Christmas Day Dining in London

Nobody has ever given us a good reason why Christmas Day should involve hour upon hour of basting, stuffing, chopping, boiling, table-laying, and washing-up - not to mention sweating and swearing. Much better, in our opinion, to let somebody else do all the work. A surprising number of London restaurants - especially those in major hotels - now open their doors on Christmas Day, offering roast Turkey or festive versions of their usual menus. We’ve selected a few of our favourites...

Inn the Park

St James's Park, SW1A
Just imagine on a shimmering Christmas morning, crunching through the snow in St James's Park, the stately buildings of Westminster on one side, with the London Eye behind glittering like a Christmas decoration, and the fairytale Buckingham Palace ahead, before settling down to a piping-hot meal prepared by Oliver Peyton's excellent team.

Of course, it's all quite unlikely - the bookies are currently offering 7/1 odds on a white Christmas. But Inn the Park has a lovely location, especially on a silent winter morning. There’s plenty of space outside to stop the kids getting restless. They also have an excellent way with simple, traditional British food. And if you book, maybe the snow will come...

Inn the Park - Information | Hotels near St Paul's Cathedral

The Lansdowne

90 Gloucester Avenue, NW1
Having replaced The Engineer as the home of the Primrose Hill set, The Lansdowne is a pub that attracts mixed opinions from locals. It’s a great place to show off your fashion sense, discuss MP3-player options, or spot celebrities ‘slumming it’ with their families. It’s also a wonderful place for getting ignored while the staff lounge around comparing their asymmetrical fringes.

Where it can’t be faulted is in its sensible, well-cooked gastropub menu, hearty portions, and proximity to Hampstead Heath. If you want a sturdy roast meal (goose, not Turkey, ) accompanied by a walk in London’s nicest park, then this is your best bet for Christmas Day. There might even be a couple of movie stars in there.

The Lansdowne - Information | Hotels near The Lansdowne

The Dorchester Grill Room

The Dorchester, 53 Park Lane, W1A
Until a year ago, The Dorchester Grill Room was the most traditional dining room in the capital. It’s been refurbished in a spectacularly kitsch Scottish style - all tartan and thistles - but the menu is as old school as ever. This is food for large men with red faces, bulging waistcoats, and even bigger wallets. Stuff yourself on dishes like Roast Norfolk Turkey, Oxtail in Ruby Port, Cromer Crab, Smoked Salmon and Dublin Bay Prawns with Caviar and Cider Dressing.

In fact, the only thing missing to complete that Victorian Christmas mood, is a couple of starving street urchins knocking on the window to beg for the scraps off your table. Donate some money to an orphanage before you go for the full Dickens experience.

The Dorchester Grill Room - Information | Hotels near The Dorchester

Chapter Two

43 Montpelier Vale, SE3
Blackheath is thoroughly picturesque corner of south London, like a less posh version of Highgate. It’s not on the Tube, but since there’s no Tube on Christmas Day anyway, you should take advantage of this very impressive restaurant. In spite of its reasonable prices it’s a serious foodie proposition, with an intelligent, unfussy menu of meltingly rich French and British delicacies. The Christmas menu offers the traditional turkey, but other delights on the menu include Crab and Horseradish Consomme, Boudin of Veal Sweetbread or Roast Halibut with Crushed New Potatoes, Confit Fennel & Shellfish Broth. It’s a perfect marriage of tradition and modernity, and a Christmas dream for gourmands.

Chapter Two - Information | Hotels near Chapter Two

Butler’s Wharf Chop House

Butler’s Wharf Building, 36e Shad Thames, SE1
This smart Terence Conran restaurant will be open for lunch and dinner on Christmas Day, serving a special seasonal menu. This is an upmarket restaurant with a welcoming, family friendly atmosphere and their Christmas menu is perfectly suited to a year-round custom of cooking English classics… with style.

Eat a sumptuous feast then leave the washing up to someone else as you stroll the banks of the Thames, taking in the sights - from Tower Bridge to Shakespeare's Globe. A great choice for diners looking to experience the hush and beauty of the city on Christmas Day.

Butler's Wharf Chophouse - Information | Hotels near Butler’s Wharf Chop House