Calling all you foodie lovers because today’s instalment in our top venues series is strictly for those who want their wedding to be a full-on culinary adventure. If you’re planning a wedding where the meal is just as important as the “I do’s,” then buckle up, because we’re about to tantalize your taste buds and set your wedding planning into overdrive. I’m shining a light on some of London’s most divine restaurant and bar venues, perfect for creating a wedding reception that’s as unforgettable as it is delectable. These aren’t just places to eat, they’re vibrant spaces with menus that’ll tantalise your taste buds and get the party started. So, if you’re dreaming of a wedding celebration that revolves around delicious food, amazing drinks, and a whole lot of fun, then dive on in – I’m serving up a feast for your senses!
Top London Foodie Wedding Venues: Celebrate with Style & Flavor
The MAINE, Mayfair
6 Medici Court London
United Kingdom
W1S 1JY
Capacity: Seated Dinner 15-30, Standing reception 30-80
Steeped in history and oozing elegance, The Maine Mayfair is a fantastic option for a wedding reception that prioritizes delicious food and a stylish atmosphere. The pièce de résistance is the Drawing Room, a meticulously restored private dining room from 1720. Imagine saying “I do” elsewhere and then sweeping into this grand space, adorned with a captivating capiz shell chandelier and plush seating, for an unforgettable reception.
The Maine Mayfair isn’t just about stunning interiors though. Their menu boasts crowd-pleasing brasserie favourites, perfect for fuelling your wedding celebrations. And if the party gets going, the adjoining brasserie can be transformed into a lively after-party space with entertainment, making your special day flow seamlessly from an elegant reception to a fun-filled afterparty
Wild by Tart
3-4, Eccleston Yards, London SW1W 9AZ
Capacity: from 16 seated in the Mezzanine to 180 (160 dinner/dance) for whole venue hire
Industrial chic meets rustic charm at Wild by Tart, a former power station transformed into a foodie haven. This versatile venue offers a variety of spaces to suit your wedding vision. Mingle with guests under the soaring ceilings of the main restaurant, or celebrate in style in the private Mezzanine overlooking the vibrant atmosphere below. Let natural light bathe your celebration in the Studio, a blank canvas ideal for creating a truly unique space.
Wild by Tart’s commitment to fresh, seasonal ingredients shines through on their menus. Expect dishes cooked over charcoal grills and in a wood oven, showcasing the bounty of local farms and even the owners’ own family estates. Whether you’re planning an intimate gathering at the feasting table or a larger celebration, their dedication to delicious food ensures your wedding will be a feast for the senses.
Ochre at The National Gallery
The National Gallery, Trafalgar Square, London, WC2N 5DN
Capacity: Private dining room for up to 19 guests. Exclusive hire of the whole restaurant up to 72 for dining; 150 for standing reception.
Art lovers, rejoice! Planning a wedding and looking for a truly unique venue steeped in history? Look no further than Ochre, nestled within the iconic walls of the National Gallery. This versatile space boasts stunning architecture – think high ceilings, grand windows, and classic details – that create a light and airy feel. But Ochre isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s a haven for foodies too. Executive Chef Simon Henbery crafts seasonal menus that showcase the bounty of British produce, with an emphasis on fresh, sustainable ingredients and international flavours. Whether you’re envisioning an intimate gathering in their private dining room with a view of Nelson’s Column, or a larger celebration in the main restaurant that seamlessly transitions into a post-dinner party with a DJ, Ochre offers the perfect canvas to create a memorable wedding reception that caters to your culinary desires. Having dined at Ochre myself, I can attest to how delicious the food really is.
Bluebird Chelsea
Nestled in the vibrant Chelsea neighbourhood of London, Bluebird Restaurant is a culinary haven and an ideal wedding venue for food lovers seeking an exceptional dining experience on their special day. With its captivating setting in a converted Art Deco garage, the restaurant exudes a blend of contemporary elegance and rustic charm. Bluebird’s renowned chefs create exquisite culinary delights, blending classic British fare with international influences, using locally sourced ingredients. Their tailored dining options cater to individual preferences and dietary requirements, ensuring a bespoke menu. The enchanting Garden Terrace, surrounded by landscaped gardens, provides a picturesque backdrop for ceremonies or cocktail receptions. Impeccable service and attention to detail complete the package, offering an unforgettable and stress-free wedding experience that leaves a lasting impression on both guests and the happy couple.
Spring at Somerset House
Somerset House, New Wing,
Lancaster Place,
London, WC2R 1LA
Capacity: The Salon up to 36 guests. Main restaurant up to 116 for a sit-down dinner or up to 150 for a standing reception.
Tucked inside the wing of glorious London icon Somerset House, Spring restaurant is spearheaded by groundbreaking chef Skye Gyngell. The space within the Grade I listed building is light and airy, without feeling intimidatingly grand or overly opulent. It’s a lovely, welcoming space, with an impressive domed skylight giving the impression that you’re dining under the stars once night falls, and it’s just enough of a blank canvas to let your styling imagination run free. The menus are fresh, light and led by the seasons, championing British produce and really showing what it has to offer. Intimate foodie weddings of up to 36 guests can be seated in the garden, and the stunning salon is able to host dinners of up to 116.
Ivy Chelsea Garden
195 197 King’s Road,
London SW3 5EQ, UK
Capacity: Seats 26 on one long table, 40 standing.
Ditch the stuffy ballroom and embrace the beauty of nature! The Ivy Chelasea Garden is a dream come true for eco-conscious foodies planning their wedding. Treat your senses to all the beauty and colour that comes from sending your foodie wedding back to nature. The Ivy Chelsea Garden is a haven of heavenly foliage and florals. Gorgeous terraces, complete with fire pits and ivy-clad archways, mean you can enjoy the outside. Inside is all elegance, champagne and fine food in The Greenhouse Private Dining Room. With menus designed and led by executive chef Sean Burbidge, your wedding breakfast will be the belle of the ball.
Sessions Arts Club
4th Floor, Farringdon,
24 Clerkenwell Green,
London EC1R 0NA
Capacity: Up to 60 seated on 3 long tables of 20, 100 standing reception
Calling all art lovers and culture vultures! Sessions Arts Club isn’t your average wedding venue. Tucked away in a historic courthouse in Clerkenwell, this hidden gem offers a unique blend of art, performance, and exceptional food. Enjoy your wedding reception in the warm glow of the candle-lit, two-story dining room, surrounded by soaring arch windows and artistic flourishes.
Sessions isn’t just about the ambience, though. Chef Florence Knight conjures seasonal magic on her menu, showcasing beautiful and unpretentious creations that surprise and delight; each dish is a celebration of fresh, European flavours. Beyond the main event, the venue boasts a rooftop bar, secret garden, and multiple terraces, perfect for mingling with guests and soaking up the atmosphere. Whether you’re dreaming of an intimate gathering or a vibrant celebration, Sessions Arts Club offers a truly unforgettable setting for your foodie wedding.
Hawksmoor Guildhall
10 Basinghall St, London EC2V 5BQ
Capacity: Private dining up to 22
Hawksmoor is only a stone throw away from one of the most iconic buildings in the entire of London if not the country, Guildhall itself. The surrounding area is intimate and quiet to give you and your guests the privacy you want on your wedding day. “Guildhall is a versatile venue, with its own separate bar that is the perfect space for your drinks and canapés reception, prior to your wedding breakfast in the beautiful dining room.” So if you are looking for a space to add your own flare too then this venue could be for you. Their interior is beautiful, warm and inviting to all that visit and their exquisite menu has earned them a spot on some of the top foodie sites around.
Mount Street Restaurant
First Floor 41-43 Mount Street, London W1K 2RX
Mount Street Restaurant Website
Capacity: from 6 in The Games Room up to 28 in the Scottish Room.
History meets modern flair at Mount St. Restaurant, a captivating venue housed within the iconic Mayfair landmark, The Audley. This isn’t just a wedding venue, it’s an artistic experience. Enjoy your reception dinner surrounded by extraordinary, site-specific art in one of four beautifully designed private rooms, each with its own unique story. The Italian Room offers Venetian elegance, while The Swiss Room transports you to the heart of Switzerland with its hand-crafted European oak floor and collection of seminal paintings. Feeling a bit more adventurous? The Scottish Room boasts a dramatic antler chandelier and a hand-carved oak table adorned with Jacobite symbols.
Mount St. Restaurant’s menu complements the grandeur of the surroundings. Executive Chef Jamie Shears champions fresh, seasonal British produce, crafting dishes that are an updated take on classic London fare. Expect to see dishes like mock turtle croquettes and lobster pie alongside contemporary offerings. Whether you choose an intimate gathering in The Swiss Room or a larger celebration in The Scottish Room, your wedding reception at Mount St. Restaurant is sure to be a feast for the senses.
HIDE
85 Piccadilly London W1J 7NB
HIDE Website
Capacity: multiple private dining spaces from 6 to 24 as well as 40 for semi-exclusive hire.
Craving a tranquil escape for your wedding celebration? Look no further than HIDE, an urban oasis hidden amidst the bustle of London. Spread across three floors, this light-filled haven boasts two elegant dining rooms and a breathtaking central staircase, all overlooking the serene expanse of Green Park.
But HIDE is more than just beautiful surroundings. Chef Ollie Dabbous curates a seasonal menu that showcases the finest British produce, with a focus on simplicity and letting the ingredients shine. Whether you choose a tasting menu with expertly paired wines or a la carte selections, your taste buds will be in for a treat. HIDE also offers a variety of private dining spaces, from intimate subterranean vaults to a stunning first-floor room with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the park. This flexibility allows you to tailor your wedding reception to your exact needs, ensuring a truly unforgettable celebration.
Which of these foodie London wedding venues has whet your appetite? These are just a taste (pun intended!) of the incredible options available – London truly is a smorgasbord of culinary delights for your wedding celebration.
Beyond your wedding reception, these same venues can also be the perfect setting for pre-wedding gatherings. Imagine a rehearsal dinner filled with laughter and delicious sharing plates at Sessions Arts Club, or an intimate engagement party at The Maine, where your nearest and dearest can clink champagne flutes amidst luxurious surroundings.
So, tell me, which venue has tantalized your taste buds? I’d love to hear about your favourite restaurants in London, and the must-have dishes that would make it onto your dream wedding menu. Is it the wood-fired wonders at Wild by Tart, or the elegant, seasonal fare at Mount St. Restaurant? Sharing your culinary crushes and wedding planning woes is what this is all about!
And if you’re knee-deep in planning your own London foodie wedding, and seeking out distinctive design-led planning and styling to elevate your celebration, don’t hesitate to get in touch! I specialize in creating bespoke wedding experiences that are as unique and unforgettable as your love story.
