Eat, drink and be merry: The best Christmas menus in London for 2024

The best part of Christmas is getting together, and one of our favourite ways to do that? With a fab, festive feast.

Right now, London’s best restaurants are pulling out all the stops, crafting with show-stopping festive menus well deserving of your Christmas celebrations. 

From decadent multi-course banquets to creative spins on Christmas classics, some of our favourite spots in the city are serving up the ultimate in Christmas indulgence this month. Whether you’re planning a cosy meal with loved ones or the perfect Friendmas celebration, these are the places to book now for a Christmas meal to remember.

Moët & Chandon Festive Bar at Sky Garden – City of London

How about a Christmas cocktail in the clouds? Sky Garden’s Moët & Chandon Festive Bar is the perfect setting for champagne, sumptuous small plates and indulgent melted raclette, all served on its pretty alpine terrace, and set against unrivalled views of London’s lights. To add to the apres-ski vibes, live music from the bar’s resident DJs makes this the ideal spot for drinks with friends or a chic holiday date night. We’ll cheers to that.

Price: Cocktails from £15 per person. Address: 1 Sky Garden Walk, London EC3M 8AF. Book here.

Straits Kitchen’s festive menu at Pan Pacific London – Liverpool Street

Found inside the 5-star Pan Pacific London, Straits Kitchen is already one of our favourite hidden gems in the City, and for the Christmas season, we’d expect nothing less than their current four-course festive extravaganza. Start with smoked salmon, horseradish, and apple, followed by classic roast turkey with all the trimmings. For dessert, indulge in a picture-perfect Bailey’s Bauble filled with spiced apple and chocolate mousse – a true showstopper. A sophisticated take on a traditional Christmas dinner and surefire crowd pleaser.

Price: £65 per person. Address: 80 Houndsditch, London EC3A 7AB. Book here.

Hacienda 1942 Winter Terrace at Rosewood London – Holborn

For a taste of Mexico in the heart of London this festive season, head to Hacienda 1942 at Rosewood London’s dreamy courtyard. Created in partnership with Don Julio 1942, this immersive winter terrace combines Mexican warmth with Christmas cheer. Expect premium tequila cocktails, like the signature Sacred Wood or the indulgent Hot Xocolatl, served amidst décor inspired by Jalisco’s agave fields. For Mexican food lovers, there are even more treats to discover, from Baja fish tacos to lime-marinated seabass ceviche, all designed to perfectly complement the drinks. With DJs playing Thursday through Saturday evenings, this is a vibrant yet refined way to celebrate Christmas, Mexican-style.

Prices vary. Address: Rosewood London, 252 High Holborn, London WC1V 7EN.

Festive Menus at Kanishka by Atul Kochhar – Mayfair

It’s no secret that we’re big fans of Kanishka by Atul Kochhar – and for the festive period, the luxe Indian restaurant in the heart of Mayfair is putting a suitably high end, vibrant twist on a traditional Christmas flavours. Here, a rich tapestry of Indian flavors have been woven into imaginative menus created by Executive Chef Ashok Kumar. Choose from a refined three-course Festive Lunch, sumptuous group tasting menus, or a special Festive Brunch between Christmas and New Year. Expect standout dishes like turkey tikka with cranberry chutney, fragrant biryanis, and warming curries that capture the infused with Christmas spirit. Private dining rooms and an array of vegetarian options also make this an ideal, upscale location for big groups.

Festive Lunch from £48 per person; Tasting menus from £75 per person; Festive Brunch £48 per person. Address: 17-19 Maddox Street, Mayfair, London W1S 2QH. Book here.

Festive afternoon tea at Rails Restaurant, Great Northern Hotel – King’s Cross

For a cosy Christmas treat, look no further than afternoon tea at Rails, the elegant restaurant and bar right found inside the stunning Great Northern Hotel, right by King’s Cross station. Indulge with turkey and cranberry sandwiches, cherry and chestnut yule logs, and spiced scones, paired with tea from the East India Company or a glass of fizz for a Christmas toast. The ultimate way to relax and escape from the city’s pre-Christmas hustle.

Price: From £39.50 per person. Address: Great Northern Hotel, Pancras Rd, London N1C 4TB. Book here.

Christmas menus and carols at The Hound – Chiswick

For a Christmas celebration filled with character and culinary flair, head to The Hound in Chiswick. Set in a beautifully restored Victorian police station, this high-end pub blends traditional British charm with inventive dining from a Two-Michelin-starred chef. For the ultimate festive night, head here on the 17th December for a special carol concert from the West London Sinfonia Quartet – or book for Christmas Day itself, where The Hound opens its doors with a lavish four-course menu. For the big day, think Galway Rock Oysters, Wagyu Tartare, and a classic Roast Turkey Crown – perfect for those who’d rather skip the Christmas Day cooking. 

Price: Christmas Day menu £175 per person; vegetarian option £145 per person. Address: The Hound, Chiswick, London. Book here.

Festive set menus at Gaucho – Multiple locations

Steak lovers, your Christmas wishes have been granted! This festive season, Gaucho – famed for its Argentine heritage and world-class steaks – is serving a mouthwatering menu that combines modern Argentine flavours with seasonal British touches. For £55, guests can enjoy three courses featuring dishes like Beef Carpaccio, Roast Spiced Butternut Squash, and an indulgent Chestnut Semifreddo, then, opt for a perfectly marbled Ancho Ribeye or upgrade to a Lomo for an extra special Christmas treat. With its sleek interiors, exceptional Latin American wine selection, and a culinary philosophy rooted in Argentina’s vibrant culture, you can always rely on Gaucho for an elegant spot to celebrate the season in true gastronomic style.

Price: Three-course set menu £55 per person. For locations and details, visit gauchorestaurants.com.