Cheap Private Dining Rooms for Hire in London

Whether you’re planning a casual outing with friends, a celebratory dinner with your family, or a team-building dinner, there are countless possibilities to organise an unforgettable event in London. The problem may arise when you’re budget is tight. It may seem like there aren’t that many affordable options in the capital, but don’t worry, you can still have a great time without breaking the bank.

Check out our tips on how to organise your event on a budget!

People. Make a list of those you want to invite or who must attend the event. Then send out your invitations and ask the guests to confirm their coming by a set date. Usually, you have to pay more for bigger rooms, so once you have your guest list you can start searching for a venue to accommodate all of your guests.

Type of event. If you want to celebrate on a budget, offering a three-course meal for each guest may be rather expensive. Perhaps a brunch or tea party could be cheaper options? When looking for a venue check always whether they offer any special packages for different types of events.

Location. London offers a vast range of cheap private dining venues, both in the city centre as well as in the outskirts. With its great transportation network, you can be confident about your journey when booking a venue farther away from the heart of the city. Such a venue can definitely cost less, and if it’s near a tube station or a bus stop, your guests will be happy to make the journey.

Time and date. Some venues may charge more during their peak hours or during certain days or seasons. If you’re flexible with the time of the day and day of the week to schedule your event, look for venues that offer lower prices for off-peak hours. Usually, you can find reduced hire fees on Monday, and the highest ones on Friday and Saturday.

Venue style. Here at Tagvenue, we offer only top-rated restaurants and venues, but if you’re planning just to have a few drinks with your friends, look for a private room in a pub, not a restaurant with a Michelin cook. The prices may vary, but you will still get the experience you want.

Decorations. Look for a venue that fits the vibe of your meeting and doesn’t need many decorations, so you don’t have to spend extra money adjusting the room to fit your occasion. You can ask the venue manager whether the venue has some decorations they could put in the room with a little or no extra charge. The decor of the venue is especially important if you’re planning to take photos or videos during your dinner. If you don’t want to spend additional money on flowers or other ornaments, look for a venue that has a striking and attractive décor.

BYOB. Look for venues with a BYOB policy. Bringing your own alcohol to the venue will usually cost less than buying it in the restaurant. If you’re feeling comfortable doing that and the get-together is rather an informal one, you can even ask your guests to bring beverages of their choosing. This offers the added benefit of ensuring that your guests will like the beverages that they have brought. If you’re planning to meet up in a pub or a bar for drinks, you can look into bringing your own snacks for a cheaper alternative. Look for venues that will allow you to do so.

Book in advance. If you know about your event ahead of time, start looking for the venue as soon as possible. By starting early, you will be able to choose from various venues, and won’t have to choose among the left-overs. Some venues may offer early-bird deals, so start your search as soon as you confirm the date and guest list.

Consider minimum spend venues. Minimum spend means that you don’t pay for the hire of the venue, but that you and your guests must purchase food and drinks up to an agreed upon amount. Minimum spend can be a good idea when you’re meeting with friends for a birthday celebration or want to go out with your colleagues after work. If you decide on that option browse through our list of minimum spend venues.

To help you out with your search we’ve prepared a few affordable venue suggestions:

• Tuttons Private Dining - centrally located on Covent Garden Piazza, this venue offers affordable per person packages. Guests can enjoy the best of British cuisine in two private rooms.
• Brasserie Blanc Southbank - just a few minutes' walk from Waterloo station, it’s a great spot for any event. This venue offers minimum spend and versatile private rooms, which can easily fit within your budget.
• Laki Kane - an Islington-based Thai restaurant offering various packages to accommodate your needs. The bold décor is enough to make it a great backdrop for your next event.
• Esquires Coffee Balham - a cosy cafe with versatile rooms available for hourly hire. This venue allows customers to bring their own alcohol and catering, making it a great space for a vast range of events.

Cheap Private Dining Venues in London FAQ

How much does it cost to hire a cheap private dining room in London?

Package deals start at as little as £15 per person. You can hire a venue on an hourly basis starting at £20. Some venues offer minimum spend, which can range from £50 per session or £250 per day. Remember that prices may vary depending on the time of the day and the day of the week. (Based on Tagvenue data.)

What is included in the price of a private dining room in London?

Depending on the type of hire you choose, different things may be included in the price of the venue. In private room hire, you get the space for exclusive use. Package deals will usually offer food and drinks. Minimum spend means you only receive the space and have to pay for your orders. For hourly hire, you get to use the space for a limited time, without any minimum spend charge.

What kind of venues offer cheap private dining rooms in London?

You can find affordable private rooms in restaurants, pubs and cocktail bars. You can also look for specially designed event venues, which offer rooms of all kinds and allow external catering. For a more relaxed atmosphere search for private rooms in cafes.

Can I find large but cheap private dining rooms in London?

Yes, definitely! While usually smaller means cheaper, you can also find larger affordable venues. For smaller prices, search outside Central London. You can also opt for venues offering standing drink receptions, where you can fit in more guests than during a sitting event.