London is now a great place to celebrate with a proper Thanksgiving dinner. From turkey to pecan pie, corn on the cob to cornbread, yams to all things pumpkin, the UK metropolis offers Thanksgiving meals to suit every pocket.
Choose from the truly authentic, in a restaurant run by born and bred Americans.
Below are what we, in our humble opinion, consider to be 8 of the best places in the capital where you can celebrate and enjoy a superb Thanksgiving dinner.
1. The Big Easy
US American BBQ and Lobster shack, The Big Easy opened in London 22 years ago on The Kings Road, Chelsea. Since then this authentic American restaurant has gone from strength to strength, opening a branch in Covent Garden in 2014.
These guys don’t take Thanksgiving lightly. You can expect all the trimmings, including pit smoked turkey, cornbread, pork sausage, sweet potatoes, homemade cranberry sauce, pumpkin and squash soup, freshly baked pumpkin pie… You get the picture.
2. The Ritz
If you fancy combining US tradition with British glamour, then look no further than the world famous Ritz Hotel. They offer a divine menu, including clam chowder, the very best Norfolk Bronze turkey with all the trimmings and a pumpkin based dessert.
Of course, eating at this UK institution doesn’t come cheap, but if your credit card can stand it, it really offers a Thanksgiving celebration second to none. You can opt for a lunchtime meal or evening, the choice is yours. Just be sure to dress for dinner!
3. CUT at 45 Park Lane
Staying with the upmarket, CUT at 45 Park Lane in trendy Mayfair is twinned with the original CUT in Beverley Hills.
Once again, not cheap, but as you’d expect from celebrity chef, Wolfgang Puck, you get a superbly authentic meal with everything you’d expect on a Thanksgiving dinner table – with a luxury twist, naturally. And, just in case any of your party would rather have something a little different, you can also choose from the a la carte menu as well. Make sure you book well in advance…
4. Bodean’s
For something a little more affordable, although no less delicious and authentic, Bodean’s in Soho offers what some might say the best (in both taste and value) Thanksgiving dinner in the whole of London.
But be sure to book early, as last year’s event was incredibly popular. And at £23.95 per head it’s no wonder… Thankfully, this super tasty barbecue restaurant now has more destinations around the capital, including Fulham, Clapham, Tower Hill and Balham. So if you can’t get a table at your first choice, try one of the others.
5. Balthazar
Balthazar, in Russell Street, close to Covent Garden, is a French-US combination restaurant. And this means that at Thanksgiving you get all of the US razzmatazz combined with French flair and aplomb.
It’s a heady combination and one that allows for all the traditional turkey, pumpkin pie, pumpkin soufflé etc, but with that little French ‘je ne sais quoi!’ Enjoy one of the specially created for the celebration cocktails, and you’ve got all the ingredients you need for a fabulous meal.
6. Sam’s Brasserie and Bar
Located in Chiswick, Sam’s Brasserie and Bar does Thanksgiving proud. Think pumpkin soup, hot wings, clam and bacon chowder, the obligatory turkey (or beef if you prefer), pecan pie…. The list goes on and will satisfy even the most hearty of appetites.
Sam’s won’t break the bank either, and allows you to simply order off the menu, rather than being held to a set menu price. After all, not all of us can manage appetizers, mains AND dessert (although we’re sure you’ll give it a good try…!)
7. Joe Allen
Classic American restaurant, Joe Allen, excels itself when it comes to Thanksgiving celebrations. This Covent Garden based restaurant has been in location since 1977 – and you don’t survive in the cut-throat UK capital unless you provide what your customers demand. And they certainly do.
It’s a little pricier than some of the restaurants mentioned, but it’s not going to leave you destitute at around £40 per head. For this you can expect all the usual suspects, plus some extras like pulled pork, sour dough, maple bacon burgers and marinated cherries (although perhaps not in that order…). Once again, be sure to book early to ensure you get a seat.
8. The Blues Kitchen
Located in trendy Camden, The Blues Kitchen isn’t just the place for a super special Thanksgiving dinner. It’s one of THE places to go for a great night out.
Billing itself as ‘London’s very own home of BBQ, blues and rock n roll’. Along with the turkey, the cornbread, the cranberry jelly, the mac n cheese and the corn on the cob, you’ll be serenaded by live music as you dine. And for those who’ve got the stamina, the DJs hit the decks until the early hours.
As you can see, London offers a multitude of restaurants where you can enjoy a wonderful Thanksgiving dinner. After all, going out to eat sure beats doing all the preparation at home (not to mention the washing up).
Just be sure to book your table well in advance, especially if your party is large. Eat, drink and be merry (and don’t forget that it’s only a month before you get to eat another massive turkey dinner at Christmas time!). Enjoy…
