Private dining offers intimate experiences for more meaningful connections

EAs and PAs have a wealth of knowledge of the best restaurants and venues to host executives and clients for private dining. Here Clare Arouche, Head of Hospitality & Events at The National Gallery delves into why these occasions are increasingly important today, delivering intimate experiences for more meaningful connections…

Main image by Flo Brooks

In a time when we’re constantly connected, whether it be through notifications, Teams meetings, podcasts, or even just busy background noise, the value of genuine, in-person focused connection has never been more important when it comes to business.

Across the meeting and events landscape, we are seeing a shift from large scale, often transactional gatherings, towards more intimate, curated experiences that focus on depth over breadth. For event bookers this presents a great opportunity to rethink formats and ultimately help to deliver meetings and events that truly deliver the building of strong relationships, utilising private dining as a strategic tool to boost engagement and bring people ‘into the room’.

Size really does matter for the private dining experience

At The National Gallery, we see an average of 5000 guests attending private dinners across the year, with a mix of small dinners of 12 ranging up to large dinners for 300. We are lucky to have a range of spaces that suit smaller intimate dining to more expansive large dinners dining under the incredible works of art housed here.

We have seen this trend in personal and private experiences thrusted into sharp focus and interest in our Supporters House offering increase since the turn of the year. Utilising spaces which allow for elegance and prestige to inspire business growth and collaboration is a trend that we’re seeing a lot more appetite for.

The shift towards smaller group dining is not just about a logistical adjustment and getting a more inspiring setting with the same outcome, it reflects a cultural change that we see across society, authenticity is the new currency for business meetings with Esade Business and Law School’s report showing that 75% that they wanted their coworkers to be authentic and display their true selves. Leaders from across the business world are recognising that meaningful, trust building conversations are happening more effectively in environments where people feel comfortable, grounded and inspired.

The devil is in the detail

From seating arrangements that encourage stronger interaction to menus that reflect the purpose or theme of the meeting or event, every element must play a part in the story and be intentionally picked to be impactful. This is where working with venue teams is so key to make sure that guests are leaving feeling ready to create change.

As with all walks of life, one size very rarely fits all. This is where flexibility of venues is going to play a more important role as outcomes of events outweigh effort. As event bookers you need to look for venues that can accommodate this spectrum of different types of events. In our experience, flexibility is often the deciding factor how our clients decide between venues.

Supporters House was designed with this very flexibility in mind, to offer a space that can be equally suited for a discreet business dinner as it is for a celebratory event to mark a special milestone with key stakeholders. Our goal is to provide a backdrop that elevates rather than dictates an event.

Adaptation is key for each private dining booking

Guests now bring a wide range of expectations to the table. From extensive dietary requirements and preferences to sustainable considerations and the need for truly memorable dining experiences. For smaller dining events, meeting these expectations is not just more management but also more meaningful for all involved.

Personalisation has become a powerful tool and if you work with the right venue then this can be harnessed to create an event that will stay with guests for years to come. Whether it be tailored menus, thoughtful wine pairings or dressing a room for a themed meeting or celebration, the level of care put into an event has never been more imperative to leave a lasting impression.

Deliver a valuable experience

The true value of private dining lies in the ability to create an experience which both physically and emotionally connects with guests. It allows for more in-depth conversations, natural engagement, and a place in which relationships can flourish. Whether bringing together a business’s leadership team or peers to discuss how their industry moves forward, the moment created need to outlast the event itself.

At The National Gallery, we see this not just as a trend but a lasting transformation into the way businesses truly connect people to one another. We are committed in supporting event planners in navigating the shift to not just provide a venue but to create truly impactful events that inspire.

We had a pleasure of interviewing Clare Arouche on the National Gallery’s 200th anniversary month in May 2024.