From Champagne aboard a superyacht to an intimate lunch in a Belgravia garden, London and its surrounding countryside offer plenty of memorable alternatives to the conventional office Christmas party.

Here are four distinctive venues to consider for festive lunches, private dinners and end-of-year celebrations this season.

The Garden House, Belgravia

Best for: an intimate, beautifully styled Christmas lunch

Hidden within one of Belgravia’s private gardens, The Garden House feels more like an elegant London home than a conventional events venue.

Located moments from Eccleston Yards, the first-floor space can be transformed into a private dining room for up to 20 guests. It is well suited to festive lunches with friends, small team celebrations and family gatherings where good food and conversation are the priority.

Downstairs, the garden-facing Club Lounge can accommodate up to 20 standing guests for drinks and canapés. Exclusive hire also gives hosts the flexibility to create a more personal occasion, subject to catering arrangements.

The Den at Burnham Beeches Hotel & Spa, Buckinghamshire

Best for: having your own country pub

The Den at Burnham Beeches Hotel & Spa offers the atmosphere of a country pub, with the considerable advantage of having the entire place to yourself.

Set within a Georgian country house near Windsor, the private pub-style hideaway has its own snooker table and space for up to 25 guests. Its informal setting lends itself to relaxed office parties, festive drinks with friends or family celebrations without the formality of a traditional function room.

Despite its countryside location, the hotel is accessible from London via the Elizabeth line to Burnham station, followed by a short onward journey.

Sunborn London, Royal Victoria Dock

Best for: celebrating aboard a superyacht

Permanently moored at Royal Victoria Dock, Sunborn London brings a touch of Riviera glamour to the capital’s Christmas celebrations.

Its private dining spaces can accommodate up to 40 guests, with contemporary British food served against a backdrop of waterfront views and the illuminated Docklands skyline. The setting works particularly well for stylish office parties, festive lunches and special family occasions.

Guests can also book one of the yacht hotel’s bedrooms, making it possible to turn the celebration into an overnight stay.

Richmond Hill Hotel, Richmond

Best for: a classic Christmas celebration with Georgian character

Perched above the Thames and close to Richmond Park, Richmond Hill Hotel combines an elegant setting with a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere.

The Queen’s Room can accommodate up to 40 guests, while the Stafford Room offers a more intimate space for up to 30, complete with a private balcony and views towards the river.

Seasonal menus are accompanied by suitably festive cocktails, including the Mistletoe Manhattan and Candy Cane Negroni. With bedrooms available upstairs, guests can extend the occasion without worrying about the journey home.