London’s 32 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 Best Christmas Restaurants & Bars In London
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 its Halloween mask and transformed into a giant shimmering hot air balloon. Complete with twinkling lights, red and white stripes and glistening glitter embellishments, members are invited to take flight on the steps to the prestigious club. Inside is equally as magical with each room welcoming the Christmas spirit with open arms – think bauble-draped rooms, festival cocktails and plenty of eye-catching interiors to get you hooked.
If you don’t have a membership, you can always head down this month to catch their epic Christmas exterior display.
46 BERKELEY SQUARE, MAYFAIR, W1J 5AT
WWW.ANNABELS.CO.UK
Miracle at Henrietta Hotel
Returning for its sixth year is Covent Garden’s Miracle at Henrietta, the iconic pop-up bar all the way from the US. Renowned for its kitsch interiors, outlandish colour scheme and novelty cocktails, this pop-up is guaranteed to bring a smile to even the Grinch-iest of folk.
Expect everything from candy canes and giant Nutcrackers to endless tinsel and bauble-filled garlands.
Cocktails will once again be on the menu, featuring the hero Christmapolitan, made with vodka, elderflower, dry vermouth, spiced cranberry sauce, lime, rosemary and an absinthe mist.
HENRIETTA HOTEL, 14-15 HENRIETTA STREET, WC2E 8QH
www.miracleathenrietta.com
Home House
London’s most iconic private members’ club has been given a Santa-approved makeover, complete with a giant 15ft Christmas tree, roaring fires, nostalgic decorated and twinkling lights.
Every inch of the space has been well-thought-out, including their special festive menus perfect for every party occasion.
This is one of London’s most enchanting locations this Christmas and one everyone should experience at least once.
20 Portman Square, W1H 6LW
www.homehouse.co.uk
The Ivy Collection
From London to Glasgow, this Christmas The Ivy Collection will be boasting a charming polar bear installation at all locations. Embark on a polar adventure as you soak up the interiors adorned with festive attire and polar bear motifs.
There’ll be an array of menus available, from the festive breakfast set menu featuring pigs in blankets and eggs royale to the evening set menu boasting goose and turkey shepherd’s pie and Christmas crème brûlée.
In true Ivy style, expect plenty of themed cocktails to go around, from the Gin-gle Bells Fizz, featuring Monkey 47 Gin, to the alcohol-free Festive Citrus Sparkler.
Various locations
www.ivycollection.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.
15 MONTAGUE STREET, HOLBORN, WC1B 5BJ
www.montaguehotel.com
Sketch
Sketch has once again unveiled its latest Christmas exhibition, weaving in a dreamlike journey spread across four distinct spaces. Created in collaboration with Rebel Rebel, JamJar Flowers and Rickey Paul – and a bespoke Christmas tree by Tony Marklew – you’re in for a real treat.
The reception space – designed by Rebel Rebel – is inspired by Robert Frost’s poem ‘Stopping by the Woods on a Snowy Evening’ and features a starlit tunnel adorned with wintry larch branches and woodland flora. While the Lecture Room & Library is home to Marklew’s breathtaking tree featuring cascading sparkling crystals.
Over in the Glade, JamJar Flowers has captured the essence of a winter’s night tempest, complete with candles and natural elements. The East Bar & Pods – designed by Ricky Paul – features a grandiose snow globe depicting a quintessential winter wonderland scene.
9 Conduit Street, W1S 2XG
www.sketch.london
34 Mayfair
Another restaurant we’re excited to see transformed into a winter paradise is 34 Mayfair. Last year saw the space bursting with a ceiling full of red ribboned presents.
Destined to be as impressive as always, this is one to bookmark for any festive occasions you have coming up.
34 Grosvenor Square, S Audley Street, W1K 2HD
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.
The chalet itself is clad with fairy lights, faux fur blankets and winter foliage, perfect for snapping up a photo for the Insta grid – and don’t miss out on the exclusive Rémy Martin cocktails, as the House of Rémy Martin celebrates 300 years of exceptional cognac-making in 2024.
No.1 Poultry, Bank, EC2R 8EJ
www.coqdargent.co.uk
Claridge’s
Every year Claridge’s enlists a top fashion designer to create a masterpiece, and this year’s tree will be designed by none other than Louis Vuitton.
A long-time friend of the hotel, Vuitton is set to unveil its creation in the hotel lobby on the morning of Thursday, 23rd November 2023. As you can expect, this year’s tree will grace the hotel’s foyer, set in front of the grand staircase. Designed to impress, the unveiling itself is just as flamboyant as the tree, with a theatrical ceremony taking place the morning of.
Fan of the yearly tree installation? Click here to see all the Claridge’s Christmas Tree designs from 2009 to now.
Brook Street, Mayfair, W1K 4HR
www.claridges.co.uk
Dalloway Terrace
As predicted, Dalloway Terrace returns with another showstopping frosty floral installation. This year’s has been created in partnership with Perrier-Jouët, bringing Maison Belle Époque to Bloomsbury.
Expect the space to be abrim with golden autumnal leaves, all complemented with a fall-inspired menu. Dishes include wild seabass with avocado, chilli and citrus dressing; chicken Milanese with rocket and parmesan; and Portland crab fresh linguine with datterini tomatoes, chilli and lemon.
16-22 Great Russell Street, Bloomsbury, WC1B 3NN
www.dallowayterrace.com
The Churchill Arms
The Churchill Arms may just bag itself the award for the most Christmassy pub in London, what with the display of multiple Christmas trees featuring over 21,000 fairy lights. Head here for some proper pub grub, a pint and to really soak up the Christmas spirit in all of its glory.
119 KENSINGTON CHURCH STREET, KENSINGTON, W8 7LN
www.churchillarmskensington.co.uk
Daphne’s
This year’s winter installation at Daphne’s is just as exciting as we anticipated. Guests are invited to enter the ethereal realm of Sando Botticelli’s ‘Nativà Mistica’ masterpiece, experiencing the magic of Renaissance-inspired Christmas. Expect the greenhouse-style dining area to be adorned with sparkling baubles, greenery and golden accents.
Partnering with Malfy Gin, there’ll be plenty of limited-edition cocktails on offer too, from the Christmas Negroni to the Snowman’s Martini. A festive Italian menu will be available, featuring dishes such as sea bream carpaccio with citrus dressing and white truffle; and spinach spinach and ricotta ravioli with white truffle.
112 Draycott Avenue, South Kensington, SW3 3AE
www.daphnes-restaurant.co.uk
J. Sheekey
Enter the depths of the ocean with J. Sheekey’s whimsical underwater wonderland. Entitled ‘A Seahorse Serenade’, the festive campaign will see the exteriors of the Covent Garden restaurants transformed with red seahorses and Christmas trees adorning the building. Glossy red in colour, the miniature seahorses are crowned with a glistening gold star.
Inside, expect the theatrics to continue with winter cocktails, festive food and a dazzling NYE event filled with jazz and delicious food.
28-32 St Martin’s Court, Covent Garden, WC2N 4AL
www.j-sheekey.co.uk
Jimmy’s Lodge
Returning to Southbank for another winter season is Jimmy’s Pop Up. This Christmas the space will be transformed with festive snow globes, complete with cosy blankets, wintry hanging foliage and plenty of fondue to go around.
Enjoy a blend of Jimmy’s secret Swiss cheese or a vegan alternative for those who love fondue, or opt for the raclette bar, featuring new potatoes, charcuterie, breads and salads with melted raclette on top.
BELVEDERE ROAD, SE1 8XX
www.jimmyspopup.com
The Garden at Corinthia London
Complete with twinkling lights, roaring fireplaces and warming sheep’s wool and alpaca blankets, The Garden at Corinthia London is an Alpine paradise.
Executive chef André Garret has complemented the cosy-chic feel with an alpine-inspired menu featuring warm raclette with new potatoes and pickled vegetables; ararone and wild mushroom risotto; pan-seared Loch Duary salmon; and crème fraîche, smoked trout and bottarga pizzettes.
Whitehall Place, SW1A 2BD
www.corinthia.com
Pergola Paddington
Santa’s grotto comes to life thanks to Pergola Paddington’s festive makeover. Decked out with red and gold sparkling baubles, ribbon-tied presents and elf legs hanging from the ceiling, the space is a true Lapland workshop.
Throughout the winter, expect to sip on boozy winter warmers, tuck into giant Christmas feasts and sing along to merry songs.
5 Kingdom Street, Paddington Central, W2 6PY
www.pergolapaddington.com
Coppa Club Tower Bridge
Hurry because whenever Coppa Club Tower Bridge unveils its latest igloo incarnation, everyone wants a piece of the action…
This season, enjoy festive dining inside your very own private igloos with breathtaking views over Southbank. There’s no better place to celebrate. Order a round of wintry cocktails and comforting classics and you’re in for a treat.
3 Three Quays Walk, Lower Thames Street, EC3R 6AH
www.coppaclub.co.uk
SUSHISAMBA Covent Garden
Teaming up with Grey Goose for the winter will be SUSHISAMBA Covent Garden. The alfresco piazza terrace has undergone a makeover, complete with sparkling cherry and maple trees, cosy blankets and hot cocktails to keep you warm.
Enter through the icy white archway before indulging in a limited-edition cocktail menu featuring the likes of the Snowball Margarita, blending white chocolate Patron Silver tequila, lemon juice, triple sec and cinnamon; and the boozy Gingerbread Latte featuring walnut and vanilla-infused Grey Goose vodka, gingerbread-infused Japanese plum sake, oak milk, cinnamon syrup and chocolate bitters.
35 The Market, WC2E 8RF
www.sushisamba.com
Pivot Bar & Bistro
When this is the view, how can you not resist?
Pivot Bar & Bistro is Covent Garden’s secret weapon. Slip away from the busy shoppers for a brief moment and settle in for an afternoon with a view of the Piazza’s iconic giant tree.
The restaurant’s festive menu is bursting with delights too, from Brussels pate with crusty bread to braised lamb shank with a red wine jus. Wash it all down with a glass of Prosecco or warming chai mulled wine.
3 Henrietta Street, WC2E 8LU
www.pivotbarandbistro.com
Willows on the Roof
One of our favourite rooftop hideouts will be decked out with festive clad this November-December. Located on the rooftop above John Lewis, Willows on the Roof is a calm oasis away from the hustle and bustle of Christmas shopping.
Head up here and cosy into one of the igloos, armed with a cocktail or two in hand. Order a few dishes from their winter menu which focuses on British produce and warming flavours.
John Lewis Rooftop, 300 Oxford Street, W1C 1DX
www.willowsontheroof.co.uk
Shangri-La The Shard, London
Created in collaboration with Jo Loves by Jo Malone and British textile brand Warner House, Shangri-La The Shard, London’s ‘Enchanted Wonders’ theme is something else. As you enter the lobby, you’re greeted with a larger-than-life Christmas tree and immersive fragrance experience – think twinkling lights, whimsical red and white bows and mini bottles of Jo by Jo Loves.
Meanwhile venture up the floors and be welcomed with traditional festive decor created with Warner House. Throughout the festive season, expect plenty of wreath-making workshops and festive feasts.
31 St Thomas Street, SE1 9QU
www.shangri-la.com
Eco Restaurants
We all love a turkey dinner, we all love a pizza but how about combining the two? Introducing Eco Restaurants’ iconic Christmas pizza.
The Clapham High Street restaurant has been given a festive spruce up this winter, complete with cosy decor and crackers. But it’s their Christmas pizza that’s really got us interested. Their classic basic is topped with stuffed turkey, a Yorkshire pudding, chestnuts, cranberry sauce and raisins and sage breadcrumbs.
A controversial offering but we love one that gets guests around the dinner table talking.
162 Clapham High Street, SW4 7UG
www.ecorestaurants.com
The Stafford
With an entrance this magical, it’s hard to just walk past it without snapping a photo. Little of The Stafford’s interiors will remain untouched by the festive spirit. From the American Bar’s legendary homemade mulled wine to the Game Bird’s festive afternoon tea, there’s something for every occasion, big or small.
16-18 St James’s Place, SW1A 1NJ
www.thestaffordlondon.com
One Aldwych
For a fantastical golden paradise, look to One Aldwych’s enchanting winter display. The hotel’s lobby has been decorated with beautiful forest-inspired displays, including a giant floor-to-ceiling tree taking centre stage. Alongside the tree, wintry foliage surrounds the main seating area, complete with snow-covered leaves, pinecones and berries.
1 Aldwych, WC2B 4BZ
www.onealdwych.com
Taj 51 Buckingham Gate Suites and Residences
What’s Christmas without chocolate? St. James Court, A Taj Hotel and Taj 51 Buckingham Gate Suites and Residences teamed up with master chocolatier Patchi for a sweet festive takeover. The luxury chocolate brand has given the hotel’s main Christmas tree a makeover adorned with colourful decorations that are as sweet as the chocolate themselves.
51 Buckingham Gate, SW1E 6AF
www.taj51buckinghamgate.co.uk
Kimpton Fitzroy London
Stay in style this Christmas and opt for a chic visit to Kimpton Fitzroy London. Renowned for its grand architecture and stylish design, the hotel has been given a festive makeover, complete with cosy corners, Yule-inspired cocktails and magical moments.
Standing tall at 16 feet, the hotel’s tree is adorned with decorations inspired by the architecture of the building. Think warm earthy marbles, green and red baubles and gold ribbons presents.
Enjoy the hotel’s exclusive festive cocktail – the Royal Christmas – made of a mulled wine reduction and Moët & Chandon Brut Impérial Champagne. So cosy, so delightful.
1-8 Russell Square, WC1B 5BE
www.kimptonfitzroylondon.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 glass structure. 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.
20-21 Newman Street, W1T 1PG
www.themandrake.com
The Athenaeum
The Athenaeum is dressed up to the nines this season, complete with a grand display in the entrance and windows decorated with festive artwork by Tom Baker from SnowWindows.
Even the terrace is equipped with winter essentials, including cosy blankets, heating and twinkling lights. It’s the perfect city corner for sipping Yuletide cocktails and catching up with friends.
116 Piccadilly, Mayfair, W1J 7BJ
www.athenaeumhotel.com
Swan London
From the bauble-lined exterior to the colourful turquoise and fuchsia pink tree, all three floors at the Swan London have been spectacularly given the Christmas treatment.
Book into the main dining area or private dining room for warming winter dishes, like the Scottish salmon gravadlax and wild boar terrine, before heading up to the bar. This riverside destination will be serving Champagne on ice and Christmas cocktails throughout December, providing the perfect backdrop to any winter date night.
21 New Globe Walk, Bankside, SE1 9DT
www.swanlondon.co.uk
Hithe + Seek
Hidden inside the Westin London City, Hithe + Seek invites you to step into its winter Candyland this December. The riverside restaurant is home to a candy-cotton-inspired tea, limited-edition candy afternoon tea, Yule cocktails and a brilliant NYE party that’s set to soar.
Unlike any other tree in the capital, this pink-hued masterpiece takes centre stage and provides the perfect backdrop to any Insta post.
60 Upper Thames Street, EC4V 3AD
www.hitheandseek.com
The Lanesborough
Expect plenty of rosy red hues when you walk into The Lanesborough’s winter wonderland. This historic hotel is most magical during the Christmas season, sparkling with glistening decor and joy.
You’ll feel as though you’ve stepped foot into a Yule movie set, with every room dressed to impress. Each tree has been masterfully adorned with ruby red and golden ribbons, while Christmas ornaments have been dotted around the rooms to bring a smile to guests’ faces.
This is Bridgerton-style Christmas at its finest.
Hyde Park Corner, SW1X 7TA
www.oetkercollection.com
The Pem
Nestled amongst London’s greatest landmarks in the heart of Westminster, The Pem is a magical oasis away from the hustle and bustle of city life. Award-winning chef Sally Abé is back at it again, giving the restaurant’s festive menus a special seasonal twist that’s sure to impress.
The space has been transformed into a Christmas haven, complete with traditional trees, red and green decor and plenty of crackers to go around. Book The Harben – the restaurant’s private dining room – for a meal to remember or go out on Christmas Day for a feast filled with canapés, five bird ballotine, beef wellington and yule log.
22-28 Broadway, SW1H 0BH
www.thepemrestaurant.com