These Are London’s Most Festive Restaurants
From winter terraces to bauble paradises, eke out every last ounce of the festive period with a trip to one of the best Christmas restaurants and bars in London. Expect polar bears dressed to the nines, red ribbons presents and plenty of Insta-worthy photo moments incoming…
The Garden at Corinthia London
Step into a winter wonderland at The Garden at Corinthia London. This season, The Garden’s outdoor terrace transforms into an Alpine escape, dressed in soft sheepskin throws, twinkling lights and golden foliage. Settle in beneath the heaters with a mulled cider and dine in a hidden haven that feels both festive and wonderfully serene.
where: Whitehall Place, SW1A 2BD
website: www.corinthia.com
Smith’s Bar & Grill
Step into the warmth of Smith’s Bar & Grill this festive season, where cosy Christmas decor transforms the canal-side venue into a winter haven. Twinkling lights and festive garlands give a magical feel, perfect for holiday get-togethers and festive cheer. Throughout December, Smith’s festive menu highlights classic holiday flavours with a refined touch, offering a three-course menu with classic grilled turkey and more.
On Christmas Day, Smith’s has a luxurious three-course feast. Begin with appetisers like tuna tartare or beef carpaccio, followed by mains, including grilled turkey with all the trimmings or a fillet steak. Finish with festive desserts such as sticky Christmas pudding or matcha cheesecake, each presented with a modern twist.
The festive menu is priced at £70pp, while the Christmas Day menu is £95pp.
where: Central, 25 Sheldon Square, London W2 6EY
website: smithsbarandgrill.com
Annabel’s
Marking the Yuletide occasion in true Annabel’s style, the Mayfair private members’ club has launched its festive makeover.
The exteriors have been stripped of their Halloween mask, and at its centre is a porcelain lion standing guard, with a moon standing as a “reminder of the smallest hearts who guide us, the children who remain the true light of the world.” This stunning façade is not just festive cheer, but a tribute to The Caring Family Foundation’s work.
The exteriors have been stripped of their Halloween mask, and at its centre is a porcelain lion standing guard.
If you don’t have a membership, you can always head down this month to catch their epic Christmas exterior display.
where: 46 BERKELEY SQUARE, MAYFAIR, W1J 5AT
website: WWW.ANNABELS.CO.UK
The Ivy Asia
As the festive season unfolds, each Ivy Asia location will be transformed into a shimmering world of silver hues, light and imagination, capturing the wonder of
the holidays in true Ivy Asia style. The menu includes wagyu beef tataki with black winter truffle, ponzu and chives, bold and fiery Kung Pao Monkfish with toasted cashew nuts, chilli and green onions, lobster Rendang, an Indonesian curry with lychees, water chestnuts and curry leaves,
served with steamed jasmine rice and a Festive Origami dessert.
where: across London
website: www.theivyasia.com
The Montague on the Gardens
Imagine you’re anywhere but London when you step inside this alpine-themed ski lodge at The Montague on the Gardens. This festive space has been transformed with fake snow, skis, piste maps, reindeer and strings of fairy lights and lanterns. Helping you combat the cold will be mulled wine, hot spiced cider, mugs of steaming hot chocolate cocktails and big woolly rugs to bundle up in.
where: 15 MONTAGUE STREET, HOLBORN, WC1B 5BJ
website: www.montaguehotel.com
Purple Bar at Sanderson London
Celebrate the season at Purple Bar’s Winter Soirée, where shimmering lights and festive décor create an unforgettable atmosphere. Sip on Grey Goose cocktails in one of London’s most stylish bars, also available for private parties throughout December.
where: 50 Berners Street, Fitzrovia, London W1T 3NG
website: www.morgansoriginals.com
Miracle at Henrietta Hotel
Returning to Covent Garden’s Miracle at Henrietta, the iconic pop-up bar is renowned for its kitsch interiors, outlandish colour scheme and novelty cocktails.
I am *festive obsessed* and Miracle is the one that has always gotten away. For three years running I’ve tried to snag a booking without any luck, but FINALLY I have one for cocktails this season
Robyn, Managing Director
where: HENRIETTA HOTEL, 14-15 HENRIETTA STREET, WC2E 8QH
website: www.miracleathenrietta.com
34 Mayfair
Another restaurant we’re eagerly watching turn into a full-fledged winter fantasia is 34 Mayfair. Here, baubles drip from the ceiling like suspended jewels, lights playfully chase each other across the room, and every wall glows with a soft, festive shimmer. From the first celebratory sip of champagne to the final forkful of the seasonal menu, each moment feels brushed with holiday enchantment. At 34 Mayfair, Christmas is an experience in its own right.
where: 34 Grosvenor Square, S Audley Street, W1K 2HD
website: www.34-restaurant.co.uk
Coq d’Argent
Bring in the festive season with a little help from Coq d’Argent and their winter pop-up, Lodge d’Argent. Their outdoor space has once again been transformed with alpine-inspired cabins. Cosy up and settle in for a night of fine cocktails and wintry-sharing dishes, from fondue to charcuterie boards.
where: No.1 Poultry, Bank, EC2R 8EJ
website: www.coqdargent.co.uk
Sam’s Riverside
Celebrate the magic of Christmas at Sam’s Riverside, Hammersmith, with luxurious set menus. Perfect for elegant festive gatherings, look forward to dishes like roasted celeriac and apple soup, truffled beef tartare, bronze turkey roulade, roast halibut, Christmas pudding soufflé and clementine and vanilla bean crème brûlée from Head Chef Karol Mielczarek – all available from 24th November to 24th December.
where: 1 Crisp Rd, London W6 9DN
website: www.samsriverside.co.uk
The Churchill Arms
The Churchill Arms has to be one of the most Christmassy pub in London, what with the display of multiple Christmas trees featuring over 21,000 fairy lights.
When it comes to festive pubs, The Churchill Arms is the one to beat. You can spot it from a mile away, thanks to all the bright lights out the front. As for the Thai menu, it’s less ‘traditional’ but still tasty and warming.
Natasha, Digital Editor
where: 119 KENSINGTON CHURCH STREET, KENSINGTON, W8 7LN
website: www.churchillarmskensington.co.uk
Savoy Grill
Whether it’s an elegant lunch in the wine room or an intimate culinary experience over the kitchen table, Savoy Grill is a great spot for festive celebrations this Christmas. On the menu, we spotted Gordon Ramsay’s classic beef Wellington, Louet-Feisser oysters and an Arnold Bennett soufflé with tarte tatin to end on a sweet note.
If you’re after a Christmas party in an iconic setting, the Savoy Grill is the perfect choice. With a festive menu that blends traditional flavours with a modern twist, the food is just as impressive as the setting.
Harriet, Head Of Partnerships
where: 100 Strand, London WC2R 0EZ
website: www.gordonramsayrestaurants.com
Quilon
Experience the season with Quilon’s festive creations that blend authentic South-west coastal Indian flavours with inventive touches. Available for both lunch and dinner on 25th December, highlights of the menu include lamb varutharacha curry, chicken roast, morel ghee rice and lots more.
where: 41 Buckingham GateLondon, SW1E 6AF
website: www.quilon.co.uk
Daphne’s
This year’s winter installation at Daphne’s is just as exciting as we anticipated. On the menu, savour a selection of comforting Christmas specials like the truffle risotto, perfectly paired with Perrier-Jouët Belle Époque, or for a heartier note, the Tagliatelle with Venison Ragù, beautifully complemented by Perrier-Jouët Blason Rosé. To finish, enjoy the ultimate treat: the Festive Sgroppino, brought to life with Perrier-Jouët Grand Brut poured over zesty citrus sorbet.
where: 112 Draycott Avenue, South Kensington, SW3 3AE
website: www.daphnes-restaurant.co.uk
One Aldwych
For a fantastical golden paradise, look to One Aldwych’s enchanting winter display. This year, the theme is inspired by the pages of Jane Austen’s novels, with 16th December marking 250 years since the author was born. Whether it’s a sumptuous festive feast, relaxed drinks with colleagues or the chicest of Christmas parties, a visit to One Aldwych is always a night to remember.
where: 1 Aldwych, WC2B 4BZ
website: www.onealdwych.com
Jurema Winter Garden
Jurema, Fitzrovia’s magical indoor garden, has been given the Yuletide treatment, transforming the space to reveal a one-of-a-kind winter escape. Perfect for keeping guests warm during the cooler months, you’ll be able to soak up the stunning botanical views and open-air skies without compromising on heat. Cosy in for the afternoon under faux-fur blankets, twinkling lights and festive foliage, all while enjoying creative cocktails, wines and dishes from the Mandrake’s legendary culinary team.
where: 20-21 Newman Street, W1T 1PG
website: www.themandrake.com
