Strangers' Dining Room

The Strangers' Dining Room, a resplendent jewel on the Principal Floor of the House of Commons, underwent a transformative renaissance in 2015 through meticulous restoration and renewal. Magnificently adorned, this venue transcends its functional purpose, serving not only as a reception area for Members' Dining Room events but also standing proudly as a versatile space in its own right.

Originating as a Peers' committee room, the Strangers' Dining Room underwent a metamorphosis around 1867, evolving into a distinguished dining facility. It earned its current nomenclature during the interwar period, cementing its identity as a space of refined hospitality and distinguished gatherings.

During parliamentary sessions, Members utilise this regal space to host and entertain their esteemed guests, affectionately referred to as "Strangers." It is a testament to the room's allure that it becomes a nexus of encounters and exchanges during these sessions, adding an extra layer of prestige to its legacy.

The ambiance within the Strangers' Dining Room is a symphony of architectural opulence. The intricate wood carvings, meticulously preserved and restored, pay homage to the craftsmanship of a bygone era. The red flock wallpaper, an eloquent touch designed and favored by the eminent Augustus Welby Northmore Pugin (1812-52), envelops the room in an aura of timeless elegance. It serves as a splendid backdrop, harmonising with the room's history and creating an exquisite setting for your event.

Beneath a layer of beige paint, applied during a 1930s austerity drive, the original painted ceiling of the Strangers' Dining Room was rediscovered in 2015. Despite technological limitations at the time, a faithful recreation of the intricate design was expertly applied over the austerity-era paintwork, preserving the historical splendour until a complete restoration became technically and economically viable.

This interim measure, born of a commitment to authenticity, transformed the room into a living canvas of historical layers. Each stroke of paint told a tale of resilience and dedication to preserving architectural heritage. As time progresses and possibilities unfold, the promise of a full restoration looms on the horizon, ready to unveil the authentic masterpiece that lies beneath the layers of history. The Strangers' Dining Room stands not just as a venue but as a living testament to the delicate dance between preservation and progress.

Step into the Strangers' Dining Room, where history and sophistication converge to create an atmosphere that resonates with refined charm. Whether as a reception area for Members' Dining Room dinners or as a standalone venue, this space promises an experience that transcends the ordinary, elevating your event to unparalleled heights of grandeur.

View information on the works of art on display in the Strangers' Dining Room (pdf, 836KB)