The Best Places To Celebrate A Special Occasion In London

This post is part of our archived content. While we’ve shifted focus, it still may be useful.

When it comes to celebrating a special occasion in London, we want to make it memorable and if applicable, a little romantic.

Most of us know the best places to keep the kids entertained but what about when you want a little adult time?

London has a lot to offer the party hungry, but if you’re looking for more than a pub crawl, a visit to the Shard or a river cruise, what else is on offer?

As I’m turning 40 next year, I have spent the last few months looking for birthday ideas in London and I’m not afraid to say, an utterly fabulous way to celebrate my special occasion.

I have stumbled across some truly unforgettable places to wow your friends (and create some amazing pics for your social media channels).

The best places to go to celebrate a special occasion in London:

For something a bit different, private capsules are available to hire on the London Eye.

A Family and Friend’s capsule for between 3-15 guests includes priority boarding and a 30-minute rotation and can be booked from £400. 

There’s also the option to add champagne and canapes at an additional cost.

For a romantic anniversary treat, try a Cupid’s Capsule for two – your booking includes champagne and Hotel Chocolat chocolates and you’ll be served by your personal host. 

Prices start at £380.

If you are celebrating a hen party or birthday, TigerTiger in Haymarket provides a Cocktail Making Masterclass where you get to shake it, make it, and have a good giggle in the process.

The packages are quite affordable and start at just £29.95 per person including bubbly on arrival, the chance to make two cocktails from the menu and a master cocktail creator certificate.

You can also get a reserved booth for 2 hours after the class to keep the party spirit going.

The Hideaway at Sloane Place is a secluded and intimate bar, perfect for an evening hidden away from the world in the heart of Chelsea.

Descend to uncover the space where cocktails flow, delicious snacks are served, and music helps you get your groove on.

Check out the ever-changing lineup of music acts and join for live performances every week.

For a calm and grown-up evening, Clos Maggiore in Covent Garden is definitely worth a visit.

It’s known as one of the most romantic restaurants in the world and certainly is London’s.

A romantic intimate dining experience for couples or small groups, the unusual cherry blossom covered conservatory is a delight in the summer months and a cosy sanctuary in winter with candles and a warming fire.

The menu is French contemporary and oozes sophistication.

For stunning views and delicious oysters, Seabird in Southwark has a tasty menu inspired by the coast.

Take your place high up on the 14th floor for yummy octopus rolls, lots of oysters and a filling Sunday brunch.

Nothing could be quintessentially more English than afternoon tea at The Tea Terrace. 

With two central London branches to choose from located in House of Fraser stores, you can hire Cinderella’s carriage to sit in while you enjoy afternoon tea.

It doesn’t matter how old you are, sitting in Cinderella’s beautiful gilt carriage is a dream come true for most girls.

From the regal high back chairs, the chandeliers made from teapots and the delicate Royal Albert china, this is certainly a treat not to be missed.

Things are always more fun when they’re forbidden – that’s the spirit of Cahoots, Soho’s speakeasy-style bar, whose ‘bootleg’ cocktails and swinging live music capture the illicit black marketeering of post-war London.

It’s tucked away in an old train station (once a bomb shelter during the Blitz), and every detail is pure 1940s: from the sneaky hip flasks and tin mugs that drinks are served in, to its rationed snacks and sultry jazz.

The thrill seekers among us who prefer a more spine-tingling experience should head to East London for the ArcelorMittal Orbital Slide at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in Stratford.

It’s the world’s highest and longest tunnel slide at 178 metres long and is available for private hire.

The 40 second trip might be short lived but will definitely be a hair-raising experience you won’t forget.

If you’re looking for a private dining experience with a stunning view, try the Coppa Club at Tower Bridge.

Situated on the banks of the River Thames the luxury private igloos can seat 6-8 people for breakfast, lunch or dinner.

You’ll enjoy an enviable position on a south facing terrace overlooking the river, the chairs are adorned with fluffy rugs and each pod is heated individually. 

Booking is available online, but some are held for walk-in reservations.

Take in the dreamy views at The Culpeper in Shoreditch.

The menu focuses on sourcing produce from regenerative farms and includes roasted aubergine and meaty steaks.

Book a room on the floor above and head to the rooftop for stunning views across London.

Good for couples or larger groups is the Tea Bus Tour from B Bakery, an iconic Routemaster bus that drives around central London taking in sights such as Big Ben, Westminster Abbey and Hyde Park while serving decadent afternoon tea at the same time.

What’s not to like?

The journey takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes depending on traffic and prices start at £45 per person.

If you have a larger group there are options to hire the entire bus or either of the upper or lower floors.