Full Venue Hire at Le Bab Covent Garden

Le Bab Covent Garden turns the gourmet kebab into genuine event theatre. Sitting on Mercer Walk at Seven Dials, a short walk from Covent Garden tube, this two-floor restaurant and bar puts a charcoal-fired open kitchen centre stage — chefs work visible to the room, and the cooking itself becomes entertainment. The venue is the Covent Garden sister to the original Le Bab in Kingly Court, Soho, and shares the same commitment to elevating a traditionally casual format into something more ambitious. Interiors by award-winning designer Angus Buchanan set the tone. Racing green booth seating on the ground floor, abundant natural light, and the theatre of the open grill create an atmosphere that balances energy with comfort. Head downstairs and the surprises multiply — walls decorated with 50,000 playing cards, exposed mis en place kitchens, and two distinct spaces that operate with their own character.

Le Bab Event Spaces and Capacities

The ground floor restaurant seats 45 with open kitchen frontage, a dedicated bar, and natural light through the street-level windows. It works well for seated dining events, group bookings, and semi-private receptions where the energy of the open kitchen is part of the draw. The Lounge, downstairs, accommodates 200 standing or 60 seated. This versatile basement space handles everything from large drinks receptions and corporate parties to seated dinners and late-night celebrations, with its own bar and a captivating interior that rewards exploration. Kebab Queen, the hidden gem of the building, seats just 12 guests around a counter in what amounts to an omakase-style fine dining experience — plateless, theatrical, and genuinely unlike any other private dining option in Covent Garden. An 8-course tasting menu from executive chef Manu Canales, whose CV includes a stint as sous chef at the two Michelin-starred Le Gavroche, makes Kebab Queen a destination in its own right. The space doubles as a cocktail bar for 25 standing, and can be combined with The Lounge for larger events. The terrace provides outdoor space in the heart of Seven Dials, available for half or full hire — ideal for summer receptions, al fresco dining, and events that benefit from the foot traffic and energy of Covent Garden’s busiest corner.

Catering at Le Bab

In-house catering runs through every event format, with the charcoal grill as its centrepiece. Set menus offer three courses built around Le Bab’s signature gourmet kebabs, seasonal small plates, and Levantine-inspired dishes made from ethically sourced, free-range ingredients. Bottomless brunch packages combine three courses with unlimited selected beers and prosecco. Party food options include canapes, substantial bowl food, and kebabitos — miniature kebabs designed for standing events where guests need something more satisfying than standard finger food. A dedicated event manager coordinates menu planning, dietary requirements, and event logistics.

Practical Details for Hiring Le Bab Covent Garden

The venue is licensed until 11:30pm. Events operate on a minimum spend model rather than hire fees, with the spend threshold varying by day, time, and space. The venue applies a 12.5% service charge to all bills, and a Check 25 age verification policy operates across all Le Bab venues — organisers must notify the team at booking if under-18 guests will attend. Covent Garden and Leicester Square tube stations are within a few minutes’ walk, with Tottenham Court Road and Holborn also accessible. The Seven Dials position places events in the middle of the West End’s theatre, dining, and shopping district.