The Fantasy Culinary Islands of London’s Private Dining Scene
#LondonPrivateDining
If London is the capital of the world, where can I eat like nowhere else in the world? This is something I am often asked, both by overseas and London based clients.
For me, being happily marooned on a fantasy culinary island of private dining really is the most indulgent way to dine. When I think about the greatest sensory indulgences I’ve had in London’s most exclusive private dining spaces, these have been the most memorable.
IMMERSIVE | FANTASY | INDULGENCE
No matter the differences in style – dramatic, moody, romantic, decadent – they offer experiences that stimulate all the senses. They all take you on a theatrical journey in their own individual style.
Being Marooned On A Fantasy Culinary Island Of Private Dining Is The Most Indulgent Way To Dine
Are there Fish? Yes. Are they sexy?…
This is a ballsy restaurant with a ballsy name. And rightly so, as Sexy Fish gives you more than the average restaurant experience. Do not be fooled by the somewhat reserved exterior – there is absolutely nothing that is restrained or subtle about the interior at Sexy Fish.
It is loud, proud, in your face opulence, and why not? Yes, it has been described as ‘like being punched in the face by Abu Dhabi’, but I don’t think this is necessarily a bad thing.
From the gold ceiling and the Damien Hirst Blue Mermaid Sculptures that grace the bar, to the floor made from Iranian Onyx, walking into Sexy Fish is like walking into another world – a world where anything goes as long as it is wonderfully lavish. Of course, the private Coral Reef dining room has a giant fish tank, we wouldn’t expect anything less. Personally, I prefer the main restaurant, but both are certainly worth a visit.
‘A mystical and swanky art filled setting’
Guests to the Coral Reef Room will be surrounded by two of the largest live coral reef tanks in the world – complete with 300 majestically coloured fish. They give you the feeling of being immersed in a sumptuous underwater cabin.
The walls feature beautiful Keppel ribbed silk fabric and the chairs, booths, and banquettes are finished in deep aqua coloured leather which truly captures the essence of the ocean. The striking custom-built private bar with antique brass detailing and the off-white marble top is an inviting opportunity for digestifs and after-dinner cocktails.
Sexy Fish is an Asian restaurant and bar, housing the biggest Japanese whiskey collection in the world, it serves guests with wonderful meat, fish, and seafood skilfully cooked on a Robata grill and there is also an extensive selection of sashimi and sushi dishes.
So, are the fish sexy? Yes, all around.
A personal favourite of mine. It’s known for being ‘impossibly trendy.’ But I think that may be a little harsh – Decimo is far less self-conscious and much more self-confident in design and creative direction. Decimo sits within a Brutalist slab shell of what was originally the Camden Hall Annexe, the Standard Hotel of the thriving King’s Cross neighbourhood.
The outdoor red pill lift – which shuttles diners from street level right up to the rooftop hangout while listening to the moody melody, a kick start of the experience you are about to be delivered – young, fresh, and playful.
The moment you arrive you are taken on a journey; this is a space with a story to tell. That story contains a heady mix of Maximalism, Californian Mid-Century style and 60’s/70s inspired decor. Every area is a feast for the eyes, and that’s before you even order your meal.
‘Gorgeous, sexy and glamorous as hell’
Green plants and oversized cacti are set aside fungal like sculptures – a signature style for the hotel.
The Semiprivate Dining Room has the same vibe, with a modish and distinctive internal colour scheme. The space is set against a floor to ceiling window which showcases a view of the city – a view which becomes a stunning backdrop at night.
Although this beautiful space is separated from the rest of the restaurant, it is still visible to other guests. Despite this, with its own private bar, you really do feel free to dine and entertain your guests without being disturbed. Decimo is a must visit – it’s not just glamorous, it’s a study on balance-contrast-cohesion in blissful harmony. Decimo should be at the top of the list for those who want something a little different, a taste of the unexpected.
Three-Michelin-starred Sketch is a place where four distinct restaurants with very different personalities, stylings, and ambiences collide. It’s so much more than the egg-shaped powder rooms and pink tea rooms for which it has become Instagram famous.
There’s the funky fuchsia of the Gallery, the silky sunset tones of the Lecture Room, the majestic and mythical forest you enter when in The Glade [you have to see the walls and the carpet here], and the comparatively restrained but still absolutely gorgeous Parlour.
‘The Ultimate Eye Feast And Artists Of The Theatricality’
For a more private experience, booking into the Millicent Fawcett Room is a must – it’s named after the suffragist who once addressed an audience at this site in 1869.
A stylish choice for any event, one which boasts wonderfully theatrical interiors and a tongue-in-cheek approach to design – rich pinks and richer reds, boldly patterned woven carpets that compliment and highlight the maximalist collage of lighting, wallpapers, and textures. A visit to Sketch is an unforgettable experience – it’s a one-of-a-kind venue with a truly unique selection of breath-taking private dining spaces.
Combine this with the world-famous menu of haute cuisine and the unfailingly professional staff and you have yourself a perfect private dining option for absolutely any occasion.
The entry to Mayfair based Gymkhana, has all the masculine sophistication of an upmarket gentlemen’s club.
That said, once inside, this masculinity is balanced out with the soft glow of tasselled table lamps and art deco style lighting. This is 1930’s sophistication done right: leather, dark wood and chandeliers.
‘Intimate warmth and sophistication’
This is a space that is set perfectly in the here and now, giving a respectful nod to an era that took sophistication to a whole new level. The Private Dining options include 2 atmospheric private dining vaults tucked away on the lower ground floor – where the 1930’s theme is continued.
The immersive, private bubble-like spaces are both warm and inviting, sophisticated but not in the least bit boring.
This is where you can truly indulge and entertain – the dark soft leather has been replaced with deep red and marble tabletops - all cocooned under polish plastered arched ceilings, the perfect back drop to the spicy, rich colours of the food served at Gymkhana. This is an Indian restaurant with a Michelin Star - one of the first, so if you are after an evening of spice as well as a feast for the senses, Gymkhana is a great choice.
No expense has been spared when it comes to Scott’s restaurant – known as much for its exquisite seafood dishes as it is for its stunningly chic and expensively designed private dining room. In fact, Scott’s Restaurant has been described as “One of London’s most legendary seafood spots”.
There is an exemplary selection of fresh fish, seafood and caviar. But for those who like the taste of luxury, there is also an elegant oyster and champagne bar.
The restaurant recently opened its private dining room, Platinum Arowana named after one of the world’s rarest fish. This is the perfect name for a space that is so one-of-a-kind. As you walk into the room, you are greeted with richly-layered, refined materials and texture-rich décor. It is reminiscent of walking right into the enchanting world of one of Picasso’s paintings.
The world’s most expensive private dining room
From above, the room is illuminated by Lalique lighting whilst below, tiling fashioned from semi-precious stones are underfoot. The exquisite attention to detail is breath-taking and you can sense both the quality and of course the expense of it all.
If you were in any doubt at all, it won’t be for long. Especially when you realise you will be joined for your dining experience by the artwork of Marc Chagall, Émile Bernard, Joan Miró, and Pierre-Auguste Renoir – that’s 18 pieces of invaluable artwork in the room with you!
For those who want to go all out – after all, in for a penny in for a pound – ask for the deluxe seafood platter, it is unforgettable. Alternatively, choose from a specially-created a la carte menu purposefully designed to hit all your senses at once when you’re in the room. This is private dining taken to a whole new level.
For A Demonstration Of Your Utter Profligacy Or Just Because You Can
Among many other reasons, Bob Bob Ricard is famous for its gold ‘Press for Champagne’ buttons that can be found at every table.
This is a nice touch, adding a feeling of exclusivity but most importantly ‘something a little different’ to your dining experience. It’s the kind of luxury you’d expect on the luxurious Oriental Express train – convenient with just the right amount of self-indulgence.
The private dining room is in fact modelled on the Royal Dining Carriage of the Orient Express – the space is thoughtfully blended into a maximalist collage of delicate and exquisite detailing.
‘Oriental Express Journey With Modern Anglo-Russian Menu And Cocktails In Cool Art Deco Surrounds’
The quality and attention to detail is apparent everywhere you look, with accents of the masculine, classic and flamboyant in every part of the room. The magic of this world-class train has been so successfully executed that you don’t even miss the scenic views you would have seen.
Instead, getting lost in the luxury will be ample pleasure – for you and your guests. This private dining room is a feast for the eyes, whilst the Anglo-Russian blended cuisine will be a perfect feast for your stomach. Truly a space to be enjoyed in every way.
Wishing you a grateful dining experience and bon appétit from Mischa mMx
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