Looking for an intimate venue to celebrate after your Registry Office wedding? You’re in the right place! Bridal Editor Emily Cotterhill has handpicked eight elegant private dining rooms, all just a short stroll or drive from Chelsea Old Town Hall.
On any given day of the week, the steps of Chelsea Old Town are scattered with a giddy rainbow of confetti, celebrating the union of countless Londoners through civil marriage. This iconic venue has witnessed the vows of stars including Judy Garland, Hugh Grant and Pierce Brosnan, making it a timeless choice for saying ‘I Do’. To match its splendour, there are plenty of venues nearby to suit every style. Whether you’re looking for a botanical-inspired orangery, classic pub charm, or a countryside haven in the heart of Chelsea, read on to find the ideal backdrop to mark your new chapter.
1. The Ivy Chelsea Garden
Located minutes from Chelsea Old Town Hall, The Ivy Chelsea Garden will infuse your celebrations with botanical flair. Nestled in its secret garden, the beautiful Glasshouse allows room for up to 26 dining guests to surround you on your special day. Floor-to-ceiling glass walls flank one side, and the other reveals trailing trellises, mirrors, and blooming foliage; a magical backdrop for a small wedding reception with an indoor-outdoor feel.
Vibe: Bright and botanical
Distance: 2-minute walk from the Registry Office
Capacity: 26 guests seated or 40 guests standing
Availability: Lunch and dinner throughout the year
Special Touches: Complimentary menus, place cards and seasonal florals included
Minimum Spend: From £2500
To get in touch, email events@theivy-collection.com or call 0203 727 65482.
2. Bluebird Chelsea
Positioned in the heart of King’s Road, Bluebird Chelsea is an Art Deco icon steeped in history. Its spectacular architecture harks back to its era as the original Bluebird Motor Company showroom, making it a stylish choice following your Registry Office wedding. With five private dining rooms, a first-rate supplier list and an expert team to support you, Bluebird Chelsea makes wedding planning a breeze.
Vibe: Industrial chic
Distance: 9-minute walk from the Registry Office
Capacity: 20 to 200 guests
Availability: Lunch and dinner throughout the year
Special Touches: Their ‘little blue book’ of supplier contacts, and a wedding licence on-site.
Minimum Spend: From £1000 to £80,000 depending on the room, month and day
To get in touch, email bbevents@danddlondon.com or call 020 7559 1162
3. The Fox & Pheasant
Tucked away in a pleasant corner of Chelsea, The Fox & Pheasant brings a touch of the countryside to the city. With roaring fireplaces and charming wooden furniture throughout, it’s a comforting setting to celebrate your nuptials. Choose from a first-floor private dining room on one long table, or the conservatory with a retractable roof for a bright and airy occasion. The Fox & Pheasant promises memorable occasions, fuelled by hearty pub classics.
Vibe: Charming rural style
Distance: 25-minute walk or an 8-minute drive from the Registry Office
Capacity: 26 guests seated and 35 standing in the Private Dining Room or 45 guests seated and 55 standing in the Conservatory.
Available: The private dining room is available for lunch and dinner throughout the year, but Sunday functions can only occur from June to August. The Conservatory is available Monday to Saturday, from June to August and on New Year’s Eve.
Special Touches: Possibility to book a magician to add an unusual dimension to your event
Minimum Spend: No minimum spend in the Private Dining Room, except for Sundays at £3000 and December bookings require a £500 deposit. For the Conservatory, there is a minimum spend of £5000 (Monday to Thursday) and £6000 (Friday and Saturday).
To get in touch, visit thefoxandpheasant.com/private-dining or call 020 7352 2943
4. The Phene
The Phene is a long-standing Chelsea institution, just a short walk from Chelsea Old Town Hall. The garden terrace is an atmospheric open-air setting to enjoy welcome drinks before proceeding to one of the four private dining rooms for a seasonal set menu. Our recommendation would be The Oakley Room, an elegant event space with a private bar, fireplace, and large bay windows that flood the room with natural light.
Vibe: Plush and pretty
Distance: 5-minute walk from the Registry Office
Capacity: 40 seated guests or 75 standing in the Oakley Room
Availability: Lunch and dinner throughout the year
Special Touches: Independent Bluetooth system to play your own music, projector screen and a wedding licence in the Oakley Room.
Minimum Spend: From £1000
To get in touch, email events@thephene.com or call 0207 352 9898
5. The Pelican
Jump in a London taxi or a vintage Routemaster bus to whisk you up to Notting Hill, where the Pelican invites you to dine on seasonal British fare with an elevated twist. The Pelican Room on the first floor is a characterful space that mixes historic charm with modern style, with large sash windows overlooking Tavistock Gardens. The private bar and attentive staff will keep everyone’s drinks topped up so you can focus on soaking in the joy of the day.
Vibe: Upscale minimalism
Distance: 23-minute drive from the Registry Office
Capacity: 30 seated guests or 50 standing
Availability: Lunch and dinner throughout the year
Special Touches: A private bar and subtly integrated AV equipment
Minimum Spend: Room hire fee from £200, and minimum spend from £2000
To get in touch, visit thepelicanw11.com/private-dining/ or call 020 4537 2880
6. The Surprise
The Surprise is a proudly local pub with a vibrant atmosphere. The pinstripe awnings lead you into a traditional 19th-century bolthole that’s been lovingly restored with chic interiors by Isabella Worsley. The menus are rooted in British cooking, changing with the seasons. The Hamilton Room is a smart dining room for private celebrations, with quirky paintings, classical bookcases and sash windows overlooking the quintessential streets of Chelsea.
Vibe: Cosy and characterful
Distance: 8-minute walk from the Registry Office
Capacity: 35 seated or 50 standing guests
Availability: Lunch and dinner throughout the year, Monday to Saturday
Special Touches: Small jars of flowers and name cards included, as well as a private fully stocked bar, a Sonos sound system and a flat-screen TV
Minimum Spend: From £1000
To get in touch, email events@thesurprise-chelsea.co.uk or call 020 3837 4600.
7. Daphne’s
Daphne’s has stood as a cherished Chelsea landmark since 1964, radiating timeless elegance. The conservatory, with its mirrored walls, rattan chairs, and striking monochrome floor tiles, feels like a scene from a cinematic dream. The space is versatile, accommodating a single table or several round setups, all surrounded by lush foliage in grand urns. Two potted olive trees also gracefully frame the fireplace, adding to the enchanting ambience.
Vibe: Whimsical Mediterranean garden
Distance: 14-minute walk from the Registry Office
Capacity: 32 seated or 50 standing guests
Availability: Lunch and dinner throughout the year, except Saturdays
Special Touches: Complimentary place cards, menu cards, and a docking station for your music.
Minimum Spend: From £4000 to £5000 depending on the day
To get in touch, email events@caprice-holdings.co.uk or call 020 3727 6549.
8. The Cadogan Arms
The Cadogan Arms, with its centuries-old legacy, blends restored Georgian interiors with modern gastropub charm after its 2021 refurbishment. Exclusive pub hire is possible, or for an intimate celebration, The Rose Room is our recommended spot on the lower ground floor. It features a private horseshoe bar illuminated by a stained-glass wall, and scarlet velvet chairs surrounding the tables, which can be adorned with flowers and balloons.
Vibe: Heritage flair
Distance: 6-minute walk from the Registry Office
Capacity: 35 guests seated or 50 guests standing in the Rose Room
Available: Lunch and dinner throughout the year
Special Touches: Delicious sharing feast menus available, a state-of-the-art AV system, and the option to book a DJ to conjure a party atmosphere
Hire: No minimum spend in low season, up to £5500 in peak season.
To get in touch, email bookings@thecadoganarms.london or call 0203 1482 630
