The Best Private Dining Rooms In Soho

Destinations don’t get more iconic than London’s Soho, but for many, the prospect of booking a private room in the area can be daunting – a classic case of too much choice assaulting the senses rendering anyone except the most hardened Soho luvvie, feeling confounded by choice.

There’s everything and more in Soho – and that’s not just the private dining – so here our are top tips for the best Soho private dining rooms in more manageable chunks.

Soho Icons

For truly iconic Soho, you just can’t beat these ‘hall of famers’. Several have recently had stunning refurbishments that are both sympathetic as well as bringing the premises bang up to date and giving them a whole new lease of life.. L’Escargot’s refurb is truly impressive, sympathetic to its heritage yet stylishly modern at the same time – with a multitude of beautifully decorated rooms for between 12 – 75, the Library and Salon Vert are particularly special and the superbly put together menu is guaranteed to please.

So too is Quo Vadis – now owned by Sam Hart, founder of Spanish tapas group Barrafina. It has redefined this classic venue’s culinary prowess with a modern European/Spanish slant and a fabulous wine list – chosen by Sam himself. The private rooms and atrium on the first floor can be hired as a whole for larger parties and weddings, or separately for smaller lunches and dinners. And we mustn’t forget the Snug, hidden from the main restaurant, the perfect place for an intimate dinner for just 8.

And we couldn’t talk about iconic Soho without a nod to the rooms at the Groucho Club with its media and theatrical links which host from 16-50 guests – obviously excellent for readings, after parties as well as more traditional meetings, lunches and dinners. There’s even a screening room for 18. Finally, our iconic wildcard is the Gay Hussar, a longstanding favourite with Soho-legends, politicians and more with its unique Hungarian style, fabulous wine list and two private rooms for 12 and 25 guests in intimate drawing room surrounds.

Fine Dining Soho

For fine dining the private rooms at Gauthier, Dehesa, Bocca di Lupo are hard to beat. At Gauthier all the rooms in the townhouse can be hired privately including even the Chef’s Room for just 4 guests. Fabulous French dining in a variety of surrounds from formal to fun mean there’s something for every type of event for up to 40 guests.

The basement of Bocca di Lupo is where their fabulous sharing platters are served – with the emphasis on sharing antipasti, it’s the perfect ice breaker for post-meeting dinners or family and friend celebrations for between 12-30. Over at Dehesa – there’s a secret escape from the petite restaurant in the exclusive Bacchanalian-styled private room below – for 6-13 guests which include business meetings, quiet celebrity get togethers and even royalty. Sharing menus are based on the restaurant’s a la carte, but our top tip is to order bespoke meals such as a Deshesa-style take on Sunday lunch like rack of Iberico pork for true Spanish family style dining.

Soho Newby’s

The most exciting thing about Soho is that it’s an ever evolving beast – more recent additions to its scene include the fabulous purveyors of Peruvian goodies, Ceviche with its bar (14) and option for exclusive hire of the restaurant (60) just perfect for post-meeting debriefs or a spot of informal networking in fun surrounds.

Meanwhile, Vetro, the new offering from Dalla Terra, (think Enoteca in Covent Garden) includes the Magnum Room, a hidden gem for up to 14 with all the latest tech and just perfect for a wine tasting, launch or reception where some of their 500-strong wine list can be enjoyed.

The Wright Brothers’ unlikely favourite is ‘The Cage’ at their Soho Oyster House, where parties of up to 30 dine in a glorified lobster cage with views of the kitchen – believe us, it’s much funkier & more fun than it sounds – especially when enjoying their divine sharing platters! And we couldn’t leave out Hix Soho – the private room is one of his smaller for just 10 – with a sliding glass door enabling guests to enjoy the restaurant vibe or have a more private secluded affair – watch out for the art work – it’s naughty but nice!

And of course, the latest incarnation of D&D’s 100 Wardour Street is proving popular for large glamorous events, fabulous parties and even has rooms for smaller traditional dining. Their function team organise events direct.