Dining Out for Christmas Lunch

Anyone who has taken on the role of Christmas Day chef will know that the whole ordeal is one long, neverending slog that sees you sweating away in the kitchen to produce a seemingly infinite supply of dishes in the desperate attempt to finally satiate the alarmingly conveyor belt-like digestive systems of your once loving relatives/friends/pets.

Coupled to a liver-busting volume of alcohol that could tranquilise an elephant, Christmas lunch is more akin to the kind of meal a bear would eat before hibernating than a traditional family lunch. Yet, every year, millions, if not billions, of people worldwide stuff their faces to near breaking point.

But, frankly, it’s bloomin’ marvellous, and I love it all. In fact  the only downside in my opinion is if you get lumped with one of two jobs: cooking or (even worse) washing up. Therefore, it makes sense that, now and again, you should give dear old mum/dad/cousin Ramsay a rest, and treat them to a meal out instead.

Ergo, we’ve cobbled together a few options for anyone looking for a last minute escape. From traditional to adventurous, and with a range of prices, there should be something for everyone.

Merry Christmas!
P.S Don’t forget the indigestion tablets. 

The ‘Classic Claus’
Dean Street Townhouse, 69 – 71 Dean Street, Soho, W1D 3SE: £95 pp; four/five courses

A snazzy yet approachable London staple, the Townhouse will be offering a traditional (and likely rather accomplished, if past experience is anything to go by) Christmas lunch. Alongside the standard three course combo of soup, turkey and Christmas pudding, dishes that include potted ham and wild rabbit, halibut and chocolate pudding soufflé  also are up for grabs. A full cheese course, glass of champagne and a mince pie is included in the price.

Honourable mentions: Brasserie Joël, Waterloo (£69; four courses); The Only Running Footman, Mayfair (£69.95; three courses); The Hoxton Grill, Shoreditch (£70; four courses)

The ‘Froogle Snowman’
Founders Arms, 52 Hopton Street, Bankside, SE1 9JH: £15-£25 for two courses

If it’s a no-fuss, reasonably priced option you’re looking for on Christmas Day, you’ll likely do no better than one of our bustling capital’s many pubs. With a great view of the river, the Founders Arms may be a good starting point. Serving a variety of things from their classic menu, you can decide just how much of the Christmas spirit you would like for your money.

Honourable mentions: The Flask, Hampstead (N/A); Geronimo Inns (Check their website for listings of various pubs open across London)

The ‘Bah humbug’
Cinnamon Soho, 5 Kingly Street, Soho, W1B 5PF: £40 pp; four courses.

Tired of turkey? Sick of stuffing? Cheesed off with chestnuts? Don’t worry – there are still options if you would like to avoid ‘the same old thing’ this Christmas. This Indian gem is a great example. Their special four course Christmas Day menu features intriguing dishes even Ebenezer Scrooge would find it hard to turn his nose up at. For example: mixed game balls with hot and sweet pumpkin chutney; South Indian spiced crab and haddock cake; Kadhai spiced duck breast; saffron poached pear.

…Told you.

Honourable mentions: Teyyabs, Whitechapel: < £20; Chinatown (many restaurants are open as usual over the Christmas period)

Image by whatleydude courtesy of Flickr