety of dishes. Immerse yourself in old China's ambience, surrounded by red lanterns and traditional moon gates transport you to a world of enchantment at Hutong.

Minimum Spend: starting at £750 for Shanghai Room and £1,000 for Beijing Room.

Perched up high, The Menier Penthouse is in the heart of London Bridge. Its light-filled trendy space is styled with greenery and is for you to customise to your event. Floor-to-ceiling windows provide uninterrupted views of the London skyline that are the star of the show.

Multiple layouts are available so you can adapt the space to suit your dining needs. With a capacity of up to 60, it's the perfect spot to impress your guests.

Catering is included with a wide selection to choose from, so you won't go hungry. Plus, there's a balcony for some fresh air to take in those vistas.

Just a stone's throw from Waterloo Station, Skylon provides a picturesque setting with its riverside location. Floor-to-ceiling windows fill the space with natural light and offer diners views of the Thames.

Nestled on the third floor of the Royal Festival Hall, this sleek restaurant takes its name from the original 1951 Festival of Britain building. Its imaginative menu showcases British cuisine, utilising seasonal ingredients.

Its semi-private area offers a river view and accommodates up to 50 guests seated. Enjoy its intimacy alongside the buzz of the restaurant.

Head to the heart of the vibrant Southbank for your next private dining event for culinary creativity and modern British architecture.

Minimum Spend: starting at £55 per person.

Located a short walk from Liverpool Street, City Social is on the 24th floor of Tower 42 and offers breathtaking views of London.

The restaurant features the best of British cuisine, with multiple private dining menus serving refined Michelin-starred dishes. Its Art Deco-inspired interiors create an ambience that sees guests flock to its bar.

Three private dining spaces are on offer. Choose between the Private Dining Room for 30, Private Suite for 22, or the exclusive Chef's table for just 11 guests for the most intimate of experiences.

Minimum Spend: starting at £85 per person.