Benares

Named for the Indian city on the Ganges, Benares occupies an upstairs address above Mayfair's Berkeley Square, reached by a staircase that climbs past a flower-filled water pool and the bar. The dining room is dimly lit and finished in sultry tones, its walls hung with sepia panels and divided by carved wooden screens. The kitchen, under executive chef Sameer Taneja, holds a Michelin star for modern Indian cooking that sets British produce such as hand-dived Scottish scallops and Welsh lamb against the flavours of the subcontinent.

For private events the restaurant offers four rooms plus exclusive hire of the whole floor. The Dover Room is the largest, seating up to 36 at a long banquet table and ranking among the bigger private dining rooms in Mayfair. The Berkeley Room seats 16 behind a wine wall and latticework panelling; the Sommelier's Table seats 10 among the wine racks, where the sommelier matches the food; and the Chef's Table seats up to 8 behind a soundproof glass window onto the kitchen. Taken exclusively, Benares holds 100 for a seated dinner and 250 for a standing reception.

The Bar & Lounge, with its long backlit bar and blue chevron banquettes, takes standing groups of up to 80 and runs its own cocktail list. Booked whole, it suits a drinks reception or a celebration, with the events team handling menus, wines and floor plans.