Private dining beneath RT Café Grill
Two private rooms in Ryde, a wine cellar to look into, and Chef Robert Thompson MBE’s kitchen next door. Everyone you wanted around the table.
Lower ground floorTwo rooms, one long table each
Both rooms are on the lower ground floor, each with one long table and a view into the wine cellar. They are named after two of the great vintages.
8 to 16 guests
The chef’s table. One long table with a window onto the central kitchen, so you can watch the team at work while you eat.
12 to 20 guests
The larger room, with its own bar and double sliding doors. For the birthday, the anniversary, the dinner that needs a bit more room.
BookingFour steps
Four steps between an idea and a table with your name on it.
Date, guest count, the occasion and which room you fancy. Two minutes, using the enquiry form or by phone.
The events team confirms the room and date, talks through the menu and sends you the details in writing.
Menu pre-orders are needed seven days before your booking. We can print name cards with each guest’s choices.
A deposit of £20 a guest holds the room and comes off your bill on the day. December is different: festive bookings are paid in full when they are confirmed, so there is nothing to chase later.
The rooms suit almost any excuse. These are the ones we see most.
Christmas in The Cellar
Eight to twenty downstairs, one party at a time, and a menu built with Robert and the team rather than picked off a list. December fills from October.
Everything guests usually ask before they book. If it isn’t here, ask us on 01983 526118 or info@robertthompson.co.uk.
Lunch bookings have the room from noon until 5pm. Dinner bookings have it from 6pm until midnight, with everyone away by 12.30am.
Menus are planned with you and Robert’s kitchen. We ask for menu pre-orders seven days before the booking, and can provide name cards with each guest’s choices if you send them by then. In December, choices go on the festive pre-order form.
Yes. Each room has a minimum spend on food and drink, which depends on the day and the time of year. Until 31 March 2027 it starts at £500 for lunch and £800 for dinner in The 1982, and at £750 and £1,200 in The 1945. From April 2027 it starts at £600 and £1,000 in The 1982, and at £900 and £1,500 in The 1945.
It is not a room charge: it is what your party spends on food and drink. If the bill comes in below it, the difference is added as room hire. Tell us your date and we’ll confirm the figure in writing.
Eight guests or more in The 1982, and twelve or more in The 1945. A smaller party can take a room if it meets the room’s minimum spend. More than twenty? Tell us about it and we’ll suggest the best way to seat your party.
A deposit of £20 a guest, on the room’s minimum numbers, confirms the booking and comes off your bill on the day. It is refunded in full if you cancel 14 days or more before. December is different: festive bookings are paid in full when they are confirmed, with nothing to settle on the night but the drinks. The rest of the year, bills can be split up to two ways unless the booking is paid in advance.
Yes. Both rooms have a Sonos system, so bring a playlist.
We provide glass oil lamps. Balloons and table decorations are welcome as long as you take them home afterwards. Please leave the confetti, glitter, party poppers and indoor fireworks behind.
The rooms are on the lower ground floor and there is no step-free access. The team will always do their best to help guests in and out. Please talk to us before booking so we can plan for your party.
The FastCat from Portsmouth Harbour to Ryde Pier Head takes 22 minutes, and the station is next to Portsmouth & Southsea rail services. The hovercraft from Southsea lands at Ryde Esplanade. Either way, we’re a short walk up St Thomas Street. Get directions.
Please be respectful of other guests and of the team. Foul or abusive language or behaviour isn’t welcome.
Tell us what you’re planning and the events team will do the rest.