Restaurant for small wedding reception in SE London?

[Hessy]

Dear all,

DP and I are both from South East London and live here currently. I want a small family registry office ceremony in either Lewisham, Greenwich, possibly Croydon, Lambeth, Southwark (narrowing that down will depend on next part).

I'd love then for everyone to then pile into taxis and head to a lovely, (family-run?) restaurant for a big lunch. Then we all bugger off home.

But I can't find that restaurant. I want it to be special, but still be 'us'. It would need to accommodate toddlers too. Seating twenty.

Anyone any suggestions?

South London Gallery hasa lovely cafe, no.67, practically opposite Southwark registry office in Camberwell/peckham. With a beautiful glazed room out back overlooking a courtyard that would be perfect for your size.

Could also try: Table on Southwark St, Peckham Bazaar, Toast in East Dulwich though for all round convenience (proximity / toddlers) no.67 sounds best.

oh and there's a lovely family run sardinian restaurant in honor oak called le querce that's good with kids and a cab ride from Lewisham.

That is fantastic advice - thank you

Will investigate all....

The Chateau Napoleon in Croydon is lovely. We often go there for family functions and there are a couple of private rooms to hire.

Royal Inn on the Green at Victoria Park.
My friend had her wedding there in the summer and it was lovely.

Lamberts at Balham tube is very nice. Small with fabulous food, well priced and helpful staff. Great location next to tube and train station for people getting home. The only problem is the location is a bit off putting and although it's decently decorated the room's got a bit of a meh ambiance - but you could make your own atmosphere with 20 people and bring your own decorations perhaps.

In Crystal Palace you could try Mediterraneo, brilliant family run Sardinian, they're soooo lovely.

In East Dulwich Green and Blue Wines.

Oh and do look at Wandsworth registry office as well - a bit out of your way but surprisingly pretty.

The lido at Brockwell has a great little restaurant. They do private functions and its a great setting.

Thank you all. Will check them out.

Ooh we're having almost identical weddings. We're getting married in Southwark register office (looks like the nicest building of all the SE London ones and has a pretty garden for drinks & photos after). Then piling in cabs and going to Lorenzo's in Crystal Palace for a long boozy Italian meal - they're a brilliant family run local Italian, fantastic with small children and cheap but excellent food. They have a private room which seats 30.

What about locale in Blackheath? Friends of mine had their wedding meal there - there's a private room downstairs.
Or I think Agua (the old bella vista) has a private dining room upstairs.

Congratulations!

Thank you both. Will check out Southwark Registry - anything would be prettier than our closest, Lewisham! Think I've been to Lorenzo's once...

Not been to Blackheath in aaages - great excuse for a visit.

Xxx

PS Congrats zgaze - when's the big day? All set??

If you are going to Blackheath, try Chapters. They have a downstairs that can be hired. The other option is the Hare and Billet pub on the Heath on the Lewisham side. They do really good food and a huge selection of beers.

For what it's worth, DH and I got married and had our reception in the Trafalgar in Greenwich.

Was about to suggest the Trafalgar. Great place.

Is Belair in Dulwich still trading?

I used to eat there years ago. Nice atmosphere and you'd gave some gorgeous photos in the grounds.

www.belairhouse.co.uk/

Oooh still going and revamped. Looks a lot more relaxed too.

Lunch menu seems reasonable and I'm sure you could negotiate on the wine and chambers, op?

We had ours at Bella Vista in Blackheath (after wedding in Lewisham registry office), but it closed down recently! Can definitely recommend Le Querce in Brockley Rise though. Especially the lobster.

we've had a couple of lunch events at The Guildford in Greenwich in the upstairs room which is perfect for that number and the kids can run around as you have the whole floor. If it's spring/summer the garden is really lovely to (I think recently voted one of the best in London). The food is really good (sister restaurant to Inside) and surroundings nice enough for a special occasion without being silly price.

Hi, we married in lewisham registry office, then we and our five guests drove out to otford in kent (40 min drive approx) and had a lovely meal in the forge restaurant. There's a florists opposite who can provide flowers

Sorry, now I've read your post properly (!) I can see you want to pile into taxis. A 40min drive into kent not really suitable for that!

The brockley jack does great food, good service and has a very nice atmosphere. We had Boxing Day dinner there in 2012 which was wonderful. I'm pretty sure they would section off the back of the restaurant for you and your guests. Their menu is very good

It's in crofton park

How about the Hornimann museum conservatory in Forest Hill? It has landscaped gardens for your photos, a conservatory big enough to hold the ceremony, meal & dancing. So no need to move locations.

www.horniman.ac.uk/about/weddings-and-civil-ceremonies/