From traditional turkey in a cosy London pub to a spectacular Christmas lunch on the River Thames, Chris Johnson unwraps some of the capital’s most memorable festive dining experiences.
London knows how to put on a feast, and at Christmas the capital’s restaurants, pubs and hotels really come into their own. Whether you’re searching for traditional trimmings, dinner somewhere romantic or a celebration with serious sparkle, there’s something for every festive mood.
For a quintessentially British celebration, head to Cubitt House. Gather friends and family in the intimate Charlotte Room at The Princess Royal in Notting Hill or The Feasting Room at The Orange in Belgravia. Across Cubitt House’s London pubs, festive menus make the most of seasonal British ingredients, with everything from roast turkey and indulgent sharing dishes to mince pies and Christmas pudding.
Romance is always on the menu at Clos Maggiore in Covent Garden’s King Street. Its famous blossom-filled conservatory becomes a warm, glowing sanctuary in winter, providing an intimate setting for modern European cooking. It’s particularly tempting after an afternoon spent shopping and enjoying the Christmas lights and decorations.
For something completely different, escape the winter chill at Amazónico in Berkeley Square. Lush foliage and jungle-inspired interiors bring tropical warmth to Mayfair, while the enticing menu takes inspiration from the Amazon region, woven with Asian and Mediterranean influences. Latin jazz, bossa nova and swing provide a suitably celebratory soundtrack to the evening.
Or why not take your Christmas celebrations onto the water with City Cruises? Its festive party cruises combine seasonal food, drinks and live entertainment with unforgettable views of the capital’s illuminated landmarks. On Christmas Day itself, the festive lunch cruise departs from Westminster Pier for a traditional Christmas lunch with all the trimmings, a welcome glass of sparkling wine, music and carols as the capital drifts past.
And if only the grandest celebration will do, there’s The Ritz London hotel on Piccadilly. Christmas Day lunch in its two-Michelin-starred Ritz Restaurant is a suitably spectacular affair, with six lavish courses, live entertainment, a caricaturist and even a visit from Father Christmas. The price is equally spectacular – £670 per adult and £365 for children – but for a once-in-a-lifetime London Christmas, this is the ultimate blowout.
Whichever table you choose, make sure you come hungry: Christmas in the capital is a feast for all the senses.
