Find Christmas Dinner venues for rent in London, UK

About London

London, a cosmopolitan and thriving hub of culture, artistry, and history with delightfully unique flavours from around the world—not to mention scattered bits of British humour—offers something for everyone. Though it can be pricey for some adventurers exploring this fantastic capital city of England at Christmastime (or any time!), there are plenty of ways to stretch your budget while immersing yourself in all London offers.

Londoners have been gathering to enjoy feasts on Christmas Day for thousands of years. In the Middle Ages, Christmas was a time for lavish celebrations in London, with villagers attending banquets where roast beef was served alongside salmon dishes. By the 18th century, Londoners gathered large numbers at public inns and private homes for Christmas dinners that could last several days. People would enjoy traditional British fares such as boiled ham and roast goose or turkey, accompanied by sugared plums and other savoury treats.

Though today's festivities are much more subdued than in the past, Londoners still come together to celebrate Christmas with a traditional dinner feast. During the holiday each year, restaurants across the city offer special menus featuring classic dishes like roasted turkey or beef Wellington and seasonal vegetables like Brussels sprouts or roasted potatoes. The meal is often finished off with an array of decadent desserts like steamed pudding or mince pies.

Indeed, no matter what corner of London one finds themselves in during the holidays, there’s sure to be an abundance of delicious food to be enjoyed!

Christmas Dinner Options in London

• Decor
  The decor should be elegant and festive for Christmas dinners, with a deep red velvet tablecloth and napkins adorned with shimmering gold-plated silverware. For an extra added touch of luxury, crystal glasses can be arranged around the table. The centrepiece should have a large evergreen wreath decorated with pine cones, poinsettias, and twinkle lights. Candles in varying heights of white and gold should also be interspersed among the table decorations to add an inviting glow to the atmosphere.
  
  
• Personal Chef
  A personal chef for Christmas dinners could prepare a menu featuring classic holiday dishes such as roast turkey with sage butter stuffing, mashed potatoes with chives and garlic, Brussels sprouts with chestnuts and bacon, steamed green beans amandine, and cranberry sauce. They could bake a decadent pumpkin cheesecake or poached pears in spiced wine for dessert. The chef could also create deliciously unique dishes like truffle macaroni and cheese or duck confit poutine that will surprise guests.
  
  
• Musicians
  To further enhance the ambience of Christmas dinners, having musicians perform is a great way to create an enjoyable atmosphere. String quartets or jazz trios can provide relaxing background music while guests enjoy their meals. They could play traditional holiday songs like "Silent Night," as well as more upbeat renditions of classics such as "Jingle Bells" or even some instrumental covers of modern hits like "All I Want for Christmas Is You."

Christmas Dinner Vendors in London

• Electro Swing Project
  Electro Swing Band is a talented group based in London that offers a truly original mix of pop and swing covers that have been remixed in the electro-swing style. Featuring singers from some of London's top theatres, such as Jersey Boys and Stomp, and highly sought-after DJ talent from Ronnie Scott's and Disclosure, the Electro Swing Project is unlike any other band. Whether you want a more minor, intimate performance with a singer and saxophonist or a full nine-piece band to celebrate your special occasion in style, this energising group has something for everyone.
  
  
• Teofil Rewers Photography
  Teofil Rewers is a London-based event photographer who specialises in photographing corporate events, awards, galas, dinners, conferences, headshots, and parties. His style is a mix of candid shots and posed photos that can be used to upload on social media or print for branding. During events, Teofil makes sure to capture all details, including guests, VIPs, speeches, food, drinks, and more.
  
  
• Balloons of London Ltd
  Balloons of London is a business run by Paul and Steve Durnford. Starting with a tiny retail party shop in 1994, the two have grown the company into a full-blown balloon industry. Some of the products they offer are latex balloons, foil balloons, personalised glitter balloons, number and letter balloons, logo-printed balloons, and more!

Pros and Cons of Christmas Dinners in London

London is home to some of the most amazing Christmas dinners in the world. From classic roasts to decadent seven-course menus, there are many options in the city. But with this variety comes many pros and cons—here's a look at some advantages and drawbacks of indulging in a festive feast in London.

Advantages

• Whether it's traditional fare or something more adventurous, London restaurants have covered you with an array of delicious dishes to indulge in over the holiday season.
  
  
• Many eateries offer value-packed festive deals, so you can enjoy fine dining without breaking the bank.
  
  
• From twinkling decorations and crackling fires to lively music and staff decked out in seasonal outfits, London venues provide a magical experience for all ages.
  
  
• Many restaurants are accessible by public transport and close to popular tourist attractions, making them great spots for groups looking for a unique venue for their yuletide meal.

Disadvantages

• Due to its popularity, it can be not easy to book tables at specific restaurants during peak times. So it’s best to make reservations beforehand or visit during off-peak hours if possible.
  
  
• As with any meat-based cuisine, vegan diners may find their options limited regarding festive feasting.
  
  
• While meals may be reasonably priced, drinks can be expensive due to markup prices during the holidays. So if you’re looking for more affordable refreshments, then it’s worth checking out BYOB establishments instead.

Tips on How to Organise Christmas Dinners in London

The holiday season is just around the corner, and for many of us, that means getting ready for Christmas dinners in London. Whether hosting a large gathering or just having a few friends over, organising a successful Christmas dinner can be quite the undertaking. To make sure your guests enjoy themselves and the meal, it’s essential to plan. Here are some tips on how to organise the perfect Christmas dinner in London:

• Set your budget: Setting a budget helps you plan your menu, decorations, and other necessary items for your dinner. Knowing your budget allows you to be more creative with dishes that don’t break the bank but still wow your guests.
  
  
• Create an invite list: Inviting too many people can create challenges regarding seating arrangements and food portions, so consider keeping your guest list sensible. Make sure to send out invites at least two weeks prior, so they have enough time to RSVP.
  
  
• Choose a theme: A theme can easily elevate any gathering and is especially great for parties such as 'Frozen Wonderland' or 'Game of Thrones' night. Decorations, music, and even food menus can be tailored according to each theme, making it more fun for everyone!
  
  
• Find a suitable venue: Depending on how many people you're expecting, choose an appropriate venue in London that can accommodate them while providing adequate space and comfort. Alternatively, if you prefer hosting at home, ensure enough chairs and space are available for everyone.
  
  
• Plan ahead: Don't wait until the last minute! Start planning well in advance by selecting recipes that can easily be prepared beforehand, so all you need to do is reheat them before serving. Additionally, if you're considering having one or two helpers (e.g., caterers) then making early bookings would be wise since this time of year is usually very busy with events taking place throughout London.

Famous Locations in London

• Piccadilly Circus
  Piccadilly Circus is one of those landmarks that cannot be missed. Since the 19th century, it's been a busy London site, and it's still the West End's heart today with easy access to several of London's biggest theatres and clubs (including the Criterion Theatre). The Anteros statue in the middle of the circus is a well-known tourist site and meeting spot.
  
  
• Oxford Street
  Oxford Street, in London, is not only Europe's busiest shopping street but also one of its most popular destinations. There are over 300 shops on the strip, and around 500,000 people pass through it daily. The Christmas decorations on Oxford Street are fantastic and bring a touch of glitz to the evenings around Christmas. There are plenty of cafés, bars, and restaurants where you can relax before returning to the packed sidewalks when you need a recharge.
  
  
• Leicester Square
  Since 1670, Leicester Square has been a popular destination in London and an entertainment centre since the 1800s. Most recently, it has garnered fame for hosting film premieres. The square has many big-screen cinemas on its perimeter and an assortment of restaurants. The garden in the middle of the square is perfect for cooling off during summer or unwinding after a full day exploring the city. The Prince Charles Cinema is just across from the garden, showing cult films, singalong screenings, and hosting epic marathon nights.