Private Dining Rooms

Overview

This stylish and modern ‘Gary Rhodes Private Dining Room’ in the heart of central London, Marble Arch. Just a few steps away from Mayfair and located at the unique Cumberland Hotel, this is the ideal venue for private parties, leisure event or business meeting.

The private function room can be also hired for tailor-made function for private events, whether you are looking for a fine dining experience or a more informal dining space, with a casual and comfortable bistro menu, we are confident that our team of experts in meeting room hire can meet all your expectations.

The highly acclaimed “Rhodes W1 Restaurant” Michelin Star venue has been on the receiving end of rave reviews since its inception, and has gone on to garner a Michelin star back in 2008, which has retained ever since, as well as three AA rosettes.  

The menu is composed of a combination of classic French and modern British cuisine, which bears all the hallmarks of Gary Rhodes’ personal style. Changing regularly due to the seasonality of ingredients, it is matched by an exquisite wine list which features over 350 rare wines from small family estates, all chosen by the Master Sommelier, Yves Desmaris.

So relax everything is going to work out perfectly.

Insider View

I’ve never really understood the entrance to the Cumberland Hotel – it seems like a whole lot of wasted prime real estate dotted around with weird arty statues that simply seem out of place.

Thank heavens then that, despite being attached to the hotel, Rhodes W1 has got a separate entrance at the far end of the hotel where Great Cumberland Place meets Bryanston Street.  And it’s fab. Not just ok, but jaw-droppingly, chandelier-happy, glamour-tasticly fab. It’s a hard line to do so much diamante sparkle without becoming tacky, clichéd or camp, but Rhodes W1 – designed by Kelly Hoppen - manages it by keeping everything else understated in black and white, letting the chandeliers speak for themselves.

The entrance, apart from the chandeliers, has plain stripped wooden floors, a massive wine wall and a black high backed, stylised sofa.

The private room backs onto the wine wall and is a large airy space with oversized windows looking onto the street. There’s room for a pre-drinks reception before sitting at the stunning table. It’s a highly polished wooden oval in an art deco style with a continuous wave as a single table leg. There’s also a feature wall with poppy wall paper, a black and crystal chandelier and black leather high backed chairs.

But perhaps the best part of this set up is that guests can choose between the brasserie menu and the Michelin-starred fine dining menu meaning per head costs can range from £32 to £65. And it’s good food: classic, interesting, but not too overly fancy or whacky. While owner Gary Rhodes obviously has direct input and influence on the food and menus, head chef Paul Welburn has been equally responsible for retaining the fine dining restaurant’s Michelin star since 2008.

The main restaurant itself only has 13 well-spaced tables and a small bar area with food-related graffitied armchairs. But it also has a small semi-private room for up to 8 guests, partitioned off with light golden sheer gauze. The whole restaurant is secluded, elegant with striking mirrors on the walls as the only decoration except for, of course, those stunning chandeliers.

The brasserie restaurant, which is flanked by the fine dining restaurant and Cumberland hotel is a massive space which can seat 100 or so. While all the spaces are generally used separately for individual events it is possible, on occasion, to hire the rooms for exclusive use.

Gary Rhodes OBE

How long have you been at the restaurant?

Rhodes W1 Brasserie opened in 2005 and the Restaurant opened in 2007.

Which was the first restaurant you worked in?

On leaving college in 1979 I ventured to Amsterdam to work in the Hilton Hotel, which I thoroughly enjoyed.

What was the last restaurant you went to, apart from your own?

I’ve just returned from Auckland where we went to a great restaurant called Depot, owned by Al Brown. It was a really exciting place with very tasty food.

Which restaurant is your favourite and why?

I have many favourites offering food of all different styles, such as The Waterside Inn, Le Gavroche, Zafferanos and Café a Vin. However, my local favourite is a Chinese restaurant called Xi’ans in Orpington, Kent. I love the food and the family who own it.

What or who has been the biggest influence on the way you cook and why?

During my training years at Thanet College I had a tutor who has become a very close friend, Mr Peter Barrett. He was a huge influence on me and continues to inspire me. He has an incredible culinary knowledge and skill. Also, the Roux Brothers continue to inject fresh enthusiasm, dedication and inspiration within me.

What is your personal signature dish?

That’s a difficult question. Bread & Butter pudding is a dish which is always looked upon as my signature, which although it may not be my original invention, it is the one dish we have never been able to take off the menu in most of the restaurants. A more modern dish that has become one of my favourites is the white tomato soup, which creates a big surprise for our guests.

Which other chef(s) do you most admire?

As mentioned, the Roux Brothers and their great culinary sons Michel and Alain, along with Guy Savoy from Paris and Thomas Keller, who is not only a great chef but a true gentleman to go with it.

What’s the best part of your job?

Leaving the kitchen with a smile.

And the worst?

Not enough guests to cook for.

What would your last meal be?

I don’t mind, as long as it was with Marilyn Monroe!

Do you have a chef’s shortcut that you can share with us?

Yes, when cooking at home I always use a tin of beef consommé as a base stock to good stews, braised dishes and sauces. It has a great strength of flavour and clarity.