Let’s face it – even with the most meticulous planning, there are lots of things that lie out of your control on your wedding day. Whether it’s unexpected rain, the wrong song being played as you walk down the aisle, or the guest that’s perhaps had one too many glasses of wine.
Don’t fret however, because the one thing you can control is your choice of food. And with many of London’s restaurants offering private hire for wedding receptions (some even playing host to the ceremony itself), you know you’ll be in the best of hands when it comes to a memorable wedding day meal. From restaurants with Michelin starred chefs at the helm, to iconic views of the skyline, here are London’s best restaurant wedding venues, perfect for foodie couples.
No. Fifty Cheyne
Widely known as Chelsea’s most romantic restaurant with incredible food to boot, No Fifty Cheyne makes the perfect venue for an intimate city wedding. Overlooking the River Thames, with sweeping views over Chelsea Embankment Gardens and the iconic Albert Bridge, the dining rooms and bar can be used as a full serviced wedding venue for both ceremonies and receptions alike.
Ceremonies take place in the beautiful Drawing Room that can accommodate up to 40 guests, whilst receptions can be hosted in a choice of private and semi-private dining spaces – but for weekday weddings, the main restaurant is also available. This whole venue takeover hosts 55 seated in the dining room, and 75 seated in the adjacent Vineyard, for a seamless transition from drinks reception to dinner service.
Culinary offerings are overseen and curated by award-winning Head Chef Iain Smith, and No. Fifty Cheyne’s seasonal à la carte menu and set menus of seasonal British dishes will be on offer for your big day. For those looking to go above and beyond with their exclusive hire, head chef Iain Smith will work with the happy couple to create an entirely bespoke menu, based on personal favourites, and even fly in ingredients from around the world. How’s that for a wedding meal to remember?
Where: 50 Cheyne Walk, London SW3 5LR
Website: www.fiftycheyne.com
View this post on Instagram
Searcys at The Gherkin
Say ‘I Do’ in the sky at Searcys at The Gherkin, with private hire available for its Helix restaurant and Iris Bar. With space for up to 260 (standing) and 130 for the ceremony itself, it’s a truly show-stopping venue, with a selection of menus available to tailor for every couple and flexible layout for wedding of your dreams. Looking for an intimate do? There’s also a selection of five individual private dining room spaces on the 38th floor, which can be adapted to suit your individual needs.
Where: The Gherkin, 30 St Mary Axe, London EC3A 8BF
Website: www.searcysatthegherkin.co.uk
Corrigan’s
If you’ve ever had dinner at Corrigan’s, then imagine the incredible food it could conjure up for a wedding. Opened in 2008 in the heart of Mayfair by Michelin starred, celebrity Chef Richard Corrigan, Corrigan’s Mayfair was awarded London Restaurant of the Year and had three AA Rosettes within the first three months of opening, so it’s safe to say your wedding food is in good hands.
Known for its exceptional cuisine and elegant décor, this London gem is the perfect place to celebrate your biggest milestone yet. It’s suitable for both intimate and medium-sized weddings, providing the backdrop for both ceremonies and receptions. Expect to fall in love with mouth-watering food and a luxurious aesthetic (as well as, y’know, your partner).
Where: 28 Upper Grosvenor St, London W1K 7EH
Website:www.corrigansmayfair.co.uk
The Royal Exchange
What could be more romantic than sitting down to a wedding dinner in the grand surroundings of The Royal Exchange? With a world-famous menu at Fortnum & Mason and space to seat up to 200 — not to mention the gorgeous classical facades — this is the stuff wedding dreams are made of.
Where: Royal Exchange, London EC3V 3LR
Website: www.theroyalexchange.co.uk
Nobu London
London’s original Nobu restaurant has been catering to loved-up food fanatics for 25 years. It’s the perfect place for wedding receptions of all sizes, with a separate private dining space just off the main restaurant, or the option to hire the whole restaurant itself for larger celebrations.
Choose from a selection of set menus, featuring Nobu’s most iconic dishes, or get creative with Nobu-style canapés – think Crispy Rice with Spicy Tuna, handmade sushi platters and more.
Where: 19 Old Park Ln, London W1K 1LB
Website: www.noburestaurants.com
The Petersham
Forget hiring a florist, because when it comes to botanical opulence (both in the scenery and the food), nothing quite compares to Petersham Nurseries’ Covent Garden location, a sanctuary hidden away from the city’s hustle and bustle. As green and floral as wedding venues come, it’s the botanical wedding venue of dreams, and primed for couples going the whole hog (allowing you to book the whole restaurant out), as well as a private dining room for more intimate celebrations. The team here will cater to your every whim, with chefs bringing their expertise to your big day.
Where: 27 King St, London WC2E 9DS
Website: www.petershamnurseries.com
The Libertine
Foodie couples looking for a chic, urban setting to enjoy their special day will love The Libertine. Set in the vaults beneath The Royal Exchange, the unique venue is a spectacular space for a reception, with delicious food to boot. Expect wholesome seasonal fare prepared with the finest quality produce, and choose from snacks for the table, starters, seafood dishes, a selection of dry-aged steaks and grand cuts, as well as traditional mains and desserts to wow your guests with.
Where: 1 Royal Exchange, London EC3V 3LL
Website:www.libertinelondon.co.uk
Bingham Riverhouse
The super romantic Bingham Riverhouse in Richmond is a unique place to tie the knot in South West London. It takes residence in leafy Richmond on the Thames, with magical river views, inside a historical house.
Hosting wedding and civil ceremonies for up to 90 guests on the weekend, you cant take over the whole house for the day, and spill out of the garden rooms onto the riverside terrace and English garden. Food-wise, expect seasonal fare across wedding breakfasts, sharing platters, garden barbecues and nibbles.
Where: 61-63 Petersham Rd, Richmond
TW10 6UT
Website: www.binghamriverhouse.com
View this post on Instagram
Swan London
If you’re looking for a fairytale restaurant in the heart of the city, there’s no better place than the Swan. The penthouse Balcony Room is licensed for wedding ceremonies, and is perfect for wedding reception parties too – so you can spend your whole day with spectacular views of the Thames. Menu options include delicious canapes, six course tasting menus and indulgent sharing feasts for you and your guests to tuck into.
Where: 21 New Globe Walk, Bankside, London SE1 9DT
Website: www.swanlondon.co.uk
Angler
Located in the heart of London, and perched at the top of South Place Hotel, Angler has some of the best views of the city for weddings. As well as being located on a beautiful rooftop terrace, it’s a Michelin-starred restaurant too (so you know the food’s bound to impress) showcasing the best sustainable seafood from British waters.
Where: South Place Hotel, 3 South Pl, London EC2M 2AF
Website: www.southplacehotel.com
Tokii
East meets West at Tokii, where thoughtfully crafted menus combine the best of both worlds, creating a Japanese-inspired flurry of flavours.
Set to an elegant, tranquil and minimalistic backdrop, the team are on hand to create bespoke wedding packages for couples, including a drinks reception, canapes, or a full three-course Asian Fusion dining experience.
Where: 50 Great Cumberland Pl, Marble Arch, London W1H 7FD
Website:www.tokii.co.uk
The Oratory at The Milestone Hotel
London’s most intimate setting, the former Chapel at the Milestone Hotel in Kensington is a dining experience fit for intimate weddings. The Chapel, which seats up to 8 people, is steeped in history with original marble checkerboard floors, Victorian tiling, ornate vaulted ceilings and exquisite original artwork, and is fully licensed for a micro-wedding ceremony.
British tableware brand, Maison Margaux, are on hand to transform the space with a bespoke tablescaping service and custom floral arrangements, and the hotel’s Executive Chef, Daniel Putz, will help guests curate their own wedding menu. Serving modern British dishes, Chef Daniel and his team balance creativity with a collection of traditional comfort foods that are organic and, wherever possible, locally sourced.
Where: 1-3 Kensington Ct, London W8 5DL
Website: www.milestonehotel.com
Hithe + Seek
Boasting one of London’s most iconic views of the river, Hithe + Seek screams dreamy London wedding day. The unique space can be hired for up to 100 guests for a celebration with a spectacular backdrop. Aside from a food menu of familiar favourites and undiscovered gems, Hithe + Seek is, at its core, a wine bar, meaning you and your guests can sip on carefully selected wines complemented by the food pairings.
Where: 60 Upper Thames St., London EC4V 3AD
Website:www.hitheandseek.com
Bentley’s Oyster Bar & Grill
If you’ve been searching for a spectacular urban setting for your big day, then the wait is finally over because set in the heart of Mayfair is Bentley’s Oyster Bar & Grill, representing over 100 years of London’s (sea)foodie scene. Lovingly restored by Michelin starred chef Richard Corrigan in 2005, Bentley’s is perfect for couples wishing to have a more intimate, food focused celebration.
Make everlasting memories in this beautiful and unique setting where you and your loved ones can enjoy a decadent lunch or dinner. Wedding ceremonies, lunches & dinners from 6 – 60 are perfectly accommodated in one of their private rooms.
Where: 11-15 Swallow St, London W1B 4DG
Website: www.bentleys.org
Cento
Cento is all about the details and attentive service. Located in the 100 Queens Gate, and featuring its own private entrance, it’s a delightfully light and spacious room with its own bar where the hotel’s sommeliers will be ready and poised to welcome your guests with a vast selection of cocktails, wines and champagnes. The ideal West London setting to welcome your guests and to enjoy a sumptuous wedding breakfast.
Where: 100 Queen’s Gate, South Kensington, London SW7 5AG
Website: www.100queensgate.com
Home House
A private members club known for its beautiful grandeur, delicious food, and taste for Champagne, turns out Home House makes the perfect wedding venue, too. Located in the heart of Marylebone, it offers a spectacular backdrop for your special day – you even host the ceremony here too, so your whole day is spent in one glamorous spot. Food options range from canapes and bowl food to sit down set menus, so couples can create a bespoke menu that suits them perfectly.
Where: 20 Portman Square, London W1H 6LW
Website: www.homehouse.co.uk
