‘Tis the season for three-hour lunches and afternoon tipples.
We’ve cherry picked the seven best spots to go for Christmas lunch in London to ensure you’re suitably fed and watered this festive season.
Gymkhana
Modelled after a Raj-era Indian sports club, Gymkhana balances old-world interiors with some of the best Indian in London. Head sub terra at the Michelin-starred restaurant and enjoy a two- or three-course lunch of duck egg bhurji with lobster (it’s epic), Goan prawn curry and a sumptuous Pondicherry chocolate mess. Perfect for intimate, private gatherings, the restaurant has two beautifully appointed vaults that seat 9 or 12.
The Wolseley
Formerly the Motor Car building, The Wolseley remains an art deco gem – think marble pillars, grand staircases, and modern arches. The grand café is the perfect backdrop to a Christmas lunch, where diners can choose from a European brasserie fare. Afternoon tea is also very good and makes for a nice switch up.
Bistrotheque
Swap lunch for brunch on Saturday or Sunday at Bistrotheque and dine in style (it’s a favourite of the fashion set). Piano music in full swing and festive, kitsch décor aplenty, now’s the time to overindulge in strong, delicious cocktails. We recommend opting for Bloody Marys or for something a little less ordinary, try the pomegranate cosmo. Chin chin.
Folie
Folie is an all-day affair, making it the perfect Soho lunchtime spot. Nab a relaxed nook and dine on a selection of luxurious French dishes. Sample the burratina, served with creamy corn and lentils and topped with crunchy pomegranate seeds or the divine gnocchi with wild mushrooms and a fragrant sage pesto. Mmm-agnifique.
34 Mayfair
Nabbing a table for lunch at 34 Mayfair will be a little Christmas miracle – but keep trying for that cancellation. The restaurant has been adorned with approximately 14,000 decorations – including 8,400 glittering and colourful baubles covering every inch of the ceiling and walls. Meanwhile, the menu includes Japanese Wagyu fillet steak, white truffle and fontina pizza and Peking duck with pancakes, spring onion, cucumber and hoisin sauce. Scrumptious.
Louie
Book a lunchtime table Wednesday to Saturday at Louie – a chic Franco-New Orleans eatery in London’s Covent Garden. Choose from a menu of traditional Creole dishes alongside classic French cuisine. With plush surrounds – think velvet seating, glitzy marble bars, and old-fashioned, flower-print carpeting – it’s just the place to don your glad rags from noon ‘til… well, New Year would be sublime!
The Foyer & Reading Room at Claridge’s
The glamorous art-deco foyer at Claridge’s is particularly special come Christmas time. With clear views of the hotel’s annual Christmas Tree (this year designed by Kally Ellis of McQueens Flowers), there’s few tables in London can beat it. Perched tableside, music drifting from the grand piano, and a sumptuous feast before you. Unbeatable really.
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