Are you planning on hosting a party at a restaurant?
When hosting a party, a restaurant can be a great choice as they can provide a range of different experiences to suit your needs.
However, you must consider many things before you book, including exclusivity, guest numbers, cost per person and the date you would like.
In this post, we take a look at some of the things you might like to discuss with your chosen restaurant before getting started.
If you haven’t even found a restaurant yet, Square Meal is a great place to start when looking for a restaurant party venue.
When Does Your Party Take Place?
You might have a date in mind for your party, but that doesn’t mean the restaurant you’ve chosen will be free.
It’s best to book as early as possible and have a backup restaurant in mind too.
Dates you might want to avoid include Easter Weekend, Valentine’s Day, New Year’s Eve and Mother’s/Father’s Day.
Some restaurants don’t open on Monday or Tuesday but they might be willing to for a large party, so it’s always worth asking if you have your heart set on a specific date.
Do You Need Exclusive Use?
Another thing you’ll need to think about is whether you would like exclusive use of your preferred venue and this will depend on the number of guests attending and the size of the restaurant.
Many restaurants have a separate function room or space that you can use, whereas in other cases you might want to hire out the entire place so only your party attendees are allowed in.
You might also want to double-check that the restaurant allows children.
Is There A Fee For Using The Restaurant?
Fees for using a restaurant for a party are likely to vary, but will probably be based on how much your party is likely to spend.
For example, fifty people having a three-course sit-down meal with wine is unlikely to incur any additional costs.
Using a function space for drinks and nibbles is more likely to be chargeable, or there may be a minimum you are required to spend at the bar before the fee is waived.
For large parties, there will likely be a deposit required per person, so the restaurant is not left out of pocket should you, or some of your guests cancel at the last minute.
Is There A Cake Charge? And What About Corkage?
If it’s a birthday party then it’s likely you’ll want to bring a cake.
You might not realise that many venues charge for this, even when you’ve paid for the cake.
This is because if the cake is served often guests won’t have a dessert, so the restaurant will lose out on much-needed revenue.
The charge may also cover the cost of the server preparing and cutting your cake and the time it takes to wash up plates and forks afterwards.
If you want to bring your own wine, some restaurants may allow this but with a corkage fee. This is to help the restaurant recover the lost revenue as you’ll be buying fewer drinks from them.
In some cases, it may be worth paying the corkage fee if it significantly lowers the cost of buying drinks overall and you’re on a tight budget.
This most commonly happens with weddings, where the Bride and Groom wish to provide drinks for their guests during the wedding Breakfast.
Are You Allowed To Decorate?
For any celebration, you may want to bring your own decorations.
However, it’s worth discussing with the venue beforehand – they might be happy to decorate on your behalf and there may be some decorations that they do not allow such as glitter or table confetti.
Smoking & Vaping Policies
If any of your guests vape or smoke, it might be worth asking the venue how they accommodate this, as it might not be something you’ve thought about if you don’t smoke yourself.
It’s also worth considering that at major celebrations, some people like to enjoy cigars, even if they don’t usually smoke.
The majority of venues will expect guests to step outside, but it’s good to double-check that there’s a suitable outdoor area, with ashtrays and shelter provided.
Many venues (especially restaurants and bars) now have vape detectors in place, often in the bathrooms, so a tipsy guest sneaking a quick puff indoors could actually set them off.
Worst case scenario, this could lead to some of your guests being asked to leave, which would put a huge dampener on your party.
Buffet Vs Sit Down Meal
A sit-down meal typically feels quite formal and is usually best suited to smaller numbers of guests. For larger parties, you may be asked to choose from a set menu and let the restaurant know what all guests would like to eat ahead of time.
This can be quite time-consuming and there’s always one person who doesn’t get back to you or doesn’t like to food being offered.
Buffets are a better option for those who would prefer a more informal setting and are often more budget-friendly too.
Discuss Any Dietary Requirements
Finally, you’ll want to discuss any dietary requirements you or a member of your party may have to ensure that they can be adequately catered to.
Best UK Restaurant Party Venues
If you’ve not found your restaurant party venue yet, let’s take a look at some of the most spectacular spaces you can hire in the UK.
Harry Potter Studios
If you have a big budget and an even bigger Harry Potter fan in your life, you could consider the Harry Potter Studios in Leavesden, for a party.
While not a typical restaurant, there is plenty to love about being able to dine in the Great Hall or on Platform 9 and 3/4s.
Grain Barge
Moored in Bristol’s famous harbour, Grain Barge is perfect for those who would prefer a more industrial setting for their restaurant party and you’ll be right across from the SS Great Britain.
Exclusive use is an option and discounts are available for charities and community groups.
Grain Barge serves a range of local produce craft beers and ciders.
Flight Club Birmingham
Flight Club Birmingham boasts amazing decor and even better cocktails with an amazing event space suitable for private hire.
Wherever you decide to host your restaurant party, with all these things in mind, you should be able to plan a wonderful event that will be remembered for years to come.