Where To Eat and Drink This Festive Season
The festive season is almost here and for me, it’s all about the food and where to eat a delicious meal and sip on seasonal cocktails with family and friends. For some inspiration, find some of our favourites here:
Bamboo Mat Stratford
Bamboo Mat, the go-to destination for innovative Nikkei cuisine in Stratford East Village, will be serving up a delicious Christmas tasting menu from 24th November to 31st December.
The restaurant has designed a mouth-watering tasting menu with 8 courses of Japanese X Peruvian delights (£65pp). From duck tataki and the finest grade tuna nigiri to grilled wagyu fillets, there isn’t a traditional festive turkey in sight.
Bamboo Mat’s delicious selection of Nikkei inspired cocktails, as well as wine, beer and softs are all available to enjoy alongside this indulgent offering.
Bookings: bamboo-mat.co.uk
Pivot
Renowned British Bistro, Pivot sits on the first floor of 3 Henrietta St with views of Covent Garden’s twinkling lights. The restaurant will offer mouthwatering traditional Christmas dishes with a modern touch, and guests can enjoy two courses and a side for £42 and three courses and a side for £49.
Starters include the likes of West Coast Scottish King scallops, cream of curried parsnip soup, Loch Fine Scottish smoked salmon or chicken pate. For the main course, guests can indulge in roast turkey, Aberdeen beef, pan-roasted stone bass, lamb shank pie or a spiced cauliflower steak, with sides of parsnips, mash, broccoli or brussel sprouts. And for a sweet finish, sumptuous puds include Christmas pudding, an artisanal cheese board, winterberry pavlova or dark chocolate mousse.
Bookings: pivotbarandbistro.com
Doughnation
In the conservatory of 3 Henrietta St, new pizza brand Doughnation is the spot for social dining and drinking over the festive period. Cocktails, free-flowing prosecco, and plenty of deliciously pizzas with creative toppings. Perfect for a laid-back tear and share evening with friends, or some post work pizza and tipples.
Indulge in Doughnation’s innovative selection of slices, steering away from the traditional and injecting some real flavour flair. Try the weird and wonderful potato pizza, or the truffled mushroom ragout. For fish fans, there’s the triple prawn pizza, and if you like it hot make sure to give the nduja sausage flavour a go. Order a selection for the table or keep one to yourself!
To really ‘spritz’ up your visit, opt for Doughnation’s Spritz and Slices offer – a whole pizza and a pitcher of Aperol, Hugo or Grapefruit Spritz for just £28pp. Cocktails not your thing? Go for the free flowing prosecco offer instead – with an hour of bottomless bubbles and a pizza for £40. If you’re looking to make a big booking, Doughnation is also available for private hire and seats up to 36.
Bookings: doughnation-pizza.com
El Ta’koy
For an alternative festive feast this Christmas, El Ta’koy is the perfect choice. Escape the regular festive celebrations and be transported to the beautiful beaches of Hawaii. Tiki cocktails are aplenty, good vibes and a dash of seasonal spice to get you in the Christmas spirit.
Perfect for a work party or group booking with a boogie, guests can dive into a feast of Hawaiian street food, including ceviche, taquitos, tempura, empanada and of course – tacos!
You can also enjoy El Ta’koy’s festive special of tiger prawn skewers – with coconut rice, dry shrimp crackers and green mojo sauce.
Bookings: el-takoy.com
UBA, Shoreditch
Put a playful, Pan-Asian spin on your festive celebrations this year at Shoreditch hotspot UBA. Created by Head Chef Pavel Baranovs, enjoy a range of set sharing festive menus tailored to all tastes – take your pick from the Festive Sharing Menu (£50pp) featuring a range of UBA’s signature sharing plates; Festive Sharing Menu (£60pp) with sharing starter plates, plus a choice of main and choice of dessert; the Premium Festive Menu (£70pp); or Vegan Festive Menu. Dishes across the menus include the likes of miso caramel glazed aubergine; seared salmon belly maki; stuffed boneless chicken wings; and rock shrimp style tempura with kimchi garlic mayo.
Festive Sharing Menus begin from £50pp. Available from 15th November
Bookings: https://www.ubarestaurant.com/
Omboo, Sopwell House
Savour the flavours of Asia at Omboo as the Pan-Asian restaurant will be serving up a choice of three set group dining menus, best enjoyed with loved ones. Switch the turkey for a journey to the Far East with a selection of signature dishes, featuring the likes of crispy duck salad and soft-shell crab with chilli; yellowtail carpaccio; and seared wagyu A5 grade with asparagus and shimeji. Raise a glass from the expertly created wine list or toast to all things sake with a crafted selection to sip away on.
Set menus for group dining available from £58 per person.
Bookings: www.sopwellhouse.co.uk/omboo-dining/
Theo Randall at the InterContinental, Park Lane
Celebrate the season in the spirit of Italia at Theo Randall at the InterContinental. Behind the menu, celebrated Chef Patron Theo has created a three-course tasting menu with wine pairings, featuring his favourite seasonal dishes from across the country. Take your pick from plates like Ravioli di Anatra – fresh pasta filled with slow cooked duck, chestnuts, parmesan and wild mushroom sauce; Scamone – roasted rump of Lake District lamb with cavalo nero, roasted carrots, fennel, turnips and salsify with amarone wine sauce; and his signature Pannetone bread pudding with vin Santo gelato.
Three course tasting menu with wine pairings, £85pp.
Bookings: https://www.theorandall.com/
Bala Baya, Southwark
For those keen to celebrate the season south of the river, make a beeline for Bala Baya for a feast best shared with friends and family. Come together over Eastern Mediterranean dishes from the set festive Bala Baya menu (£70pp) and take your pick from the likes of moreish mushroom and aubergine pate with seasonal smoked plum ketchup; ox cheeks glazed in orange and ginger, served with roasted roots and velvet mash; and roasted butternut squash hummus with butternut squash jam, harissa, caramelised walnuts & roasted pitta.
Festive Set Menu, £70pp. Available from 11th November
Bookings: https://balabaya.co.uk/
Kapara, Soho
Slay bells at the ready – it’s Christmas at Kapara! Nestled in the heart of Soho, celebrate and savour the festive season in serious style with a fabulous festive set three course set menu for £70pp, filled with Eastern Mediterranean dishes. Enjoy the likes of Beetroot cured salmon with quince pickles, gremolata, lemon preserve, and caviar to start, followed by ‘Showtime Event’ mains like festive ox cheeks glazed in orange and ginger; or the vegan smoked kohlrabi wellington with porcini mushroom sauce. Be a little bit naughty and indulge in the chocolate delight, accompanied by a miso & honey tahini sauce with cherry compote, to round off the meal. Best enjoyed in groups, gather your party with the menu available for groups of two +.
Festive Set Menu, £70pp. Available from 11th November
Bookings: https://kapara.co.uk/
The Table
The Table, an award-winning brunch restaurant in Southwark and Battersea, is getting ready to deck the halls and tables with its all-new Christmas Brunch, Lunch and Dinner menus launching on 15th November.
Known for its creative takes on brunch classics, The Table is offering a holiday twist, perfect for groups of 8 or more looking to celebrate the season in style. For just £25 per person, diners can enjoy a festive starter and main.
For those craving a Christmas classic with a twist, there’s The Table Christmas Burger. This towering treat includes Fried Turkey Breast, Sausage Patty, Applewood Smoked Cheddar, Cranberry Ketchup, and Maple-cured Bacon, all crowned with Pigs in Blankets and served with Turkey Gravy. Guests can also opt for the substantial Festive Full English Breakfast, with vegetarian versions available to cater to every diner.
Raise your glass to the holidays with The Table’s festive cocktail specials, crafted just for the season and perfect to accompany this joyous feast.
In addition to brunch, The Table is also rolling out its Christmas Lunch and Dinner offering for groups of 8 or more.
Bookings: thetablecafe.com
Pergola Brixton
It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas at Pergola Brixton! From Thursday 14th November, Deck the Halls will return – following a sellout season at Pergola Paddington in 2023, its new Brixton location promises to be another Winter Wonderland you will never want to leave.
Having decked the venue in full festive attire, expect a lot of glitter, twinkling lights, glowing Christmas trees and candy canes galore.
To fuel you through the celebrations? The beer kegs will be bursting with Pravha and for those after something with a bit more kick, then the festive cocktails will make you glow. For those in need of a sweetener, Deck The Halls ‘Ho Ho Ho’ Hard Hot Chocolates – boozy hot chocolate available in Mint, Orange, Hazelnut or Baileys are a must. The mulled wine will of course be flowing and five festive flavoured Margaritas in Spiced Cranberry, Apple, Cinnamon, Spicy or Classic will have you rockin’ around the Christmas Trees.
To kick start the festivities there will be a launch party on Thursday 14th November with a free bar available between 5pm and 7pm. Complete with a DJ all night, your evening will most certainly be Merry and Bright.
Bookings: pergolabrixton.co.uk
The Grill by Tom Booton
The Grill by Tom Booton at The Dorchester is offering festive lunch menus from 11 November. For £65, guests can enjoy dishes like Fried shimejis, Duck liver custard, Stuffed chicken with cabbage and lingonberries, and Brill with Jerusalem artichoke. Desserts include Mince pie soft serve and Warm cheese tart. On Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, The Grill will feature six- and five-course tasting menus, with wine pairings available, and a special festive menu will be offered on Boxing Day.
Bookings: HERE
Sartoria
This festive season, experience old-world Italian glamour at Sartoria, located in the heart of Mayfair. With stunning private dining rooms, a chic bar, and a heated terrace, Sartoria offers a stylish backdrop for your Christmas dining or event.
Sartoria’s Christmas menu showcases traditional Italian dishes such as Jerusalem Artichoke Soup with Alba Truffle to start, followed by indulgent mains such as Risotto with Scallops and Lobster and the rich Venison with Chestnuts and Marsala Wine. End your celebration with a classic Italian dessert, Traditional Panettone with Marsala Zabaglione.
Bookings: HERE
Benares, Mayfair
Benares in Mayfair is offering a festive Indian feast for Christmas celebrations, starting 18 November. Guests can enjoy a festive tasting menu or choose from three festive party menus – standard, premium, or deluxe – featuring three to four courses with family-style mains. Highlights include dishes like Tandoori ratan, Gosht saag wala, Paneer makhn masala, and Bhindi masala. Tasting menus start at £92 pp, and a special festive tasting menu featuring dishes like Bronze turkey momo with truffle shorba is available for £139 per person. Benares is also open for lunch on Christmas Day, offering an exclusive tasting menu.
Bookings: HERE
Fiume
Nestled in West London with stunning views of the Battersea Power Station and the Thames, Fiume offers an unforgettable Italian dining experience for the holiday season. Known for its bold and refined flavors, Fiume provides a warm, welcoming setting ideal for gathering with loved ones.
Priced at £75, the festive menu features a selection of Italian delights, including: Aubergine Parmigiana, Seafood Fregola , Tiramisu and Pumpkin and Ginger Pannacotta.
Bookings: HERE
The Stafford, London
The Stafford London, nestled in historic St James’s, provides a magical setting with its private cobbled courtyard, 100 twinkling Christmas trees and over a century of tradition. It offers bespoke packages for intimate or grand gatherings, with four elegant private dining rooms including the 400-year-old Wine Cellars. At The Game Bird, dining packages start from £95 per person, featuring starters of Chicken liver parfait and Dressed Devon crab crumpet, mains such as Roasted bass fillet, Traditional roast turkey, or Beef wellington, and indulgent desserts. On Christmas Day, a five-course lunch is available for £275 per person.
Bookings: HERE
Coq D’Argent
For the festive season, Coq d’Argent is launching an exclusive Christmas inspired menu, available from 18th November. Crafted with the finest seasonal ingredients, the menu offers a blend of traditional Christmas flavours with a contemporary French twist.
Curated by Executive Chef Damien Rigollet, menu highlights include: Winter black truffle and mushroom tortelloni, Rabbit and pork terrine, with the Roasted crown and braised leg of organic Suffolk Bronze turkey taking center stage. Plated with roast potatoes, Brussels sprouts, glazed carrots, black truffle, chestnut and veal stuffing with Périgourdine sauce.
Bookings: HERE
The Campaner
Celebrate the holiday season at The Campaner, a Catalonian restaurant located in Chelsea, renowned for its elevated style of Spanish cuisine. With an exclusive festive menu, offering rich authentic Spanish flavours.
Three-courses from £65, begin the meal with classics such as, Catalonian pan con tomate, Iberian ham croquettes, or Oysters with sherry vinaigrette. Choose from its infamous sharing plates including Prawns al ajilo or signature Paella served tableside for that touch of theatrical flair.
Bookings: HERE
Skylon
Indulge in a festive feast at Skylon, overlooking the South Bank Christmas lights display, and 360 views of the river Thames. For Festive dining, Skylon will be offering a three-course set menu, available for £60 per person.
The three-course set menu, priced at £60 per person, starts with Smoked salmon with horseradish cream, fennel salad and dill purée or Black pudding with apple purée and frisée salad before the choice of Roast Turkey breast, Seared Hake or Sweet Potato Risotto for mains. Those with a sweet tooth end the meal with either a Christmas Pudding, Frangipane tart or Blood orange posset.
If this wasn’t enough Skylon will also be launching a bespoke festive cocktail menu in partnership with Chase Vodka, available from Monday 18th November.
Bookings: HERE
The Westin London City Hotel
Celebrate Christmas Day with a delightful six-course festive menu at Mosaic available for both lunch and dinner. Kickstart the celebration with a Champagne welcome drink, followed by starters such as Oyster with Pickled Cucumber and a Rabbit & Chicken Terrine. Main courses feature classics such as Butter-Roasted Turkey Breast with all the trimmings or the more adventurous Langoustine Tagliolini with girolle mushrooms and black garlic. Finish with indulgent desserts like Christmas Pudding Baked Cheesecake and Cinnamon Apple Pie.
Bookings: HERE
Chez Roux, The Langham
Chez Roux, Michel Roux’s latest restaurant at Palm Court in The Langham, will launch a festive menu starting 7 November. The menu is inspired by Roux’s childhood and features starters like Mackerel rillettes and Welsh rarebit, mains including Buccleuch beef fillet and Merrifield duck breast, and desserts such as Mince pie tart and Pear with warm caramel rice. Guests can also enjoy 5-course Tasting or Vegetarian Tasting Menus with optional wine pairings. Chez Roux will also be open on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Eve, serving special festive feasts designed to celebrate the season with loved ones.
Bookings: HERE
The Wigmore, The Langham
The Wigmore, the modern British pub at The Langham, is offering festive twists on classic pub fare. Dishes include Chicken liver parfait, mulled wine jelly, watercress and a comforting Roast turkey pie, spiced cranberry chutney, mash. Guests can also enjoy sharing platters of The Wigmore’s beloved dishes like the famous XXL stovetop three cheese & mustard toastie and Buttered crumpets with steamed cock crab. With private dining options available, The Wigmore is the perfect setting for festive gatherings. On Christmas Day, The Wigmore will host a family-style, four-course feast with Christmas punch for £150 per person.
BookIngs: HERE
Terra by Carlo Cracco
Indulge in an Italian-style Christmas with one of Chef Cracco’s delicious set menus at Eataly this festive season. There will be a choice of three set menus this year with wine pairings, all carefully curated by Chef Cracco himself.
The first set menu starts at £65pp and includes three courses starting with Uovo al Tartufo, Risotto Alla Milanese for main and for dessert enjoy Cracco’s Panettone.
Bookings: HERE
No. Fifty Cheyne
Nestled in the heart of Old Chelsea, No. Fifty Cheyne is a much-loved neighbourhood restaurant with award-winning food proudly crafted by Executive Chef Iain Smith. The new festive menus include weekend specials such as Iain’s special Saturday Roasts from £25pp, with favourites such as; Cumbrian Chicken, Bronze Turkey Breast and Cranberry Sauce or 40-Day Aged Beef Sirloin, all to be enjoyed with classic trimmings. Guests will also be able to treat themselves to a special festive menu exclusively for Christmas Eve lunch. Those visiting for dinner on Monday – Thursday will still be able to take advantage of the 50% off the Surf & Turf grill menu, in a festive atmosphere.
Alongside the delicious menus, guests will be able to experience the finest champagne at the best value in London, with Ruinart Brut Champagne at only £68 per bottle and Blanc de Blancs Ruinart at just £88 per bottle. Those looking for an idyllic escape from London’s bustling streets this festive season should look no further than No. Fifty Cheyne. It’s an elegant retreat where heightened gastronomic experience awaits, against the backdrop of the stunning views of Chelsea embankment, illuminated by the sparkling lights of Albert Bridge.
Bookings: HERE
Sky Garden
MOËT & CHANDON FESTIVE POP-UP – Enjoy Moët & Chandon cocktails at the pop-up bar adorned with snowy rooftops, pinecones and twinkling lights whilst embracing the holiday spirit with live sounds from ALR Music and classic beats from late-night DJs. An array of Moët & Chandon cocktails are on offer including the 22nd Century, an inventive mix of Volcan de mi Tierra Tequila Blanco, white cacao, and Noilly Prat; and the vibrant Raspberry 75, featuring vodka, raspberries, and lemon, both topped with Moët & Chandon Impérial Brut. Each cocktail is priced at £16 with a menu of small plates and nibbles available, from cheese and charcuterie boards through to hot dog sliders, seasonal pigs in blankets and chicken tacos. Open 18 November – 6th January. Access tickets for the live music nights start from £15 and include a glass of mulled wine/cider or Moët Champagne. Band performances: 20:00–20:45 & 21:00–21:45.
ALPINE TERRACE & RACLETTE – Enjoy a meat or vegetarian raclette, with melted Swiss cheese oozing over roasted potatoes, pickles and seasonal vegetables paired with mulled cider, wine, or champagne. Enjoy the complete Alpine experience with a raclette for two alongside four glasses of mulled wine or cider, for £79.50, or £80 with two glasses of champagne. From 18th November, seatings at 7pm and 9pm. Reservations essential.
DINING AT DARWN BRASSERIE & FENCHURCH RESTAURANT – Indulge in a delightful three-course menu or Festive Brunch at £79.50 per person. Just one level up, Fenchurch is offering an elegant Festive Tasting Menu with courses that highlight unique seasonal flavours. Start with Heritage Beetroot with marinated fig, pickled onion, and creamed ricotta, or the Jerk Salmon Ceviche, then savour mains like Grilled Lobster with caramelised plantain or Lumina Lamb Loin with glazed sweetbreads. Conclude with Colston Basset Stilton ice cream or Chef Kerth Gumbs’ Sticky Toffee Pudding. Prices start at £57 for lunch and from £125 per person for the five-course tasting menu, with wine and cocktail pairings available.
Bookings: skygarden.london/festive-music-nights
Clays
Teams can enjoy the unique virtual clay shooting technology while partying with resident DJs in the fully decked-out Clays City festive venue. Those lucky enough to visit will find beautiful hanging wreaths with baubles, and lights covering the venue alongside funky disco ball snowmen.
Clays’ premium festive menu is a major sleigh, meticulously crafted by the esteemed Culinary Director Roger Olsson and boasting sustainably sourced British produce. Top dishes on the Christmas menu include:
- Ultimate Pigs in Blankets with cranberry & orange glazed sausages, wrapped in slow-reared free-range British bacon.
- Cured Loch Duart Salmon Cones served with yuzu, soy mayo, wafer cones
- The Festive Pizzette with ham-hock, English ricotta, butternut squash, pickled red onions and house-made cranberry sauce.
- Clays’ tasty mince pies to finish.
Clays’ signature cocktails are made using a unique clarification technique to produce crystal-clear liquids with smooth textures and complex flavours. Top cocktails include:
- Ruby, a mix of floral and sweet, using Absolut citron vodka, raspberry purée, rose liqueur, vanilla syrup, plum bitters, Fever Tree orange blossom and raspberry soda.
- Jack’s Orchard expertly mixed using Jack Daniel’s apple whiskey, apple juice, lemon, vanilla syrup, and toffee essence to taste like a delicious toffee apple.
Those looking for a private festive experience can book out the recently opened new VIP experience The Hide. An ultra-premium, exclusive festive event space, it offers a secluded and chic ambience that will turn any gathering into an unforgettable celebration. Packages start from £58 per person for 90 minutes and include self-service free-flowing cocktails.
Bookings: clays.bar
Light Bar
Light Bar’s new Winter Rum Den is London’s best kept secret pop-up that offers a cosy haven with warming cocktails and festive vibes.
Hidden away in The Light Bar Lodge located in the venue’s backyard, the space has been transformed into a winter wonderland complete with festive fairy lights, Christmas trees adorned with disco balls and a photo booth to capture all the action.
Open every Wednesday – Saturday from 5pm-11pm throughout the festive season, visitors can sink into plush sofas underneath heaters while sipping warming rum cocktails in this snug winter hideaway. Menu highlights (from £14 each) include a Matcha Piña Colada, coffee-infused Buttered Rum Old Fashioned and Hot Mulled Rum Cider: the ultimate winter warmer featuring spiced rum, hot apple cider, and a comforting blend of cinnamon, cloves, and ginger.
Bookings: lightbarlondon.com
Cavendish
One of London’s most celebrated pubs – The Cavendish, Marylebone – is set to transform into one of the capital’s most festive destinations this winter, adorned by beautiful (and tasteful) lights, and serving up an unmissable Christmas menu featuring the likes of Orange and beetroot-cured salmon with tiger’s milk, herb oil and parsley glass cracker followed by unmissable seasonal mains such as Sous-vide turkey breast rolled and served with pigs in blankets, roast potatoes, honey roasted carrots, parsnips, brussels sprouts, cranberry sauce and gravy and Confit duck leg, parsley root purée, blackberry jus, duck croquette, with a side of Crispy brussels sprouts served with orange, herb and walnut infused butter, topped with bacon, cranberries and walnuts.
Bookings: 35newcavendish.co.uk
