Magic FM

Decadent Dining Guide

Whether you're looking for the ideal location to through your Christmas party, take the stress out of a festive family lunch or usher in the New Year in style. Sample a slice of festive fare with our delectable Christmas dining out guide, plus don't miss our cheap Christmas bites...


WHERE TO HOLD A CHRISTMAS PARTY
Tike - a new bar and grill serving acclaimed Turkish cuisine is ideal for parties of all sizes. Groups can be accommodated in the bar or at large tables, and the menus, including mezze and lamb and chicken specialities from the grill, are ideal for groups to share.  www.tikerestaurant.co.uk

Bellevue Rendezvous – French bistro situated in Wandsworth Common is offering a Christmas menu priced from £25 for three courses. www.bellevurendezvous.com

The Bingham – Winner of ‘Best Gastronomic Experience’ at the 2009 BT Visit London awards, Bingham is offering a seasonal Afternoon Tea throughout December featuring turkey sandwiches and scones with cranberry jam. For those who want to extend their Christmas celebrations and relax in luxury over the holidays, guests can make use of their exclusive, individually decorated, bedrooms. www.thebingham.co.uk

Indian Zing –I ndian restaurant in Hammersmith combining traditional and contemporary Indian dishes, offering a Christmas menu with the addition of a few British festive favourites. www.indianzing.co.uk

Morgan M – Given that budgets could be a little smaller this year, Morgan M is offering a festive feast package, priced at £120 for two people, which includes a seasonal 6-course Christmas tasting menu each and a bottle of wine between two (service extra). This is being served from the 1st-23rd of December. www.morganm.com

The Royal Oak Paley Street – The award-winning pub run by Nick and Sir Michael Parkinson is offering numerous Christmas inspired festive events, ranging from jazz nights to comedy evenings, each including a 3 course meal. www.theroyaloakpaleystreet.com

Lubi Lu – The bespoke floral boutique and studio situated in close proximity to Regents Park, will be hosting floristry classes throughout December aimed at those who have an avid interest in plants, flowers and decoration. With a particularly festive theme to the December courses, which might include wreath making, the classes each have a range of experts on hand to complete the experience. Places are limited and must be pre-booked. www.lubilu.com
 


WHERE TO ENJOY CHRISTMAS LUNCH
Bellevue Rendezvous – The sophisticated French restaurant will be open on Christmas Day serving a special set menu (3-courses for £25) as well as a range of French cuisine such as French onion soup and profiteroles au chocolat. www.bellevurendezvous.com

The Bingham – Having just recently been awarded two awards, including ‘Best small hotel/B&B of the year’ at the BT Visit London Awards, The Bingham is offering a luxurious Christmas Day lunch. Priced at £95 per head, £145 with champagne before lunch, the menu includes a traditional roast turkey with all the trimmings. Children are also welcome. The Bingham also offers 15 individually decorated rooms. www.thebingham.co.uk
 


WHERE TO USHER IN THE NEW YEAR
Bellevue Rendezvous – Extending their celebrations right into the New Year, Bellevue Rendezvous is offering a
New Year’s Eve tasting menu for £55pp. www.bellevurendezvous.com

Morgan M – The elegant, French restaurant is serving a full tasting menu to see in the New Year for £75pp. www.morganm.com

The Bingham – 6-course tasting menu with wine and live jazz vocalist for £145 per person.  Combined with an overnight stay for £280 per person which includes a champagne breakfast on New Year’s Day. www.thebingham.co.uk

The Royal Oak – hosting a New Year’s Eve party with a 3-course meal, champagne and a disco for £85 per person. www.theroyaloakpaleystreet.com

SEASON'S EATINGS AT THE ABBEVILLE
A truly enchanting public house, the newly refurbished Abbeville in Clapham will make it feel as if all of your Christmases have come at once.

With a new look, think countryside local meets urban chic, and new chef, Angelo Brotto, who previously worked in Harrys Bar in Mayfair, you can be assured of a truly convivial Christmas.

Sensational seasonal starters range from seared scallops with quince pure and smoked pork belly bacon to chicken liver and foie gras parfait with red pepper and rosemary jam. For main course tuck into boozy prunes stuffed duck breast with cabbage and Alsatian bacon or turkey breast stuffed with sage and chestnuts with roast potatoes. If you are feeling fit for the full feast, then prepare to be dazzled by a display of delightful desserts such as baked Yorkshire tart with rhubarb confit and chocolate pudding with rich chocolate sauce.

A strong, succinct wine list, a selection of real ales, including Timothy Taylors award-winning Landlord and a host of handsome spaces to hire, including a snug with open fire and stylish mezzanine restaurant, makes The Abbeville a must visit this party season.

67-69 Abbeville Road, London SW4 9JW
t: 020 8675 2201
www.theabbeville.co.uk

CHRISTMAS AT THE AVALON - THE STUFF OF LEGENDS
Named after the mythical island at the heart of the legend of King Arthur, The Avalon in Clapham is a magical place to spend your Christmas party.

Whether you are looking for a fun and festive sit down lunch with colleagues, a glamorous cocktail and canap reception or an exclusive evening in The Blue Room, their striking private events space, The Avalon has something for everyone.

Feast on festive starters such as pheasant, ham and duck terrine with fig chutney and pickles or celeriac, chestnut and crme fraiche soup. For main course, keep it traditional with roast Norfolk Black turkey served with pigs in blankets, sage and chestnut stuffing and cranberry sauce or grilled whole bream with confit fennel, orange and roast pepper tapenade. In keeping with the season of excess, why not indulge in decadent desserts such as panettone bread butter pudding with Cointreau custard or iced pear parfait with sweet kirsch cherries.

Av a very merry Christmas

The Avalon, 16 Balham Hill, London SW12 9EB
t: 020 8675 8613
www.theavalonlondon.com

ONE LORD A-LEAPING
Named after an eighteenth century peer of the realm, The Bolingbroke Pub and Dining Room in Battersea invites you to a truly noble seasonal celebration.

At once sophisticated and inviting, The Bolingbroke puts the emphasis on high quality British food in a setting befitting the viands it serves. 

Delightful dishes created for the Christmas season include braised oxtail with grilled polenta; seared scallops with Jerusalem artichoke pure and black pudding; roast turkey with sausage and chestnut stuffing and all the trimmings; duck breast with potato Lyonnaise, wilted sprouted tops and a Port jus; and poached cod with crab dumplings and spinach in a broth.

Your choice of how to end your meal may be a difficult one.  Just as tempting as blueberry steamed sponge pudding with strawberry coulis, or chocolate fondant with homemade honey ice cream is, is a lovingly selected cheeseboard of Hamish Johnston British cheese.  For the ultimate indulgence, spoil yourself with both cheese, dessert and maybe even a glass of Bourdeaux Classique Sauterne or Wiese & Krohn late bottled vintage Port 2004.

Whether snuggled in the bars cosy corner, sat beside the dining rooms real fireplace or enjoying a private party for up to 70 guests under the stars in the elegant conservatory, you can be sure that The Bolingbroke will give you the warmest of welcomes this Christmas.

The Bolingbroke, 174 Northcote Road, Battersea, London SW11 6RE
t: 020 7228 4040
www.thebolingbroke.co.uk

WISHING YOU A WHITE HART CHRISTMAS
Whether you are looking for a sparkling Christmas supper or a yuletide soire in the stunning private dining room, perfect for parties up to 45, The White Hart boasts a fantastic menu of British-hearted dishes, fulfilling all your needs this festive season.

Diners can start with ham hock and middlewhite belly terrine with toast and chutney; or hot haddock smokie with soft poached egg and soldiers. Follow with cumin crusted salmon with chive mash and citrus butter sauce; braised lamb shank with butternut squash hash, spinach and stout gravy; or rabbit, prune, girolles and chestnut pie with brussel tops.

Round off the experience with decedent desserts including plum tart tatin with clotted cream; sticky toffee pudding, toffee sauce and ice cream; or apple and rhubarb crumble with custard.

An ideal setting for your favourite Christmas yet, The White Hart will ensure you have a truly convivial Christmas.

The White Hart, 185 Kennington Lane, London, SE11 4EZ
T: 020 8675 2201
www.thewhitehartpub.co.uk

THE STONHOUSE IS A CLAPHAM CHRISTMAS CRACKER
Just the sort of pub youd want as your local, The Stonhouse in Clapham offers you the tastiest welcome this Christmas.

As Santa will be on his way before we know it, The Stonhouse has laid on some particularly fine festive fayre for the season.

Diners will relish the delicious three-course Christmas menu available at just 19.95 for two courses and 24.95 for three courses.  Who could resist starters such as foie gras and chicken liver parfait with toasted brioche and fig jam; salmon gravadlax with cress, mustard and dill; or Caerphilly, mandarin orange and pine nut salad with a crme de cassis reduction.

The hearty choices continue with mains including chestnut and chipolata sausage stuffed rolled turkey ballotine with Brussels sprouts, dauphinoise potatoes and cranberry sauce; and tapenade crusted cod wrapped in potato, with Swiss chard and red pepper sauce.  Even those not usually of a sweet persuasion may well find it hard to resist a pudding when options like chocolate bread and butter pudding, Banoffee pie and apple tarte tatin with vanilla ice cream are on offer.

You couldnt ask for friendlier staff and with a great selection of well-kept ales and contemporary cocktails to boot, The Stonhouse will make your Christmas celebration one to remember.

165 Stonhouse Street, London SW4 6BJ
t: 020 7819 9312
www.thestonhouse.co.uk



FIND YOUR WAY TO THE COMPASS THIS CHRISTMAS
If you are looking for your own North star this Christmas, heading to The Compass in Islington could be the wisest decision you make this holiday season.

Offering two sumptuous three-course set Christmas menus, from just 28 a person, delightful dishes to start include confit of duck and green peppercorn terrine; crab, crayfish and avocado tian with roast tomato and garlic coulis; or celeriac and truffle soup. Follow this with half a grilled lobster with saffron cocotte and mesculin salad; luxurious Tournedos Rossini with chocolate jus; or a classic Christmas lunch - Kelly Bronze turkey with pigs in blankets, roast potatoes, braised red cabbage, Brussels sprouts, cranberry sauce and gravy.

Round off your feast with a delicious dessert and choose from winter spiced crme brle; triple chocolate brownie; apple and cinnamon crumble with crme anglaise; bitter chocolate torte with clotted cream; or homemade Christmas pudding with brandy butter.

Add to this relaxed and friendly staff, a buzzing atmosphere and a private dining room that can be reserved for parties of up to 70, where better to enjoy a very merry Christmas? 

The Compass, 58 Penton Street, Islington London N1 9PZ
T: 020 7837 3891
www.thecompassn1.co.uk



FEEL SOME HEAT THIS CHRISTMAS DAY
For the hottest Christmas Day in the capital, head to fine-dining Indian restaurant, The Cinnamon Club, where a memorable Christmas Day menu stands apart from all those tiresome trimmings. Set in the beautiful surroundings of the Grade II listed Old Westminster Library, Executive Chef Vivek Singh has created original and indulgent dishes that are a must for a deliciously spicy yuletide. With a nod to the traditional sprinkled throughout the three-course menu, spirits are sure to be raised.

Relax in refined surroundings with a spiced martini aperitif before indulging in a range of starters including Keralan lobster soup flamed with brandy; tandoori partridge breast with peanuts, spices and dried mango; and chargrilled salmon with horseradish and dill. Follow with main courses such as clove roasted goose breast with sesame tamarind sauce; smoked loin of mutton with Chettinadu curry sauce; or chargrilled halibut with green pea, potato crush and yogurt ‘kadhi’. Tempting sides include tandoori roasted aubergine crush; cumin flavoured yoghurt with cucumber; and black lentils. Desserts take an inspired twist with garam masala Christmas pudding and nutmeg custard; spiced pumpkin tart and clove ice cream; and seasonal fruits with light lemongrass jelly.

From just £75 per person, spice up your Christmas at The Cinnamon Club.

The Cinnamon Club,
The Old Westminster Library, 30-32 Great Smith Street, London SW1P 3BU
T:020 7222 2555
www.cinnamonclub.com

CHRISTMAS DAY ROCKS AT NO.20
Instead of the usual yuletide yawn of endless hours cooking in the kitchen and then washing-up, rock up to Sanctum Soho Hotel’s sexy No.20 restaurant for traditional Christmas Day dining without the hassle…It’s how the stars do it.

Set in the sumptuous surroundings of this modern British restaurant in the heart of the West End, diners will feel like the glitterati as they toast the day with their welcome champagne cocktail.  Choosing from a specially crafted three-course menu at just £70 a head with starters such as braised chestnut and Gressingham duck soup; or hazlenut risotto, curly cale and glazed goat’s cheese. Lead onto decadent mains of free-range organic Norfolk turkey with all the trimmings; or roast sea bass with aubergine and cumin. Desserts of homemade Christmas pudding with brandy custard; Sanctum sherry trifle; or Colsten Bassett Stilton with port jelly and oatcake, finish the menu perfectly.

With an extensive list of wines and innovative cocktails, No.20 is the ideal destination to wile away the hours and miss the queen’s speech in style.

No.20, 20 Warwick Street, London W1B 5NF
020 7292 6102
www.sanctumsoho.com

ENJOY A PICTURE-PERFECT CHRISTMAS DAY AT THE SUN AT NORTHAW
Why not treat yourself to the ultimate present this year, Christmas Day without the hassle? Forget fighting over who is hosting and head to The Sun at Northaw in Hertfordshire, a quality country pub just twenty miles from London.

Lunch will commence with a glass of fizz and complimentary canapés, followed by a selection of stunning starters to share. Look forward to roasted mixed heritage squashes, Wobbly Bottom Farm goat’s cheese and pickled walnuts; H. Foreman’s London cured hot smoked salmon paté; and local game terrine with spiced apple chutney and toast.

Traditionalists will be delighted by the main course, roasted Temple Farm free range Bronze turkey served with hazelnut and thyme stuffing, pigs in blankets, seasonal vegetables, roast potatoes and gravy.

For dessert, guests will be treated to homemade Christmas pudding with apple brandy sauce; chocolate and quince tart with toffee ice cream; and cranberry and chestnut mess.

Round off with a selection of farmhouse cheeses from the East of England with pear chutney, walnut oatcakes and freshly baked bread, and coffee and classic mini mince pies. Christmas Day dinner costs just £90.00 for adults and £45.00 for children.

For those who want to enjoy fantastic food throughout December, The Sun at Northaw also offers a fantastic three-course menu for just £28.00 per person, for parties of six or more.

The Sun at Northaw, 1 Judges Hill, Northaw, Hertfordshire, EN6 4NL
T: 01707 655507
e: thesunatnorthaw@yahoo.co.uk
www.thesunatnorthaw.co.uk

DIVINE CHRISTMAS DINING
For a celestial Christmas celebration, it has to be The Restaurant at St Paul’s. There are few more fitting venues in which to enjoy a lunch to honour the festive season. Combining London’s landmark Cathedral with awe-inspiring modern British food, The Restaurant at St Paul’s is ideal for monumental merrymaking.

Offering two destination dining rooms within the cathedral’s crypt for Christmas, lunch tables of two to eight can make the most of the stylish restaurant, whilst larger groups up to 54 benefit from exclusive use of The Wren Suite to host their yuletide event.

Serving a carefully considered Christmas menu throughout December, courtesy of head chef Candice Webber, diners will savour dishes from the traditional with updated trimmings to forgotten yuletide recipes from across the country.

Christmas at St Paul’s - simply divine.

Prices start at £20 for two courses in the restaurant, and £75 per person for a Christmas event in the The Wren Suite including exclusive use of the space, a welcome cocktail, a three course lunch and a half bottle of wine per person as well as unlimited mineral water. 

To book a table at the restaurant call 020 7248 2469

To book a lunch event in The Wren Suite contact
St Paul’s events team on 020 7246 8347
www.restaurantatstpauls.co.uk
corporateevents@stpaulscathedral.org.uk

The Restaurant at St Paul’s
St Paul’s Cathedral, St Paul’s Churchyard, London EC4M 8AD

THE ART OF CHRISTMAS
For a quintessentially British Christmas at a national institution, head to Oliver Peyton’s National Dining Rooms.

Housed in the iconic National Gallery on Trafalgar Square, the award-winning restaurant is offering a set lunch of two or three courses, at £26.50 and £29.50 respectively, incorporating the finest regional ingredients.

Feast on delicious starters such as smoked Coln Valley salmon terrine with pickled cucumber and cress or slow cooked Grampound duck with red cabbage and clementine sauce. For main course, savour grilled Denham Estate venison with parsnip mash and sherry sauce or the archetypal Christmas dish – a succulent organic Bronze Norfolk turkey with all the trimmings. True to tradition, dessert at the National Dining Rooms is a real treat and includes warm sticky toffee pudding with Cornish vanilla ice cream and traditional Christmas pudding with brandy custard.

Christmas at The National Dining Rooms – as British as the Queen’s speech!

The National Dining Rooms, Sainsbury Wing, The National Gallery,
Trafalgar Square, London WC25 5DN
T: 020 7747 2525
www.thenationaldiningrooms.co.uk

A WONDERFUL CHRISTMAS AT THE WALLACE
For a truly magical Christmas celebration, visit the Wallace Restaurant in the enchanting courtyard of the Wallace Collection, one of London’s most opulent galleries.

A truely sophisticated French three-course Christmas menu is available at £38.50 per person, ideal for leisurely lunches or for suppers under the stars shining through the restaurant’s soaring glass roof on Friday and Saturday evenings.

Begin with options including tartare of smoked salmon with horseradish, soft boiled quail eggs and organic caviar or pressed terrine of ham, foie gras, black pudding, apple sauce and smoked vinaigrette.  
 
Main courses feature oven roast “Label Rouge” chicken with chestnuts, Brussels sprouts, fondant potatoes, cranberry sauce and pan juices or whole roasted brill with pumpkin and sage and a lobster and rosemary emulsion.

For dessert, indulge in a classic French “Bûche de Noël” with warm Valrhona chocolate sauce or apple tarte tatin with Tahitian vanilla ice cream and salted caramel sauce.

Add to this an exclusive French wine list with everything from rustic table wines to the Grand Cru of Burgundy and vintage champagnes, and The Wallace Restaurant guarantees all that every visit a very joyeux Noel.

The Wallace Restaurant, The Wallace Collection, Hertford House,
Manchester Square, London W1U 3BN
T: 020 7563 9505
www.thewallacerestaurant.co.uk

WALKING INN A WINTER WONDERLAND
Take a walk inn a winter wonderland this Christmas and enjoy a perennially British festive menu at Inn the Park, situated in the stunning lakeside surroundings of St. James’s Park.

Executive Chef Gillan Kingstree has created a delicious three-course set menu, available for £29.95, to help you relax and indulge in a little holiday spirit. Options to start include dry cured beef with figs and pomegranates; soused mackerel with beetroot and horseradish; or Jerusalem artichoke soup with roast chestnuts and truffles. To follow, choose from a selection of mouth-watering mains such as roast rib of Welsh Black Gold with Bearnaise sauce; crisp seabass with salsify and lentils in a red wine jus; and traditional roast turkey wrapped in bacon with bread sauce and cranberries, all served with honey roasted vegetables, buttered sprout tops and roast potatoes. For dessert, opt for poached clementines with clotted cream and shortcake; Inn The Park sherry trifle; or chocolate fondant with vanilla ice cream and pistachio brittle.

Christmas at Inn the Park – once you’re ‘Inn’ you’ll never want to leave!

Inn The Park, St James Park, London SW1A 2BJ
T: 020 7451 9999
www.innthepark.com

CHRISTMAS AT A NATIONAL TREASURE
For a chic and cosmopolitan Christmas lunch or dinner with family, friends or colleagues, head to the National Café situated in London’s National Gallery and enjoy an elegant Christmas menu in the heart of central London.

Choose from two three-course menus, priced at £25 and £32 and featuring options such as warm ravioli of foie gras, chicken and Parmesan; smoked salmon and crab with baby spinach and crème fraîche; or braised veal neck with chanterelle mushrooms and petite salad to start. For main course, tuck into a mandatory roast Norfolk turkey with all the trimmings; grilled pork belly with prune, potato and grape stew; or crispy skin seabass with coco bean and chorizo cassoulet. For a sweet Christmas treat, indulge in a brûlée of apple and cinnamon; traditional Christmas pudding with brandy sauce and cinnamon ice cream; or lemon tart with berry compote.

For private parties, the restaurant’s Trafalgar Room can be hired for groups of up to 28 guests whilst the entire restaurant is available for larger exclusive functions on request.

The National Café and Bar, Getty Entrance or St Martin’s Place,
Trafalgar Square, London WC2N 4DN
T: 020 7747 5942
www.thenationalcafe.com

THE REFINERY - REFINED CHRISTMAS REVELRY
Booking a Christmas party with all the trimmings doesn’t have to be a nightmare before Christmas. The refinery events team will help put the magic and sparkle into your yuletide celebrations, by creating bespoke packages to suit you. Whether it’s hiring out the whole venue for up to 550 guests with canapés, cocktails and a DJ, or a smaller more intimate event with a delicious three-course festive feast for £25 per head, the refinery will turn your wish into a reality.

The three-course Christmas menu features all your favourites, from traditional roast turkey to contemporary seasonal delights, available throughout the day. For canapés, an innovative collection includes crispy crab cakes and miniature beef and Guinness pies, as well as ‘sweet and sticky’ choices such as cupcakes, brownies and mini sugar doughnuts, washed down with a glass of Champagne or one of the refinery’s signature cocktails.
So if Santa doesn’t spoil you this Christmas – the refinery certainly will, with festive fun and fabulous food!

Now taking bookings, make sure you contact us well in advance to avoid disappointment.

The Refinery, 110 Southwark Street, London, SE1 OTA
tel: 0845 468 0186
e: christmas@therefinerybar.co.uk
www.therefinerybar.co.uk