Halloween is old news already, time to raid the attic for your decorations, squeeze an oversized tree through your living room door and start the all-important gift shopping! It’s our favourite time of year and we are already thinking ahead to Christmas celebrations in the city and how you can make it the most memorable yet! The lights are being lit all around London this month, with some famous names even flicking the switch to officially start the season. Not to mention all the effort that’s going to be put in by some of the biggest stores in the city, such as Harrods and John Lewis (and we can’t wait for their new tear-jerking advert this year!) It’s all excitement in the lead up to the big day, but what about when it finally arrives…what can you have readily planned for you and your family/partner/friends after you’ve woken up with the best ‘IT’S CHRISTMAS’ feeling? Of course, being a public holiday, a lot of businesses around London come to a halt to spend time with their loved ones. But, who will still be waiting for you with open arms? Here’s how you can spend the holiday in London:
Bar Boulud – Belgravia
It’s impossible to not think about the traditional roast dinner when you hear the word Christmas, so we’ll try not to make you too hungry (no promises though). Preparing all of the individual ingredients to bring together a tasty Christmas dinner is not easy, so why not leave it to the professionals this year and finally have a change for you to enjoy it even more! Not too far from us in Belgravia, the French-inspired Bar Boulud is a classy bistro and wine bar that opened in London following its huge success with the New York branch. The restaurant is taking bookings for Christmas Day and offering a very tempting three-course menu, starting such delicious dishes as smoked salmon or truffle, followed by none other than your favourite roasted turkey with all of the best bits included. Of course, should you fancy something different, perhaps go for a homemade ricotta or even a poached lobster instead. You are guaranteed to have some variety at Bar Baloud, along with some festive time with your loved ones, while the cooking is done for you. Don’t forget to try out some quality French wine from the long list on the menu, parfait!
The Cinnamon Club – Westminster
It’s time now to put a twist on Christmas Dinner. Don’t worry, this other restaurant still has your traditional dishes, like Christmas pudding, but with a little more spice. The Cinnamon Club in Westminster is the next restaurant to open its doors on Christmas Day and celebrate the special day with you by bringing an exciting and new dynamic to the feast. A Victorian building with high ceilings and a strong sense of class, this restaurant is actually quite well-known by businessmen and politicians that enjoy fine Indian dining. But, Christmas Day is set to be an extra glamourous occasion for customers this year and is even able to host up to 60 people in one of its private dining rooms…great for a party venue. Welcomed upon seating with a ‘Christmas Punch’ (not sure what this is, but sounds festive), choose from a wide range of starters to get you ready for the main attraction, including some exotic Tandoori style pheasant, flavoursome fish dishes and tasty Bombay vegetables. Mains range from lamb shoulder with a saffron sauce to coconut and ginger glazed king prawns, you could end up being the last one to give your order as there is so much choice. Lastly, get your taste buds going with Garam masala Christmas Pudding with nutmeg custard or if you are too full from course one and two, go for a scoop of Cinnamon’s creative ice cream flavours.
Dean Street Townhouse – Soho
There’s one key ingredient of Christmas Dinner that we haven’t mentioned yet, but can’t go without. Where on Christmas Day will you be able to get a perfectly baked, warm and fruity mince pie once you have managed to make some room after a three-course meal? Again, dating back to the Georgian era, Dean Street Townhouse is known for its historic, yet buzzing atmosphere from day till night and would make the perfect, romantic setting for Christmas Day with you and your special other. Collect a glass of champagne to warm you up from your brisk walk out on the cold street and choose a starting dish ranging from soup to salmon. Then, indulge on the sumptuous roast turkey that you’ve been waiting 365 days for, or opt for a shellfish dish…but what’s so Christmassy about that? The dessert isn’t even the end. After you’ve satisfied your sweet tooth on either Christmas pudding, chocolate fondant or sherry trifle, you still have cheese and mince pies with a tea/coffee to really leave you feeling totally stuffed. To finish off your festive evening, head upstairs (if you can walk after all the food) for a refreshing cocktail, here’s to Christmas!
T’is the season to be jolly, and how jolly it’s going to be! We hope that these suggestions can give you some inspiration to ditch the oven mitts this year and spend some quality and festive time with your favourites. Remember to take a walk via the lit-up parts of London and admire the colourful (and hopefully snowy) setting while the streets are empty, before you curl up in front of the fire and have yet another mince pie. So, now you know where to go for your Christmas Dinner in London, now you just need somewhere to kick back and relax. Click below to see what tempting Christmas offers we have on our beuatiful rooms. *Sigh*, celebrating is hard work!