14
Dec,2025
Want to celebrate a birthday, close a deal, or just enjoy a night out with friends without the noise of a crowded bar? Booking a private wine room in London isn’t just a luxury-it’s a smart way to turn a simple drink into a memorable experience. And yes, it’s easier than you think.
What You’re Really Looking For
Most people don’t just want a room with wine. They want control. Control over the vibe, the pacing, the food, and who’s in the room. A private wine room in London gives you all that. No random strangers at the next table. No waiting for a server during a toast. Just your group, your wine, and your moment. These rooms are usually tucked away in historic cellars, modern wine bars in Soho, or upscale restaurants in Mayfair. Some have their own sommeliers. Others let you bring your own bottle. A few even offer cheese pairings or charcuterie boards designed by Michelin-starred chefs.Where to Find the Best Private Wine Rooms
Not every wine bar in London has a private room. You need to know where to look. Here are the top spots with proven setups for groups of 6 to 20 people:- The Wine House (Covent Garden) - Offers three private rooms with climate-controlled storage. Their sommelier-curated flights change monthly. Minimum spend: £150 per person.
- Le Gavroche Private Cellar (Mayfair) - A Michelin-starred restaurant with a 12-seat cellar room. Perfect for business dinners. They serve rare Bordeaux and vintage Champagne. Book at least 3 weeks ahead.
- Wine Bar France (Soho) - Their ‘Cave Privée’ has a 15-seat table under a 200-year-old stone arch. They specialize in French wines and offer a 90-minute guided tasting. No minimum spend, but they recommend £80 per person.
- The Glass House (Shoreditch) - Modern, industrial-chic space with a 20-seat room and a self-serve wine dispenser. Great for younger groups. You pick the wines from their app, and they chill them on the spot.
- Champagne & Co. (Battersea) - Focused entirely on sparkling wines. Their private room includes a dedicated fizz sommelier and can host up to 18 people. Includes a free bottle of NV Champagne for the group on arrival.
These aren’t just bars with a back room. Each has a dedicated host, trained staff, and a wine list curated for tasting-not just drinking.
How to Book: Step by Step
Booking a private wine room isn’t like reserving a table. Here’s how to do it right:- Decide your group size - Most rooms hold 6-20 people. If you have 25+, ask if they can combine two rooms. Don’t assume they can fit everyone.
- Choose your date and time - Weekends fill up fast, especially Friday and Saturday nights. Weekdays (Tuesday-Thursday) are quieter and often cheaper. Aim to book 2-4 weeks ahead for weekends, 1 week for weekdays.
- Check the minimum spend - Some places require you to spend £100-£200 per person. Others charge a flat room fee (£200-£500) and let you pay for what you drink. Always ask upfront.
- Ask about food - Can you bring your own cake? Do they offer platters? Are there vegetarian or gluten-free options? Don’t assume. Some rooms only serve pre-set menus.
- Confirm the wine service - Will a sommelier guide you? Can you taste before you buy? Is corkage allowed? Some places charge £15-£30 to open your own bottle. Others don’t allow it at all.
- Get it in writing - Email or message the venue with your date, time, group size, and agreed terms. Don’t rely on a phone call alone.
What to Expect When You Arrive
When you walk into a private wine room, you’re not just a customer-you’re a guest. Here’s what usually happens:- You’ll be greeted by a host who knows your name (if you gave it in advance).
- There’s often a welcome drink-usually a glass of sparkling wine or a non-alcoholic sparkling option.
- The sommelier or wine host will present the wine list and ask about preferences: ‘Do you like bold reds? Light whites? Sweet or dry?’
- They’ll suggest flights: three 100ml pours that tell a story-like ‘Champagne from three different villages’ or ‘Reds from the Rhône Valley, from 2015 to 2020’.
- Food arrives in courses, timed with the wine. No rush. No interruptions.
- At the end, they’ll often give you a printed list of what you tasted, so you can buy it later.
This isn’t a restaurant. It’s an experience designed around the wine, not the meal.
Pro Tips to Save Money and Avoid Mistakes
Most people overspend or underplan. Here’s how to avoid that:- Book early in the day - Many venues offer 11am-3pm slots at 20-30% off. Perfect for brunch wine tastings.
- Ask about off-peak discounts - Some places waive the room fee if you book on a Monday or Tuesday.
- Bring your own bottle if allowed - A £100 bottle of Champagne you love? Bring it. Just confirm corkage fees first.
- Don’t order by the bottle unless you need to - Tasting flights let you try more wines for less. A 3-wine flight costs £35-£50. Three full bottles could cost £150+.
- Ask for a tasting menu - Many rooms offer fixed-price tasting menus: 5 wines + 5 bites for £75. It’s often cheaper than ordering à la carte.
- Tip your host - It’s not mandatory, but if they made your night, £5-£10 per person is appreciated.
What Not to Do
Avoid these common mistakes:- Don’t show up 30 minutes late. These rooms are booked back-to-back. You’ll lose time-and possibly your deposit.
- Don’t bring loud music or speakers. Most places have curated playlists. Bringing your own playlist is usually not allowed.
- Don’t assume the room is quiet. Some are in old buildings with thin walls. If you need total silence, ask before booking.
- Don’t order the most expensive wine on the list just to impress. The best wines for your group might be mid-range. Ask for recommendations.
- Don’t forget dietary needs. If someone’s vegan or allergic to sulfites, mention it when booking.
Who Should Book a Private Wine Room?
This isn’t just for corporate clients or luxury tourists. Here’s who benefits most:- Birthdays and anniversaries - A personalized wine flight with a handwritten note from the sommelier? That’s a gift people remember.
- Engagement parties - Champagne rooms are perfect for popping the question in style.
- Small business meetings - No need for a formal boardroom. A wine room feels more human, and people talk more openly.
- Group dates - Three couples? A wine tasting beats dinner at a noisy restaurant.
- Travelers with a passion for wine - If you’ve been to 10 wine bars in London and still haven’t found your favorite, a private room is your shortcut.
If you’re the kind of person who reads wine labels, asks ‘Where’s this from?’, or gets excited about a vintage year-you’ll love this.
Can I bring my own wine to a private wine room in London?
Some venues allow it, but not all. Places like The Wine House and Wine Bar France permit corkage for a fee-usually £15-£30 per bottle. Others, like Le Gavroche, only serve their own stock. Always ask when booking. If you’re bringing a special bottle, tell them in advance so they can prepare the right glassware.
How much does it cost to book a private wine room in London?
Costs vary widely. Most places charge either a flat room fee (from £200 to £800) or a minimum spend per person (from £80 to £200). Some combine both. Champagne & Co. charges no room fee but recommends spending £100 per person. Weekday bookings are often 20-30% cheaper. Always confirm what’s included-some fees cover the host, wine service, and food, others don’t.
Do I need to book in advance?
Yes. Private rooms are limited. For weekends, book at least 3-4 weeks ahead. For weekdays, 1-2 weeks is usually enough. Popular spots like Le Gavroche and The Wine House fill up months in advance for holidays. Don’t wait until the last minute.
Are private wine rooms suitable for large groups?
Most private wine rooms fit 6-20 people. If you have more than 20, ask if the venue can combine two rooms or offer a semi-private space. Some places, like The Glass House, have larger rooms that can hold up to 25. For groups over 30, consider a private dining event at a restaurant with a wine cellar instead.
What’s the difference between a wine room and a wine tasting event?
A public wine tasting event is open to anyone, with fixed times and a set menu. A private wine room is yours alone. You choose the time, the wines, the pace, and the guests. It’s more personal, more flexible, and more expensive-but also more meaningful.
Next Steps: Ready to Book?
Start by listing your top 3 priorities: Is it the wine selection? The food? The location? The price? Then pick one venue that matches. Visit their website, check the photos, and read recent reviews from groups of 8-12 people. Don’t just look at ratings-look for comments like ‘we had our own sommelier’ or ‘felt like we owned the place’. Once you’ve picked a spot, email them with your group size, preferred date, and what you’re celebrating. Most will reply within 24 hours with options. Then, book it. Don’t overthink it. The right room is waiting-and it’s not just about wine. It’s about making your group feel special.
