How Much Should Booking a Restaurant Cost in London?
You’ve been bestowed with the daunting task of finding the perfect restaurant in London! You’re scouring Google, trying to crack the code on how much booking a restaurant should cost, only to find scattered bits of info that leave you scratching your head. Fear not — we’re here to rescue you!
Booking a restaurant in London is a wild ride — prices vary based on the type of place, the neighbourhood vibe, and, let’s face it, some mysterious pricing tricks. As experts in the venue game, we’re diving into the fray to decode it all for you.
We’ll break down different restaurant types, pricing mysteries, and neighbourhood quirks for you.
Let’s dive in and make your next booking a breeze!
Payment Options for Restaurant Hire in London
Booking a restaurant in London involves choosing from different payment options suited to your budget. Understanding these options is vital for planning a successful event. We’ll guide you through each payment type and its benefits and possible downsides.
Per Person
This pricing model keeps things simple by charging a fixed amount per guest, which makes budgeting for your event straightforward. It usually includes a set menu, drinks, and sometimes additional perks like entertainment or cleanup services. To get all the details on what’s included, contact the venue managers of restaurants you’re interested in and compare their offers. (And with Tagvenue, you have a central hub to see all your communications for easy, quick comparison!)
Price range: £30 – £200+ per person
- Casual dining: £30 – £50 per person
- Mid-range: £50 – £100 per person
- High-end: £100 – £200+ per person
👍Costs are predictable once you know the headcount, allowing for straightforward budgeting. Packages often include services, such as food and drinks, so you don’t have to worry about these details and can focus on the fun part of the event.
👎It can become quite expensive with a large guest list, and any changes in the number of attendees can impact the overall cost. Therefore, it’s best suited for events with predetermined headcounts and smaller gatherings!
Best for: Corporate events, formal dinners, and weddings where the number of guests is known in advance, and you want to make sure that everyone is taken care of.
You may like: 14 Nice Restaurants for a Birthday Dinner in London: The 2024 Guide
Hourly Hire
If you’re looking to pay for a venue by the hour, it’s a perfect approach for events with a clear start and end time. This type of hire is suitable for short meetings, presentations, or casual gatherings among friends. It allows flexibility, especially if you plan to continue the fun elsewhere—choose a venue near bars or entertainment spots for a seamless transition.
Consider booking an extra hour to avoid rushing your event and ensure your guests feel welcomed and relaxed. Planning guarantees your event runs smoothly and everyone enjoys themselves without feeling hurried.
It’s definitely worth asking if there is a buffer time after your event is scheduled to end, whether it’s to let people leave leisurely or to begin the clean-up process.
Price Range: £50 – £500+ per hour
- Casual venues: £50 – £150 per hour
- Mid-range venues: £150 – £300 per hour
- High-end or exclusive venues: £300 – £500+ per hour
👍Cost-effective for brief events, and there is flexibility in extending the time at some venues if the event runs longer than expected. However, this is always subject to availability and additional charges.
👎It can create a sense of urgency, thus, rushing the event. Unexpected overruns can lead to additional charges and make your event costs swell.
Best for: Business meetings, short receptions, and cocktail parties where the agenda is tight and well-planned.
Per Session
Per-session hire lets you have the venue for a full day or evening, with a fixed cost no matter how long you party. It’s perfect for weddings and birthdays—no need to rush, just soak up the fun. Plus, with staff dedicated to making your event a success, you’ll feel like royalty (minus the sceptre).
Price Range: £500 – £5,000+
- Small or mid-range venues: £500 – £2,000 per session
- High-end or large venues: £2,000 – £5,000+ per session
👍It provides a fixed cost for the entire session, so you won’t have to worry about extending the event and paying extra.
👎This style of hire payment can be expensive if the session time is not fully used. Planning activities throughout the event is crucial to make the most out of the session and hire fee.
Best for: All-day conferences, wedding receptions, and gala dinners where flexibility and uninterrupted time are required for your events.
Minimum Spend
The minimum spend option is our favourite as it offers great value for money. Under this model, clients don’t have to pay a separate hire fee but commit before the event to spending a minimum amount on food and drinks. Guests and the event organiser typically cover these costs. What’s the catch? You’ll need to pay the difference if your total spend is within the minimum.
Price range: £500 – £10,000+
- Small private dining rooms: £500 – £1,000
- Larger venues or peak times: £1,000 – £5,000
- High-demand or exclusive venues: £5,000 – £10,000+
👍This payment type covers the venue hire with food and drink costs. It simplifies budgeting the whole event. You can save up and spend on entertainment if the required minimum spend is easily met.
👎 Minimum spending requires careful planning to meet the minimum spend. Any shortfall must be covered, which can lead to unexpected expenses.
Best for: Private parties, corporate events, and large gatherings where catering plays an important role.
How Neighbourhoods in London Impact Booking Prices
The cost of dining in London varies greatly by neighbourhood, influenced by the area’s reputation, clientele, and the types of restaurants available. Understanding these differences can help you choose the right venue for your budget and event type.
💷💷💷Mayfair
Average Cost: £50 – £100+ per person
Mayfair is one of London’s most prestigious neighbourhoods, renowned for its luxurious dining experiences. Restaurants here boast opulent interiors, exceptional service, and gourmet menus crafted by famous local and international chefs.
Yet, even amidst such luxury, hidden gems like Angus Steakhouse Piccadilly Circus offer delightful meals from £25 per person. Utilise our price and location filters to discover these treasures!
Top picks
- Arros QD from £65 per person: Enjoy group dining menus that showcase innovative dishes by Michelin-starred chef Quique Dacosta.
- Maroto from £100 per person: Indulge in dishes blending Brazilian heritage with contemporary twists, paired with curated wines and lively entertainment.
- Benares Bar and Restaurant from £150 per person: The Dover Room at Benares is Mayfair’s largest private dining space, offering a grand setting for memorable gatherings.
Knightsbridge
Average Cost: £35 – £100+ per person
Knightsbridge is known as one of London’s most fashionable neighbourhoods. The area is awash with world-class shops, restaurants, and historic townhouses, and it’s also home to two Jumeirah properties.
Throughout Knightsbridge, restaurants cater for every imaginable cuisine, combining imaginative courses with stunning interiors. Knightsbridge’s proximity to landmarks like Harrods and the Victoria and Albert Museum adds to its appeal.
Top Picks
- The Sloane Club from £70 per person: Enjoy seasonal European and British dishes crafted by Executive Chef Bernhard Mayer. Throw a dinner party at the elegant Dining Room and Bar, or enjoy the seasonal menus on the Roof Terrace when the sun shines.
- Hawksmoor Knightsbridge from £30 per person: Savour a fantastic selection of British beef, fresh seafood, and vegetarian/vegan options. With various set menus, there’s something for even the pickiest eaters!
💷💷Mid-Range Neighbourhoods
Soho
Average Cost: £30 – £75+ per person
Soho is the London neighbourhood with the most game-changing foodie hotspots and some of the best restaurants in London. It’s an excellent choice for mid-sized events, team dinners, and social gatherings where you want to balance quality and cost.
Top Picks
- 100 Wardour Street from £40 per person: A historic music destination with a relaxed, stylish Bar & Lounge. Perfect for after-work cocktails, bar bites, brunch, or dinner.
- Sartoria from £55 per person: A stylish, modern Italian eatery with a Calabria-inspired menu, a Cicchetti bar, and extensive wine selection. Classy and elegant, it’s sure to impress anyone you take.
- Inko Nito London from £49 per person: An upscale restaurant offering sushi, inventive Japanese small plates, and cocktails in a modern interior. Their £38 tasting menu is the best deal for sampling their offerings at a great price.
Covent Garden
Average Cost: £30 – £65 per person
Covent Garden is like experiencing London with a bit of breathing room. This area is all about historic charm and contemporary dining and is known for its theatre district. Restaurants here range from casual cafes to elegant dining rooms, making Covent Garden ideal for pre-theatre dinners, celebratory lunches, and events that thrive on live street performances and cultural attractions.
Top Picks
- Smith and Wollensky from £65 per person: Londoners will enjoy the same cherished warmth of American hospitality that has endeared Smith & Wollensky to diners across cities like New York, Chicago, and Miami. The menu is a culinary journey, renowned for its signature USDA Prime dry-aged steaks, complemented by the finest grass-fed Irish cuts and the freshest seafood selections.
- Cecilia’s Wine House from £45 per person: If you’re in the mood for some delicious wine or a great place to meet up with friends, Cecilia’s Wine House is the spot.
🔥Hot Pick: Tuttons Brasserie Private Dining at £15 per person
💷Affordable Options
Shoreditch
Average Cost: £25 – £50 per person
Shoreditch is perfect for casual dining experiences with hip wine bars and cocktail dens to exceptional pasta and BBQ. But don’t be fooled, the area also boasts Michelin-starred restaurants. Dining here is relatively affordable, making it a great choice for budget-conscious planners.
Top Picks
- The Botanist Broadgate Circle from £50 per person: The Botanist Broadgate Circle brings Chelsea to the City—a chic, all-day restaurant serving modern British and European fare, with a late-night basement club, Soda Room.
- Alfi from £25 per person: Alfi features an outdoor terrace space covered by Spitalfields Market and an indoor area, offering plenty of choices. Their à la carte menu is a modern twist on Italian cuisine, and their unique wines on tap will surely give your event something special.
Camden
Average Cost: £20 – £40 per person
Famous for its alternative culture and lively markets, Camden offers many dining options, from vegan delights to classic British fare. The neighbourhood’s affordability and laid-back vibe make it popular for casual events, family gatherings, and music-related gatherings.
Top Picks
- Llerena Tapas Bar from £35 per person: With a hand-picked selection of wines and local produce directly from Spain, you will surely have an unforgettable experience at Llerena.
- Colonel Saab from £75 per person: Army Officer Colonel Manbeer and Mrs. Binny Choudhary offer the sensory joys of Indian cuisine cast in a beautiful new light.
💁🏽♀️You may like: 17 Fun Dinner Party Ideas and Themes for Adults
Price Scale for Restaurants
| Price Scale | Cost per Person |
| Very Expensive | £100+ |
| Expensive | £75 – £100 |
| Moderate | £50 – £75 |
| Cheap | £25 – £50 |
| Super Cheap | Under £25 |
💡Essential Tips for Booking a Restaurant in London
1. Know Your Numbers: Understand your budget and guest count to make informed decisions.
2. Market Research: Compare multiple venues to gauge reasonable minimum spend requirements.
3. Flexibility: Opt for off-peak times to negotiate better rates.
4. Inclusions and Exclusions: Clarify what counts toward the hire fee to avoid unexpected costs.
5. Payment Terms: Discuss deposit requirements, payment schedules, and cancellation policies to ensure favourable terms.
Seasonal Considerations
High Season: Spring and summer may cost more.
Shoulder Season: Early autumn and late winter can offer better deals.
Low Season: Late autumn and winter (excluding Christmas) often have the lowest rates, providing cost-effective options for budget-conscious planners.
Book a Restaurant
You’re now a master of restaurant pricing in London, so it’s time to get your party started!
Add your favourite spots to your list, compare prices, and chat with our venue managers to get the lowdown on what’s included. Once you’ve picked your top three, it’s time to book and let the good times roll!
Recommended resources
Related articles
See all
Case Study: How Lumiere’s Lustre Provided an Alluring Event Space For Budding Artists and Major Film Studios Alike
