From impressive client entertaining to memorable team occasions, discover two standout options for dining with a little more distinction…
There’s something undeniably appealing about having a space to yourself. Whether you’re bringing together an important client, rewarding a hard-working team, or celebrating the festive season at the end of another busy year, private dining adds an extra sense of occasion. And, importantly for busy EAs, PAs and Office Managers, it can make organising a memorable event feel considerably more straightforward.
As the pre-festive season gets underway, thoughts naturally turn towards lunches, dinners and celebrations. Diaries begin to fill, teams look for reasons to get together, and clients become an increasingly important part of the social calendar. Choosing the right venue is therefore about more than simply finding somewhere with a table available. It’s about creating an experience that feels considered, comfortable and worthy of the occasion.
Have you considered private dining?
Private dining can offer the perfect balance. There’s the intimacy of your own space, without losing the atmosphere and hospitality of a great restaurant. Add an impressive menu, attentive service and a setting that gives guests something to talk about, and even a relatively simple dinner can become a standout event.
For corporate bookers, there are practical advantages too. A dedicated room or private area can provide greater privacy for conversations, more control over the pace of an evening and the opportunity to tailor menus, drinks and arrangements to suit the group. It can also remove some of the uncertainty that comes with organising a larger gathering in an open restaurant – particularly when you’re coordinating different personalities, requirements and expectations.
And, of course, there is the all-important wow factor. The best private dining spaces make guests feel that an occasion has been created especially for them, whether it’s an intimate dinner for senior colleagues, a client entertaining evening or a festive gathering to celebrate the year.
In this issue, we’ve selected two distinctive private dining options to put on your radar as the festive season approaches. Each offers its own character and appeal, but both demonstrate how the right setting can transform a meal into an experience.
So, if you’re currently juggling dates, guest lists and venue enquiries, take a moment to think beyond the traditional Christmas party. Sometimes, the most memorable celebrations are the ones around a table – with good food, great company and a setting that does some of the hard work for you.
Consider this your invitation to dine differently.
The London Fine Dining Company
Corporate dining should feel effortless for the host and unforgettable for the guest.
The London Fine Dining Company delivers luxury corporate catering across London, led by our Head Chef Ben, who trained at the Royal Academy of Culinary Arts and apprenticed at The Goring, contributing to the hotel’s first ever Michelin star and catering during the 2011 Royal Wedding.
We specialise in theatrical canapé and launch events, built around seasonal, high quality ingredients and the needs of hosts and guests. Every canapé, course and pairing is designed to impress, whether it’s a small team gathering or a corporate event for 500 guests.
For PAs and EAs organising events on behalf of others, we take the pressure off. Clear and quick communication, a two step booking process, simple quotes, and exceptional food and service from first enquiry to last course.
If you’re planning private dining or a corporate event this season, we’d love to be part of it. See Londonfinedining.com for more information
Private dining, with a festive Italian twist
This Christmas, bring colleagues, clients and friends together at Hyatt Place London City East, where the Canvas Suite and Orangery offer two distinctive settings for private festive dining.
For larger celebrations, the Canvas Suite accommodates up to 60 delegates for banqueting, providing a dedicated setting for Christmas parties, team celebrations and festive entertaining. For smaller occasions, the Orangery accommodates up to 20 delegates, offering a more intimate environment for private dining and relaxed gatherings. Both spaces feature built-in sound systems and AV screens, allowing presentations, speeches or entertainment to form part of the occasion.
Both venues also offer private access to an external courtyard, creating an additional space for guests to step outside and enjoy a moment away from the dining room.
Catering comes from Sotto Cucina & Bar, the hotel’s well-regarded Italian restaurant, bringing an Italian influence to the festive table. Specially curated two and three-course Christmas menus combine seasonal favourites with Italian traditions, including dishes such as traditional roast Christmas Turkey, wild mushroom and black truffle arancini, and Italian Christmas Panettone with Sicilian ricotta mousse. Vegetarian and vegan options are also available.
Explore your options here
The article was first published in PA Life magazine’s Winter 2026 Issue.
