It’s less than three months to go until the big day and your boss has just lumbered you with the task of organising the office Christmas party. In a bid to not let the whole office of 100 pile into Frankie and Benny’s like last year, The Handbook elves have been busy in Santa’s workshop rounding up 40 of the city’s very best Christmas venues to make this festive season extra magical. So let’s pull the crackers, pop on our flimsy paper hats and let’s get merry!
Tom's Kitchen Chelsea
Whether you’re after an intimate private dining experience for six, or you’re looking to fuel 60 hungry office workers, Tom’s Kitchen Chelsea has you covered. Get the Christmas cheer well and truly underway with an informal festive lunch, standing cocktail and canapé reception, or even a Christmas brekkie extravaganza, all wrapped with a big ol’ red bow of course!
If you’ve forgotten to get your gifts ready, fear not. Tom’s Kitchen has Christmas hampers, all designed by Tom Aikens, that are perfect for any foodie.
Where: Tom's Kitchen, Chelsea, London, United Kingdom
Nearest station: South Kensington (0.6 miles)
Website: www.tomskitchen.co.uk
Ivory Vaults
Have a holly jolly Christmas, it’s the best time of the year… And where else to spread the Christmas cheer than Ivory Vaults! The Christmas elves over at Ivory Vaults have been busying themselves, creating the ultimate winter fantasy with their medieval feast offering. You’ll be taken on a journey complete with jesters, acrobats and dragons, and there’s no doubt you won’t be stuffing yourselves silly because there’s a five course banquet awaiting for you with wine and ale. So, er, you might be rolling home but hey, isn’t that what Christmas is for?
Where: Ivory House, St Katharine Docks, E1W 1BP
Website: www.medievalbanquet.com
Roast
It’s never to early to start thinking about Christmas plans and one place that’s certain to get booked up is Roast, whose festivities run from 25th November to 24th December. This year, Roast’s festivities will be even whackier than previous years thanks to their newly refurbed bar that’s sure to be the perfect backdrop on your Christmas work-do Insta, and their festive menu certainly has us dreaming about Christmas roasties and pigs in blankets…
Where: The Floral Hall, Stoney St, London SE1 1TL
Nearest station: London Bridge (0.2 miles)
Website: www.roast-restaurant.com
The Piano Works
One place that knows how to throw a party that sleighs is The Piano Works, and you can rest easy knowing these guys will have rocking Christmas tunes pumping throughout the day while you dive into their three course Christmas treats or if you’re wanting something a little less formal there’s option for a festival buffet and drinks table. From the 25th of November until the 20th of December, The Piano Works Farringdon and West End will have two piano vocalists and accompanying musicians take to the stage forming a six piece band performing songs requested by you. So get your dancing shoes on because you’re gonna be rocking around the Christmas tree in no time…
Where: Farringdon / West End
Website: www.pianoworks.bar
STK London
Yule be sorry if you miss STK’s festive offerings… Okay, on a serious note, STK’s Christmas experience is one of a kind, combining scrumptious food, delectable cocktails and world-class service, with eccentric burlesque and DJs that’ll leave you dancing the night away. Running from 8pm until midnight on Thursday, Friday or Saturday nights from 5th-21st December, STK diners will experience an evening comprising of canapés, Prosecco, a three course dinner (showcasing the restaurants’s luxury 28-day custom ages USDA prime beef obvs), wine and burlesque. Wowza, that was a mouthful but it’s certain to be a good’un!
Where: ME London, 336-337 The Strand, London WC2R 1HA, United Kingdom
Nearest station: Temple (0.3 miles)
Website: www.togrp.com
Searcys at The Gherkin
There’s nothing quite like a white Christmas… Well, sorry chaps but we can’t promise we’ll all be rolling around in the snow this Christmas but we are here to help you with finding the perfect venue for your Christmas party! And, if last year’s anything to go by, Searcys at The Gherkin will pull out all of the stops! Make the twinkling lights of London the backdrop of your Christmas party and celebrate with an intimate festive lunch inside one of the city’s most iconic buildings. You’ll feel as though you’ve stepped inside a snow globe as you dance the night away under The Gherkin’s glass dome.
Where: 30 St Mary Axe (The Gherkin), Saint Mary Axe, London, United Kingdom
Nearest station: London Fenchurch Street (0.2 miles)
Website: www.searcysatthegherkin.co.uk
Sexy Fish
The striking Coral Room at Sexy Fish utterly captivates with its cutting-edge design, courtesy of Martin Brudnizki Design Studio. Inside you’ll find seating for 48 guests, two of the largest coral reef tanks in the world and a polished private dining space equipped with bar. The room is peppered with works from Damien Hirst, Frank Gehry and Michael Roberts and indulges the diner in oceanic interiors, playfully following the Sexy Fish theme.
Where: Berkeley Square House, Berkeley Square, London W1J 6BR, UK
Nearest station: Green Park (0.3 miles)
Website: www.sexyfish.com
The Lanesborough
Dine in style at The Lanesborough this Christmas and venture inside their new festive Champagne Vault. For the first time since reopening, their Wine Cellar has been transformed into a luxurious private dining experience laced with festive lighting, seasonal foliage, crystal and china table settings, and bespoke menus. All accompanied with a glass of Moët & Chandon Brut Imperial or frozéllini on arrival, perfect!
Available for parties between 13th November to 20th December
Where: The Lanesborough, Hyde Park Corner, SW1X 7TA
Website: www.oetkercollection.com
Hotel Café Royal
Hotel Café Royal is known for being one of the city’s most luxurious hotels so it comes as no surprise their beautiful Grade II listed Oscar Wilde Lounge, decorated with mirrored walls, ornate gold detailing and painted ceilings, is available to be booked out for a glamorous Christmas party reception. Once you’ve spent the afternoon mingling with your co-workers, wander up via a private staircase for a formal dinner in the Domino Room. Get your phone at the ready though because you’ll want to show off your evening to your followers…
Where: 68 Regent Street, Piccadilly, W1B 4DY
Nearest station: Piccadilly Circus (0.1 miles)
Website: www.hotelcaferoyal.com
Jaks Mayfair
Just a short stroll from Bond Street Station, you’ll find a trendy townhouse boasting four floors of eccentric hospitality. Jak’s Mayfair certainly doesn’t do Christmas celebrations by half either, after all it is the most wine-derful time of the year… Here, you’ll find three spaces available for Christmas parties; their cosy cocktail bar perfect for up to 150 guests, private dining restaurant seating around 55, and their intimate members club lounges seats up to 30. As for the food, Jak’s Mayfair has carefully curated varying Christmas menus including three-course set menus, canapés, buffets, and even Christmassy cocktails. Blooming heck, we’ll have one of each thanks!
Where: Jaks Mayfair, South Molton Street, London, UK
Nearest station: Bond Street (0.1 miles)
Website: www.jakslondon.com
Flemings Mayfair
You’ll want to get your Claus over to Flemings Mayfair quick because their Christmas period is booking up fast! For those wanting a sweet intimate festive gathering head to their Manetta’s Bar for a cheeky drink and canapé reception, or for a more formal occasion enjoy a sit-down dinner created by Michelin-awarded chef Shaun Rankin and head chef Kerth Gumbs. ‘Tis the season to be merry after all!
Where: Flemings Mayfair Hotel, Half Moon Street, London, W1J 7BH, United Kingdom
Nearest station: Green Park (0.2 miles)
Website: www.flemings-mayfair.co.uk
The Athenaeum Hotel & Residences
Where better to soak up the festive cheer than Mayfair and, boy, is it brimming with the city’s finest restaurants and hotels. But, one we’d much rather keep our own little secret is The Athenaeum Hotel. Feeling a bit like a home-from-home, the hotel helps make this magical time sparkle even more with their festive offerings. Choose from their unique event spaces, bevvy packages and menus, and rest assured the team will be on-hand topping up your glass with the finest bubbly on offer…
Where: 116 Piccadilly, Mayfair, London W1J 7BJ, United Kingdom
Nearest station: Hyde Park Corner (0.4 miles)
Website: www.athenaeumhotel.com
8 Northumberland Avenue
Wowee, just look! It’s so pretty! Here to turn your resting Grinch face upside down is 8 Northumberland Express with their grand Ice Palace. Begin the evening with a sparkling wine and cocktail reception, before heading onto a three-course dinner, live entertainment and photo booths galore!
Where: 8 Northumberland Avenue, London WC2N 5BY, United Kingdom
Nearest station: London Charing Cross (0.1 miles)
Website: www.8northumberland.co.uk
Mews of Mayfair
It’s the most beautiful time of the year. Lights fill the streets, spreadin’ so much cheer… Alright Biebs, pipe down. We’re here to hear about Mews of Mayfair’s Christmas shenanigans! Make your way over to our favourite London mew and choose from The Map Room, The Wine Room, or The Art Gallery and prepare yourself for a mega feast. Their Christmas menu includes: king oyster mushroom and braised salsify with chicory and a mulled wine reduction; roast goose breast, goose leg sausage roll, kale and cranberry relish; and a killer Christmas pud with brandy cream. Ugh, gimme!
Where: 10 Lancashire Court New Bond Street W1S 1EY
Nearest station: Bond Street (0.3 miles)
Website: www.mewsofmayfair.com
nhow London
Have a jolly ol’ knees up and indulge in one of Nhow’s Christmassy packages. Nestled within you’ll find The Bell and Whistle who’ll take care of all of your Christmas needs whether you’re wanting a two, three, or even four course feast. Plus when you’re subject to a glass of bubbles on arrival, you know you’re in for a smashing time!
Where: 2 Macclesfield Road, London, EC1V 8DG
Nearest station: Old Street (0.5 miles)
Website: www.nhow-hotels.com
Le Méridien Piccadilly
Saaaa-nta Claus is coming to town! Le Méridien Piccadilly more specifically. Nestled in the heart of London’s West End, Le Méridien Piccadilly guarantees to give you guys a memory to remember (well, it depends how hazy your memory is the next day if you’ve had one to many shandies!). These guys have certainly put in the hard-work for you too with a whole lotta Christmas packages, with party essentials, festive food and extras to add a little sparkle to your special night.
Where: Le Méridien Piccadilly, Piccadilly, London, UK
Nearest station: Piccadilly Circus (0.2 miles)
Website: www.marriott.co.uk
The Sheraton Grand London Park Lane
Ho ho ho, it’s time to jump into the Christmas spirit! Here offering a little helping hand is Sheraton Grand London Park Lane offering bespoke festive packages to help you create one magical evening you’ll never forget right in the centre of the city. If you’re in search of a grand ballroom fitting up to 500 elves then Sheraton Grand London Park Lane’s magical Ballroom is perfect for any Christmas princess. Over at Mercante Restaurant you and your 100 guests can indulge in a Christmas menu, all with an Italian twist.
Where: Sheraton Grand London Park Lane, Piccadilly, London, United Kingdom
Nearest station: Green Park (0.4 miles)
Website: www.sheratonparklane.com
116 Pall Mall
Oh 116 Pall Mall, you’ve got it all! Just a short stroll down The Mall from Buckingham Palace you’ll find 116 Pall Mall continuing the royal theme a little further… Oh yes, you’re invited to celebrate ‘A Royal Christmas at 116 Pall Mall’. So, what can you royalists expect? Well, built on the site of King George IV’s former residence, and boasting his immaculate 15th Regency chandelier hanging above the sweeping staircase, you’ll be following in his royal footsteps as you head to banquet like a king. There’s ten function rooms to choose from and we’ve no doubt yule love them all!
Where: 116 Pall Mall, Westminster, London, SW1Y 5ED, United Kingdom
Nearest station: London Charing Cross (0.3 miles)
Website: www.116pallmall.com
The Court
Another venue to add to your Christmas bucket list has to be The Court and their elegant interiors. The Court is available for full venue hire, with space for either 170 standing or 60 people seated. The menu includes festive classics with a cheeky twist, such as Champagne and caviar chowder; “turkey en croute” with cranberry, bacon and brioche; and roasted monkfish with mussels, dashing and quince. As for drinks, you could be celebrating with a Champagne tower, personalised cocktail list or individualised drinks pairing, eek!
For a more intimate affair, their private dining room, accommodates up to 12 guests. And don’t threat, you don’t need to fork out a membership fee because this golden spot is available to hire for non-members, yippee! Enjoy festive tasting menus and specially designed Christmassy three-course dinners, all the while soaking up the elegant ambience of this private members club.
Where: 9 Kingly Street, London W1B 5PH, UK
Nearest station: Oxford Circus (0.4 miles)
Website: www.thecourt.co.uk
Lucky Voice
Mince pies, Christmas playlists, Noël quizzing, Santa hats galore, and a Mariah-Carey themed bottomless brunch? Er, yes please! If you’re looking for a grooving way to celebrate the festive time of year and fancy singing (well, bellowing) your heart out to some Christmassy tunes, your one stop shop has got to be Lucky Voice!
Where: Various venues across the city
Website: www.luckyvoice.com
Gillray’s Steakhouse & Bar
We’re jingling all the way over to Gillray’s Steakhouse & Bar for their festive season! The creative elves over at Gillray’s are offering a Christmas Day carvery perfect for those wanting to relax this Christmas without the stress of overcooking (or undercooking) the turkey. And if you still haven’t found the perfect spot for your office Christmas bash, celebrate in true festive spirit with Gillray’s in one of their charming dining rooms.
Where: Gillray's Steakhouse & Bar, Westminster Bridge Road, London, United Kingdom
Nearest station: London Waterloo (0.3 miles)
Website: www.gillrays.com
Bentley's Oyster Bar and Grill
All I want for Christmas is you, oh, and an oyster from Bentley’s Oyster Bar and Grill if you’re offering. Well, if you’re quick your Christmas dream might come true because Bentley’s Oyster Bar and Grill have a selection of private dining rooms just perfect for intimate Christmas parties. So crack open the crackers, pop on your paper hat and let’s get merry!
Where: 11-15 Swallow Street, London, W1B 4DG, United Kingdom
Nearest station: Piccadilly Circus (0.3 miles)
Website: www.bentleys.org
South Place Hotel
Ice, Ice, Baby…
Grab your skates because we’re swooshing over to South Place Hotel. This Christmas, they’re celebrating the festive season in honour of the famous Vanilla Ice song ‘Ice Ice Baby’. Whether you’re a party of ten or 200, South Place Hotel have five private dining rooms and two exclusive bars available for hire. And, if you don’t fancy bracing the cold after an evening of one to many Christmas tipples, stay a while in one of South Place Hotel’s luxurious hotel rooms…
Where: 3 South Place, London, EC2M 2AF, United Kingdom
Nearest station: Moorgate (Great Northern) (0.2 miles)
Website: www.southplacehotel.com
Corrigan's Mayfair
Don’t rock around the Christmas tree this year, rock around the Chef’s Table at Corrigan’s Mayfair instead. Do something a little different with your work colleagues and get up, close and Christmassy with the chef’s at Corrigan’s Mayfair, or enjoy an intimate dinner party Christmas style in one of the glorious private dining rooms here.
Where: 28 Upper Grosvenor Street, Mayfair, London, W1K 7EH, United Kingdom
Nearest station: Green Park (0.4 miles)
Website: www.corrigansmayfair.com
The Century Club
Don’t noël where to head for your annual Christmas bash this year? Fear not, we’ve found a venue that sounds out from the rest. Partially because you’ll be partying the night away on a roof terrace in the middle of winter. Yup, the guys over at Century Club use their notorious roof terrace for big ol’ Christmas parties, holding up to 150 with a stage (180 without). Their dedicated head elf has worked hard to create a set of menus for xmas including a three-course sit down menu, canapés or bowl food. Not bad, eh?
Where: 61-63 Shaftesbury Avenue, Westminster, W1D 6LQ
Website: www.centuryclub.co.uk/
Park Chinois
A Christmas miracle like no other…
Ever wondered what’s nestled behind the red doors on Berkeley Street? Well, Christmas time is about experiencing new things so head on over to Mayfair to find out! Park Chinois is home to two unique dining experiences that’ll no doubt impress the rest of the office at this year’s office party. Salon De Chine is located on the ground floor, capturing the romance and etiquette of 1930s Shanghai serving Chinese cuisine, perfect for lunch and dinner, while down the spiral staircase you’ll find Club Chinois, the underground hideaway that’s home to Park Chinois’ live cabaret show (and a mega dinner too!).
Where: Park Chinois, 17 Berkeley Street, Mayfair, W1J 8EA
Nearest station: Green Park (0.2 miles)
Website: www.parkchinois.com
M Victoria ST
Noël doubt you’ve already been to M Victoria Street and tried one of their succulent steak offerings. I mean, seriously, if you haven’t head there immediately! But for now, stick around to hear about their special Christmas menu that incorporates the festive classics with some of their favourite seasonal dishes. One dish we’re excited to get out mitts around has to be their venison main course with quince, mushrooms and parsnips. Oh, and their ‘white Christmas’ pud as well obvs.
Where: Zig Zag Building, 74 Victoria Street, Westminster, SW1E 6SQ
Nearest station: St. James's Park (0.3 miles)
Website: www.mrestaurants.co.uk
Zuaya
There’s snow way you’ll want to miss Zuaya’s festivities… Shortlisted in the Restaurant and Bar Design Awards, Zuaya’s tropical interiors will surely wow away your guests from the moment they waltz through the door. It’s time to ditch the dry turkey and over cooked roasted tatties, and celebrate Christmas with a Latin American twist by diving into Zuaya’s tapas and small dish selection.
Where: Zuaya London, Kensington High Street, London, UK
Nearest station: High Street Kensington (0.3 miles)
Website: www.zuaya.co.uk
34 Mayfair
Father Christmas, this year for Christmas, I’d like a seat in The Emin Room at 34 Mayfair please. Oh, and a bottle of pop or two while you’re at it! The Emin Room at 34 Mayfair can accommodate up to 60 people for lunch or dinner and 80 for a standing reception, making it ideal for a Christmassy banquet and wine-fuelled celebrations. It’s slap bang in central London, just off Park Lane, making it the perfect spot for all to come together.
Where: 34, Grosvenor Square, London, W1K 2HD, United Kingdom
Nearest station: Bond Street (0.5 miles)
Website: www.34-restaurant.co.uk
W London
It’s time to get lost in the glitz and glamour of Christmas because we’re headed to W London for one hell of a disco ball! With views stretching over Leicester Square and a giant shimmering disco ball illuminating the ceiling, it’s clear W London know how to put on a good show. Designed to rotate, the stepped seating can face either outwards providing front-row sears for red carpet movie premieres, or inwards, and when the focus is drawn to what’s happening within the lounge, it’s the perfect spot to soak up all the live performances and bands happening within!
Where: Leicester Square, 10 Wardour Street, London W1D 6QF
Website: www.marriott.com
Scott's
On the first day of Christmas, my true love gave to me a seat inside London’s finest private dining room… Okay, it doesn’t quite has the same ring to it as the original but hey, yule certainly want to bag yourself a seat at Scott’s recently launched new private dining room, The Platinum Arowana room. The space hosts up to eight guests with an interior value at over £6m thanks to the stunning artwork and a show-stopping green, semi-precious agate stone floor. Oh, so dreamy!
Where: 20 Mount Street, London, W1K 2HE, United Kingdom
Nearest station: Bond Street (0.5 miles)
Website: www.scotts-restaurant.com
Kimpton Fitzroy London
Last Christmas, I gave you my heart. But the very next day you gave it away. This year, to save me from tears, I’ll give it to someone special. And, this special someone (or venue at least) is going to be Kimpton Fitzroy London because these lovely lot sure know how to throw a Christmas party! The Grade II listed Ballroom has been beautifully restored to its original grandeur, providing a glorious setting for up to 200 guests. Other spaces in the hotel also provide a wonderful setting for private parties, including Palm court, nestled in the heart of the hotel, featuring a soaring glass ceiling – and the Mural Room in Fitz’s Bar, a spot that’s sure to wow your guests away with their superb cocktails.
Where: Kimpton Fitzroy London Hotel, 1-8 Russell Square, London WC1B 5BE, UK
Nearest station: Russell Square (0.1 miles)
Website: www.kimptonfitzroylondon.com
Balthazar
Enjoy a French twist on your traditional British traditions and head over to Balthazar. Reflecting the same beautiful design as the rest of the French brasserie, Balthazar boasts two dreamy dining spaces; ‘Le Petit’ and ‘Le Grand’. Immerse yourself in the amour of France with vintage wall sconces, antique timber floorboard and glass shades from Clignancourt, Paris.
Where: 4-6 Russell Street, Covent Garden, London WC2B 5HZ
Nearest station: Covent Garden (0.2 miles)
Website: www.balthazarlondon.com
The Stafford London
Christmas time, mistletoe and wine! Well, if that’s exactly what you’re after this Christmas then head on over to The Stafford London for a magical celebration of Christmas spirit. Chose from their four intimate private dining rooms, or dine high in the exquisite 380-year-old wine cellars and let The Stafford London’s expert team create your one unforgettable Christmas celebration.
Where: 16-18 St James's Place, Mayfair, London, SW1A 1NJ, United Kingdom
Nearest station: Green Park (0.2 miles)
Website: www.thestaffordlondon.com
Sea Containers London
Treat your-elf and the rest of the office to a lovely Christmas bash along the South Bank at Sea Containers London. It’s a time for cosying up in your finest Christmas sweater and embracing the festive cheer with friends and family, so whether you’re after a holiday feast at Sea Containers Restaurant, toasting with award-winning cocktails in Lyaness, or sipping on Champagne with a backdrop of London’s iconic skyline in their rooftop bar, 12th Knot, there’s nowhere quite as special…
Where: 20 Upper Ground, London, UK
Nearest station: London Waterloo East (0.3 miles)
Website: www.seacontainerslondon.com
Boyds Grill & Wine Bar
Pull out your Christmas cocktail dress, slip on your heels and make your way over to Boyds Grill and Wine Bar for a festive tasting experience like no other. The Boyds Christmas selection offers a range of classic, artisan dishes for you and your guests to choose from or if you’re wanting a traditional turkey roast, they’ve crafted a classic menu too. And, of course, it’s no wine bar without the wine! There’s a fine selection to choose from by the glass or the bottle, yippee!
Where: 8 Northumberland Avenue, London WC2N 5BY, UK
Nearest station: London Charing Cross (0.1 miles)
Website: www.boydsgrillandwinebar.co.uk
Kahani
Ho, ho, ho-w about changing up your traditional Christmas Day dinns and adding an Indian twist to the special day? Locked in the heart of Chelsea, opposite the iconic Cadogan Hall, Kahani will be opening its doors this Christmas Day serving up an Indian festive feast! Forget worrying about overcooking the turkey and tuck into their delicious seven course menu. Highlights include: grilled Chilean seabass with Indian mustard, dill leaves and turmeric parsnips; organic turkey tikka, tandoori grilled with smoked tomato sauce and beet crisps; and their English lamb cutlets chargrilled with paprika, ginger, ground cardamon and clove sounds bloomin’ delish! Oh, and it’s served with coconut glazed baby corn, sprouts, snow peas, turnips, and rice or peshawari naan.
Where: 1 Wilbraham Place, Chelsea, SW1X 9AE
Website: www.kahanilondon.com
The Square
It would be Rud-olph to miss out on one of The Square’s Christmas tasting menus. The Square is at the heart of Mayfair’s food and art scene and this Christmas they’ve got two delicious tasting menus to try with a French festive twist. Here at this Michelin-star resto, you could be munching on rock oyster tartare served with green apple and caviar and lobster brioche with coral béarnaise, or black truffle boudin blanc, à l’américaine and Cumbrian beef fillet, à la Royale. You’d be a red-nosed fool to miss out.
Where: 6-10 Bruton Street, Mayfair, W1J 6PU
Website: www.squarerestaurant.com
The Ivy
Positioned in the heart of London’s Covent Garden, The Ivy has been a hit with celebs, tourists and hardened Londoner’s for years. Tucked downstairs, you’ll find their private dining room that’s just bursting with character and charm, and seats up to 60 guests for dinner. Following an extensive refurb, the room’s major selling points include the twinkling bespoke bar and stunning collection of contemporary art. Forget your piling email inbox and jump into the Christmas spirit with the help of The Ivy.
Where: 1-5 West Street, Covent Garden, WC2H 9NQ
Website: www.the-ivy.co.uk
