Oenophiles will relish the unique private dining experience offered by the London wine merchant in its historic cellars. Dating back to the 18th century, the atmospheric Napoleon Cellar is the ideal spot for a lunch or dinner for up to 36 people under the exposed brickwork arches, or a wine tasting and tour for up to 100. In addition, there are a variety of dining menus, which can be tailored to guests' specification, including mouthwatering dishes such as monkfish tempura, Tandoori-style partridge, and a toasted brioche pudding with orange and marmalade ice cream. And of course, some of the merchant's finest wines will be selected to complement each dish. For more intimate occasions, Berry Bros’ Georgian townhouse in Pickering Place, with interiors designed by Nina Campbell, can house up to 14 people for a majestic lunch, dinner or evening reception.
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Hire the Napoleon Cellar from £775 (plus minimum spend), and Townhouse from £525 (plus minimum spend); 3 St James’s Street, London, SW1A 1EG; bbr.com
Gymkhana
With plush surroundings and some of the finest cuisine you can find in the UK, this Michelin-starred restaurant provides the ideal setting for an intimate meal away from the crowds. There are two private vaults, seating up to 14 guests, with curved ceilings, low-lit banquette seating and glass wall lamps from Jaipur. There is a choice of two seven-course menus (one vegetarian) with classic and contemporary dishes including Guinea Fowl Pepper Fry, Mattar Paneer Pae with sesame and peanut chutney, and Wattalapam, cashew chikki with banana and Old Monk raisin kulfi. As an added extra, guests can enjoy a wine tasting curated by Gymkhana's master sommelier. For parties of 50 or more you can hire out an entire level of the restaurant or even the whole restaurant for a truly special bespoke private event.
Seven-course tasting menu from £75 per person and wine tasting from £70 per person; 42 Albemarle Street, London W1S 4JH; gymkhanalondon.com
The Seahorse, Dartmouth
Housed in a picturesque pink Tudor townhouse on the banks of the River Dart, The Seahorse (founded in 2008 by Mitch Tonks, chef Mat Prowse and musician Mark Ely) offers cuisine that’s hard to beat. With fresh seafood on its doorstep and regular deliveries from markets in Milan and Paris, this place is not short of admirers. For guests looking for something away from the popular main restaurant, there's The Cantina, a private dining space complete with its own entrance, bar and open kitchen. Menus can be tailormade to suit guests' needs, from a selection of seasonal Italian anti-pasti, pastas and risottos alongside impressive meat dishes from the outside grill such as whole suckling pigs, and fresh seafood from the day's market – the whole roasted turbot with artichokes and pea sauce is a speciality.
A private event in The Cantina requires a minimum spend of £600; 5 South Embankment, Dartmouth TQ6 9BH; seahorserestaurant.co.uk
(Image credit: Paul Winch-Furness)
Bob Bob Ricard
Designed by David Collins, the iconic Soho restaurant's private dining room is inspired by the royal carriage from the Orient Express – ideal for an opulent meal for up to 16. Extending the restaurant's opulent Art Deco interiors, with royal blues, gold paneling and the legendary 'press for champagne' buttons, a dedicated waiter will serve cocktails and a Russian-inspired modern British menu consisting of such dishes as poached sole with lobster champagne sauce, crispy pork belly and sauternes, and truffle humble pie.
Prices from £60 per head, minimum spend £1,000; 1 Upper James Street, Soho London W1F 9DF; bobbobricard.com
The Scotch Whisky Experience
With an extensive history of distilling some of the world's finest whiskies, Edinburgh is the ideal place to enjoy a delectable feast for up to 10 guests, surrounded by the world's largest collection of Scotch whisky. Tuck in to a five-course luxury menu in the amber glow of the Whisky Collection Room at the Scotch Whisky Experience, with dishes including treacle cured salmon with dill and prawn dressing, carpaccio of Tweed Valley beef, a selection of Scottish cheeses and a rhubarb and ginger creme brulee, all expertly paired with a complementary wee dram selected by the in-house sommelier. Start with pre-dinner drinks in the McIntyre Gallery with a whisky bar, cocktail bar and stunning views across the south side of Edinburgh.
From £175 per person for five courses; 354 Castlehill, Edinburgh EH1 2NE; scotchwhiskyexperience.co.uk
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