London can often be seen as a food lovers’ paradise but with so much choice, where do you choose that will impress your guests the most? The answer lies within a unique venue, as what better way to showcase the best the Capital has to offer than to dine in a venue with a real difference. Choose from The Master’s Saloon onboard one of the world’s most famous ships, dine under the stars at the Royal Observatory, immerse yourself in a room steeped in history and surrounded by original artefacts, explore 200 years of consumer culture in a museum's time tunnel, entertain in state apartments that have hosted monarchs and other notable figures since the 1700s, feast amongst galleries that document the history of the UK’s capital city from prehistoric to modern times, treat guests within a replica aircraft hangar or impress with the home of one of the greatest art collections in the UK as your backdrop, even experience dining in the most famous castle keep in the world.
When it comes to finding unique places to dine, look no further than Royal Museums Greenwich for their seemingly endless supply of wonderful, exclusive dining spots.
For the quirky smaller party, the Master’s Saloon on the top deck of Cutty Sark can host up to 10 people on the original Captain’s table, though if you have a few more on the guest list the Cutty Sark also offers the Tween Deck for up to 60 within the maid body of the ship or the Dry Berth for up to 240, the only place in the World where you can dine underneath a ship with the historical vessel suspended above your guests’ heads.
For those more suited to outer space than the ocean, head up the hill to the Royal Observatory where dinner for 60 guests can be hosted within the Octagon Room in Flamsteed House, originally built to view the night skies in 1675 by Sir Christopher Wren. Start your evening with a planetarium show or finish with an astronomer led telescope viewing from the Great Equatorial Telescope.
For the larger parties, Queen’s House offers a royal backdrop and stunning views of London for up to 120 and the National Maritime Museum allows up to 600 for dinner on their spectacular Great Map in the heart of the museum.
Whatever you’re looking for, speak to the team today on 0208 312 8517 or email events@rmg.co.uk.
Within easy reach of central London, Dulwich Picture Gallery is a stunning setting for entertaining. The grand Soane Gallery, contrasting contemporary spaces and luscious gardens make it the ideal venue for a unique Christmas event.
Dining in the Soane Gallery is a unique experience not to be missed. Five perfectly proportioned rooms interlink to form the stunning view down the entire length of the Gallery, famous for its rich red walls bathed in gorgeous natural light. Up to 120 guests can be seated at a single table that runs the length of the space.
The contemporary Gallery Café is available for intimate dinners for up to 50 guests. Guests can start the evening with drinks outside before being seated inside with a view over the picturesque gardens which are particularly festive during winter.
For further details please contact: events@dulwichpicturegallery.org.uk
Image credit: Mark Bothwell
The Court Room is ideal for intimate receptions and dinner parties, accommodating up to 40 guests for a dinner and up to 80 guests for a drinks reception.
Adorned with antique furnishings, an impressive marble fireplace and large-scale portraits, the room is a striking space in which to dine and entertain.
For further information on hosting an event at the Foundling Museum please contact: events@foundlingmuseum.org.uk
Alex Fitch Room
Immerse yourself in a room steeped in history and surrounded by original artefacts whilst dining amongst friends. Whether you’d like to host a meeting, drinks and canape reception, or perhaps a formal dinner, this treasured space is multi-functional and certainly not one to miss.
Above the fireplace, for almost 100 years, a light shines on the portrait of a young man in uniform night and day. When 19-year-old Old Harrovian and 2nd Lieutenant Alex Fitch was killed in northern France in 1918, his parents donated the beautiful contents of the Alex Fitch Room in his memory.
The most poignant room at Harrow School, the Alex Fitch Room is full of unique and historical features. Everything in the room is older than the building itself. Panelling from the Elizabethan period clads the walls and the fireplace dates from the reign of Henry V. The floor is made of decking from H.M.S. Vincent, the battleship which served during the reign of George III. The furniture to the exterior of the room is from the reign of James I, as is the main dining table.
If you’re searching for a unique historic space to host a significant event, contact Harrow School Enterprises’ Events Team at events@harrowschool.org.uk to book a site visit of the Alex Fitch Room.
Book an exclusive dining event at the Museum of Brands in Notting Hill. Explore 200 years of consumer culture in the museum's Time Tunnel or watch some of the most iconic TV ads ever made before sitting down for dinner in the exhibition hall, surrounded by everyone's favourite brands for an experience like no other.
The Museum of Brands offers a range of indoor and outdoor catering options, fun activities to engage guests with the exhibits and exclusive access to the world's largest collection of consumer goods. You won’t want to miss this truly unique experience.
Contact francesca@museumofbrands.com or rebeccasangs@museumofbrands.com to book in your special dinner today!
The Museum of London offers guests the incredibly unique opportunity to dine amongst galleries that document the history of the UK’s capital city from prehistoric to modern times. This year marks the last chance to host events within the galleries and the spectacular London Ellipse Hall, which features a 360-degree LED ellipse suspended from the ceiling able to display various showstates or a bespoke commission.
To enhance the ‘night at the museum’ experience and let guests get even closer to London’s history, the galleries are the perfect setting for a memorable dinner. Whether you enchant your guests with the starlit ambience of the 18th century Pleasure Gardens, wow them with dinner next to the Art Deco lift from Selfridge’s in the People’s City Gallery or celebrate the 10-year anniversary of the London 2012 Olympic Games with an intimate meal in the London 2012 Cauldron gallery, it’s guaranteed to be a dinner to remember!
To find out more or to book a dinner at the Museum of London, email venuehire@museumoflondon.org.uk or call 020 7814 5789.
The Museum of London Docklands tells the story of London and the many transformations the docklands area has undergone. Up to 120 guests can dine amongst the artefacts in the No. 1 Warehouse gallery, where the incredible history of the building is brought to life. Extra touches including curator led handling and table curiosities will make your dinner even more memorable for guests!
Alternatively, the museum has numerous warehouse-inspired spaces that can be transformed for large-scale gala celebrations or intimate dinners. The popular Riverside Room features its own entrance and private terrace meaning guests can enjoy the Canary Wharf skyline, as well as the stunning atmosphere of the docks. The atmospheric Muscovado Hall, Wilberforce Room and Quayside Room are also available for dinners, with the latter situated on the third floor and leading directly into the museum’s galleries for a pre-or-post dinner tour.
To find out more or to book a dinner at the Museum of London, email venuehire@museumoflondon.org.uk or call 020 7814 5789.
Our State Apartments is a perfect space to hold a dinner, seating up to 72 guests. The State Apartments are an elegant environment for a drink reception or private dinner.
Consisting of two rooms, the Council Chamber, and the Ante Room. The Apartments have hosted Monarchs and other notable figures since the 1700s. Designed by Sir Christopher Wren and embellished by Robert Adam, the State Apartments offer and exquisite experience for guests.
During their time in the State Apartments, guests are surrounded by paintings by the school of Van Dyck, Kneller and Lely as well as important carvings and mouldings by William Emmett, John Grove and William Cleere.
For further information on hosting a dinner at Royal Hospital Chelsea please email: RHCevents@chelsea-pensioners.org.uk
RIBA at 66 Portland Place is guaranteed to get your guests talking ahead of a memorable dinner celebration! Located on an avenue known for its decadent Georgian architecture, the Grade II* listed building has retained many of its original 1930s features to create a beautiful backdrop for dinners.
Architecturally stunning event spaces where guests can enjoy a next-level dining experience include the Florence Hall, the RIBA Gallery, and the Aston Webb room. The Florence Hall provides a chic, mid-century backdrop for dinners of up to 250, and its expansive floor space means it can easily accommodate different set-ups from round tables, a large feasting table or the inclusion of a dancefloor, while the leafy roof terrace is the perfect spot from which to enjoy a drinks reception in the late September sun.
The RIBA Gallery features etched floor to ceiling windows and Art Deco detailing, as well as access to the adjacent landing, a triple height atrium space arranged around a grand sweeping staircase, while the Aston Webb Room is steeped in history and is the perfect setting for intimate dinners of up to 25.
To find out more or to enquire about hosting a dinner at RIBA at 66 Portland Place, email venues@riba.org or call 020 7307 3888.
Image credit: Black Edge Productions
You’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to choosing an inspiring and memorable space for a dinner at the Science Museum, which features 12 incredible galleries and two dedicated multi-purpose venues able to accommodate both large-scale gala celebrations and more intimate dinners.
Gallery spaces including Exploring Space, Making the Modern World, Wonderlab: The Equinor Gallery and Flight, are all popular settings for dinners with many clients choosing a space that aligns with their brand. The iconic and inspiring artefacts in these galleries can dramatically enhance an event and give guests a unique experience that cannot be replicated – where else can you dine under a canopy of stars or within a replica aircraft hangar?
For larger dinners, the blank-canvas Illuminate can accommodate up to 450 guests and can be completely transformed to bring to life any theme or event vision! Alternatively, for more private dinner celebrations, the Smith Centre is a beautifully elegant setting with access to an open-plan courtyard.
To enjoy a dinner with a difference at the Science Museum, call 020 2942 4340 or email venuehire@sciencemuseum.ac.uk
Image credit: Matt Chung Photography
ENJOY A PRIVATE RECEPTION AMONGST THE COURTAULD'S ICONIC ARTWORKS, FOLLOWED BY AN INTIMATE DINNER AT SOMERSET HOUSE
Somerset House are delighted to have collaborated with their friends at The Courtauld Gallery on a spectacular new event offering for clients.
Home to one of the greatest art collections in the UK, and located in the historical setting of Somerset House, The Courtauld provides a unique opportunity to host your guests amongst iconic works by Manet, Degas, Monet, Van Gogh, Gauguin, and Cézanne, amongst other remarkable works from the middles ages to the present day.
Somerset House are now offering clients the opportunity to elevate their event with exclusive access to one of The Courtauld’s special exhibitions, before sitting down for dinner in our stunning Portico Rooms.
Guests will start their evening in The Courtauld with drinks, canapés, and a private viewing of one of the galleries, before walking across Somerset House’s iconic Edmond J. Safra Fountain Court to the Portico Rooms for an exclusive dining experience. Whether you prefer to watch the sunset across the River Thames from the south facing balcony, or marvel at the sensational fountains from the north facing balcony, the Portico Rooms are a truly stunning venue.
The grandeur and heritage of both venues, coupled with the expertise of the Events teams, offer an unrivalled location for your next event.
For further information please contact: events@somersethouse.org.uk
Why not treat your guests with the ultimate dining experience with a dinner in The Crypt.
This Grade 1 listed building provides the most charismatic backdrop providing a stunning environment for you and your guests to cheers the night away.
Our passionate in-house catering team are on hand to offer glorious 3 course seated dinners – or are happy to craft a more bespoke offering to make your evening extra special. Why not welcome your guests with a champagne and canape reception in The Gallery before heading over to an indulgent seated 3 course dinner in The Crypt.
With spaces for both pre and post dinner dancing and entertainment St Martins-in-the- Field is the perfect venue to offer truly unique evening for your guests.
For further information please contact: events@smitf.org
From small, intimate gatherings to large scale corporate events, Tate has a variety of iconic and beautiful event spaces for all types of events. In addition to our unique gallery spaces, gastronomy is key to the Tate events experience. Headed up by innovative and sustainability-minded Head Chef Spencer Ralph, the kitchen team cooks delicious food informed by the dynamic and creative gallery environment they work in. Spencer has established important relationships with some of the UK’s finest suppliers, and uses these ingredients to create seasonal, sustainable menus for all events at Tate. Spencer is immersed in Tate and engages with curatorial colleagues to design bespoke menus based on the exhibition programme across the galleries. This unique approach makes Tate Events have one the UK’s finest events kitchens.
Their clients certainly have some favourite dishes which are always popular at events, including:
- Blackened pineapple, spiced crispy chicken, avocado purée, coriander
- Summer squash and chipotle empanada, chimichurri topping
- Pebble of wild strawberry and rose mousse, wasabi sponge, edible flowers, crystallised rose petals, wasabi ice cream
Enquire now by contacting private.events@tate.org.uk
The White Tower
This special venue offers a multitude of treasures for guests to explore whilst dining within its walls.
Instantly recognisable, the White Tower is the most famous castle keep in the world. It was built to awe, subdue and terrify Londoners, and to deter foreign invaders. It is an iconic symbol of London and Britain.
Along with the rest of the Tower fortress, the White Tower is part of a World Heritage Site. Inside is a unique Romanesque chapel, the beautiful 11th-century Chapel of St John the Evangelist.
The White Tower showcases the historic and world-class Royal Armouries collections, including the 350-year-old exhibition, Line of Kings, as well as other treasures.
There are many unique and extraordinary arms and armours on display, including the magnificent royal armours of Henry VIII, Charles I and James II.
For further details on hosting an event at the White Tower please contact: toweroflondonevents@hrp.org.uk
Twickenham Stadium boasts a broad variety of impressive dining locations amongst their 34 event suites, and over 150 pitch-facing executive boxes, many providing views across the famous pitch, and Central London. However, not many dining locations come as unique as the stadiums historical Twickenham Cellar.
The Twickenham Cellar, originally mysteriously marked ‘Project X’ on stadium construction plans, is now Twickenham’s most exclusive dining facility, providing a unique location to host impressive birthdays, anniversaries or VIP business dinners for up to 14 guests.
Learn more about this fantastic space by visiting the Twickenham Stadium website, alternatively contact the friendly Twickenham team to discuss hosting a unique dinner in the Twickenham Cellar at conferencesandevents@rfu.com or by calling 020 8744 9997.