The kids are all laughing, the gifts have been exchanged, Grandpa’s on to his fifth sherry and singing Jingle Bells in the background – it’s Christmas Day and everyone is having a merry old time. Everyone, that is, but the chef. Organising a festive feast can be exhausting and it’s a fair bet that whoever has been entrusted with this enormous task will spend more time cursing and sweating away than actually enjoying the day as they should. Our gastronomic guide, James Roche is here to help. Here are five of London’s best Christmas meals!
El Cantara
You don’t have to visit Marrakesh or southern Spain for a more “cultured Christmas” – let the team at Soho’s El Cantara bring the Moorish magic to your doorstep this festive season.
Split over three floors, with its own private shisha terrace, El Cantara is the ideal venue for your Christmas Party. Famous for its masterful blending of Spanish and Moroccan flavours, El Cantara offers a number of dining and entertainment options for you and your budget over the Christmas period. Whether it is a small, intimate gathering or a corporate event for up to 150 guests, El Cantara will cater to your every need.
As if the food wasn't enough - the restaurant also has belly dancers, snake charmers and fire eaters entertaining diners late into the night. A true Mediterranean party.
No. 4 Hamilton Place
£25 for a three-course Christmas feast – sounds too good to be true, right? With Santa on the look-out for whose naughty and nice, we would never dare deceive our loyal readers. This is 100% legit.
Renowned for its superb location, exceptional attention-to-detail and opulent spaces, No. 4 Hamilton Place is no stranger to hosting memorable events. Menus are provided by award winning caterers Food by Dish, who have crafted a selection of mouth-watering menus that truly are ‘fit for a King’.
Trying to pick between the chestnut stuffing rolled turkey and the classic roast loin of beef for your main is like trying to pick which Police Academy film you like best– discounting the awful sixth installment, just impossible! Vegetarian? Pescotarian? Hungarian? You are bound to love the cinnamon spiced nut loaf.
We look forward to helping you to create Christmas parties that will live on in the memories of yourself for years to come.
The Lonsdale
Listed as one of the top 20 bars in the world by Drinks International, this might seem like an odd choice on our foodie list but don't let this über-chic venue fool you with its mixology credentials - they serve up some of London's finest meals too.
The very definition of glamour and sophistication, The Lonsdale offers two set menus leading into Christmas and is bound to please even the most discerning of food critics with its diverse range of options - from roast turkey and Herdwick lamb to the finest steaks, risottos and gnocchi. Private dining in a laid-back setting with top-notch cuisine and the finest cocktails London can offer? Sign here!
Herbert Berger at Innholder's Hall
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One look at the picture of the roast Guinea Fowl and I was sold. Can someone pass me a knife, fork and a pillow because I might just move in to the Innholder's Hall.
Of course, I am being silly. I mean, apart from the fact that I would also need my toothbrush, I am sure the staff at this historic 17th century venue already have their hands full hosting events leading into Christmas without having to worry about me.
Lavish hospitality awaits you in the venue's centrepiece: the Great Hall at Herbert Berger.
Let three times Michelin Starred Chef Berger take you on a gastronomic journey - his contemporary take on classic dishes blending the old and new seamlessly. And the royal setting only adds to the experience. Christmas is about spoiling yourself and those around you - this venue was built for the big occasion.
Maison Touareg
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London is a great place to source quality wine, but getting your hands on a decent drop from Lebanon can require a little more effort. You don't have to worry about that at Maison Touareg where not only will they track down a bottle, but they'll throw one in for free for anyone booking a Christmas party through them. As if the delicious Moroccan food wasn't enough already!
Comprising a ground floor restaurant, alfresco dining space and late night lounge (not to mention a late licence of 3am - yay!), Maison Touareg offers a fantastic space for large scale events, whilst maintaining its warm and inviting atmosphere. It's even got a second branch opening up in the Harrod's Food Hall - if that isn't a mark of guaranteed quality, then what is!
Thanks James. We're hungry and we're looking forward to Christmas. For more information on these or any of our other fantastic spaces, check out our website.
Author
Edward Poland
Co-founder of Hire Space. Making event planning a joy with the UK’s leading live venue marketplace.
