Thanksgiving 2021: Where to Celebrate in LondonBy Angelica Malin
Of all the American traditions we embrace in the UK (Halloween, Black Friday, The Superbowl etc), Thanksgiving is the one that gains prominence every year.
Whether you’re a seasoned turkey pro, or have no idea what a yam is – this holiday is truly a celebration for those that love their food. Thankfully, you don’t have to learn how to make a seven layered dip as we’ve rounded up the best London restaurants that are pulling out all the stops for this US knees-up.
1. For a Feasting Menu: Dishoom
The Lowdown: Dishoom’s Thanksgiving menu is always a highlight of the festive season, but even more so after a year out. In its much-anticipated return, the Dishoom festive feast will be served across all sites from the 22nd November to the 24th December – just in time for Thanksgiving.
Eat and Drink: Whether to reunite with family and old friends, or catch up with colleagues, the menu has been carefully built to emulate the sharing culture of Bombay’s Irani cafes – catch ups over gently spiced drinks and starters, passing around the dishes as the conversation flows. Turkey Raan (turkey leg, marinated and slow-cooked), will sit as the table centrepiece, with the house black daal, delicate fresh naans and raita to go alongside. For those larger groups, the Dinnertime feasting menu with an array of Dishoom classics will be available for 11 or more people.
Where: Locations here
2. For a Three-Course Dinner: Galvin Bar & Grill
The Lowdown: The newly launched Galvin Bar & Grill located at Kimpton Fitzroy London, Bloomsbury is all set to fly the American flag with an exclusive three-course dinner on Thursday 25th November, marking the occasion in the wonderfully ornate and impressive dining room.
Where: 1-8 Russel Square, London WC1B 5BE
3. For a One-Off Dinner: Joe Allen
The Lowdown: Joe Allen’s owners Tim Healy, Lawrence Hartley and Russell Norman, thankful to have finally re-opened the doors after a long 18-month closure, will be celebrating the only way they know how; serving an all-American feast on 25th November.
Eat and Drink: Executive Head Chef Gary Lee has created a special menu, inviting diners to come together and celebrate over the festive feast. Starters include bowls of creamy sweetcorn soup served with warm, homemade cornbread muffins to dip and an autumnal salad of beetroot, feta and orange dandelion topped with pecan granola. For the main event, a sumptuous roast turkey complete with all the trimmings will take centre stage and for those looking to veer away from tradition, a crusted cod fillet will also be on offer, served in a southern shrimp gumbo with chorizo and white beans. To finish, New York’s very own dessert will be on the menu, an indulgently dense baked cheesecake, and a peanut butter and jelly ice-cream sandwich.
Where: 2 Burleigh St, London WC2E 7PX
4. For a Thanksgiving Meal with a View: Duck & Waffle
The Lowdown: To celebrate Thanksgiving this year, Duck & Waffle are offering a ‘Friendsgiving’ menu for one night only on Thursday 25th November at 7pm.
Eat and Drink: Feast on Chef Elliott Grover’s festive classics like pumpkin soup with spiced relish and goat’s curd, sweet potato casserole with marshmallows, and other sides to accompany the main event: a succulent turkey, carved tableside and served with all the trimmings. Don’t miss pecan pie with homemade maple clotted cream for pud.
Where: 110 Bishopsgate, London EC2N 4AY
5. For a Doughnut Party: Crosstown
The Lowdown: Crosstown is celebrating Thanksgiving with the launch of its vegan Pumpkin Doughnut, alongside curated gift boxes.
Eat and Drink: The Pumpkin Doughnut is crafted with Crosstown’s award-winning vegan sourdough, enriched with roasted pumpkin and filled with a festive spiced pumpkin custard. Hand-dipped in pumpkin glaze, then finished with an oaty crumble, this doughnut is perfect for your Thanksgiving table or just to brighten up cooler autumnal days.
Where: Order online
6. For Classic Thanksgiving Dishes: The Athenaeum
The Lowdown: Whether for American friends who want to celebrate this time-honoured tradition, or those who just want to give thanks with loved ones ahead of the festive season, the Thanksgiving feast at 116 at The Athenaeum, designed by Executive Chef Ian Howard, is available on Thursday 25th November.
Eat and Drink: The Thanksgiving menu, £49 per person, will consist of a warming Crab and Sweet Corn Chowder to start, followed by Bronze Norfolk Turkey, stuffed and succulently roasted, with all the expected classic trimmings. And finally to finish, dessert is a hearty Blueberry Pie with Lemon Verbena Chantilly.
Where: 116 Piccadilly, Mayfair, London, W1J 7BJ
7. For an At-Home Kit: Dirty Bones
The Lowdown: Dirty Bones’ best-selling cook-at-home kit has had a makeover for the holiday season, given a spin on an indulgent all-American holiday treat. The gift that keeps on giving, each Dirty Bones Holiday Kit serves two, for a proper dirty night in.
Eat and Drink: There’s a truffled version of their classic Mac Daddy – think truffled mac & cheese sauce poured over BBQ braised short rib and double aged-brisket patties. Dished up alongside golden Tater Tots with the ultimate bread sauce aioli as well as a helping of crispy Brussel Sprouts topped with sweet and sour cranberries. To sip alongside, there’s pre-mixed cocktails like The Rum Baby Rum and Dirty Bones’ iconic house lager and a whole bottle of Curtice Brothers’ award-winning CHILI ketchup.
Where: Buy online
8. For a Six Course Menu: Sussex
The Lowdown: Sussex in Soho is introducing a six-course Thanksgiving menu for £65 per person (including a festive Cointreau cocktail), with the menu curated by head chef Oliver Gladwin, served alongside its a-la-carte menu.
Eat and Drink: The Thanksgiving menu will begin with a bespoke festive cocktail the ‘Red Bell’(Cointreau, Adnams East Coast Vodka, pomegranate, cranberry and dried berries). A variety of starter options will follow including traditional cornbread and smoked whipped butter, followed by a variety of starter options; fresh AAA Maldon rock oysters from the oyster bar, apple shallot vinaigrette; duck liver macaroon; herbed cheese croquette. Utilising seasonal produce, a festive pumpkin blini will then be served with crème fraîche, and trout.
Roast organic turkey with garden herb stuffing and cranberry jus will take centre stage for the main course, accompanied by rich and delicious sides, creamed leek, salt-baked potatoes, parsnip chips, brussels sprouts, and an apple, cheddar and walnut salad. The evening will be finished off with a choice of either a classic British cheese board or Nutbourne pumpkin and ginger pie for pudding.
Where: 63-64 Frith St, London W1D 3JW
