The 12 best Christmas dinner venues in London

What’s Christmas without a dinner (or three)? Not much. Step into Hawksmoors’ Queenie Watts private dining room at Wood Wharf for a Christmas dinner with all the trimmings.

Named after the multi-hyphenate actress-singer-pub owner (and local legend) Queenie Watts, this room is fit for royalty (or at least, some very special guests).

Take in the mahogany interiors, dark walls, low lighting, the pictures of Queenie herself, and the pièce de résistance, the dining table, where you and 20 other guests can swap gossip as easily as you can pass the salt and pepper.

Next on the menu – an amazing Christmas dinner.

High ceilings. Grand windows. Intricate floral arrangements. A table setting to rival the latest Architectural Digest spread.

Michelin-star French restaurant Galvin La Chapelle is certainly familiar with the finer things. Dine above it all (literally) from Galvin La Chapelle’s private dining room, The Gallery.

Choose from dishes like roast of chesnut stuffed pheasant, Wild Cornish halibut and a medley of puddings, tartes or crème brûlée.

The Gallery has a seating capacity of up to 16 people so it looks like this will be a more intimate affair this Christmas.

They say you’re not really a cockney unless you were born within the sonorous ring of Mary-le-Bow’s iconic peal. Well, you might expect the incredible array of dumplings at Ping Pong Bow Bells House to sell you a car, steal some diamonds and retire to the flat marshlands of Essex.

Outdated stereotypes aside, Ping Pong has earned a reputation for reliable eating across the London sprawl, providing handmade dim sum to the capital’s hungry.

Whilst Christmas may evoke the boring retinue of turkey, potatoes and sprouts, Ping Pong does it a bit differently. 4 differing set menus give you and your party plenty of options for festive dim sum, whilst the beautiful cocktails figure as the cherry on the cake, angel on the tree, or slice of scallion on the bao bun. You get the idea.

And if you think the Bow Bells is nice, do check out the Ping Pong South Bank for something very chic and the Ping Pong in St Katherine's Dock right near the majestic Tower Bridge.

If you haven’t been in Haugen, it’s likely you’ve walked past it. If not, visit Stratford’s Endeavour Square to see the building in all its Bauhaus-inspired glory.

Inspired by the Olympic ski jumper Anders Haugen, who competed in the 1924 Winter Olympics, and a menu that’s inspired by Alpine dining, this Christmas dinner venue already has an affinity for the colder months.

Their cosy winter garden couldn’t be more inviting. Sit by the roaring fire and take your pick of fondue, cold cuts, grilled meats and strudels.

Take to the slopes – metaphorically at least, you’ll definitely still be in London.

Picture this. You and a handful of guests are through the second course of your Christmas dinner, there is a gentle lull and the sun is beginning to set over London. Oh – and you’re 37 floors above the busy London streets.

It’d be easy to say that the best thing Fenchurch has going for it is the view of the city. The food definitely does put up a fight for that spot. Think modern British dishes with a few touches of individuality – Yorkshire goose, smoked potato, and red gooseberry chutney.

It’s Christmas dinner but not like you know it.

Glasses clinking. The lively chatter amongst dinner guests. The snap, crack and pop of your Christmas cracker. And another. All against a backdrop of the city – thousands of presents light up as you celebrate another Christmas.

Up on the 38th floor of The Gherkin, you’ll find Searcys. Dine with the city at your fingertips with a selection of canapes, drinks and a festive three-course meal. As the venue can seat up to 50 people, we guess the most difficult thing would be to decide who to invite.

Suddenly, Christmas dinner is looking a whole lot better.

You’d be mistaken for thinking you’re at Grand Central Station. Alas, you’re only in King’s Cross.

German Gymnasium has a pretty cool bit of history. It’s a Grade II building but the real kicker is that it has one of two remaining laminated timber roofs in London. You’ll find German Gymnasium – and its roof smack bang between St. Pancras and King’s Cross stations.

Hire the whole venue or just the upper floor. Whatever you’re up for, take your pick of their festive delights – that’s smoked ham, seared cod fillet, strudel or a praline pot.

Nestled discreetly near Gloucester Road station, the Secret Winter Garden unveils an enchanting haven, for an intimate Christmas dinner experience that will leave guests immersed in the holiday spirit.

Step off at Gloucester Road station and venture into this whimsical winter wonderland, where cosy winter domes await parties of up to twelve people, providing an exclusive and intimate setting.

Inside these magical domes, an oriental-inspired à la carte menu awaits, tantalising taste buds with its fusion of flavours. Accompanying the delectable dishes is an extensive cocktail and drinks menu, ensuring a truly merry evening of indulgence.

Prepare for a delightful, delicious, and dazzling holiday celebration, tucked away in the heart of the city.

Step into The Rib Room at Bentleys for a delightful Christmas dinner experience. Conveniently located near Piccadilly Circus Station, this spot has served guests for over 100 years.

The menu serves classic cuisine including grilled fish, steaks, and oysters fresh from the British & Irish isles. Prepared by skilled chefs, seasonal ingredients ensure tasty bites.

The Rib Room is adorned with comfortable blue leather chairs, original artwork and a magnificent Christmas tree, for a sprinkle of Chrimbo cheer. And, with a comfortable capacity to accommodate up to 30 guests, The Rib Room is an excellent choice for an intimate dining and celebration opportunity with your nearest and dearest.

For a Christmas venue with added people watching, head to the St Pancras Brasserie and Champagne Bar by Searcys located within the iconic St Pancras International Station. With a variety of private dining areas and spaces, this spot can cater to your dining needs.

Bespoke packages are available and can be tailored to your preferences for stress-free planning. Hire the the intimate Tasting Room for up to 20 of your nearest and dearest or the grandeur of the entire venue accommodating up to 300 guests.

With seasonal menus and a fully stocked drinks menu, St Pancras Brasserie and Champagne Bar by Searcys offers an opportunity to enjoy good food in the festive season.

Experience the allure of The May Fair Hotel's Private Dining Room, just a sleigh ride away from Green Park Station.

With a capacity of 72, this elegant room beckons guests for a joyous Christmas feast. With carefully tailored dining packages, organising has never been easier. Alongside a traditional Christmas dinner, guests can enjoy appetisers upon arrival and a selection of fine wines.

To add an extra sprinkle of yuletide cheer, each package includes the May Fair Christmas crackers for the real hog.

Step into the warmth of The May Fair's private rooms for an intimate and elegant Christmas.

For a Christmas dinner that reaches new heights, try the Vinoly private dining room at Sky Garden.

Perched on the 37th floor of the iconic walkie talkie, guests can enjoy London’s highest public garden and its panoramic views. With its capacity to accommodate up to 16 guests, the Vinoly room sets the stage for an intimate do.

At Fenchurch, the menu expertly blends the finest British ingredients with vibrant Caribbean flavours, paying homage to the Anguillan heritage of Head Chef Kerth Gumbs. These creations are complemented by an award-winning wine list and handcrafted cocktails that have been curated to match each dish.

Leave behind the hustle and bustle of city life and embrace the most magical time of the year in this elevated sanctuary.