After the doom and gloom of last year’s lockdown Christmas, there’s more reason than ever to grab life by the baubles and enjoy all that London has to offer at the most festive time of year.
Special menus, glittering terraces, wreath-making workshops and even a ‘pup crawl’ designed for you and the pooch – here’s where to find the best festive things to try in London this Christmas
1 Let your hair down with Crazy Pizza
If you’re a fan of pizza, pasta and partaking in the festive spirit, Crazy Pizza is bringing a Christmas twist to its restaurants with dancing naughty elves, energetic pizza spinning and entertainment galore.
Throughout the month of December, live entertainment with special DJs and musicians will be performing every Saturday during the iconic Crazy Bubbles Brunch in Marylebone. For £120pp, the iconic Crazy Bubbles Brunch will feature new festive dishes for guests to enjoy, including the truffle arancini with Parmesan and an incredible homemade caponata, made with freshly made mozzarella!
Plus, until the 23rd December, dive into two new festive packages:
- Magico Natale menu costs £55 pp and includes the beef carpaccio to start and a selection of magnificent pizza!
- Speciale Natale menu costs £65 pp and includes a marvellous glass of Champagne and an incredible selection of cured meat or salmon carpaccio to try with the restaurant’s signature focaccia bread.
How: To book, please visit crazypizza.com
When: Until the end of December 2021
2 Enjoy fine dining festivities with Le Comptoir Robuchon
Le Comptoir Robuchon, the Mayfair restaurant endorsing the legacy of chef Joël Robuchon with modern, innovative and seasonal recipes, is offering a truly special selection of festive menus for the season. Created by Head Chef Dario Avenca, feast on Christmas party menus tailored for small or larger groups, while on Christmas Eve an indulgent six-course tasting menu will offer the perfect treat to celebrate with family and loved ones.
Honouring Mr Robuchon’s world-class inventive French cuisine, Dario’s Christmas party menus will include a three (£90pp) or four-course (£120pp) collection of seasonal dishes such as La noix de Saint Jacques (scallop carpaccio with Espelette pepper and lime) and tempting Le Chocolat – Guanaja chocolate made with Grand Marnier biscuit and orange sorbet.
Welcome in Santa on Christmas Eve, when a DJ set will provide elegant entertainment for diners looking for a little more than a traditional dinner experience. The music will offer a sophisticated backdrop to Dario’s celebratory six-course tasting menu (£145pp) of Le Comptoir Robuchon’s most celebrated dishes.
Le Comptoir Robuchon’s Head Bartender Mateus Mendes has also created a collection of festive cocktails to be enjoyed at the bar or table. Guests will be able to sample Le Renne, a blend of Remy Martin 1738 Cognac, homemade tonka bean syrup, egg white, coffee infused Angostura bitter and a pinch of cinnamon and Le Barricot, a mix of palo santo infused Plymouth Gin, Campari Bitter, 1757 Vermouth di Torino Rosso and garnished with burning wood.
Cost: Le Comptoir Robuchon’s Christmas Party menus are available now and are priced from £90pp. Le Comptoir Robuchon’s Christmas Eve menu is priced at £145pp. Vegetarian menus are also available.
How: Bookings must be made in advance. To book, please visit the link here.
Where: 6 Clarges St, London W1J 8AE
3 Sink your teeth into Sumosan Twiga’s celebrations
Head to Knightsbridge for a seasonal soiree at Sumosan Twiga, who will be serving up a selection of cocktails, dishes and of course, namesake partying. This festive year, the party will run until late and guests will be able to enjoy incredible cocktails, such as the new Bianco Natale with Bacardi Ocho, Santa Teresa, almost liqueur, chocolate liqueur, coffee and frozen wasabi cream, while following the notes of the disco ball for an incredible experience.
Sumosan Twiga will offer an array of Christmas menus for guests to enjoy, featuring the likes of Truffle Burrata, succulent T-bone Steak, Salmon & Bock Choy and much, much more. There are also vegetarian options such as Risotto Zafferano with aquarello rice and saffron pistil for the non-meat eaters. A decadent ‘White Christmas’ menu also offers luxury temptation in the form of Sushi, Oysters with fresh Yuzu, Duck Bao Buns, Japanese A5 Wagyu Sirloin and more.
In addition, every Wednesday from 8pm to 10pm, guests will be able to enjoy Music Nights with a mixture of fantastic bands providing festive music to heighten the Christmas season with a night of entertainment. On weekends, the iconic Uptown Brunch will have a festive facelift with bottomless champagne, cocktails, beer, wine and spirits alongside excellent Disco Queen entertainment.
How: To book, visit sumosantwigalondon.com
Where: 165 Sloane St, London SW1X 9QB
4 Swoop into the festivities at Sabine
Sabine, one of City’s sleekest rooftop bars, has shed its usual secret garden oasis skin and unveiled an enchanting winter wonderland in the sky, bringing an alpine ski vibe to the heart of the City. Complete with a new food and drink menu, and gorgeous views of St. Paul’s Cathedral, not to mention an epic New Year’s Eve party, Sabine is a must visit spot this festive season.
Marvel at the abundance of sparkling fairy lights, as well as snow frosted foliage and archways, alongside cosy faux fur blankets and heaters to keep you warm. Mini Christmas trees adorn the bar, whilst a beautifully dressed wooden ski cabin completes the alpine look and provides the perfect spot for capturing those Insta-worthy moments.
Whether you take a seat inside, or on one of Sabine’s two heated terraces (one with a retractable roof to stay warm and cosy), cocktails are of course a must, and there’s something on the new menu for everyone. Created by Bar Manger and Mixologist, Davide Valvano, suitably seasonal choices include the Brave Robin, a mix of Eminente Claro Rum, ginger liqueur, chai homemade syrup and orange bitters; and the Winter Bird, made with Hennessy VS, Velvet Falernum, lemon juice and topped with Pommery Brut Champagne.
For an extra special Christmas serve, try the Sabine Sleigh, a merry mix of Mount Gay Eclipse, Mozart white, Premium Callebaut Belgium 75% dark chocolate, strawberry purée and vanilla syrup, garnished with a toasted marshmallow and fresh strawberry.
How: Make a booking via sabinelondon.co.uk
Where: 7, 10 Godliman St, London EC4V 5AJ
5 Em’bark’ upon London’s first ever Christmas ‘Pup’ Crawl
This Christmas, The Happenstance (St. Paul’s) and The Refinery Bankside (Southwark) are inviting you to don your festive jumpers, spruce up your pooch in seasonal attire and raise a glass for London’s first ever Christmas ‘Pup’ Crawl on Sunday 5th December, from 11am – 2pm – in partnership with Paaw House, Butternut Box, and dog rescue charity, Wild at Heart Foundation.
Both humans and pooches will enjoy hours of fabulous festive entertainment, prosecco and ‘puppaccinos’ alongside mince pies and refreshments. Kicking off with a nose-to-tail meet and greet at The Happenstance, guests will set off with a map in hand and venture over the Millennium Bridge taking in the city sights with a host of canine friends.
Finishing at The Refinery Bankside, unwind with festive canapés and glasses of prosecco, while your pup tucks into a specially created turkey Christmas dinner from premium fresh dog food brand Butternut Box.
Sing (or yowl) along to modern carols with a live singer and enjoy a pop-up from doggie favourites Paaw House and Wild at Heart Foundation whilst snapping pics of your pooches in their festive attire – there’s even a winter gondola for the paw-fect Insta shot! Plus, each ticket will entitle you to a goody bag filled with treats from Butternut Box, as well as seasonal grownup goodies. Attendees can also make donations can also be made on the day and a specially produced Haute Dogs calendar will also be available to purchase with all proceeds going to their partner shelter.
Cost: Tickets are priced at £22 per person, inclusive of one dog, and £2 from every ticket sold will be donated to Wild at Heart Foundation, who work to compassionately reduce the world’s 600 million stray dogs through rescue, adoption and sterilisation projects, and educational campaigns.
How: Sunday 5 December, festive outfits for all attendees are strongly encouraged. The crawl begins at 11am at The Happenstance and ends at The Refinery Bankside at 2pm. To book, click here.
The Happenstance | 10 Paternoster Sq., London EC4M 7DX
The Refinery Bankside | 110 Southwark St, London SE1 0TF
6 Scandi-clause is coming to town with Aquavit London
Spoil a foodie with a visit to stunning Nordic-inspired restaurant Aquavit London in St James’s Market, who will be serving up a sensational seven-course festive menu. Taking the form of a Julbord – a traditional Scandinavian Christmas sharing feast – it’s the perfect choice for a celebratory get-together with friends, colleagues and loved ones.
From 23rd November, tuck into an array of decadent dishes created by Head Chef, Jonas Karlsson, including trout roe and sour cream savoury waffle; rye bread with smoked cod’s roe butter; and a tantalising taste of herrings flavoured with vodka, mustard, pink peppercorn and lingonberries, served alongside a Västerbotton cheese tart.
For mains, expect the likes of breaded ham with homemade mustard; roast beef served with pickled cucumber and horseradish cream; and Aquavit’s signature Swedish meatballs served with Jansson’s temptation and braised red cabbage.
No Christmas is complete without cheese and at Aquavit they come accompanied with cloudberry jam and seeded crackers. Finish on a sweet note with the classic Ris à la Malta topped with sensational sour cherry sauce, a guaranteed finale to leave you merry and bright.
Cost: The Aquavit London festive menu is available for a minimum of two guests, priced at £85 per person.
How: To book, visit www.aquavitrestaurants.com or call 020 7024 9848.
Where: 1 St James’s Market, Carlton St, St. James’s, London SW1Y 4QQ
7 Satisfy a sweet tooth in style with St. Pancras Renaissance Hotel London’s Winter LK Bennett Afternoon Tea
One for the fashion crowd – from the catwalk to King’s Cross, The Hansom at St. Pancras Renaissance Hotel is introducing a glamorous Winter LK Bennett Afternoon Tea in partnership with the luxury British brand.
Inspired by the chic colours, intricate prints and contemporary designs of LK Bennett’s winter collection, the hotel’s talented pastry team have created a stylish afternoon tea set to inspire shoppers and foodies alike. From signature silks and subtle patterns to statement gold tones and sequin adornments, the new menu will feature a selection of fashion fancies including the LKB Choux, made with crème caramel, A Winter Rose, fashioned with soft white chocolate mousse and the Berry Stylish, created in ode of the collection’s raspberry prints.
Carol singers will also join on Friday evenings in December from 7pm to continue the festive cheer and entertain guests with the season’s most loved carols.
How: Thursday – Sunday between 1pm – 5pm and, starts from £46 per person or £56 including a glass of Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label Brut Champagne. For more information or bookings, please visit thehansom.co.uk
Where: Euston Rd, London NW1 2AR
8 Devour JW Marriott Grosvenor House London’s Festive Afternoon Tea
Ideal for an elegant outing this Christmas, The Park Room at JW Marriott Grosvenor House has launched a festive afternoon tea in homage to ‘Anna’, The 7th Duchess of Bedford who first conceived the concept of afternoon tea.
The regal Afternoon Tea menu features great British favourites such as warm scones, savoury sandwiches consisting of Angus beef with creamed horseradish, handmade pastries and an added touch of festive magic with a selection of Christmas cakes. Those looking for a glamorous addition will enjoy a crisp glass of Lanson Black Cuvée Champagne, priced at £75 per person.
How: Available Monday – Sunday between 12pm – 10pm, and starts from £65 per person or £74 with a glass of Champagne. For more information or bookings, please visit: www.parkroom.co.uk
Where: 86-90 Park Ln, London W1K 7TN
9 Pitstop for some enchantment at South Place hotel
Hidden away within South Place Hotel, the City of London’s buzzy boutique retreat, the Secret Garden is a magical sanctuary just moments from Liverpool Street Station. The whimsical space has recently been redesigned for winter, with a spectacular display of seasonal botanicals and miniature terrarium baubles draping overhead, making it the perfect destination for a City catchup with friends (or even an enchanting date spot).
Created in partnership with the world’s finest bourbon, Woodford Reserve, the carefully curated menu offers a tantalising selection of warming winter cocktails, including Wood Green, an indulgent combination of Woodford Reserve Distiller’s Select, Amaretto, cream and mint syrup, and Glen’s Creek, crafted with Woodford Reserve Rye, lemon, pomegranate syrup and cocoa liqueur.
How: Make a booking via Southplacehotel.com
Where: 3 South Pl, London EC2M 2AF
10 Soak up the Caribbean sunshine at The Laslett
The Laslett, a renowned luxury boutique hotel in Notting Hill, is kicking off its Christmas festivities with a bang on Tuesday 14th December with the property’s annual Caribbean Christmas party for neighbours and guests alike.
From 6pm they will be serving The Henderson Bar’s signature Spiced Rum Punch while enjoying the music of steel pan band, Brian Henderson & The Flamingos.
Bookable now for the duration of December, The Laslett also has their festive package which includes treats such as welcoming glasses of mulled wine, a dedicated Christmas Concierge and bonus perks such as personal shopping, present wrapping and in-room Christmas trees.
For guests staying over Christmas, copious amounts of mulled wine (hot chocolate for the kids) and mince pies will be readily available from The Laslett’s honesty bar and come Christmas morning, presents will appear at their door before they are welcomed to the restaurant to enjoy our special Christmas breakfast buffet! Board games will be available and the hotel’s library will be showing festive movies throughout the big day.
Where: 8 Pembridge Gardens, London W2 4DU
How: Find out more and make a booking via living-rooms.co.uk
11 Don your stockings for the Saturday Disco Brunch at Devonshire Terrace
Boogie on down to Devonshire Terrace for its Disco Brunch running every Saturday. With tables available to book from 12pm – 5pm, outdoors on the covered terrace and inside, expect smoke machines, disco balls, throwback tunes and plenty of glitter!
Enjoy 90 minutes of bottomless cocktails, lager or fizz as well as your choice of a brunch dish, including a Buttermilk Chicken & Waffle or a vegan Symplicity Burger.
How: Available on Saturdays, priced at £39.95. Book via drakeandmorgan.co.uk
Where: Devonshire Terrace, Devonshire Square, EC2M 4WY
12 Show Santa some soul with a Festive Gospel Motown Sunday Brunch at The Anthologist
Show R.E.S.P.E.C.T to the greats at this soulful brunch – the only one of its kind in the capital with an incredible gospel choir and live Motown singers.
Sip on unlimited Bloody Mary’s, Alpine Spritz cocktails, prosecco or selected beers and tuck into a tempting brunch dish of your choice, including a Festive Turkey Burger topped with deep-fried camembert.
When: Available on Sunday 12th & Sunday 19th December, from 12pm – 4pm.
How: Priced at £54.95. Buy tickets via designmynight.com
Where: The Anthologist, 58 Gresham Street, London EC2V 7BB
13 Sleigh at The Folly’s West End Drag Sunday Brunch
Sashay down to The Folly for the festive West End Drag Brunch hosted by fabulous Drag Queens. Enjoy 90 minutes of bottomless cocktails including Pornstar and Espresso Martinis or beer alongside a brunch dish, from festive Roast Pork Belly to classic Eggs Benedict, there is something for everyone.
How: Available on Sundays from 1pm – 4pm. Priced at £54.95. Book via designmynight.com
Where: The Folly, 41 Gracechurch Street, London EC3V 0BT
14 Make waves with Greenwich Peninsula’s festive experiences
London’s newest creative neighbourhood, Greenwich Peninsula announces its one-of -a kind line up of festive events, creating a truly unique and design led experience, the destination offers the perfect day out for all the family to enjoy this season.
Opening with this season’s most captivating light display, ‘Wave’ created by leading digital and lighting collective Squidsoup, Greenwich Peninsula brings a taste of the artistic displays of Burning Man Festival to London this Christmas with a part voice and light experience in the form of a sculptural wave. Consisting of some five hundred individual suspended orbs, explore one of the city’s most unusual displays of festive light experiences.
Wave will feature as part of the neighbourhood’s ‘Christmas Less Ordinary’ festive events, ranging from a festive edition of FLOW Farmers Market, winter crafting workshops, international food experiences at Canteen (the area’s food market hall), Christmas cult classic film screenings, winter jazz, and a vibrantly colourful and futuristic AR exhibition from famed set-designer, Lydia Chan.
Pitstop at the Design District’s food hub, Canteen to explore festive street food cuisine from around the world, like Turkey & Cranberry Arepas or Turkeys Kati sliders, while taking part in homemade gifting and crafting workshops like wreath making with Bloom East, Chocolate bauble making with BRIK or Handmade card making with Collage Club.
When: Launching 4 December 2021
How: Visit greenwichpeninsula.co.uk for more
15 Embrace your inner ballerina with The Biltmore
Available throughout the month of December, practice your pose and poise with The Ballerina inspired Afternoon Tea at The Biltmore in Mayfair. Culture and cake hungry guests of all ages can marvel at the Biltmore’s in house prima ballerina, who will be dancing a thirty-minute rendition of highlights from The Nutcracker as guests tuck into the Biltmore’s festive afternoon tea.
Expect a selection of finger sandwiches, delicate Christmas themed sweet bites and steaming cups of hot chocolate (with plenty of marshmallows). For parents wanting to go all out this year on overdue Christmas spirit, why not book someone-on-one time for little ones with Father Christmas at the hotels in-house Grotto! And if that wasn’t enough, the Biltmore are even offering a bespoke festive lunch or five course tasting menu on Christmas Day.
When: The Festive Afternoon Tea at Café Biltmore will be available from 1st– 24th December.
Price: £55 for adults and £35 for children. Champagne Afternoon Tea £70 (Prima Ballerinas will be performing on the 4th, 11th and 18th of December)
How: Find out more and make a booking via jasonatherton-thebiltmoremayfair.com
16 Visit a Cinderella-inspired wonderland at The Langham
One for the romantics! The Langham, London has been transformed into a Cinderella-inspired wonderland this Christmas, in partnership with Andrew Lloyd Webber’s critically acclaimed adaptation of the classic fairy tale.
Christmas trees adorned with glittering glass slippers and shimmering velvet pumpkins fill the hotel, alongside a show-stopping main tree in the shape of Cinderella’s famous gown. Guests also have the opportunity to tour Regent’s Park in a horse-drawn carriage, as in the traditional Cinderella story, or visit the Gillian Lynne Theatre for a night of incredible musical theatre and a contemporary take on the tale. Cinderella has also inspired The Langham’s stunning festive afternoon tea and the Christmas cocktails in the hotel’s famed bar, Artesian.
The Langham’s festive afternoon tea provides the perfect excuse to indulge. Cinderella will be honoured with a pearlescent white chocolate shoe, which forms the centrepiece of a display that also includes biscuit-inspired treats such as Just like a Jaffa with mandarin jelly, genoise and chocolate; MVP with brandy-infused fruit, spiced almond cream and crunchy sable; (adults from £79pp, children from £40pp).
Where: 1C Portland Pl, London W1B 1JA
How: Visit langhamhotels.com to find out more and make a booking
17 Master the art of wreath-making at Page8
Dreaming of the ultimate Pinterest-worthy festive interiors? Page8 is partnering with The Real Flower Company to host a series of fun wreath-making workshops for the ideal ‘grammable’ setting. Located at St Martin’s Place Lane, London, Page8 sits opposite the famed National Portrait Gallery and is just a short walk from the bustling shops and restaurants of Covent Garden and Soho.
Guests can immerse themselves in the festive buzz of Trafalgar Square and get into the Christmas spirit with twinkling lights adorning the hotel façade. The Page 8 team will welcome participants of all levels to learn how to make a wreath from scratch, equipped with frames, foliage and all necessary materials.
Festive refreshments and seasonal bites will be available throughout the course of the workshop, provided by Page Common, the hotel’s artesian café, where the wreath-making will be taking place.
When: Wreath-making rates start at £90pp. 30th November, 18:30 – 20:30, 7th December, 18:30 – 20:30, 9th December, 18:30 –20:30.
How: Find out more and make a booking via eventbrite.co.uk
18 Spend the starry night at The Strafford London
The Stafford London is a magical place to celebrate this festive season, with over 100 glittering Christmas trees and more than a century of tradition. Guests booking a festive package this December can enjoy mulled wine or hot chocolate on arrival, a classic afternoon tea with a festive twist during their stay, before waking up to a decadent full English breakfast before taking in the festive atmosphere of the Capital.
The culinary delights do not stop there, with The Game Bird restaurant and the hotel’s stunning private dining rooms offering tempting festive menus throughout the season, including Christmas Day. Whether an intimate Christmas Day lunch in The Game Bird (five courses, £250pp), a sparkling cocktail in the famed American Bar, or an extravagant Christmas party in the hotel’s 380-year-old Wine Cellars, The Stafford London offers a magical festive experience for all occasions.
Cost: Nightly rates at The Stafford London start from £395 a night in December.
How: Find out more and make a booking via thestaffordlondon.com
19 Experience something classic at The Dorchester
Keep it classic. The Dorchester invites guests to experience the magic of a traditional Christmas in London with a flurry of snowflakes on the hotel façade and a magnificent Christmas tree positioned next to a giant clock counting down to Christmas.
Guests can pen and post a letter to Father Christmas, or new for 2021, enjoy a hidden festive cinema snug showing a range of much-loved classic films alongside movie snacks and hot chocolate. The Bar at The Dorchester is a cosy corner of the hotel to enjoy winter cocktails such as the Naughty or Nice and Snowflake Negroni, overseen by Bar Manager Giuliano Morandin who celebrates his 40th Christmas at the hotel this year.
The festive season will also be in full swing at The Grill at Dorchester, with seasonal menus and live music throughout Christmas and New Year. Head Chef Tom Booton proudly presents a modern twist on traditional British dishes, with festive set menus throughout December as well as special celebratory feasts on Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve.
Afternoon tea at The Promenade has been a part of Christmas at The Dorchester since 1931, with this year’s special menu served alongside live music and surrounded by spruce trees. On weekends throughout the season, The Dorchester will also welcome a talented school choir to perform traditional carols as guests enjoy festive pastries and warm scones.
Cost: Festive set menus throughout December star from £50pp, celebratory feasts on Christmas Day from £350pp and New Year’s Eve from £380pp.
How: Find out more via dorchestercollection.com
20 Find calm amongst the chaos with OTO
We all know the festive season entails plenty of wining, dining and trying not to deck your family – so luxury CBD and wellness brand OTO, is inviting Londoners to have a serene and sparkling Christmas, with their Covent Garden Christmas store. The five week pop-up will host exciting multi-sensory experiences, allowing you to find your space, whilst shopping for the most thoughtful gifts this festive season.
The pop-up promises to offer the calmest Christmas shopping, with a series of CBD events and experiences that allow you to tune in, elevate your well-being and enhance the moment. Pop in for OTO’s signature sound healing every Tuesday, get the Christmas glow every Wednesday with OTO’s Express Radiance Facials, and enjoy ‘Cocktails & Calligraphy’ every Thursday, with festive CBD cocktails and personalised gifting. You can also expect transformative sound baths, restorative yoga with Sweaty Betty and wreath making for those magical OTO Moments.
In-store consultations will be available throughout, with personal gift shopping and CBD consultations, that can be booked online in advance. For an added personal touch, guests will have the option to personalize a beautiful OTO Christmas bauble and gift card, with OTO’s in-store calligrapher, offering the most thoughtful gifts for any deserving recipient.
Where: 7 James Street, Covent Garden, WC2
How: Find out more via otocbd.com
21 Enjoy a zero-waste sip at Adam Handling’s EVE Bar
Make sure you’re on Santa’s ‘nice’ list with a sustainable sip. This Christmas Eve Bar, Adam Handling’s zero-waste focused flagship bar, is offering a brand new cocktail menu throughout the month of December. Certain to evoke the festive spirit with specials such as the Iced Toddy made from Whiskey fudge distillate, sweet white vermouth and white pepper and the Christmas Pudding Mule with Gin, pudding spices, Muscovado, sweet wine and ginger beer. The team at Eve Bar has also put their own twist on the classic Eggnog to create the No Egg in My Nog made with Peppermint candy, cognac, pistachio liqueur and almond milk, a wonderfully seasonal winter warmer.
Eve Bar’s team, headed up by Giulia Gazzetto and Marco Grisafi have found the perfect balance between food waste and classic cocktails, to create an interestingly unique cocktail list, whilst ensuring nothing goes to waste.
This year the bar is open to ring in the New Year with DJ all night long, and the team invites Londoners to join them in their subterranean bar for a glass of Adam Handling’s own label English sparkling on arrival as well as a shot at 12 midnight to celebrate the beginning of 2022.
How: Find out more via adamhandling.co.uk
Where: 34 Southampton St, London WC2E 7HF
22 Drink in Christmas with a view at LSQ Rooftop
Open on Christmas Day and serving a 3 course festive feast, Londoners can celebrate the holiday in the heart of the West End at the wonderfully British bar, LSQ Rooftop where themed cocktails and panoramic cocktails await.
Throughout November and December two Christmas cocktails will be on the menu, The St Paul’s with Rye Whiskey, Sloe Gin, Vanilla, Peychaud’s Bitter and Cinnamon and the Nelson’s Column made from Kraken, Midori Melon, Blue Curacao, Passion Fruit puree and Vanilla.
The cocktails compliment a set Christmas menu with a choice of Beef Carpaccio, Aubergine Terrine or Scallops to start, followers by Lamb Shank, Sea Bass or Wild Mushroom Gnocchi for the main course and finished with a choice of Lemon Posset, Fig and Mascarpone Tart or Vegan Strawberry Semifreddo.
LSQ Rooftop will also be open for a New Years Eve party that will begin with a glass of prosecco upon arrival and a selection of delicious canapés, followed by a 3-course dinner accompanied with unlimited beer, wine and soft drinks all night long. The venue will close at 2 am and the balcony has a direct view of the entire city, so guests will be able to watch the skies light up as we welcome in 2022, with live music all night long.
How: Find out more and make a booking via lsqrooftop.com
Where: 1 Leicester Square, London WC2H 7NA
23 Get spicy with The Umbrella Project’s Christmas cocktails at The Sun Tavern & Discount Suit Company
This Christmas, the team behind award-winning bars The Sun Tavern and Discount Suit Company, are celebrating with two new Christmas cocktails that guarantee to spice up the year’s most festive season.
This festive season at Discount Suit Company the Terry’s Chocolate Orange Negroni, an innovative twist on the chocolatey festive staple, is back due to popular demand. The cocktail is served bottled and packed with aromas, tastes and memories of Christmas that are sure to bring comfort and joy to this year’s celebrations.
Over at sister bar The Sun Tavern, the team will serve up a well-known staple with an Umbrella Project twist – Mulled Wine. This year the team has also developed an exciting wintery twist on the classic margarita; the Eggnog-arita, an indulgent hybrid of Eggnog and a Margarita with the likes of Seven Tails XO Brandy and Cointreau that is certain to leave guests wanting a second round of this re-imagined classic.
Those who prefer to settle in and enjoy the festive season from the comfort of their own home can rest safe in the knowledge that they’ll have quality cocktails delivered to their door. The Umbrella Project’s Christmas cocktails will be available to pre order from the last week of November via their online shop which offers free delivery within a 3-mile radius of The Sun Tavern, Bethnal Green, with click & collect available from this location too. Both national and international delivery are also available, making them the perfect Christmas gift for family and friends a bit further afield. Whether entertaining guests, having a tipple with your nearest and dearest, or surprising somebody special with a delivery, these cocktails will fit the bill.
How: Find out more via theumbrellaproject.co.uk, thesuntavern.co.uk/ and discountsuitcompany.co.uk
24 Snuggle up with Bar 31 x The Botanist Gin
Cozy up at Hütte 31, The Botanist Gin and The Shard’s Bar 31‘s exciting alpine themed winter terrace offering Londoners authentic outdoor chalets perfect for drinking and dining experiences this festive season.
Guests visiting the new Hütte 31 can snuggle up in wooden chalets with soft blankets and guaranteed ‘snow’ as an ideal wintry hideaway to enjoy traditional Austrian delicacies including Nuernberger Sausage Rolls, Chicken Schnitzel and glühwein. Alongside this, will be a dedicated The Botanist gin cocktail menu, offering a variety of seasonal tipples (all at £11) including The Botanist Martini with The Botanist Gin, Dry vermouth and orange bitters, Lady Rossa with The Botanist Gin, ruby port, sweet vermouth and citrus and Junipear with The Botanist Gin, poire williams, tonic water and thyme. Those in search of winter warmers can also opt for hot toddies and boozy hot chocolate off the menu.
Located on the ground floor of the Shard, The Botanist Gin’s terrace at Bar 31, is here to transport guests into a apres-ski winter haven, with twinkling fairy lights, comforting Austrian snacks and cheese matched with delicious The Botanist Gin cocktails to sip and celebrate the season in style.
How: Chalets seat up to four people and can be booked subject to availability. bar31.com
Where: 31 St Thomas St, London SE1 9QU
25 Snap the Nyetimber bus (and win some beautifully boozy prizes too)
This autumn, the iconic spearmint green Nyetimber Routemaster bus will be going on a Christmas Journey, stopping off at some of London’s most iconic landmarks and venues.
Following a three-day stopover at the National Theatre from the 26-28 November 2021, the bus will take to the streets of the Capital on a festive tour, ending on the 2 December 2021 at the switching on of the Christmas lights at Shepherd’s Market.
Excitingly, residents and visitors to London during that period are in with a chance of winning an incredible London Christmas Celebration Package, with a prize for the runner up also. The first prize package features everything from a three-course meal at Bluebird Chelsea to two tickets for Hex at the National Theatre and a magnum of Nyetimber Classic Cuvee Multi-Vintage – plus plenty more.
To enter, simply snap a picture of the Nyetimber bus during its tour of London from the 26 November – 2 December 2021, post that picture on to Instagram, follow the Nyetimber Instagram account and tag Nyetimber in the picture, alongside the person you’d like to share the prize with. There will be clues posted on the Nyetimber social media channels during the tour, hinting at the stop off locations for that day, so be sure to keep an eye out!
Also, for a lucky runner up, there will be the prize of a magnum of Nyetimber MV Classic Cuvee.
When: Launching 26 November
How: For full terms and conditions and to enter, visit nyetimber.com
26 Make your mark with Quaglino’s
The Maker’s Mark collaboration with Quaglino’s is the winter warmer that we will all be craving. Launching 11th November, the Mayfair restaurant will unveil its very own Maker’s Mark Private Select bourbon – a unique blend crafted by Maker’s Mark and the Quaglino’s bar team exclusively for the D&D restaurant and bar group.
The totally unique “Maker’s” expression has been created by taking fully-matured cask strength Maker’s Mark Bourbon and finishing it in a single barrel made up of a unique selection of oak staves chosen by the Quaglino’s bar team, and then aging for an additional nine weeks to impart a one-of-a-kind flavour.
Introduced in 2015, the wood-finishing series allows retailers, bars and restaurants to explore new, unique expressions of their signature whisky by adding 10 custom wood finishing staves to each barrel. The finishing staves can be any combination of five flavour profiles. Quaglino’s is the only Private Select bourbon in the UK to use all five staves in the barrel ageing process and is the last selection in the UK to use the Mocha stave. With 1,001 possible stave combinations, each expression of Private Selection has a customised finish and taste profile that is unique, yet undeniably Maker’s.
A finished creation that is perfectly balanced and incredibly versatile, guests can enjoy the exclusive bourbon throughout the winter season at Quaglino’s neat on its own and savour the unmistakable expression of Maker’s Mark with a whole new dimension of flavour, or experienced as part of a dedicated cocktail menu. With three to choose from, each has been expertly crafted by the team to ‘pronounce’ a favourite flavour profile.
Taking inspiration from the classic The Boulevardier cocktail, itself a riff on the Negroni, The Cherry On Top cocktail is a unique barrel-aged cocktail, whereby the Private Select expression is stirred with a homemade cherry wine and aged again in an ex-Maker’s Mark barrel. The drink focuses on the autumnal cherry and cacao notes infused from the Roasted Mocha stave used in the ageing process, one of three different flavour profiles explored by the team at Quaglino’s. With plenty to try, don’t miss out on this rare spirit experience.
How: For more information or to book your spot, visit quaglinos-restaurant.co.uk
Where: 16 Bury St, St. James’s, London SW1Y 6AJ
27 Indulge at Willows on The Roof
Rooftop tipples have never felt so special. Willows on The Roof, a venture from the Night Tales team, has undergone a complete transformation into one of London’s most magical winter wonderlands. Located on the rooftop of John Lewis Oxford Street, Willows on The Roof provides the ultimate sanctuary from the mayhem of Christmas shopping; sit back and enjoy a hot drink, a seasonal cocktail and food courtesy of Giz’n’Green, whilst soaking up the panoramic views across central London.
Decked with fairy lights across the whole rooftop and with a Christmas tree taking centre stage, the drinking and dining destination is the perfect festive haven, even on a chilly winter’s evening. Willows on The Roof has a number of private areas available to book including three heated chalet inspired cabins, offering seating capacity for between 4-9 guests with an increased standing capacity.
There is also an outdoor lounge area catering for 12 seated guests and the opportunity for full venue hire catering for 80 party goers. Willows on The Roof will also offer an exclusive set Christmas menu priced at £35 per head with the option to add a supplementary £10 pizza course for those that want a slice of the action.
A highlight of the visit will undoubtedly be indulging in Willows expert cocktail menu, comprised of well known favourites but with a festive twist. These include the Gingerbread Sour which sees a blend of Bombay Sapphire Gin, Campari, Cinzano Vermouth Rosso 1757, winter spices and orange and the Mulled Gin & Juice mixing Mulled Spiced Organic Somerset Apple Juice, Bombay Bramble Sapphire Gin and lemon juice. Additional menu highlights include The White Old Fashioned andThe Night Tales Mulled Negroni.
Guests can expect food by best friends and iconic duo – chef Gizzi Erskine and rapper Professor Green – with their well-known street food brand Giz’n’Green. The menu features their legendary stuffed crust pizza pies, including the meatball marinara pizza combining pork and beef meatballs, parmesan, mozzarella and oregano and the honey trap pizza with buffalo mozzarella, calabrese n’duja and basil (plus a DIY salad for those feeling virtuous).
Where: 300 Oxford St, London W1C 1DX
How: Find out more and make a booking via willowsontheroof.co.uk
28 Get merry at Coal Rooms
Coal Rooms is launching a special Christmas set menu available throughout December. Occupying the former ticket office at Peckham Rye station, the restaurant has become one of the area’s leading culinary destinations with an open kitchen that is fitted with a bespoke, coal-fired grill. As a social enterprise, 65% of all profits go towards providing training and employment opportunities for the homeless and has helped the restaurant find its place at the heart of the community.
Since opening in 2017, the kitchen has become renowned for serving seasonal dishes that focus on quality and locality. For Christmas, chef Ben Munslow has created a delicious menu (£49 per person) that incorporates festive ingredients such as clementine, truffle, smoked chestnut, venison and beef to create mouthwatering, winter warmer dishes.
Where: Coal Rooms, 11a Station Way, Peckham SE15 4RX
How: Pricing for party bookings depends on the day and size of the party. Please get in touch with hello@coalrooms.com. For more information, visit www.coalroomspeckham.com
29 Sip under the stars with Four Seasons Hotel London at Park Lane
Create your very own festive story at Four Seasons Hotel London at Park Lane – where the stunning Winter Terrace through to a merry afternoon tea in the Amaranto Lounge, and Christmas cocktails in Amaranto Bar await to be experienced. All the landmark dates are covered too with Christmas Day lunch, New Year’s Eve dinner and New Year’s Day bottomless brunch.
The lavish hotel has unveiled its popular Winter Terrace, reimagined for the season with a show-stopping Christmas tree. This picturesque wonderland, perfect for cosying-up in on a crisp winter’s evening, comes complete with outdoor heated pergolas and luxurious blankets, so you can sit under the stars whilst indulging in seasonal delights of baked Vacherin Mont d’Or and French cassoulet, or ‘From the Grill’ favourites of waygu beef fillet, lobster and prawns. For the ultimate Christmas celebration, go all out with a Dom Pérignon pairing menu or enjoy by the glass, exclusive to Four Seasons Hotel London at Park Lane.
Enjoy Christmas cocktails, designed by Bar Manager Ivan Arena on the Winter Terrace, or in the warmth of the Amaranto Bar and immerse yourself in the theatre of his innovative creations. From new winter cocktails packed with festive flavours through to the bar’s signature mobile Negroni suitcase – a must-try is the Smoke Signal, an innovative rift on a classic Negroni – every cocktail is created with artistry, driven by taste and personalised for each guest.
How: To make a reservation, please call 020 7319 5206 or to book online visit www.fourseasons.com
Where: Four Seasons Hotel London at Park Lane, Hamilton Place, Park Lane, London, W1J 7DR
30 Go off-piste at ‘Grand 34’ Christmas
34 Mayfair have gone off-piste this Christmas, bringing you an imagined world of apres-ski, seventies kitsch and appetising delights at the ‘Grand 34’ Christmas. Step onto the terrace where folk nouveau meets alpine splendour, complete with a limited-edition ‘As Choux Like It’ dessert and festive cocktails created in collaboration with Courvoisier Cognac, available from Wednesday, 24 November 2021 until the end of January 2022.
This season, guests are invited to enjoy the most wonderful time of year in the heart of central London, whilst sipping on delectable delights including the Panache XO (£22.00), featuring Courvoisier XO, apple Aperitif, pumpkin spice syrup and anise, the Kovacs Demise (£20.00), with The Macallan 12yo Double Cask, banana liqueur, maple syrup and cacao, a flavoursome and tangy whisky ginger ale highball, the Renaissance Highball (£20.00), with The Macallan 12yo Double Cask, umeshu, amaretto and ginger ale, Zero Fizz (£17.00) [pictured], a bubbly cocktail incorporating Courvoisier VSOP, velvet falernum, sherry and popcorn syrup and topped with Champagne, or even Boy with Apple (£17.00) with Suntory Haku Vodka, cherry wine, cinnamon and apple.
34 Mayfair also offers a selection of mouth-watering seasonal, à la carte options, including Japanese Wagyu Fillet Steak from 34 Mayfair’s Rotisserie Grill, Dover Sole, 34 Lobster Mac ‘n’ Cheese, Crispy Duck Salad or even the Porcini Pizza with provolone and shaved truffle for added flavour throughout the holidays.
Where: 34 Grosvenor Square, S Audley St, London W1K 2HD
How: Visit 34-restaurant.co.uk to find out more and make a booking
31 Celebrate a traditional Italian Christmas at Daphne’s this festive season
This year, Daphne’s is embodying a traditional Italian Christmas, complete with cosy interiors, festive decorations and a blazing fireplace, ensuring guests will feel at home as they dine on a series of delectable dishes. In addition, the restaurant will be revealing a Christmas installation and limited-edition cocktail menu in partnership with Malfy Gin and Italicus Rosolio di Bergamotto Liqueur for guests to sip, savour and enjoy from Wednesday, 24 November 2021 to Thursday, 6 January 2022.
This season, the bar team at Daphne’s have worked alongside Malfy Gin and Italicus Rosolio di Bergamotto Liqueur to create a new and refreshing menu of delicious tipples; including the Blood Orange Negroni (£14.00), made with Malfy Con Arancia Gin, Italicus, and Cynar, Christmas Fizz (£16.00) with Malfy Limone Gin, Italicus, citrus, Champagne and bergamot essence, Pink Lady (£14.00) with Malfy Con Arancia Gin, Cointreau, citrus, whiskey bitters and foamer, and the Italian Hot Toddy (£14.00) with Chivas Regal 12yo Whisky, Italicus, citrus, honey and bergamot essence.
Alongside a delicious array of cocktails, diners will be able to sit back and indulge in a number of Italian favourites including Octopus carpaccio with pickled fennel and datterini tomato (£14.00), Spaghetti with clams, chilli and white wine (£14.50/£22.00), Mixed wild mushroom risotto (£14.50/£22.00), Tagliatelle with white truffle (£40.00), and Bannockburn Ribeye Steak (£36.00), and for those with a sweet tooth, a sumptuous Amedei chocolate mousse with Maraschino cherries (£8.75) or Homemade Tiramisu (£9.00).
Where: 112 Draycott Avenue, London SW3 3AE
How: Find out more and make a booking via daphnes-restaurant.co.uk
32 Park up at Pan Pacific London for drinks, dining and decadence
Spending Christmas in the city? Pan Pacific London is offering indulgent festive offerings across their three signature concepts – Straits Kitchen, Ginger Lily and The Orchid Lounge. Carefully designed by multi award-winning Executive Chef Lorraine Sinclair and renowned Executive Pastry Chef Cherish Finden, as well as expert sommeliers, mixologists and tea artisans, each festive offering adds a pinch of Christmas magic to the diverse cuisines of the Singaporean melting pot.
Signature restaurant Straits Kitchen will offer two jubilant set menus for Lunch and Dinner (11th November – 24th December) throughout the Christmas period, with two all-out festive feasts available on Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve. Dishes include the likes of Chicken Broth, with Chestnut Wonton and Fresh Herbs; and for vegetarians: Grilled Asparagus, with Black Winter Truffle, Baby Rockett, and Vegan Cheese, plus plenty more.
The Christmas Day Menu (12:00-16:00) available at £168 per person, will invite guests with a Glass of Deutz Champagne served with a selection of Festive Canapes, followed by a selection of Yuletide courses including Gravadlax, Traditional Carving Station or Nut Roast, and Traditional Christmas Pudding with Brandy Sauce or a choice form the dessert buffet including Santa Chocolate Log, Mont Blanc Tart with Snowflakes or Spicy Clementine with Gingerbread Bauble.
Cocktail Bar Ginger Lily meanwhile will be providing a premium drinks experience with a seasonal flare, bottling the buzz and excitement of Singaporean bar culture for London. Whether you’ve been naughty or nice, Santa has delivered two specialty cocktails to Ginger Lily: a Winter warming Old Spot made with Gingerbread, Ginger, Lime Juice, Lacto-fermented Oranges, and Gin; and Tanglin’s Mall, a unique blend of Coffee, Havana 7 Rum, Cointreau and Cinnamon, and Muscovado Sugar. Both of these warming beverages are sure to keep Jack Frost from spoiling your festive fun!
The Orchid Lounge will be a uniquely sumptuous and serene affair this holiday season. Both the Singaporean-inspired Kopi Tiam Afternoon Tea and the quintessentially British Traditional Afternoon Tea will be infused with good tidings for the Holiday season by Executive Chef Lorraine Sinclair and Executive Pastry Chef Cherish Finden, featuring hand-made patisserie and incredible Asian Savouries to devour.
Where: 80 Houndsditch, London EC3A 7AB
How: Find out more and make a booking via panpacific.com/en/hotels-and-resorts
33 Make it one to remember at Magenta
We all know Christmas in London is seldom a white one, so this year make it Magenta. Welcome the yuletide spirit with an imaginative Northern Italian-inspired festive set menu at Magenta restaurant in the heart of Kings Cross.
Guests can indulge on Christmas Day with an eight-course menu created by Executive Head Chef Manuele Bazzoni. Priced at £110 per person, the celebratory meal begins with a selection of the chef’s favourite snacks served with their signature charcoal bread, followed by 50-day aged beef tartare with cured yolk and smoked bone marrow; hand dived Devon scallops with cep mushrooms and lardo; a decadent lobster ravioli with bisque and preserved tomato. For the piece de resistance, guests can choose between a venison wellington with red cabbage compote and orange-scented jus or seared halibut, Jerusalem artichoke, and clementine butter sauce.
No Christmas is complete without sweet treats, here served as an edible Christmas bauble, with pear, tonka cream, and Champagne jelly pretty enough to hang on the tree. If you still have space, enjoy some festive petit fours before heading downstairs to Hokus Pokus, a late-night apothecary style bar with creative concoctions, a perfect way to warm your cockles before walking out into the crisp London air.
For those staying home on the big day but still wanting to get into the festive celebrations beforehand, try Magenta’s festive à la carte menu, available throughout December. Choose from a selection of dishes such as dressed Dorset crab, apple gel and dill mayo; potato and fontina cheese pansotti with truffle and cured yolk; and venison loin in ’crosta’ with quince purée and cime di rapa.
Where: Magenta, 23, Euston Road King’s Cross, St Pancras London NW1 2SD
How: email hello@magentarestaurant.co.uk or visit www.magentarestaurant.co.uk to make a booking
