How to do a hen do in London

Brasserie Zédel is a glittering 1930s labyrinth tucked beneath Piccadilly Circus, and was once part of The Regent Palace Hotel. The sprawling, buzzy Art Deco brasserie serves fine French fare for remarkable value – the prix fixe menu starts at £15.75 for two courses – while the sultry and stylish Bar Américain serves potent classic cocktails. You can even catch a show in the Crazy Coqs lounge, where performers range from musicians to magicians. A hen party here is a classy way of making a themed day of it, and will truly transport you to Paris in the Golden Age. 

There’s nowhere else quite like Piano Works in the capital. This concept boasts two venues: the Farringdon den is a converted listed warehouse, while the West End location is hidden behind a nondescript door in Leicester Square. There’s non-stop live music, plus diners can actually request songs – hint: if you want to hear your favourite played next, add a tip… You can drink, dine and dance all in the same space, and there are a number of party packages available –from brunch to dinner. You could head there for a pre-theatre bite or dance until the early hours at one of the lates.

Welcome to 1970s Capri! At Gloria in Shoreditch, everything is over-the-top, from the maximalist decor – think swirled marble bars and sumptuous striped banquettes – to the cacio e pepe served performatively from an actual wheel of cheese, and not forgetting the wobbling, sky high lemon meringue pie! The cocktail menu features twists on the classics, including a black gold negroni, which is infused with orange blossom tea and a dash of balsamic vinegar. Gloria is the place for a decadent all-day affair, in the spirit of the Italians. 

You might recognise this snappable spot from Instagram pictures of the elaborately decorated walkway, which is always adorned in vibrant, seasonal blooms, however that’s not the best part of Restaurant Ours. This all-day eatery offers two- and three-course, and a la carte menus. Meanwhile there’s a cocktail bar upstairs that presents a selection of sharing dishes, featuring delights such as beef tartare, truffle linguine and chicken Milanese. This venue also hosts a brilliant array of bottomless brunches and quizzes, including a Real Housewives dinner and quiz night and a Mamma Mia brunch that’s ideal for getting into the wedding spirit!

Darcie & May Green are two canal boats on the Grand Union Canal in Paddington, which were both decorated vibrantly by Sir Peter Blake. These festive vessels serve breakfast, lunch and dinner Aussie style – think smokey barbecued salmon and juicy sashimi tuna steaks. There’s a terrace for those scorching summer soirees that call for the coldest of cocktails, and you can even hire out the whole place for a truly memorable and intimate celebration.

The phrase ‘Bunga Bunga’ became well-known when it was associated with the former Italian prime minister Silvio Berlusconi’s notorious parties, so you can only imagine what kind of mischief happens in this secret Covent Garden haunt… There’s Nonna’s Attico, where you can dress up and sing karaoke – and with a Push for Prosecco button, you won’t have to miss a beat. The real pièce de résistance however, is found by negotiating your way through an industrial meat locker, which is the entrance to this grand and bizarre space. You can watch spectacular live shows and gorge on rich Italian delicacies, all while being served by white-suited staff and surrounded by marble statues. You can sit in a speedboat that offers a prime view of the stage, or book a private spot so you can slip in and out of the main area as you please. If your hen is particularly naughty, there’s a Buff Brunch on Saturdays!