But lately it seems these exclusive spaces have taken off in a big way. New City bar and brasserie Devonshire Terrace boasts four of the blighters, complete with their own balconies, and in September the Marriot will open three of its own where you can select from Maze or Maze Grill manna.

At the swanky, Claudio Silvestrin-designed L'Anima you can dine in private from a slab of green Brazilian marble and enjoy a rather lovely water feature, not to mention the delish southern Italian delights prepared by Francesco Mazzei.

And at the equally glitzy Apsley's there are two corner rooms that can either be open to the restaurant or closed off with screens, but either way have their own lighting and music to make the experience that bit cosier.

The one I'm particularly taken with, however, is Soho House's newly opened, House Basement. Modelled on a French drawing room, its cafe au lait hues and chic antique feel is Soho House all grown up.