Thanksgiving in London – DONE RIGHT

Are you looking for the BEST place to get your Thanksgiving fix in London? 

Well, put away the oven mitts, because I have got you covered for all the hottest spots to visit in London this Thanksgiving. 

As an American, I’ll admit, living in London used to make me miss all of the traditions of being at home with family in the US. There are the football games and amazing food throughout the day.   

Luckily London has a high number of American ex-pats who are feeling the same so there are lots of ways to celebrate and give thanks with friends and great food.  

Let’s tuck in. 

For a Luxury Experience

If you want luxury, then you have to head to the Beaumont Hotel in Mayfair. The Colony Grill room is hosting a Thanksgiving dinner in their New York Style restaurant. 

You’ll start with roast scallops, Sweetcorn Chowder, and Coriander, followed by Pumpkin Risotto, Smoked Ricotta, Toasted Hazelnuts and of course for the main course, Thanksgiving Turkey, traditionally garnished.  For dessert,  you can enjoy Pecan Pie or Spiced Chocolate Sorbet. 

The vegetarian menu looks just as delicious with  Roasted Kohlrabi, Sweetcorn Velouté, Coriander and a nut roast replacing the starter and main course. 

The menu is £85 per person for a 4 course + tea/coffee and infusions, or go for the wine-pairing for an additional £50. 

For a Simple Night Out

If you love a good cocktail to go alongside your meal, while being in a classic pub, then the Cadogan Arms pub in Chelsea has you all set. 

You’ll be welcomed with a Spiced Pumpkin Old Fashioned before you head to your table for your 3 course Thanksgiving dinner. 

The menu starts with a prawn cocktail which is not a typical thanksgiving dish but it is followed by a roast turkey with truffle honey glazed parsnips, brussel sprouts and chestnuts. Top it all off with pecan pie with yoghurt sorbet.  It really is a great way to spend an evening together. 

The 3-course meal, including a welcome cocktail, is £75.  A really special way to spend thanksgiving in a traditional pub that has been refurbished.  

For a music-filled Thanksgiving

If you’re really craving stateside while in London, then you may not be thinking an Irish pub in the UK will be the right place for you, but hear me out! 

Darby’s Bar, located in Nine Elms has all the party spirit you need, PLUS amazing food. Located right next to the American Embassy, you’re sure to be surrounded by fellow expats. Given the location, they have gone all out on their Thanksgiving menu. 

The menu includes: 

• Truffled mac & cheese croquette
• Native lobster cocktail
• Parmesan gougeres
• Cornbread & smoked bourbon butter
• Cured Hampshire trout & pickles
• Lemon & thyme roast turkey, cranberry sauce & turkey gravy, Brussel sprouts & chestnuts, Crispy beef fat potatoes
• And if you can handle it after all of that food, a pumpkin tart, toasted pecan & tonka bean ice cream are on offer. 

To top it all off, the feast is set to the backdrop of live tunes straight from the heart and soul of Frenchman Street, New Orleans, thanks to Graham Hughes’ Brass Volcanoes.

The menu is £75 per person. 

For Staying in (without a chefs hat)

If you’d rather get together at home, without a big cook-off, then Pappy’s Texas BBQ could be a great solution for you. Their meal kits offer almost all of the American classics, all ready to throw into the oven and ready in under an hour! 

You can grab a thanksgiving meal for 2 which includes my favourite, sweet potato mash, stuffing, smoked Cumberland sausage, green bean casserole, gravy, cranberry sauce, and a turkey crown, pre-sliced. 

PLUS choose your pick of homemade pumpkin sweet potato pie or super gooey salted caramel brownie. This is just £22 per person, and really gives you a lot of bang for your buck. 

You can add more quantities to this meal kit, so if you have more coming over to eat, you’re still able to play host with the most!

For a Pick and Mix Dinner

Opened in 2017, The Plaquemine Lock restaurant is a creole & cajun restaurant. This incredible place, based in Islington, is offering a sort of “make it yourself” menu for Thanksgiving – just how I like it! 

Pick and choose from their menu with delights including: 

• 6 Rock Oysters
• Cornbread with whipped butter
• Pickled Okra
• Gumbo
• Blackened Turkey with Sausage, Red Beans & Rice 
• Beignets with chicory coffee caramel 

And much more! 

The items are very budget-friendly, with the turkey coming in at just £16 per person. 

For Thanksgiving, with a view

If you love a family-like experience of Thanksgiving, with views across London, then you must head to the 40th-floor location of the Duck and Waffle, in Heron Tower by Liverpool Street. 

This massive feast is being offered by the renowned restaurant. 

Starting with mulled wine, bacon-wrapped dates, maple glazed cornbread & crispy polenta, you know you’re already in for a real treat. 

The whole roasted bronze turkey is served with sweet potatoes and marshmallows & candied pecans; green bean casserole, truffle mac and cheese, and crispy brussels sprouts I’d be working hard to make sure I can make it to the dessert which is bourbon pecan pie! 

The menu comes in at £75 per person or  £115 with wine pairings, there’s also the option of a kids menu (under 10’s) at £35. 

So, which of these options made you salivate and think of hoe? I’d love to hear how you are celebrating your Thanksgiving at Christmas. 

If you want to discuss how I can help you find your perfect home away from home this Christmas as an expat, then please get in touch.