Course summary

If you are looking for a one-to-one, personalised learning experience, then our private in-person dining etiquette training would suit you best. 

The course takes place in a central London restaurant*, allowing you to learn in a ‘real life’ restaurant environment over lunch or dinner with an expert tutor. Over the duration of the meal, your tutor will professionally and discreetly guide you through dining skills and table manners. 

You can benefit from dedicated, experiential learning, along with having the time and space to work closely with your own tutor – all the while enjoying some of London’s finest food.

*We offer a selection of restaurants to suit all budgets.

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Course information

Available

On-demand

Investment

From £645

Subject to venue choice and tutor

  • Three course lunch or dinner
  • Soft drinks, tea and coffee
  • Printed or digital certificate available upon request

Why choose private dining etiquette training?

This private etiquette training course in London blends the very best of what we offer: fully personalised one-to-one training with a dedicated tutor, combined with practical learning in a real-life restaurant environment.

This course is for anyone looking for more confidence when dining professionally or socially, someone who is new to living in the UK or visiting/on holiday, or those who just have a keen interest in manners and etiquette.

You will learn all about dining etiquette and table manners, including place settings, correct cutlery and different glassware; napkin etiquette and perfect table posture; starting, finishing, pacing and timings; practical skills, tricky foods, condiments and sauces; British quirks, protocols and traditions; avoiding slip-ups and common mistakes.

On booking, we’ll ask for your motivations and goals to ensure that we tailor the course correctly for you and, during the session, your tutor will work closely with you to provide bespoke and tailored tuition. We will also check for any dietary requirements in advance.

This option suits those who want a personal touch and the flexibility to choose a time and date that suits their schedule. It is also best for those who wish to learn privately, rather than in a group masterclass environment, and who prefer in-person rather than online or group online teaching.

Available tutors

For private in-person dining etiquette training, the choice is yours...

Investment may vary subject to tutor choice.

Image of William Hanson

William Hanson

William joined The English Manner in 2008 before taking ownership in 2019.  He is widely regarded as the freshest and most trusted authority on etiquette and civility, with his relative youth and old-fashioned values making him an arbiter of modern manners.

Based in London, William’s work sees him teach in the UK and all over the world, including in Europe, America, China, south-east Asia and GCC countries. He is a trusted advisor and trainer to many official households, embassies, businesses and academic institutes.

Image of Jo Bryant

Jo Bryant

Described by The Telegraph as ‘the empress of etiquette’, Jo joined The English Manner in 2019 from Debrett’s, where she spent over a decade as a tutor and the editor of more than fifteen acclaimed books on etiquette and modern manners.

Jo has worked with leading restaurant and hospitality groups, luxury retail brands, top concierge agencies and exclusive education specialists, along with private clients from all over the world.

Diana Mather

A former BBC newsreader, Diana has decades of first-rate communication and presentation skills. In the mid-eighties, Diana moved from a successful career in broadcasting to begin training in personal brand and media skills.

Having joined The English Manner in 2011, Diana works globally with a range of our clients including members of parliament, lawyers and television and radio presenters.  She is the author of eleven books, including four children’s books.

Steven Moore

Steven is a well-known and respected voice on tableware and its history, as well as a proven creative force in their contemporary manufacture, design, marketing and retail. Steven has worked as an antiques dealer, auctioneer and museum curator and is a published author and writer for magazines such as Country Life, Gardens Illustrated, and World of Interiors.

He is best known for his appearances on the BBC’s antiques programming, particularly Antiques Roadshow, where he has been a regular expert since 2003, and Antiques Roadtrip, since 2019.

Your choice of restaurant

Each with different qualities and a different overall investment

The Ritz, Mayfair

This British icon is our most formal dining option. Enjoy a three-course Michael-starred meal in one of London’s most beautiful dining rooms boasting stunning chandeliers, neo-classical statues, marble columns and huge floor-to-ceiling windows. The finest seasonal ingredients are used to create a modern take on traditional French dishes and British delicacies, partnered with excellent levels of service. Please note that men are required to wear a jacket and tie in the restaurant.

See sample menus.

Elystan Street, Chelsea

Perfect for those who are looking for something less formal, this neighbourhood restaurant offers Michelin-starred food in a stylish, contemporary setting. Tucked away in a delightful residential area of Chelsea, Elystan Street seamlessly blends classic hospitality with excellent seasonal cuisine. The menu offers simple yet subtly sophisticated menus focusing on the finest British ingredients inspired by the changing seasons. This is the home of warm hospitality, stylish interiors, relaxed ambience and fantastic food.

See sample menus.

The Sloane Club, Chelsea

Dine in a London private members’ club – perfect for those looking for a quintessentially British experience. The Garden Room at the Sloane Club offers classic British interiors and a drawing-room like feel, all bathed in natural light with a view of the private garden. The Club dates back over 100 years and has a quiet and discreet ambience, with a traditionally British aura. The menu offers British dishes with a contemporary twist, created by their Michelin-star trained executive chef.

See sample menus.

This really helped me feel more confident when I go into fine dining experiences – even yesterday when I attended a meal I was able to determine how good the waiters were. Thank you.

— Jonathan, August 2022

Many thanks for a great tutorial today, you are a veritable mine of information, historical detail and expert advice. I learned so much I didn't knew I didn't know.

— Alison, October 2023

You may also be interested in...

For those who wish to learn in the company of other like-minded people, why not join one of our one-day masterclasses, such as our next Social Etiquette course in central London?

See all courses

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If you have any questions regarding our private in-person dining etiquette training and coaching, please do not hesitate to ask.

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