Left getting the turkey a bit too last minute? Scrap it. While we have more than enough Christmas recipes to carry you through the season here on Food Network, a successful Christmas lunch is the product of countless hours of blood, sweat, and tears (emphasis on the tears.) If you're not feeling quite up to it, there are plenty of places to eat in London on Christmas Day to save you the hassle. Plus, if you've chosen to spend Christmas in London, it's likely your hotel room doesn't have an oven (or windows, depending on whether or not you fell prey to the 'cozy' room). So in order to save the day, we've compiled a list of places that are hosting a fabulous Christmas lunch, so you don't have to.
Instead of stocking fillers this year, why not give the precious gift of no Christmas wash-up? For £300 per person, you can experience a Christmas feast overlooking Hyde Park on Christmas Day at abc kitchens. Ben Boeynaems and Jean-Georges Vongerichten are bringing a refined touch to festive dining, with the likes of Black truffle pizza or Goma-ae, followed by the main event: Roast Norfolk Bronze Turkey with chestnut stuffing and all the traditional garnishes, or Steamed native lobster. Seasonal desserts curated by abc kitchens complete the experience, featuring Christmas pudding with brandy sauce or bûche de Noël with toasted almond sorbet.
The Winter Garden Restaurant, The Landmark London
We wrote a review on this restaurant earlier in the year. Spoiler alert: we were very impressed, and can confidently recommend The Winter Garden for one of the most significant dinners of the year. They will be hosting a lavish buffet, complete with free-flowing Taittinger Rosé Champagne. Begin with a decadent array of lobster, langoustines, crevettes, caviar and blinis, smoked Scottish salmon and sushi. If possible, try to pace yourself, as the centrepieces include roasted bronze turkey, dry-aged beef fillet and wild mushroom and truffle en croûte, served alongside seasonal salads and sides. To finish, the dessert station is filled with seasonal creations, from chocolate yule logs and chestnut Mont Blanc to champagne trifle and gingerbread brûlée. At £425pp for the buffet, it's on the pricier side- but did we mention the champagne is unlimited?
Sat in London's most iconic (and boujiest) hotel, The Connaught Grill will be providing guests with breathtaking theatrical touches and a tailored service. Executive Head Chef Ramiro Lafuente Martinez’s Christmas Day menu features four courses of the finest locally sourced ingredients, prepared over a wood-fire grill. For £300 per person, the feast will start with Deviled eggs with Imperial Oscietra caviar, followed by Sautéed foie gras with sour cherries. Norfolk Turkey crown with chestnut and apricot stuffing or Smoked celeriac Wellington with wild mushroom duxelle and black truffle jus, both served with seasonal trimmings are the main courses, and to finish, a Christmas pudding with cognac custard or Crêpes Suzette flambéed tableside.
Michelin-starred Pavyllon London at Four Seasons Hotel London at Park Lane sets the stage for a truly decadent festive celebration with an exquisite six-courses for £350 per person. The menu has been crafted by the world’s most decorated Michelin-starred chef, Yannick Alléno, alongside Head Chef Benjamin Ferra y Castell. Expect a procession of refined dishes, from delicate black truffle and spinach ravioli and perfectly steamed scallop with shiso to a show-stopping aged beef Rossini, crowned with seared foie gras.
The Aubrey is an award-winning Japanese izakaya restaurant and cocktail bar in Knightsbridge, and is the perfect option if you're seeking to venture away from the traditional. This Christmas, they have crafted indulgent festive dishes such as the Festive Robata Turkey and the Lamb Cannon, each meticulously prepared over the grill and paired with elegant seasonal sides that highlight the artistry of Japanese flavour balance. A la carte is available for both lunch and dinner, and there is also a set menu option for £145 per person. To sip on, try the decadent holiday-inspired cocktail, designed by the award-winning bar team. Set in The Aubrey’s moody lighting and live DJ sets, what better way to elevate your festivities this year?
Another welcomed release from the shackles of turkey and sprouts, The Cinnamon Club is offering to take the load off your hands and to spice up your Christmas Day. Executive Chef Vivek Singh presents a vibrant festive menu of four courses for £150 per person in the heart of Westminster. Begin with bold flavours such as Keralan lobster soup or tandoori turkey tikka, before moving on to mains of roast goose breast with sesame tamarind sauce, slow-braised lamb raan or delicately grilled jumbo prawns. To finish, indulge in Singh’s spiced twists on tradition, from garam masala Christmas pudding to black cardamom brûlée. For equally flavourful celebrations, Christmas Day menus are also available at their sister restaurants, Cinnamon Bazaar in Covent Garden and Richmond, and Cinnamon Kitchen in City and Battersea, with prices beginning from £75.
Great Central Pub by Matt Fletcher
What's better than a cozy pub during the festive season? A cozy pub that serves Christmas dinner just as you know it. A warm welcome awaits at Matt Fletcher’s pub where Christmas Day is all about tradition and seasonal cheer. The three-course menu begins with oak-smoked salmon with tiger prawns, chicken liver parfait or forest mushroom risotto. For mains, there’s turkey, roast sirloin of beef or cauliflower steak, each served with all the trimmings. Desserts range from profiteroles and Christmas pudding to a seasonal crumble. Plus, the three courses come with coffee, mince pies and a glass of Taittinger champagne for £150pp.
RAILS is another restaurant whose praises we have sung here at Food Network. Sat atop of London's busiest train station, they'll be the shining star for all lost travellers on Christmas Day, with a glass of Nyetimber sparkling wine on arrival and a celebratory three courses of indulgence. Starters include lobster gateaux or game & pistachio terrine followed by turkey with sage & apricot stuffing, roast sirloin of beef, pan-fried monkfish, or wild mushroom & pumpkin pithivier. Finish with festive treats such as Christmas pudding, Mont Blanc, dark chocolate & coffee opera cake, or cheese — followed by mince pies and tea for £115 per person.
