London’s Most Exquisite Secret Events Spaces
By Amira Hashish
Seeking a glamorous spot for a special occasion? There are the more obvious choices but there is something particularly fabulous about discovering an under the radar hideaway. From intimate restaurant takeovers to spaces that are as big on personality as size, here are some of London’s most exquisite settings you may never have heard of…
Peggy Jean
Master boat builder Mark Edwards MBE has lovingly restored the former Jesus College Oxford barge which has happily pitched up on Richmond Riverside with views of the Thames and Richmond Bridge. The historical features have been given a new lease of life with pops of pastel-coloured interior decor. Part of Australian restaurant group Daisy Green, the Peggy Jean seats 120 and makes for a pretty, quirky party space.
Book: daisygreenfood.com
The Pelican
Perched above Notting Hill’s most popular new pub and dining room is this low-key grand events space with vast ceilings and sash windows peering onto Tavistock Gardens. Ideal for a family feast by the open fire, or canapés and cocktails if you are seeking something more formal, The Pelican Room is brimming with character. A hand-crafted, private bar will keep everyone well-watered and there is integrated AV equipment. Capacity is 30 seated or 45 standing.
Book: thepelicanw11.com
KOL
Nobu trained Chef Patron Santiago Lastra quickly made his mark on the London restaurant scene by opening the first Mexican restaurant in the UK to scoop a Michelin star. For an even more special way to experience what all the fuss is about, you can book the KOL Chef’s Table and Mezcaleria for private dining and events. The culture and theatre of the restaurant is celebrated in the lower ground space with its own kitchen. Inspired by a traditional Oaxacan home, it makes for a wonderfully intimate dining moment.
Book: kolrestaurant.com
Brunswick House
The Grade II listed Georgian mansion in Vauxhall is an antique-filled haven that makes for the most exquisite events backdrop. A collaboration between architectural antiques company Lassco alongside brothers Jackson Boxer (Orasay, Notting Hill) and Frank Boxer (Frank’s Café, Peckham), there is a wealth of substance behind the style. Dining rooms of varying sizes are available to book for lunch or dinner. For an altogether bigger gathering you can hire the entire house.
Book: brunswickhouse.london
Curious Kudu
Peckham’s finest private dining room and events space accommodates up to 14 guests seated, and 25 for drinks and snacks. The food is provided by the neighbouring Kudu kitchen and is served feasting style. There is no room hire charge, but there is a minimum overall spend of £400. During the day the space doubles as a gallery so it is splendidly kitted out.
Book: kuducollective.com
Henry’s Townhouse
Named after Jane Austen’s brother, who once called this elegant Marylebone townhouse home, Henry’s is a boutique hotel that doubles as a private hire venue. Russell Stage Studio are behind the sumptuous interiors which blend Georgian glamour with curated artworks, antiques and contemporary amenities. As well as six intricately designed bedrooms, there is Monsieur Halavant’s Pantry which acts as a multifunctional dining space with discreet AV equipment. Events can be catered for up to 24 guests for standing receptions with formal dining in the pantry for up to 14 guests. The ideal central London party venue if you would like to include a sleepover.
Book: henrystownhouse.co.uk
104 Restaurant
The smallest fine dining restaurant in London, 104 is a sweetly exquisite affair tucked away next to a cobbled mews in Notting Hill. The whole restaurant can be hired for a bespoke private dining experience between Tuesday to Sunday for lunch and dinner with a maximum party size of 18 for a sit down meal, canapes and drinks. Prices start from £100 per head for three courses. This feels like stepping into your favourite new chef’s home with a stellar wine list to boot.
Book: 104restaurant.com
Pantechnicon
With six floors and eight spaces, Belgravia hotspot Pantechnicon has beautifully set tables, hidden nooks and private rooms that can be hired for different occasions. Whether you are seeking a smart setting for an important lunch or keen to host a party in the leafy, glass-covered roof garden and terrace, there are options for up to 160 people.
Book: pantechnicon.com
Luca
Overlooking the open kitchen, The Garden Room is a lovely indoor space which retains the stunning exterior features of the Grade II listed building in the style of a southern Italian garden. It is available for lunch or dinner bookings and can seat up to eight guests. Alternatively, The Pasta Room is where the chefs make pasta each day. Designed to look and feel like a traditional Italian home kitchen, it can seat up to 10. Then there is the bright and airy conservatory with floor to ceiling windows that overlook the Tuscan terrace and walled garden. This room is suitable for a party of up to 48 guests.
Book: luca.restaurant
Lisboeta
The Adega is the private dining room at Lisboeta; on the lower ground floor of acclaimed chef Nuno Mendes’ Fitzrovia restaurant, adjoining the wine cellar. Underpinned by a passion for Portuguese food and drink, the space hosts up to ten guests who are served an ever-evolving, sharing-style menu crafted by Mendes and head chef Rodrigo Alves. It opens up for group dining on Thursday and Friday evenings, with alternative dates available upon request.
Book: lisboeta.co.uk
Bocca Di Lupo
The Remus Room is a warm setting for any party. It can accommodate up to 32 people seated or 45 standing, and is always served by its own chef in a dedicated, adjacent kitchen. A reclaimed teak table by Martino Gamper is at the heart of each gathering whilst feasting menus are changed monthly. Individual menus can be created on special request.
Book: boccadilupo.com
Spring
This elegant events space is set in the New Wing of the iconic Somerset House. A dedicated event coordinator is at hand to take care of all the details. The Salon, a garden dining room, sits up to 36 guests in an enclosed interior atrium, allowing for dining throughout the year. Alternatively, the entire stylishly relaxed restaurant is available for hire and can accommodate 116 for a sit down dinner or up to 150 for a standing reception.
Book: springrestaurant.co.uk
222 Kensal Rd,
London,
W10 5BN
T: +44207 138 3556
