Every year the same thing happens. Somebody is handed the job of organising the work Christmas party in early November, starts ringing round in the second week, and discovers that every decent room in North London went months ago.
It is not that there are no venues left. It is that the good ones — the private rooms, the places that can actually seat twenty people together — were booked by people who started in September.
Here is what is worth knowing. And if you would rather skip straight to it, our private dining room in Hampstead seats up to 26, from £39 per person, and is taking December bookings now.
When Corporate Bookings Start
Average London Minimum Spend
The Nights That Go First
When To Actually Book
Corporate Christmas bookings in London are largely settled between early September and mid October. December Fridays and Saturdays go first, then Thursdays, then mid-December weekdays.
The useful thing to know is that a deposit usually holds a date. You do not need final numbers to secure a venue — and waiting until everyone has confirmed is exactly how good rooms get lost.
Exclusive Or Shared?
A shared party night means joining a larger room with other companies. Cheaper, often with entertainment built in, and fine for smaller teams. The trade-off is no control over who you sit beside, and conversation can be hard work.
A private room means the space is yours. Better for speeches, awards, clients, or a team that actually wants to talk. It usually carries a minimum spend rather than a per-head ticket.
Under about fifteen people, a shared night can make sense. Above that, a private room almost always works out better — and often costs less per head than expected. Ours in Hampstead takes 9 to 26.
What It Costs In London
Private rooms across London typically carry a minimum spend of around £1,000 per event, which catches a lot of organisers by surprise. For twenty people that is £50 a head before anyone has thought about drinks.
North London is gentler — generally £35 to £55 per person for a private room with food.
The number worth asking about is the minimum spend rather than the menu price — and whether drinks count towards it, since that changes the real cost considerably. Ours in Hampstead is £39 per person on food, with drinks charged separately.
Six Questions Worth Asking
Most disappointments come from assumptions rather than misinformation. These are the ones worth clearing up before you commit.
Is the room genuinely separate?
"Private dining" can mean a room with a door, or a screened-off section of the main floor. Ask directly. A partition does not stop noise, and a Christmas party sitting next to normal service is a different evening entirely.
What exactly does the minimum spend include?
Food only, or food and drinks? Is service charge counted towards it? These two answers change the real cost more than the headline number does.
How long is the room ours?
Some venues run two sittings in December. If you are told the room is needed back at nine, that is a very short Christmas party.
When do final numbers need confirming?
Usually somewhere between three days and two weeks out. Worth knowing, because you will be chasing colleagues right up to the deadline.
How are dietary requirements handled?
Any group of fifteen will include vegetarians, vegans, allergies and people who do not eat certain meats. Ask how that is managed, and whether those guests get a proper alternative or a plate of side dishes.
Can we bring decorations, music or a speech?
Some rooms allow it, some do not. If there is an award to hand out or a leaving speech to make, check there is somewhere to stand and something to be heard over.
Christmas Parties At Bonoo
Our private dining room in Hampstead sits downstairs, with its own door and staircase — genuinely separate rather than a partitioned corner.
It seats 9 to 26. Minimum spend is £39 per person — £780 for a group of twenty, comfortably below the London average.
We serve modern Indian tapas, so sharing plates rather than individual mains. It suits a group, and it means vegetarians, vegans and anyone with allergies eat properly rather than making do. All halal certified.
Available seven nights a week. December weekends go first — send us an enquiry and we will come back to you within 24 hours.
Private Dining In Hampstead
Up to 26 guests · Separate downstairs room · £39 per person · Seven nights a week
Bonoo Indian Tapas · 675 Finchley Rd, Hampstead NW2 2JP