With enviable decor and a long list of perks, private dining rooms are more desirable than ever. Here are the ones to book around the UK

Words: Lucy Frith

A friend’s birthday dinner recently was, I thought, the perfect opportunity for good food, flowing cocktails and a decent catch-up. But after several shoves in the back from the too-close-for-comfort neighbouring table and rowdy behaviour overspilling from the bar, I found myself wondering why we didn’t just stay at home and order in. The trouble is, a takeaway duck chow mein eaten from a lap tray hardly screams ‘special occasion’. Which may be why so many of us are booking the latest trend in town: the private dining room.

Restaurants up and down the country are introducing exclusive, Instagrammable private rooms set apart from the main restaurant to meet diners’ increasing desire for a unique experience. “In the last year we’ve seen a real increase in bookings for personal events,” says Sylvia Kontek, owner of Provençal restaurant Bandol in London’s Chelsea. “A private space, with beautiful decor, allows the host to relax knowing their guests are being looked after, without having to lift a finger.” While some restaurants expect a minimum spend of up to £2,500, others offer private rooms from £30 per person.

No wonder a recent study revealed a stark rise in diners eating out. The average Briton now spends a quarter of their annual salary on dining out, according to Open Table. As the team at London’s The Modern Pantry point out, “People see dining as an experience. Private dining plays into this – they want to enjoy a long night without being disturbed or disturbing others.”

But what does private dining involve? Some places offer a cocktail on arrival, bespoke menus and a visit from the chef, while others will allow you to choose the playlist and arrange a private sommelier to match wines to your meal.

So put down the lap tray and book the most luxurious dining experience of the moment with Stylist’s suggestions for the perfect private room. All you need to do now is draft that dream dinner-party guest list…

Private dining unlocked: forget supper clubs, it’s all about booking your own dining room