Party season has officially started, we’ll all soon be living in a haze of mulled wine, dancing to Mariah Carey and waking up with mince pie crumbs on our pillow…or maybe that’s just us. Either way, now is the time to stick it to the weather, to the dark mornings and drizzly evenings and get your nearest and dearest together for a festive shindig. We’ve rounded up some of our favourite places to host your Christmas party this year.
The Montague on the Gardens
The Montague on the Gardens are back with their Ski Lodge for another year. The Bloomsbury hotel will become London’s hottest après ski escape, with pine trees, snowmen, ski racks (could be useful if it actually snows this year), strings of fairy lights, piste maps, the lot. And they’ll be complimenting the decidedly wintery decor with a selection of flavoured schnapps and vodkas (including candy cane, butterscotch and toffee), or stick to tradition and knock back mulled wine and spiced cider. Our personal fave sounds like it’ll be the ‘hot choctails’. Food-wise try a selection of seasonal bits, like turkey schnitzel, bratwurst and deep fried camembert.
Opens on 14th November
Where: 15 Montague Street, London WC1B 5BJ
Nearest station: Russell Square (0.3 miles)
Website: www.montaguehotel.com
sketch
All we want for Christmas is for our toilets to look like these! Sketch has done it again with their Christmas loo offerings, making us wonder whether Santa has arrived early and given London’s most Instagrammable toilets a festive sprucing-up. They wow-ed us with a spooky facelift during Halloween and now, the loos that have customers spending more time in there “doing it for the gram” than sat at the table dining are getting ready for the festive season, wrapped up in festive theme. We definitely give a cr*p about them, that’s for sure… A scroll through Instagram has already seen a dazzling amount of photos akin to the one pictured above, and it doesn’t show any signs of slowing down. Kudos to Sketch who’ve most definitely done it again and, we imagine, will be fixing themselves a solid spot on Santa’s nice list! It appears that Sketch itself has rustled up a festive makeover; the entrance has been turned into somewhat a grotto with faux-snow and sparkling presents lining the way.
Where: 9 Conduit Street, Mayfair, W1S 2XG
Nearest station: Oxford Circus (0.3 miles)
Website: www.sketch.london
The Ivy Chelsea Garden
OK, The Ivy, we’ve got to give it to you…this is pretty darn sweet (like, literally)! The Chelsea Garden restaurant will transform into a life-sized Hansel and Gretel-esque gingerbread house for the festive period. Can you eat it? Well yes actually! And whilst this could be deceived as a tad unhygienic, fear not; you won’t actually be taking bites into the walls of a resto next to other gingerbread fiends, but will instead have the opportunity to munch on edible sweet treats from the windows. Sure to be one for the gram, there will be rock candy, sweets and candy canes on offer, as well as gingerbread, in what we can only deem to be a kids dream. Why didn’t cool stuff like this happen when I was young, eh?! In keeping with the theme, guests can also gulp down Gingerbread Espresso Martini’s, a sweet way to refuel. The exclusive drink will feature a freshly pulled espresso shot, Wyborowa Vodka, Bepi Tosolini Expre liqueur and, the finishing touch, gingerbread Syrup. If your sweet tooth is crying out for more you can try The Ivy Pine Tree from the 3rd-24th of December made from Christmas pudding parfait with white choc mousse and brandy sauce.
Where: 195 -197 King's Road, Chelsea, SW3 5EQ
Website: www.theivychelseagarden.com
Hyatt Regency London - The Churchill
You might not be able to literally escape to the Scottish Highlands, but you can figuratively go, with The Churchill Bar & Terrace’s Highlands Hideaway! The terrace will feature all things synonyms to good ol’ Scotland; faux fur throws, pine trees, woodland features and, of course, tartan! Accompanying the cosy atmosphere is a selection of sumptuous drinks led by Head Bartender Daniele Bresciani, including classics made from Scotch whisky concoctions that’ll have you saying Sláinte all night long!
Where: 30 Portman Square, London, W1H 7BH, United Kingdom
Nearest station: Marble Arch (0.2 miles)
Website: www.londonchurchill.regency.hyatt.com
Bluebird Chelsea
Bluebird are proving that Savage Garden don’t have the monopoly on Narnia terraces, unveiling their own Narnia wonderland. The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe comes to Chelsea as they swap sofas for heated wooden alpine chalets, serve fondue, apple pie and alcoholic hot chocolates. Littered with references to the great book, you enter through a wardrobe (standard) and step into a winter wonderland of delight and delights.
Where: 350 Kings Road, Chelsea, London, SW3 5UU, United Kingdom
Nearest station: Imperial Wharf (0.8 miles)
Website: www.bluebird-restaurant.co.uk
Dalloway Terrace
The Bloomsbury Hotel is a place you’d naturally expect to find beauty, and of course Dalloway Terrace has always been the piece de resistance on this count. Hosting soirées for up to around six people, the exclusivity of this venue alongside its ever so intimate nature makes it the ideal spot for a stylish Christmas dinner party amongst friends or family. Plus, the terrace has just undergone its annual make-over as the season changes and the terrace sets course for winter. Roll on the fur rugs, the warming cocktails and the truffle cheese fondue. Roll on the winter.
Where: 16-22 Great Russell Street, London WC1B 3NN, United Kingdom
Nearest station: Tottenham Court Road (0.1 miles)
Website: www.dallowayterrace.com
The Hari
Belgravia really is the place for doing things right, so don’t act suprised when you hear that The Hari, in the heart of London’s smartest neighbourhood, has come up with a cracker in their winter terrace. Don a fur rug (it’s not real fur, rightly or sadly) and a cosy blanket and immerse yourself in the Christmas spirit thanks to Moët and Chandon Brut, the official sponsors of the terrace. Enjoy fondue paired with Champagne and served with charcuterie, winter veg or a selection of breads.
Where: 20 Chesham Place, London, SW1X 8HQ, United Kingdom
Nearest station: London Victoria (0.5 miles)
Website: www.thehari.com
The Lighterman
Whether it’s an intimate Christmas lunch with friends and family or an all-out dinner for the whole office, The Lighterman is the ideal spot for your Christmas party. Gather the gang in the Canalside Bar for a full-on feast or for cocktails and festive canapés up to 100 guests. Groups can also be hosted exclusively in the First Floor Dining Room and with panoramic views of Regent’s Canal and Granary Square, it’s certainly where the party’s at. On the menu you’ll find goat’s cheese croquettes with cranberry compote; free-range turkey breast and confit leg with pork stuffing, cranberry compote and roast trimmings; venison pie with glazed carrots and parsnips; and warm chocolate brownie with salted caramel ice cream.
Where: 3 Granary Square, London, N1C 4BH
Nearest station: London St Pancras (0.2 miles)
Website: www.thelighterman.co.uk
Percy & Founders
Percy & Founders has several different areas to book this Christmas. Big groups can party in the Dining Rooms, smaller parties can take a seat at the long marble Kitchen Tables overlooking the kitchen and those looking for a more private affair can hire Percy’s Den. The unique dining room has a fully-stocked bar, pull-out drinks trolley and Bose surround sound system. This year on the menu you’ll find roasted wild mushroom soup and truffle cream; free-range roast turkey breast and confit leg with cranberry compote, stuffing and roast trimmings; and mulled wine poached pear with mascarpone ice cream.
Where: Fitzroy Place, 1 Pearson Square, London, W1W 7EY
Nearest station: Goodge Street (0.2 miles)
Website: www.percyandfounders.co.uk
Ivory Vaults
Winter is coming. This Christmas step into Ivory Vault’s winter wonderland fantasy and experience a medieval wonderland, set within a land of archaic culture where winter reigns long. This event will take you on a journey complete with knights and jesters, acrobats dragons, and unicorns. Come ready to eat a five course banquet with wine and ale and to finish the night with dancing till late
Where: Ivory Vaults Ivory House St Katharine Docks London, E1W 1BP
Nearest station: Tower Hill (0.4 miles)
Website: www.ivoryvaults.com
Tom's Kitchen Chelsea
If you’re looking for a snug space for your Christmas lunch or brunch then Tom’s Kitchen, Chelsea has three spaces to book. The Drawing Room for a dinner with seven of your nearest and dearest, The Blenheim Suite for a Christmas Party for 22 guests or if you’re hosting a bigger event then you can take advantage of the first floor which can host up to sixty guests standing.
Where: Tom's Kitchen, Chelsea, London, United Kingdom
Nearest station: South Kensington (0.6 miles)
Website: www.tomskitchen.co.uk
Gaucho Tower Bridge
With jaw-dropping views out to the Thames, Gaucho Tower Bridge is a true destination restaurant unlike any other. The breath-taking backdrop of City hall and London’s iconic Tower Bridge in winter provide a stunning location for that special Christmas celebration. The top floor of the restaurant is available for exclusive use from Sunday to Wednesday, and the unparalleled view can be appreciated at any time of the day from dawn to dusk. With a more intimate wine room for smaller private functions, and a larger private dining space for 24, our Tower Bridge location will bring the wow-factor to any Christmas meal.
Where: 2 More London Riverside, SE1 2AP
Website: www.gauchorestaurants.com
Diciannove Italian Restaurant
AA Rosette awarded Italian restaurant, Diciannove, has a Christmas menu of Italian favourites, including pan-fried cod with sautéed stem broccoli and purple broccoli; wild salmon with avocado and pomegranate and chocolate tart with cocoa whipped cream.
Where: Diciannove Italian Restaurant, New Bridge Street, London, United Kingdom
Nearest station: Blackfriars (0.3 miles)
Website: www.diciannove19.com
Mews of Mayfair
Tucked away in a cobbled courtyard is Mews of Mayfair and there you’ll find their Lounge Bar which has just been re-furbished in collaboration with Belvedere. It can be both fully hired for 150 revellers or semi-privately hired. They also have a number of spaces to book for Christmas lunches and dinners including The Wine Room, the Map Room on the top floor and the airy Gallery.
Where: 10 Lancashire Court New Bond Street W1S 1EY
Nearest station: Bond Street (0.3 miles)
Website: www.mewsofmayfair.com
Lucky Voice Islington
The Lucky Voice elves are putting together a whole host of Christmas events from festive film nights and boozy brunches to cocktail masterclasses and of course Christmas karaoke. With plenty of private rooms to book for parties you can sing Wham!’s Last Christmas on repeat if you so fancy, just hopefully better than Bridget Jones sang at her Christmas party…
Where: 173-174 Upper Street, London N1 1RG, United Kingdom
Nearest station: Essex Road (0.3 miles)
Website: www.luckyvoice.com
Savage Garden
New rooftop bar Savage Garden offers a sky-high destination for all your festive needs this season. Located 12-storeys up, the venue boasts two terraces as well as a private dining space, Ferus, suitable for intimate dinners for up to 57 guests. Wildside, the all-weather terrace, can accommodate up to 140 and will be festively dressed this Christmas creating the ultimate winter backdrop for your event, whilst the Beefeater Pink South Terrace offers uninterrupted views of the city’s glittering skyline, accommodating up to 120. At the bar, you’ll find suitably savage cocktail serves, exciting bar food and small plates that look as good as they taste.
Where: 12th Floor, Doubletree By Hilton Hotel London, Tower Of London, 7 Pepys St, EC3N 4AF
Website: www.savagegarden.co.uk
Sky Garden
Situated at the top of one of London’s most distinguishable buildings, Sky Garden will not only give you views of London’s twinkling Christmas lights, it also has several spaces to choose from when it comes to Christmas events. There’s the City Garden which can host up to 300 guests, dinners for up to 130 people can be held on the terrace or you can take over the whole Sky Garden with a reception for up to 700 people.
Where: Sky Garden, 20 Fenchurch Street, London EC3M 8AF, UK
Nearest station: Monument (0.2 miles)
Website: skygarden.london
The LaLiT London
The space where Baluchi, the pan-Indian restaurant within the boutique hotel The LaLiT London now sits, use to be the assembly hall for the 19th century St. Olave’s Grammar School. They’ve restored the vaulted ceilings but added in magnificent, eye-catching Hyderabadi hand-crafted glass chandeliers, creating a striking setting for your Christmas event and because it used to hold a whole school, it can fit up to 400 guests. Expect to find a Christmas menu of classic Indian flavours with special seasonal twists.
Where: 181 Tooley Street, London SE1 2JR, UK
Nearest station: London Bridge (0.4 miles)
Website: www.thelalit.com
Balthazar
Balthazar, in the centre of Covent Garden, has a private dining room which can seat up to sixty guests on the first floor with its own bar, lounge and private entrance. With antique timber floorboards, vintage wall sconces, an original pewter bar top and glass shades from Clignancourt in Paris it’s a delightful space for Christmas lunches or dinners. There are three set menus to choose from this year, all with indulgent dishes such as duck pie, steak tartare and Christmas pudding with Cognac crème anglais.
Where: 4-6 Russell Street, Covent Garden, London WC2B 5HZ
Nearest station: Covent Garden (0.2 miles)
Website: www.balthazarlondon.com
House of Song: Studio 88 and The Piano Works, West End
If your mouse has been hovering over play on your Christmas playlist since August then we suggest you head to Studio 88 off Wardour Street or The Piano Works, West End in Farringdon for your Christmas party. Where you can rock around the Christmas tree, embracing your inner Mariah Carey with the non-stop live music at your request from their house musicians. Both venues have a capacity of 400 and can be booked out in full or you can book for a three-course lunch, dinner or a buffet.
Where: Wardour Street and Farringdon
Website: www.thehouseofsong.co.uk
Jin Bo Law
Offering one of the most stunning views of the city, this gorgeous cocktail bar at the top of Dorsett City Hotel should be a top spot for your Christmas party and not just because it’s a sky-high bar. This year they have three packages to choose from such as the Jin Bo Law premium package which includes a terrace BBQ, decadent dessert cocktails and a cocktail masterclass.
Where: 14th Floor Dorsett City, 9 Aldgate High Street, London EC3N 1AH
Nearest station: Aldgate (0.1 miles)
Website: www.jinbolaw.co.uk
Fifteen
Spread across two floors, Fifteen can be booked for exclusive, partial or single-floor hire. And this Christmas they have two feasting menus for you to indulge in. Dishes include: roasted Cornish bass, turnips, sherry & brown butter glaze; fried gnocchi with Jerusalem artichokes, truffle, cavolo nero and for pudding, a spiced apple and sourdough bread pudding with custard.
Where: 15 Westland Place, London N1 7LP, United Kingdom
Nearest station: Old Street (0.2 miles)
Website: www.fifteen.net
The Langham, London
One of the best parts of Christmas? The food. And all the event menus, from canapés to banquets, at The Langham are overseen by double Michelin-starred chef, Michel Roux Jr so you can guarantee that the food is going to be excellent however big or small your event may be. As well as The Langham’s indoor event spaces, this year they are partnering with Grey Goose to transform their courtyard garden into a French winter village and you’ll be able to book the whole garden for your soirees.
Where: 1c Portland Place, Regent Street, London, W1B 1JA, United Kingdom
Nearest station: Oxford Circus (0.3 miles)
Website: www.langhamhotels.com
8 Northumberland Avenue
This year witness the ‘Neon Carnival’ and run away with the ‘Winter Circus’ at London’s most central venue, 8 Northumberland. Back for one night only, the Northumberland Brothers are planning a magical evening to enchant all their guests. The all-inclusive packages include everything you need for the perfect night. A sparkling wine and cocktail reception, lavish 3 course dinner, unlimited drinks, live entertainment and photo booths alongside elaborate theming is a recipe for a night to remember.
Where: 8 Northumberland Avenue, London WC2N 5BY, United Kingdom
Nearest station: London Charing Cross (0.1 miles)
Website: www.8northumberland.co.uk
South Place Hotel
From winter wonderlands, to gold discos and Christmas carnivals, celebrate the spirit of the season at South Place Hotel. This year the theme has come from lyric ‘all that glitters is gold’ from Led Zeppelin’s Stairway to Heaven. With five private dining rooms and two exclusive bars available for parties from 10 to 200 guests, you can expect a sparkling party at South Place Hotel this year.
Where: 3 South Place, London, EC2M 2AF, United Kingdom
Nearest station: Moorgate (Great Northern) (0.2 miles)
Website: www.southplacehotel.com
Puttshack
Don’t just want to stand around making small talk with your colleagues? Bring out your competitive streak and take out your passive aggressive anger that has been building up in the office by taking them all on at the new cutting-edge mini golf phenomenon, Puttshack. There’ll be blasting out the Christmas party tunes, serving up the cocktails and pouring the hot buttered rums, all you need to do is start practising your swing.
Where: Westfield London, London, UK
Nearest station: Shepherds Bush (0.2 miles)
Website: www.puttshack.com
Hampton Court Palace
There are few venues that embody the tradition and nostalgia of Christmas more than Hampton Court Palace, offering guests the chance to celebrate the festive season in a truly one-of-a-kind setting steeped in history. Parties of 50 and above can enjoy a Christmas lunch in the elegant Garden Room adorned with seasonal decorations, with a glass of sparkling on arrival, sumptuous three-course menu, wine and mince pies. After lunch, guests have the freedom to explore this magnificent Tudor palace. If you’ve got a group of more than 80 then you can enjoy an evening Christmas Party in the Garden Room, transformed into a twinkling ice palace. After a three-course menu, drinks and mince pies, guests can take to the dance floor to the sounds of a DJ until the early hours.
Where: Hampton Court Palace, Surrey, KT8 9AU, United Kingdom
Nearest station: Hampton Court (0.2 miles)
Website: www.hrp.org.uk
Sofitel London St James
Sofitel London St James is able to cater for all sorts of Christmas events, from intimate drink receptions with Christmas canapés to lavish banquets for up to 200 guests. Add in VIP extras or choose one of their exclusive packages. Their dedicated ‘magnifique’ Christmas planner will ensure that you have a seamless service and stress-free experience, because as much as love Christmas, all the planning can be hideously stressful.
Where: Sofitel London St James, Waterloo Place, London, United Kingdom
Nearest station: Piccadilly Circus (0.3 miles)
Website: www.sofitelstjames.com
116 Pall Mall
This year 116 Pall Mall will be transforming into a Georgian masterpiece to mirror their heritage and to create a grand setting for their Christmas parties. They have a selection of elegant rooms to choose from including the original vaulted wine cellar and seven unique rooms surrounding a 10-foot chandelier and grand staircase. With a capacity of up to 600 for drinks and canapés it makes the ideal venue if you’re having to organise a big office party. You can even upgrade to a Champagne reception, just quote ‘Handbook Christmas’ when enquiring or booking your event with 116 Pall Mall.
Where: 116 Pall Mall, Westminster, London, SW1Y 5ED, United Kingdom
Nearest station: London Charing Cross (0.3 miles)
Website: www.116pallmall.com
Bvlgari Hotel London
Alongside a Christmas afternoon tea (keep your eyes peeled for our guide to the best Christmas teas coming soon), festive menus in Rivea and Christmas overnight packages, the Bulgari have several spaces you can book for magnificent Christmas events, whatever the vibe is that you’re looking for. Book out The Spirit Room with its large fireplace for an intimate cocktail reception, head to the cinema for festive films with plenty of popcorn or if you’re looking to go all out then the ballroom with its two handcrafted solid silver chandeliers can hose up to 280 guests for a reception.
Where: Bulgari Hotel London, 171 Knightsbridge, London SW7 1DW, United Kingdom
Nearest station: Knightsbridge (0.2 miles)
Website: www.bulgarihotels.com
Haymarket Hotel
Fancy a Christmas pool party? Not a problem at Haymarket Hotel, their pool area can accommodate up to 220 guests for a reception or 160 guest for dinner. Leave the pool open and customise it with floating candles or cover it up and turn it into a dance floor. Want to add a little drama? No, we’re not saying jump in the pool, rather host a lavish cocktail party or private dinner in The Shooting Gallery. Used in the 1800s as place for men to practise shooting, it is now filled with eclectic furniture and artwork by Oliver Messel.
Where: 1 Suffolk Place, London, SW1Y 4BP, United Kingdom
Nearest station: Piccadilly Circus (0.2 miles)
Website: www.firmdalehotels.com
The Stafford London
Nestled in the heart of historic St James’s, The Stafford London is a magical place to celebrate in style this Christmas. Choose from four intimate private dining rooms or the exquisite 380-year-old wine cellars and three menus that includes the likes of H Forman & Son smoked salmon, beef Wellington and Madagascan vanilla crème brûlée with spiced fig jam and warm fig rolls. Then let their expert events team design an unforgettable bespoke Christmas celebration for you and your guests.
Where: 16-18 St James's Place, Mayfair, London, SW1A 1NJ, United Kingdom
Nearest station: Green Park (0.2 miles)
Website: www.thestaffordlondon.com
Jumeirah Carlton Tower
With a menu of seared foie gras with peach purée, Gressingham duck and truffle brioche crumbs; traditional roast Norfolk turkey, apricot and chestnut stuffing, bread sauce and chipolatas wrapped in sweet cured streaky bacon and Christmas pudding with brandy sauce followed by cheeses, The Rib Room is the place to go for traditional dining this Christmas. There are three private rooms to choose from accommodating up to twenty so it’s perfect for an office lunch.
Where: 1 Cadogan Place, Knightsbridge, London, SW1X 9PY, United Kingdom
Nearest station: Knightsbridge (0.4 miles)
Website: www.jumeirahcarltontower.com
Coq d'Argent
Terraces aren’t just for summer, add in a heater and bingo you can host your Christmas party outside. Coq d’Argent can accommodate up to 100 guests for a reception in their winter terrace which this year will be inspired by Courchevel in collaboration Hennessy. Filled with French chalet-inspired decorations, the terrace will have a bespoked drinks menu with alpine pairings and a festive menu.
Where: No 1 Poultry, Poultry, London EC2R 8EJ, United Kingdom
Nearest station: London Cannon Street (0.1 miles)
Website: www.coqdargent.co.uk
Crowne Plaza London - The City
Whether you’re celebrating with colleagues or hosting clients, book your party at Crowne Plaza London – The City in Blackfriars and you’re sure to be the Christmas star. They’ve put together a fabulous package that are guaranteed to get your work’s Christmas event off to a great start. Book your Christmas banquet in the festive Bridewell Suite for 60 to 144 guests. Dishes on the three course menu includes: smoked salmon and beetroot gravlax terrine; turkey roulade with roasted potatoes and trimmings and Baileys dark chocolate tart with mascarpone.
Where: Crowne Plaza London - The City, 19 New Bridge Street, London EC4V 6DB, United Kingdom
Nearest station: London Blackfriars (0.1 miles)
Website: www..cplondoncityhotel.co.uk
The Rubens at the Palace
The Rubens at the Palace will be celebrating its first Christmas as a five-star hotel with a whole host of Christmas parties. We particularly like their afternoon tea parties, where you can host a giant Christmas tea party for up to 200 people. If you’re looking for a dinner then they can host up to 100 people in the private dining room for a three course meal complete with mince pies, canapés, crackers and party hats.
Where: 39 Buckingham Palace Road, Victoria, SW1W 0PS
Nearest station: London Victoria (0.2 miles)
Website: www.rubenshotel.com
Bocconcino Restaurant
They’ve put the decorations up, they’re chilling the Prosecco and they’re cooking up the likes of homemade pappardelle with wild mushrooms; watercress beetroot, figs, goat’s cheese and pomegranate salad and burnt meringue cake. All they need now is you and your friends and with two unique private dining rooms that can be you and 119 friends. Why not add in a Prosecco reception too? It is Christmas after all.
Where: 19 Berkeley St, London W1J 8ED, UK
Nearest station: Green Park (0.2 miles)
Website: www.bocconcinorestaurant.co.uk
The Lanesborough
Whether you’re looking for a chic cocktail and canapé party or grand festive feast in one of the luxurious private rooms, you can guarantee that The Lanesborough will have decked the halls and will be putting on parties to remember. On the menu you’ll find the likes of poached lobster with honey endives, bisque and vanilla oil; chestnuts pearl barley and winter vegetable risottos and Christmas chocolate baubles.
Where: The Lanesborough, Hyde Park Corner, SW1X 7TA
Website: www.oetkercollection.com
The Perception at W London
From suit up to sun down, soak in trailblazing interiors, bar-raising cocktails, mouth-watering bites and exhilarating experiences of W London – Leicester Square; all overlooking the hustle and bustle of the streets of Soho below. The versatile and boldly designed spaces provide the perfect backdrop to festive parties and office celebrations – you’d actually want to attend your work party if it was held here, rather than your office break out space. From seated dinners to canapés and bowl foods whatever, you’re looking for W London – Leicester Square will help you steal the scene.
Where: 10 Wardour Street, Leicester Square, London, W1D 6QF, United Kingdom
Nearest station: Piccadilly Circus (0.2 miles)
Website: www.theperceptionbar.com
