Top work Christmas party venues in Belgravia
by Cally Squires
When it comes to the annual office Christmas party, Belgravia has all the bases covered with lots of fantastic private hire spaces to choose from. Whether it’s a relaxed pub lunch, formal dinner in an intimate private dining room or glamorous cocktail and canapé reception, there’s something for every size and budget. And it’s not just food and drinks on offer this festive season, for something more mindful try getting behind the wheel at Studio Pottery London, create your own candle at Rachel Vosper or master the art of cookie decorating at Biscuiteers.
The Thomas Cubitt
Named after one of London’s legendary master builders, The Thomas Cubitt has a well earned reputation for fine wines and a fun atmosphere. The private dining options here are plentiful, from the spacious main dining room on the first floor with windows overlooking Elizabeth Street, which if hired exclusively can seat 30 guests, to a private annex which can be closed off to seat 10. There’s also a drawing room on the second floor, which would comfortably seat 20 or make the ideal spot for a bigger drinks party.
Chucs
Neighbourhood bistro Chucs, which is a firm favourite amongst local fans of the restaurant’s French and Italian dishes, is an ideal spot to treat the team this Christmas. Whether it’s the private dining room seating 10, or exclusive hire which could be a sit-down feast for 43 (or a standing reception for 80 people), there are three different set Christmas menus to choose from. This isn’t one for the turkey traditionalists. Think porcini risotto, cauliflower and truffle soup, beef carpaccio and of course the legendary Chucs tiramisu.
Studio Pottery London
For all the creatives out there, a bespoke pottery workshop at the stunning Studio Pottery London, which can be hired on an exclusive basis, would be a dream team bonding experience. In the past ceramicist Lucy Attwood has hosted the likes of Chanel, Netflix, Google and Prada to get their hands dirty behind the wheel. Drinks can be provided by Amie Wine Bar which is located over the road inside Eccleston Yards, and to carry on for dinner or cocktails afterwards, Wild by Tart is handily just next door.
Harry’s Victoria
Newly opened this year, Harry’s Dolce Vita has an opulent wood panelled private dining room nestled beneath the main restaurant. The Venetian-inspired Vittorio room accommodates up to 14 seated guests, and is available seven days a week for breakfast, lunch and dinner parties. Book the room this Christmas and you can choose from set breakfast menus, a variety of set three course menus and two different sharing menus. All classic Italian plates are covered from zucchini fritti and truffle arancini to lobster ravioli and of course, the Harry’s signature toadstool pudding.
Motcombs
Motcombs restaurant is a veritable Belgravia institution and is known for spreading good cheer any day of the week. For snug gatherings we recommend the restaurant’s Portrait Room, which can seat 10 people and is tucked away at the back of the restaurant. Keep the curtains open to soak up the buzz from the main space, or draw them back for full privacy. For a bigger bash, the downstairs Hideaway has its own private bar and can hold 34 guests for a sit-down meal, or up to 80 for drinks and canapés.
Biscuiteers
Icing studio Biscuiteers not only does wonderful afternoon teas and beautiful biscuits to buy as gifts, but themed icing classes too. In the evening the studio can be rented on a fully private basis, so guests can sip Prosecco while learning the art of decorative icing, from piping to feathering.
Jo Loves
Bespoke events at perfumer Jo Malone’s Elizabeth Street boutique can be tailored to suit small or large groups. For a fully private experience, takeover the store’s back room, which can be booked for the brand’s signature Shot Candle experience. The perfect Christmas jolly for those who want to do something hands-on, a group of four can each choose a base and shot fragrance from the Jo Loves scent library, to be to fused together into a hand-blown glass vessel and taken home.
Wildflowers
Wine and dine the team at a hot new opening, by bagging the private dining room at Wildflowers, the recently opened Mediterranean-inspired restaurant by chef Aaron Potter. The Newson’s Yard flagship dining destination can accommodate 12 guests in a private room, with an additional 26 covers on the courtyard terrace. Special feasting menus are available for the restaurant’s debut Christmas season, with a focus on seasonality and uncomplicated yet elegant dishes, offered alongside a European wine list.
Rachel Vosper
Combine team bonding and Christmas shopping with a private workshop hosted by expert chandler Rachel Vosper. Vosper’s candle making workshops take place at her Kinnerton Street boutique, for groups of up to eight people. During the three-hour workshop guests will be guided through Rachel’s handmade method, and come away with their own single wicker in a glass vessel. The cherry on the figgy pudding? The class starts with champagne in the shop’s beautiful covered (and heated) courtyard.
