A yearly tradition for millions of Americans, Thanksgiving conjures up images of family, food, feasting and festivities. For Americans who find themselves in London this coming November – it is still possible to celebrate! For the large numbers of people who have left the United States and now call the United Kingdom home, or for those who happen to be travelling through, there are numerous places and venues taking on the tradition of Thanksgiving. Our list is a helpful guide, but is only a small sample of the variety on offer here in London!
Tip
Make note that Thanksgiving falls on Thursday, November 28, 2019 – and to avoid disappointment you’ll need to book at most of these venues in advance.
Where to Go to Eat?
1 – The Savoy Grill (www.gordonramsay.com/thesavoygrill) - £55 – Owned by Gordon Ramsay, the Savoy Grill puts on a three-course Thanksgiving dinner incorporating traditional tastes like maple-roasted turkey and pumpkin pie with cinnamon ice cream!
2 – Bea’s of Bloomsbury (www.beasofbloomsbury.com) - £45 – Also on our recommendations for London Afternoon Tea, Bea’s of Bloomsbury also caters to those looking for an American classic. Roast turkey, mashed potatoes, brussels sprouts are served up alongside your choices of sauces and veg. And as a bakery, you know dessert at Bea’s is going to be amazing – choose from pumpkin chiffon pies, pecan or apple strusel, and even pumpkin cheesecake with whipped cream!
3 – Big Easy (www.bigeasy.co.uk) - £29.50 – It’s a 3-course Thanksgiving feast southern style at the Big Easy – herb-roasted turkey stuffed with bacon and leek, macaroni cheese and mashed potato, followed by a choice of triple-layer red velvet cake or traditional pumpkin pie.
4 – Riding House Café (www.ridinghousecafe.co.uk) - £35 – Keeping it family style, Riding House Café will be serving dinner at sharing tables. Start your night with a cocktail and then enjoy your two course menu – roast turkey, cornbread and sausage stuffing and all the fixin’s.
5 – Sam’s Brasserie & Bar (www.samsbrasserie.co.uk) - No set price – Beginning the evening are Sam’s American – themed cocktails: spiced cider, cranberry cosmos, gingerbread martinis and brandy egg nog! Guests then get a choice of starters and mains: pumpkin soup or clam and bacon chowder, rack of ribs or turkey…followed by fabulous desserts including Sam’s own hybrid of a brownie and a cookie: Brookies!
1 – Whole Foods Market (www.wholefoodsmarket.com) With branches throughout London, Whole Foods is well stocked with American Thanksgiving favourites: turkeys, pies, cranberry sauce and more. Check out their website for top tips and recipes.
2 – Partridges (www.partridges.co.uk) A staple shop for all US ex-pats, Partridges specialises in fine foods from throughout Europe and the States. Baking goods, sweets, snacks and even a special ‘Thanksgiving Essentials’ section on their website – Partridges really delivers.
Dinner and a Show
1 – Jetlag Bar (www.jetlagbar.com) Also serving up a set meal of delights (including pumpkin soup and pecan pie) Jetlag Bar will also be showing back-to-back NFL matches on all the screens for guests to watch while enjoying their meals! Don’t wanna eat? Don’t worry – grab a drink, take a seat, and enjoy the game.
2 – Blues Kitchen (www.theblueskitchen.com) - £16 – Thanksgiving classics abound here: turkey, cranberry Kelly, mac n’ cheese, corn on the cob and pumpkin pie. And in addition to the good eats, live music from renowned jazz and soul artists can be enjoyed – along with London’s biggest selection of bourbons!
3 – Bodeans (www.bodeansbbq.com) - £20.95 – A popular American-style BBQ restaurant, Bodean is popular with ex-pats all year ‘round. For Thanksgiving they’ll be serving up Thanksgiving classics, alongside showings of NFL matches, throughout all their London branches.
+++You can walk up a nice appetite on one of our famous pay-what-you-like walking tours of London!+++
