We love the buzz of a busy restaurant, but it can feel extra special to have our own space for celebrations. Jo Malone starts the suggestions for private dining - and would love to hear readers' recommendations.
1 Stoke Mill, Stoke Holy Cross
There's been a mill of one kind or another across the River Tas here for 700 years. Beautifully restored into a popular restaurant, the Prestige menu in the private dining room is rather special.
www.stokemill.co.uk
2 Fox and Goose, Fressingfield, near Halesworth
This grade two listed former Guildhall has three rooms for private functions, suitable for between 18 and 38 guests. Bespoke menus can be created, and check out the tasting and a la carte menus too.
3 The Last Wine Bar and Restaurant, Norwich
So well known and loved it's a Norwich institution, The Last, in a former Victorian shoe factory, includes an atmospheric basement room for private parties of up to 25 people.
www.lastwinebar.co.uk
4 The Norfolk Mead Hotel, Coltishall
While the Garden Room at this waterside venue is known for glamourous, relaxed wedding receptions, there's also the dining room which seats 40 and Georgian room for up to 25 for private parties, whether you're seeking a black tie three course meal or an informal hot or cold buffet.
www.norfolkmead.co.uk
5 Brasteds, Framingham Pigot
Imagining 35 guests gathered around one large table in a private restaurant setting, 20 in the intimate Brasted's Lodge or 160 people in a barn setting? The Brasted team caters for large and small events, with the emphasis on fabulous food. Try the historic Langley Abbey venue for ultra atmospheric occasions.
www.brasteds.co.uk
6 Oaklands Hotel, Norwich
The Oaklands Hotel with its experienced wedding and events team is the wedding venue of choice for many happy couples. It's array of private dining rooms, function suites and heated marquee are also very popular for other celebrations, and ideal for gatherings from 10 to 300 guests. www.oaklands-hotel.co.uk
7 The Dial House, Reepham
Candlelit dining for up to a dozen in the secluded cellar at this historic building adds a special intimacy to celebrations. One of the Byford's group, the team will host sophisticated dinner parties – or raucous parties. Or push the bookcase to find a secret room, with elegant dining for up to eight guests. Both rooms available at no extra cost.
www.thedialhouse.org.uk
8 The Old Rectory, Crostwick
This historic country house is popular with large and small wedding parties, and has smaller reception rooms for alternative parties and private dining. Ask the helpful team about the variety of spaces, entertainment ideas and varied menu options.
www.oldrectorycrostwick.com
9 Dining Rooms at Cinema City, Norwich
The Marchesi Room is a private space on the upper floors of Cinema City looking out over St Andrew's Hill. It's a hidden gem perfect for fine dining – or informal gatherings and menus too.
www.norwichdiningrooms.co.uk
10 Brandon House, Brandon
The Garden Room at this elegant town centre Georgian country house hotel is a stylish setting for private parties, with bespoke menus available. Or there's the garden marquee for larger celebrations.
www.brandonhousehotel.co.uk
11 The York Tavern, Leicester Street, Norwich
This well maintained city pub and garden has a charming upstairs room, ideal for a private Sunday lunch with family and friends. The team is happy for parties to personalise with decorations and the Sunday roasts are typically excellent.
Linger over Sunday lunch as there's often live music from 5pm.
www.theyorktavern.co.uk
12 George and Dragon,Thurton
Parts of The George and Dragon pub date back to the fifteenth century. The barn at this village local is a private venue for parties and celebrations
The pub is known for its home cooked menu with the emphasis on locally sourced ingredients.
Ask about the barn's built-in projection services too, which could be useful for films and photos to add that extra touch to the speeches.
www.thegeorgeand dragonpub.co.uk
13 Glebe Farm Barn, Carlton Forehoe.
This rustic barn set in the heart of Norfolk is a blank canvas for celebrations of all types for those happy to organise their own catering and décor.
www.facebook.com/GlebeFarmWeddingBarn
14 Timbers Country Lodge, Fincham
This grade II listed barn complex is a restaurant with rooms, plus a permanent marquee for larger events. The marquee includes a large dance floor, chandeliers and bar.
There are also smaller, private, rooms for more intimate gatherings.
www.timberscountrylodge.co.uk
15 The Red Barn, South Runcton
Well known in west Norfolk, this stunning medieval barn has a large open plan layout which can easily accommodate more than 100 guests, for dinner and dancing. There's a marquee for those wanting an even bigger celebration.
www.theredbarnnorfolk.co.uk
16 Benedicts, Norwich
Ask for the Sewing Room, the private dining room for eight to 14 at this well-known chef Richard Bainbridge's contemporary city centre bistro.
www.restaurantbenedicts.com
17 Carlton Manor Hotel, Carlton Colville
One of the joys of this refurbished 19th century family hotel near Lowestoft is that it feels and looks more expensive than it is.
While it has function areas for large parties and weddings, the tranquil Carlton Room is the spot for smaller events of up to 60 people.
www.carltonmanorhotel.com
Where else would you include? Drop us a line at www.facebook.com/edp24
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