Not all events come in the form of grand galas and big bashes. Occasionally, the best gatherings are intimate ones, and there are plenty of unique London locations that are perfect for smaller soirées.
Many venues, ranging from historic palaces to Edwardian townhouses, cater to exclusive cocktail receptions, select dinners and everything in between. As warm weather approaches, quaint gardens and terraces serve as the ideal setting for private parties, while cosy rooms work well for when the weather is cooler.
For those wanting to hold an event somewhere special, here are five venues that will ensure your get-together is truly memorable.
The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA)
There’s no need to compromise on location when planning a dinner for a small group. The Aston Webb Room at RIBA’s 66 Portland Place location offers high-end private dining right in W1 London.
The historic, leather-panelled room features gorgeous views over Portland Place and is perfect for those extra special occasions, whether a bijou wedding breakfast, special anniversary or important board meeting.
The Alex Fitch Room and The Fourth Form Room are two of Harrow's most prized venues. In both spaces, guests are completely immersed in hand-drawn graffiti and the chairs of Harrow’s most famous Giants of Old.
The spaces can seat 10-20 people for a fine dining experience or intimate reception. These venues are only available for the most select of events, meaning they are the perfect space for an extra special celebration.
Built in the 1700s by William III, the Little Banqueting House has always been the perfect setting for fabulous parties. Set amongst the breathtaking formal gardens and on the banks of the Thames, this exclusive venue is rarely opened to the public and remains one of Hampton Court Palace’s best kept secrets.
From its (hopefully) sunny terrace, guests are able to take in the view of where the Tudor Palace meets the Baroque Palace while enjoying a glass of champagne.
Inside, mesmerising Verrio paintings adorn the walls and ceiling of the Painted Room alongside intricate wood carvings by Grinling Gibbons. Those who attend an event at Hampton Court Palace will be transported back in time within this unique and precious space.
This Grade II* Listed Edwardian townhouse and home to the Royal Aeronautical Society has a number of charming spaces ideal for fine dining.
For elegant dinners of less than 50 guests, the Marshall of Cambridge Room & Foyer is ideal. Reception drinks can be enjoyed in the Foyer before a delicious three-course dinner in the adjoining Marshall of Cambridge Room.
For more intimate affairs, the Handley Page Room (which overlooks Hyde Park) and Sopwith Room are well-suited for dinners for up to 40 people.
Honourable Society of Lincoln's Inn
With a characterful blend of intimacy and grandeur, the impeccably preserved Old Hall at Lincoln’s Inn, built in 1490, has an appealing Tudor opulence for smaller events. The neutral colour scheme, intricate wooden panelling and stone-tiled flooring lends itself to personalisation and theming, depending on the specification of your dinner.
The elegant ambience with subtle nods to the building’s legal history and soothing candlelight glistening in the stained-glass windows make the Old Hall a stunning location for dinners. The downstairs Crypt provides an atmospheric welcome for pre-dinner receptions and a retiring space for after-dinner refreshments.