Between Pall Mall polish, royal proximity, and bars that know their way around a proper martini, this corner of central London does understated glamour exceptionally well. Private bars in St James include discreet cocktail rooms near Pall Mall, refined hotel bars close to Piccadilly, and wine cellars made for smaller groups with very good taste. With Green Park and Piccadilly Circus stations nearby, guests can arrive without much fuss. Client drinks, birthday toasts, and pre-theatre gatherings all sit perfectly here. Have a browse and pick a bar with just the right amount of poise.
Booking costs of private bars average £3000 minimum spend per event. Costs vary depending on guest capacity, popularity, location, and amenities like sound systems or bar services. Extra charges may apply for custom catering, decor, or event planning services. Packages with add-ons, such as DJs, photo booths, or other entertainment services, can also increase the overall cost. Check out the typical price ranges in St James, based on Tagvenue data:
| From £2000 | to £5500 | minimum spend per event |
| From £925 | to £3600 | hire fee per event |
| From £50 | to £72 | per person |
Based on the popularity and user ratings on Tagvenue (updated October 2026), the best options include:
Ground floor - Main bar area at The Scotch of St James
in St James - rated 5/5
Our user said: ‘We will definitely go back and would highly recommend Scotch for private events.’
Champagne Bar at 116 Pall Mall
in St James - rated 4.9/5
Venue said: Once the wine cellars of the Prince of Wales and the United Service Club, guests enter the Wine Bar through a pair of stunning iron gates that served as the original cellar doors.
Canning Room at In and Out (Naval & Military) Club
in St James - rated 4.8/5
Our user said: ‘An optimal place for a formal reunion and lovely candlelight, private dinner.’
You'll find private bars in various sizes, from smaller spots to larger venues; keep in mind that the type of space and your chosen layout will affect the capacity! Below you can see the typical venue sizes in St James, together with the standard prices in each size range, based on Tagvenue data (October 2026):
| Small | up to 40 guests | prices average £1500 minimum spend per event |
| Medium | between 60 and 100 guests | prices average £4800 minimum spend per event |
| Large | over 130 guests | prices average £5000 minimum spend per event |
Smaller private bars usually fit up to 40 guests standing. Here are some great options in St James, based on Tagvenue data as of October 2026:
Wrench Room at Six Park Place, rated 4.8/5 - function room for 35 guests
Our user said: ‘Its oval shape and round table naturally bring people together and make an excellent focal point for an event.’
St. James Bar at St. James Bar, rated 4/5 - cocktail bar for 30 guests
Venue said: Seating zones include tufted banquettes, upholstered bar stools and low lounge sofas grouped around small tables. Practical facilities include air conditioning, Wi‑Fi, wheelchair access, accessible toilets and a step-free...
The Admiral’s Cabin at The Admiralty, rated 4.8/5 - boardroom for 25 guests
Our user said: ‘food, general facilities and service very good - room mostly excellent...’
Cheap private bars in St James start from £480 hire fee per event or £75 hire fee per hour. Check out these budget-friendly spaces you can book through Tagvenue, as of October 2026:
Rutland Room at Six Park Place, from £480 hire fee per event
(up to 26 guests standing)
Our user said: ‘Beautiful Building, Amazing Staff and Service, Fantastic Location...’
The Admiral’s Cabin at The Admiralty, from £75 hire fee per hour
(up to 25 guests standing)
Venue said: The Admiral’s Cabin, is the most exclusive area of the pub, taking its styling from the Admiralty.
Mezzanine at Sandbox VR - Covent Garden, from £43 per person
(up to 80 guests standing)
Venue said: Accommodating up to 80 guests standing, the space offers a comfortable mix of seating and standing room, as well as fully equipped cocktail bar that adds a premium touch.
Page last updated in October 2026
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