5 Most Sought-After Spots for Private Dining Oxford Offers

Private dining is a fantastic way to create unforgettable events, but let’s be honest—finding the perfect venue can feel a bit overwhelming. You might be wondering if the ambience will capture the vibe you want, if the food will wow your guests, or if the location will be accessible for everyone to reach, given Oxford’s maze of cobbled streets and hidden gems. We all want our events to leave a lasting impression, and in a city as iconic as Oxford, the bar is set pretty high. The last thing you want is to choose a spot that doesn’t quite live up to the city’s reputation for elegance and quality. To take the guesswork out of your search, we’ve shortlisted the 5 most sought-after venues for private dining Oxford has to offer, each providing a unique blend of atmosphere, service, and cuisine.
7 September 2024 6 min read
Discover the best venues for private dining Oxford offers.

Discover Private Dining in Oxford at its Finest with These 5 Venues

Whether you’re in search of a sophisticated restaurant in Oxford’s bustling city centre or an intimate space for Oxford private dining, these five curated venues promise an exceptional experience tailored to your needs.

1. The Ivy Oxford Brasserie

The Botanical Room at The Ivy Oxford Brasserie is the finest private dining room Oxford offers, combining vintage-inspired artwork and vibrant botanical prints, creating a setting that reflects Oxford’s rich cultural heritage. This elegant space is ideal for corporate events, weddings, or intimate celebrations, making it one of the best private dining in Oxford options. 

What truly sets The Ivy private dining Oxford experience apart is the bespoke service. You can tailor every detail, from customisable seasonal menus to personalised decor like floral arrangements. The dedicated events team ensures smooth planning and flawless execution, so nothing is left to chance.

Menu options are another highlight, offering a range of seasonal dishes that can be customised for breakfast, brunch, lunch, or dinner. The menu features modern British cuisine with dishes like steak tartare, roasted salmon, and indulgent desserts, alongside vegetarian and vegan selections, ensuring something for every guest. 

Book The Ivy for Oxford private dining.

Highlights

  • Address: 120-121 High Street, Oxford, OX1 4DD.
  • Capacity: Up to 24 guests. 
  • Local Attractions: Close to Oxford Castle, Christ Church College, and Westgate Shopping Centre.
  • Price: Starts at £800 for weekdays and around £2,000 on weekends. 

2. The Farmhouse by Banbury Hill Farm

If you’re looking for a peaceful setting for an informal gathering that offers ultimate customisation, The Farmhouse is an excellent choice. This retreat provides a unique alternative to traditional Oxford private dining venues, allowing you to create a fully personalised dining experience. 

With a large, well-equipped kitchen and a spacious dining room featuring a built-in bar, it’s the perfect space for hosting bespoke events.

A key feature that makes The Farmhouse stand out from traditional private dining rooms Oxford offers is its bespoke in-house dining service. You can select up to six meal plans, and their chefs use locally sourced ingredients to prepare fresh, delicious dishes that match your preferences. 

This personalised approach, combined with the tranquil countryside atmosphere, makes The Farmhouse an exceptional choice for those seeking flexible private dining in Oxford.

Book The Farmhouse for private dining in Oxford.

Highlights

  • Address: Banbury Hill Farm, Enstone Road, Charlbury, Oxfordshire, OX7 3JH.
  • Capacity: Up to 14 guests.
  • Local Attractions: Close to Cotswolds, Blenheim Palace, and Rollright Stones. 
  • Price: Starts from £768 per night.

3. Brasserie Blanc

Brasserie Blanc offers one of the best private dining in Oxford experiences, providing a relaxed yet refined atmosphere that suits a variety of special occasions. Its French-inspired menu, prepared with seasonal and locally sourced ingredients, ensures a high-quality dining experience. 

Whether you’re organising a business meeting or enjoying a family celebration, the diverse menu spans traditional French classics like French onion soup and crème brûlée, as well as modern dishes like pan-seared salmon. 

The Brasserie Blanc private dining service is enhanced by an attentive team that manages every detail of your event with precision. Their flexibility in accommodating vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free preferences adds a personal touch, making it a versatile choice for any event. 

Located in Oxford’s lively city centre, the venue’s charming décor and outstanding service make it a standout option for private dining room Oxford gatherings​.

Book the best private dining rooms Oxford offers with Brasserie Blanc.

Highlights

  • Address: 71-72 Walton Street, Oxford, OX2 6AG.
  • Capacity: Up to 100 guests.
  • Local Attractions: Close to Oxford University Museum of Natural History, Ashmolean Museum, and Oxford Castle.
  • Price: Starts at £70 per person.

4. Browns

Browns offers a unique blend of sophistication and comfort, making it a standout choice for Oxford private dining. The venue is ideal for hosting a range of events, from business lunches to celebratory dinners, all set in a charming brasserie-style atmosphere.

What truly elevates the Browns private dining Oxford experience is the balance between indulgent meals—such as Chateaubriand—and more casual offerings, including their afternoon tea. The extensive drinks menu, featuring wines, cocktails, and Champagne, adds a celebratory touch to any occasion. 

For those interested in pubs with private dining rooms Oxford, Browns offers both flexibility and elegance, accommodating a range of dietary preferences including vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options.

Browns has the finest private dining room Oxford offers.

Highlights

  • Address: 5-11 Woodstock Road, Oxford, OX2 6HA.
  • Capacity: Up to 100 guests.
  • Local Attractions: Close to Pitt Rivers Museum, Ashmolean Museum, and Oxford University Parks.
  • Price: Starts at £60 per person.

5. Malmaison 

Malmaison offers a unique private dining experience with its atmospheric setting in a former prison. The dramatic backdrop of exposed brick, vaulted ceilings, and contemporary design makes it one of the most distinctive private dining rooms Oxford has to offer. 

Whether you’re planning an intimate dinner or a larger gathering, the venue provides a variety of stylish spaces, including private rooms like the “Visitors Room” and “Cell 5”.

What makes Malmaison Oxford private dining even more special is the menu. Focusing on fresh, seasonal ingredients, the set menus offer a delightful fusion of British and French cuisine, offering something for every taste. Options range from juicy steaks to seafood and innovative vegetarian dishes, all expertly prepared. 

The dedicated team ensures flawless service, making your event not just a meal but an unforgettable experience in one of the most iconic Oxford restaurants with private rooms.

Get free quotes from local chefs

Whether you're hosting a special celebration dinner, looking for a chef during your holiday or weekly meal prep, we will match you to the perfect chefs.

Start here
For the best private dining in Oxford, book Malmaison.

Highlights

  • Address: 3 New Road, Oxford, OX1 1AY.
  • Capacity: Up to 120 guests.
  • Local Attractions: Close to Oxford Castle, Christ Church College, and Ashmolean Museum.
  • Price: Starts at £80 per person.

Venture Beyond the Ordinary in Oxford Private Dining

When searching for the finest spots for private dining Oxford has to offer, you’ll find a diverse array of options catering to different styles and preferences. However, many of these venues may offer a simplified menu for private events, focusing on a few dishes that are easier to prepare for larger groups. 

This can limit the overall dining experience, particularly if you’re seeking a more diverse or customised menu that caters to specific tastes and dietary needs.

Hiring a private chef could be a great alternative to overcome this limitation. You can use platforms like Yhangry to get easy access to a vast pool of local chefs in Oxford who specialise in various cuisines, allowing you to tailor the menu exactly to your preferences. Whether you’re interested in a traditional British menu, Italian classics or vibrant Indian dishes, you can collaborate with your chosen chef to create a bespoke dining experience at a venue of your choice. 

This not only ensures that your guests’ dietary needs are met but also elevates your event with a unique and memorable meal that truly reflects Oxford’s diverse culinary landscape.

FAQs

Private dining involves booking a private area within a restaurant solely for your group. This option provides a customised dining experience, complete with bespoke menus and attentive service, making it ideal for celebrations or professional gatherings.

Private dining at The Ivy Oxford Brasserie generally starts at £55 to £75 per person, with costs increasing for additional services, premium menu options, or special requests like bespoke décor or AV support.

Private dining in Oxford generally ranges from £20 to £75 per person, with higher-end venues or larger spaces requiring a minimum spend of £300 to £3,500​. For at-home private dining, services like yhangry offer personalised chef experiences starting at around £63 per person.