London’s Most Wanted Festive Tables
By
yvette thomson
on
4th December 2025
This year, London has outdone itself. From Japanese omakase hideaways to subterranean seafood dens and timeless Mayfair classics, these are the dining rooms worth claiming before someone else does.
There is a particular thrill in slipping behind a set of double doors while the rest of London battles queues, cold snaps and the unshakeable panic of December diaries. A private dining room promises something calmer and far more indulgent: the freedom to feast at your own pace, the luxury of true privacy and the pleasure of gathering the people who matter most.
Angela Hartnett’s Dorset Street address offers a calm and inviting escape, with two private rooms shaped for convivial winter gatherings. Betty’s Room seats 14 in a semi-secluded spot, while Alfie’s Room holds 18 behind its own discreet entrance below the restaurant. Both spaces nod to Angela’s Italian heritage, with a menu of hand rolled pasta, cicchetti and generous plates designed for sharing. The atmosphere is relaxed but polished, perfect for groups who want something warm, intimate and quietly refined.
Bookings made here.
Trivet, Bermondsey
Next to the kitchen sits the Mustard Room, a thoughtfully designed space that seats up to 30 guests. Curtains give you the choice of soft daylight or complete privacy, while the menu embraces confident seasonal cooking. Expect heritage sourdough with cultured butter, followed by elegant starters such as pâté en croûte or risotto. Mains move from chicken with vinegar sauce to Angus ribeye or Trivet’s playful take on crispy duck, with spiced carrots and Alsace bacon sprouts on the side. It is a sophisticated setting for groups who enjoy a balance of comfort and finesse.
Bookings made here.
Claridge’s Restaurant
Set away from the main dining room, the private space at Claridge’s pairs mosaic floors and leather banquettes with sculptural lighting and an extending art collection. Guests can open or close the double doors to control how much of the restaurant’s hum they want to hear. Expect grand dishes such as a towering seafood selection or a tomahawk of Hereford beef served with fries, morels and béarnaise. It is a room for occasions that deserve ceremony, without feeling over-produced or ostentatious.
Bookings made here.
Luso, Charlotte Street
Luso brings contemporary Portuguese cooking to Fitzrovia, offering a private dining experience shaped around sharing plates and generous flavours. Crispy leitão, wild mushroom tart and a salt baked sea bass presented tableside create a sense of occasion without formality. The wine list champions Portugal’s most interesting regions, adding thoughtful storytelling to the experience. It is a warm, modern space for groups who want something distinctive but unpretentious.
Bookings made here.
Kudu, Moxon Street
Above the main restaurant, Kudu’s private dining room is revealed behind an ochre curtain, seating 12 in a space that feels intimate and softly lit. The feasting style menu encourages guests to pass plates and linger, making it a natural choice for winter celebrations. With its relaxed atmosphere and polished cooking, it strikes an easy balance between comfort and sophistication.
Bookings made here.
Carousel, Fitzrovia
Carousel spans three Georgian townhouses and offers two private rooms that feel purpose built for festive gatherings. The Green Room seats up to 30, while the White Room holds 60 or more for seated dinners. Seasonal menus feature dishes such as tuna ceviche, beef tartare, smoked beef rib and steamed cod, followed by desserts like apple terrine or buttermilk vanilla mousse. The atmosphere is vibrant and creative, ideal for larger groups wanting something lively but elevated.
Bookings made here.
Los Mochis, London City
Los Mochis offers a private dining room shaped for lively celebrations, complete with an integrated projector, sound system and the option to play your own music. The design feels polished yet playful, making it a great setting for festive dinners that toe the line between refined and fun. Service is attentive and the mood is upbeat without losing elegance.
Bookings made here.
Trishna, Marylebone
The Koliwada Room pairs soft green walls and rattan details with coastal Indian accents, creating a calm and stylish atmosphere for six to 12 guests. The exclusive set menu features dishes such as Dorset brown crab, coconut scented scallops and pear and saffron malai. A vegetarian menu and optional wine pairing offer thoughtful alternatives. It is an inviting spot for intimate celebrations with a sense of occasion.
Bookings made here.
Brigadiers, London City
The Bidi Room features vintage tobacco stamp inspired wallpaper and a cocktail and whiskey dispenser that pours classics at the touch of a button, seating 16 in a space full of character. Nearby, the Pot Luck Room offers a relaxed conservatory style setting with stone floors, greenery and slow turning ceiling fans. Both rooms include touches designed to please a crowd, from self-pouring pints to lively sharing dishes.
Bookings made here.
The Trafalgar, Chelsea
The Trafalgar offers one of Chelsea’s most impressive festive spaces, with the Havannah Room available for private hire. This downstairs venue features a hidden bar, full audio-visual setup and space for DJs or live bands, accommodating up to 100 standing or 70 seated. Smaller groups can book a table in the dining room, where vintage artwork, soft lighting and views over the King’s Road create a warmly festive mood. It is a polished yet relaxed setting for celebrations of all sizes.
Bookings made here.
Sam’s Riverside, Hammersmith
Sam’s Riverside offers a refined private dining room beside the main restaurant, framed by sweeping views of Hammersmith Bridge and the Thames. The room seats 18 around a single central table, creating an intimate setting for elegant celebrations. Seasonal set menus feature dishes such as roasted celeriac soup, truffled beef tartare, bronze turkey roulade, roast halibut and clementine crème brûlée. Available throughout the festive period, it is a warmly polished spot for groups seeking thoughtful cooking with a sense of occasion.
Bookings made here.
Hakkasan, Mayfair
Hakkasan offers a selection of private dining spaces that bring design-led atmosphere together with elevated Cantonese cooking. The Dragon Room seats 20, the Sommelier’s Table holds 12, and larger spaces such as The Cellar and Ling Ling cater for major celebrations. Full venue hire is also available for events that call for something grand. Signature dishes like Peking duck with caviar and honey glazed Chilean sea bass sit alongside inventive cocktails and a curated wine list. It remains one of London’s most assured destinations for luxury dining and winter events.
Bookings made here.
The Cavendish, Marylebone
The Cavendish brings a sense of old Marylebone charm to the season, with its historic frontage setting an inviting tone for festive gatherings. The private dining room seats up to 15 around one long table, or 20 for mixed events, creating a candlelit setting ideal for intimate celebrations. The festive menu blends comfort and refinement, with dishes such as house-cured salmon, braised ox cheeks, turkey with the trimmings and indulgent seasonal desserts. Larger groups can take over the Dining Lounge, complete with its own bar and flexible layout. Warm, welcoming and characterful, it is a lovely spot for celebrations of all kinds.
Bookings made here.
The Original Ivy, West End
The original Ivy offers a timeless backdrop for winter gatherings, with private spaces that carry the restaurant’s signature blend of glamour and ease. Set close to the West End’s theatres and historic landmarks, it is a fitting choice for both corporate events and refined social dinners. The private room offers a softly lit setting with polished service and a menu built around classics that feel reliably celebratory. It is a space that suits groups looking for something iconic and atmospheric.
Bookings made here.
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