Celebrate Thanksgiving in Central London
A date for the diary: Thursday 27th November
Although Thanksgiving is an established family holiday in the USA and Canada, it’s fast becoming part of the UK’s social calendar as well. Steeped in history, the event that Americans identify as ‘the First Thanksgiving’ was celebrated in 1621 by the Pilgrim Fathers in Plymouth, Massachusetts. The feast lasted three days and included 90 Native Americans and 53 Pilgrims, who joined together to give thanks and celebrate their first harvest in the New world. As well as giving thanks, it’s all about the food with many of the dishes associated with the groaning table of a Thanksgiving Dinner: squash, sweet potatoes, cranberries and sweet corn, were introduced to the Pilgrims as a new food and have since become firmly established as part of the celebrations.
This year, restaurants across London will be offering traditional Thanksgiving menus with all the side dishes and extras. It’s a good excuse for a pre-Christmas turkey dinner and if you’ve still got room, the chance to eat as much Pumpkin Pie as you can fit in! Below are some of London’s dining hot spots to celebrate Thanksgiving this year:
The Savoy Grill One of London’s most famous hotels offers a posh twist on the traditional Thanksgiving feast. The three-course dinner is £55 per person and includes maple-roasted turkey and pumpkin pie with cinnamon ice-cream – it’s fine dining at its best.
100 Strand, London WC2R 0EW
www.gordonramsay.com/thesavoygrill
Ffiona’s One of the oldest family run restaurants in London, this British restaurant is offering hungry guests a three-course Thanksgiving menu for £39.50 per head, to either eat in-house or take away. The highlight, of course, is the turkey, which comes with stuffing, mashed and roast potatoes, roast pumpkin and cranberry sauce.
51 Kensington Church Street, London W8 4BA
www.ffionas.com
The Riding House Café Great for families, this fun, all-day brasserie includes a variety of areas to eat, drink, meet and socialise. The bustling canteen, more formal dining room and a relaxed lounge are all joined together by the large dining bar and open kitchen. On offer are a range of small or large plates to suit the time of day and the two course traditional Thanksgiving menu is £35 a head, including cocktails (adults only!).
43-51 Great Titchfield Street, London W1W 7PQ
www.ridinghousecafe.co.uk
Whole Foods Market If you want to prepare, cook and serve your own Thanksgiving Dinner, this US food emporium offers lots of traditional fare, help and advice, to produce the perfect feast. It’s well stocked with everything you’ll need and they are even hosting Thanksgiving menu tasting events from 5-7pm on various dates in November.
63-97 Kensington High Street, London W8 5SE
www.wholefoodsmarket.com/holidays/thanksgiving-menus/classic-dinner
Villandry The Thanksgiving dinner at this West End restaurant has a more European twist and options for vegetarians. The three course menu is £45 per head and desserts, include American-style pies, Pecan and Pumpkin, chocolate mousse and brownies – Yum!
170 Great Portland Street, London W1W 5QB
www.villandry.com
Thanksgiving at Harvey Nichols Combine shopping with your Thanksgiving dinner – why not! This world famous Knightsbridge department store has a host of options on offer at its Fifth-Floor restaurant from £30 a head, as well as live music in the Fifth Floor Café.
109 – 125 Knightsbridge, London SW1X 7RJ
www.harveynichols.com
Joe Allen’s If you’re going to see a West End show on the 27th, this classic American brasserie has a special Thanksgiving Dinner just for the occasion. The service is always relaxed and informal and since 1965 the restaurant has been a popular meeting place for actors, directors and producers from the world of film and theatre.
13 Exeter Street, London WC2E 7DT
www.joeallens.co.uk
We’d love to hear any of your London restaurant recommendations for Thanksgiving, write to us at: mail@maykenbel.co.uk
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