London transforms into one of the most magical cities in the UK during the festive season. The streets twinkle with lights, Christmas markets pop up across boroughs, and pubs and restaurants unveil special Christmas and festive lunch menus designed to celebrate the season. From historic pubs with roaring fires and traditional roasts, to elegant hotel dining rooms and lively modern kitchens with seasonal twists, London’s food scene delivers something for every taste and occasion.
Whether you’re planning a family-friendly lunch with children, a Christmas Day feast, a festive work celebration, or a relaxed seasonal meal with friends, the capital’s hospitality venues are ready. Many restaurants require advance bookings (and sometimes deposits or pre‑orders for Christmas Day), while pubs and brasseries fill up quickly for December weekends. London’s diversity also means you’ll find menus with vegetarian, vegan and children’s options when you ask at the time of booking.
1. Joia (Christmas Day Rooftop Lunch)
Where: art’otel Battersea, Nine Elms
Why Visit: A unique Christmas Day option with skyline views and a set festive menu featuring turkey with Madeira sauce, wild Scottish turbot and kid‑friendly dishes.
What to Expect: A festive lunch with premium mains and desserts — perfect for an elevated Christmas Day experience.
Kid‑Friendly: Yes — children’s dishes available.
Booking: Essential and typically fills early.
2. The Albion, Islington (Christmas Day Lunch)
Where: Thornhill Road, Islington
Why Visit: A classic wood‑panelled pub with a sharing‑style festive menu and a traditional British lunch feel.
What to Expect: Turkey with all the trimmings, side dishes and classic puddings.
Kid‑Friendly: Yes — family‑friendly portions.
Booking: Advanced booking needed.
3. Bloomsbury St. Lounge — Christmas Day Buffet Lunch
Where: Bloomsbury
Why Visit: Excellent value buffet with a range of festive dishes and discounts for junior guests.
What to Expect: Wide variety of traditional dishes in a relaxed setting.
Kid‑Friendly: Very — 50% discount for ages 10‑14.
Booking: Recommended via OpenTable.
4. Doggett’s Coat & Badge — Thamesside Festive Pub
Where: Southwark
Why Visit: Classic riverside pub with a Christmas‑inspired three‑course menu available from November to January, including a dedicated kids’ version.
What to Expect: Homely courses like pork belly, nut roast and festive pudding.
Kid‑Friendly: Yes — kids’ menu available.
Booking: Strongly recommended.
5. Karma Sanctum Soho — Rock ’n’ Roll Christmas Lunch
Where: Soho
Why Visit: A more affordable festive feast with a creative twist by a Michelin‑starred chef.
What to Expect: Norfolk bronze turkey with chestnut and apple stuffing or squash risotto, plus prosecco.
Kid‑Friendly: Flexible kids’ dishes typically available on request.
Booking: Early booking advised.
6. Paradise By Way of Kensal Green — West London Festive Brunch
Where: Queen’s Park / Notting Hill area
Why Visit: Stylish vintage interiors and cocktails complement the festive menu — great for group bookings.
What to Expect: Seasonal set menus with shared boards.
Kid‑Friendly: Yes — family‑friendly environment.
Booking: Available now for December.
7. The Castle Farringdon — Classic Pub Christmas Lunch
Where: Farringdon
Why Visit: A traditional British boozer with a hearty three‑course festive lunch for a more casual Christmas option.
What to Expect: Turkey or nut roast with all the trimmings and sticky toffee pudding.
Kid‑Friendly: Yes — pub classics suit families.
Booking: Recommended online.
8. Albert’s Schloss — Lively West End Festive Lunch
Where: Soho
Why Visit: Combines festive dining with live music and cabaret — ideal for a celebratory Christmas lunch with energy.
What to Expect: European‑inspired festive dishes with entertainment.
Kid‑Friendly: Maybe best for older children due to live music.
Booking: Bookings advised for space.
9. The Old Bank of England — Traditional Xmas Lunch
Where: Fleet Street
Why Visit: Set in a historic Victorian building — classic British festive roasts and rich puddings.
What to Expect: Turkey, beef or nut Wellington with seasonal sides.
Kid‑Friendly: Yes — veggie and traditional options.
Booking: Recommended.
10. The Goring — Luxury Christmas Day Lunch
Where: Belgravia
Why Visit: A refined five‑course festive menu in a prestigious hotel setting — a luxury Christmas experience.
What to Expect: Smoked salmon starters, seasonal roasts, showstopping desserts.
Kid‑Friendly: Yes — classic children’s choices often available.
Booking: Essential early booking.
11. Rabbit Restaurant — Chelsea Festive Lunch
Where: King’s Road, Chelsea
Why Visit: Farm‑to‑fork festive menu with indulgent seasonal plates and special express lunch option.
What to Expect: Seasonal sharing plates and celebratory mains.
Kid‑Friendly: Yes — flexible lunch menu suits families.
Booking: Recommended.
12. Caxton Bar & Grill — Festive Set Lunchs
Where: Westminster
Why Visit: Stylish carnivore and vegetarian options with a solid festive set menu.
What to Expect: Two‑ or three‑course menus from around £35–£45.
Kid‑Friendly: Yes — adaptable courses.
Booking: Early December dates popular.
13. Camino (Various London Locations)
Where: Multiple London neighbourhoods
Why Visit: Spanish tapas with festive seasonal highlights — great for groups and families sharing plates.
What to Expect: Festive tapas menus, vegetarian options and lively atmosphere.
Kid‑Friendly: Yes — sharing works well for family groups.
Booking: Recommended for December.
14. The Ivy Restaurants (Multiple Locations)
Where: Central London branches
Why Visit: Known for polished British menus and festive plates across their venues, suitable for Christmas lunches with a refined feel.
What to Expect: Seasonal starters, traditional roasts and rich desserts.
Kid‑Friendly: Yes — children’s menus commonly offered.
15. Duck & Waffle — High‑Level Festive Views
Where: Bishopsgate
Why Visit: Festive options with skyline views — a special occasion lunch rather than traditional roast.
What to Expect: Modern British menu with seasonal twists.
Kid‑Friendly: Moderate — enquire at booking.
16. The Wolseley — Festive Lunch Brunch
Where: Piccadilly
Why Visit: Elegant and timeless, with festive twists on classic British favourites throughout December.
What to Expect: Seasonal mains and desserts with top‑tier service.
Kid‑Friendly: Moderate — check children’s plates at booking.
17. Hawksmoor (Various Locations)
Where: Multiple (e.g., Seven Dials, Borough)
Why Visit: Known for excellent roasts; seasonal menus usually include Christmas specials.
What to Expect: Beef, turkey or vegetarian roasts plus indulgent sides.
Kid‑Friendly: Yes — children’s options available.
18. Bōkan Canary Wharf — Festive Dining by the River
Where: Canary Wharf
Why Visit: Stylish seasonal lunch menus with harbour views — perfect for December outings.
What to Expect: Two‑ or three‑course festive set menus.
Kid‑Friendly: Yes — broad menu suits families.
19. Bread Street Kitchen — Festive Lunch in the City
Where: St Paul’s
Why Visit: Casual yet stylish festive mains perfect before or after Christmas markets or shows.
What to Expect: Seasonal lunch plates and sharing plates.
Kid‑Friendly: Yes — welcoming group environment.
20. Gordon Ramsay Street Burger — Laid‑Back Festive Lunch
Where: Multiple London
Why Visit: If you want a more relaxed festive lunch option, this informal spot offers seasonal burgers and fun plates for families.
What to Expect: Festive burger twists with friendly service.
Kid‑Friendly: Very — approachable menu for all ages.
What to Expect from Festive Lunching in London
Booking & Deposits
London’s festive lunch scene fills up very quickly, especially for Christmas Day and weekends in early December. Many venues open reservations in autumn and require booking several months in advance — some even ask for full pre‑payment or deposits.
Menu Styles
Festive menus often include classic starters (like smoked salmon or winter soups), roast turkey with all the trimmings, vegetarian wellingtons or seasonal fish, and classic desserts such as Christmas pudding or festive trifles. Many places cater for vegetarian, vegan and kids’ menus — always confirm options when booking.
Kid‑Friendly Dining
While fine dining locations may be less geared specifically toward children, most pubs and casual restaurants will offer children’s portions or adapted plates upon request. Pubs and grillrooms are often the best choices for relaxed family lunches.
FAQs
Q: Are restaurants open on Christmas Day in London?
Yes — a select group of restaurants, especially those in hotels or with dedicated Christmas Day menus, open on Christmas Day itself. However, public transport is limited on the day and reservations are essential.
Q: When should I book Christmas lunch?
As early as possible — many venues fill up months before December, particularly for Christmas Day, pre‑Christmas weekends and December lunchtimes.
Q: Are vegetarian or vegan options available?
Many restaurants offer vegetarian and vegan alternatives on their festive menus, but it’s best to confirm when booking.
Q: Are children accommodated?
Yes, especially in pubs, brasseries and family‑oriented restaurants. Ask for children’s menus or portion sizes when booking.
Conclusion — Enjoy Festive Lunch in London Without the Stress
London’s festive dining scene is rich and varied — from elegant hotel Christmas Day lunches and refined restaurant menus to cosy pubs with traditional roasts and modern seasonal favourites. Whether you want a family‑friendly lunch, a celebratory Christmas Day feast, or a festive meal with friends or colleagues, there’s a perfect spot waiting for you in the capital.
Remember: book early, check deposit and pre‑order requirements, and clarify dietary needs with venues when you reserve.
If you’re hosting guests in London this festive season and want a stress‑free hosting experience, Pass the Keys London can manage your bookings, guest communication and turnover — letting you enjoy the magic of the season without the hospitality hassle.
