Thanksgiving — a historical American tradition that, like Halloween, has become a notable event in British calendars. And, in a bid to celebrate alongside our friends across the pond (as well as an excuse to enjoy really good food), many London restaurants have compiled fine feasting menus for the masses.
The holiday religiously lands on the last Thursday of November every year, making the 24th of this month the beginning of a three-day celebration. For a little background, Thanksgiving was first commemorated in the 17th century when Puritan settlers of the Plymouth Colony and the native American Wampanoag tribe celebrated the new harvest. Ever since, the holiday has been marked by family get-togethers with pumpkin pies, roaming turkeys on the White House lawn, and restaurants across the world curating their own Thanksgiving banquets. American or not, here’s our guide to the best Thanksgiving dinners in London.
Oblix at The Shard, London Bridge
Swap the New York City skyline for a sweeping view of East London as you dine in the clouds at Oblix. Putting a luxurious spin on a traditional Thanksgiving dinner, the menu has been expertly curated by executive chef Marcus Eaves and is priced at £97 per head. Start with Wye smoked salmon or jumbo prawn cocktail before moving onto a family-style feast including caramelised turkey breast wrapped in pancetta, stuffed chestnut and truffle with all the trimmings.
The table will be full with an array of seasonal sides such as baked sweet potatoes, crushed butternut squash and Brussel sprout tops. Nods to America can also be found in the drinks menu. Try the Banana Old Fashioned with Bulleit bourbon, Tillingmore five-year-old single malt Scotch, banana, coconut and vanilla, or the Pink Cadillac with Ketel one vodka, lychee, raspberry and lemon.
When: 24-26 November
Where: Oblix, The Shard, 31 St. Thomas Street, SE1 9RY
Book: oblixrestaurant.com
Madison Rooftop, St Paul’s
Tuck into a true Manhattanite feast at Madison Rooftop, which offers unparalleled views of St Paul’s Cathedral. This restaurant features NYC-inspired decor and will host American blues and soul singer Acantha Lang, providing the perfect backdrop to your meal. For £65 each, be transported across the pond to enjoy the famed Chicken & Waffles or the luxurious Bourbon-rubbed smoked salmon with fennel and yuzu salad. The main event is, undoubtedly, the Madison Roast Thanksgiving turkey drizzled in gravy and cranberry sauce. However, for those looking to try something different, opt for the USDA Prime rib au jus or baked butternut squash stuffed with pecans, sage and feta. There’s also a range of delicious sides to pile on your plate, including Ranch mashed potato and green bean casserole with mushrooms and fried shallots. Finally, tuck into the classic Mississippi mud pie or for the ultimate indulgence, try the classic American deep-fried apple pie with Bourbon caramel sauce.
When: 24 November
Where: Madison Restaurant, One New Change, St Paul’s, EC4M 9AF
Book: madisonlondon.net
Duck and Waffle, The City
In the highest private dining room in the country, tuck into a family-style spread at Duck & Waffle while overlooking the glistening lights of London below. Kick off the holiday season the right way with a traditional Thanksgiving banquet for £75, including maple-glazed cornbread served with harissa yoghurt, bacon-wrapped dates with lingiça, manchego and mustard, and crispy polenta served with truffle mayonnaise. Then, get your cutlery ready for a slice of the whole-roasted bronze turkey served with sweet potatoes with marshmallows and candied peanuts, truffle mac and cheese with Gruyere Alpage and cashew blue, and crispy brussel sprouts. To close off the evening, enjoy a classic Bourbon pecan pie accompanied by homemade clotted cream.
When: 24 November
Where: Duck & Waffle, 110 Bishopsgate, EC2N 4AY
Book: duckandwaffle.com
The Colony Grill Room at The Beaumont, Mayfair
For a hint of glamour, celebrate at The Beaumont with a menu of transatlantic-inspired dishes in the hotel’s resident restaurant, The Colony Grill Room. Decorated with striking large-scale murals and maximalist artworks, The Colony has a glamorous 1920s New York feel, and will pay homage to the American holiday with a celebratory menu designed by Executive Chef Ben Boeynaems. Beginning with seasonal pumpkin risotto with smoked ricotta and roast scallop and sweetcorn chowder, inspired by the United States’ East Coast, guests will then move on to Thanksgiving turkey for main, traditionally garnished with all the classic trimmings. With teas, coffees and a pecan pie served with spiced chocolate sorbet to round off the meal, head to this chic Mayfair spot to properly mark the occasion at £85 a head. Vegetarians don’t have to miss out either, with a specially-curated menu featuring roasted kohlrabi with sweetcorn velouté and coriander and a traditional nut roast.
When: 24 November
Where: The Beaumont, 8 Balderton Street, Mayfair, W1K 6TF
Book: colonygrillroom.com
The Riding House, across London
Known for its Thanksgiving celebrations, which are in their 11th year, dining at one of The Riding House’s various locations across London is a safe bet. Get into the holiday spirit at Riding House Fitzrovia, Rail House Victoria and the newly-opened Riding House Bloomsbury and start with a Kentucky Bucket: an American concoction of Maker’s Mark bourbon, cider, mango tea, maple syrup and orange bitters. Priced at £55, the indulgent feasting menu gets straight to the point. Instead of starters, tuck into slow-roasted Norfolk Bronze Turkey cooked in fragrant herb butter accompanied by cornbread and sausage stuffing, maple sweet potatoes and truffled mac and cheese. Then, choose either pecan or pumpkin pie for dessert.
When: 24 November at all three locations, 25 November at Riding House Fitzrovia only
Where: Riding House Bloomsbury, The Brunswick Centre, Bloomsbury, WC1N 1AF
Riding House Fitzrovia, 43-51 Great Titchfield St., W1W 7PQ
Rail House Victoria, 8 Sir Simon Milton Sq, SW1E 5DJ
Book: ridinghouse.cafe
Read more: Season’s feasting: London’s best restaurants open on Christmas Day
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