At Christmas, though the streets are filled with Magical Christmas Lights, most the shops and restaurants are closed. An American visitor was surprised when I told her that nothing was open, not even public transport. I know a lot of couple in London who can’t be bothered to cook a full Christmas lunch just for two so these are good options.
This is a list of restaurants in London that is open on Christmas Day. Besides these restaurants and pubs, some hotel restaurants will be open too. You can book in at the Ritz for a lavish Christmas Lunch with all the luxury trimmings, a mere snip at £300. Alternatively, you can dine at the Caxton Grill in St Ermin’s Hotel in St James, tasting menus from £75.
For all of them, it is best to book as they will have limited hours and some set seating times. Some local neighbourhood pubs will be open for those after church drinks before everyone rushes home for Christmas lunch but they won’t be serving food.
Central London Restaurants
Caxton Grill, St Ermins Hotel
Cuisine: British
Menu: 3 courses with a glass of Champagne £75pp
How to Book: https://www.caxtongrill.co.uk/festive/
West London and South West London Restaurants
The Sands End Pub Fulham
135-137 Stephendale Rd, Fulham, London SW6 2PR, Tel: 020 7731 7823.
As part of the Epicurean group, they are a family of the most popular pubs in London like the Admiral Cod and Cross Keys in Chelsea. The Sands End is the only one open for Christmas the menu looks lush.
Cuisine: British Gastropub
Menu: from £75pp for a 3 course meal with a choice of dishes like curried mussel veloute and Roast Turkey or Beef Wellington for main.
How to Book: https://www.thesandsend.co.uk/
The Princess Victoria Shepherds Bush
This is an elegant West London pub, perfect if you want to entertain for Christmas but don’t want to do any cooking. You can book your private party in their 1829 room which seats 50 and comes with a projector. If Christmas dinner got a bit too much, you can always check into one of their boutique bedrooms upstairs too.
Cuisine: British
Menu: £80 pp for a 3 course menu with prosecco or Buck’s Fizz and children dine for £40.
How to Book: princessvictoria.co.uk
Giggling Squid Wimbledon
26 High St, Wimbledon, London, SW19 5BY. Tel: 0208 946 4196
Cuisine: Thai
Menu: from £60 with a glass of Prosecco
A Thai Feast (£60pp) with sharing dishes chosen personally by founder Pranee Laurillard as her personal favourites for such a special occasion. Dishes include Giant Prawn Satay with Exotic Thai Rainbow Salad; Chive and Black Pepper Squid; 12-Hour Slow Cooked Beef Rib and Red Snapper with Kang Som Curry. There’s also a traditional spiced Tom Yum shot and a zingy fresh Papaya Salad palate cleaner.
Just one dessert is never enough this time of year, so Giggling Squid’s Christmas Day menu showcases a trio, including a Coconut and Pineapple Finger; Salted Caramel Soufflé and the rich decadent Chocolate Melt.
How to Book: They have just one sitting between 12pm – 4pm. https://www.gigglingsquid.com/
The Bedford Balham
Cuisine: British
Menu: £80 pp for a 3 course menu with prosecco or Buck’s Fizz and children dine for £40.
How to Book: thebedford.com
East and South East London Restaurants
The Rosendale West Dulwich
Cuisine: British
Menu: £80 pp for a 3 course menu with prosecco or Buck’s Fizz and children dine for £40.
The Christmas Day menu includes smiked salmon, partridge and venisson terrine, orast turkey, roast sirloin and all the trimmings. There will be Christmas pudding for dessert followed by a cheese platter and mince pies.
How to Book: therosendale.co.uk
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