Ah, the turkey dinner. A stable on British tables come Christmas time, as families and friends gather for the big old feast. But the Yanks plop it down on the table a bit earlier across the pond – reserving the turkey for Thanksgiving, instead. Similarly dedicated to family and (the name gives it away) giving thanks, Thanksgiving finds Americans gathering together and gorging themselves silly on the fourth Thursday in November. That means this year, Thanksgiving falls on November 24. And lucky for homesick US of A-ers, or just those who’d love an excuse to tuck in to an incredible amount of food, a number of venues around London are presenting their own version of the Thanksgiving feast. Loosen those belts London…
1. The Cadogan Arms – Kings Road
A running theme you’re sure to notice on this list is the prevalence of American whiskey and bourbon, but, hey, I’m not complaining! I’m all for the big ol’ meals and big ol’ pours of bourbon on the side. And The Cadogan Arms is offering up just that with their special Thanksgiving dinner, with a Michelin-starred chef cooking it up! Classic thanksgiving dishes (including a showstopping roast turkey) will feature as part of the feast, alongside Woodford Reserve cocktails, such as the Spiced Pumpkin Old Fashioned. Spiced! Pumpkin! Old! Fashioned! Sign me up!
Book your table for The Cadogan Arm’s Thanksgiving meal by heading to the website.
2. Sea Containers Restaurant – South Bank
Sea Containers Restaurant are pulling out all the stops for their Thanksgiving celebration, while being sure to also remember those unable to enjoy such lavish feasts. They’ll be serving up a three course lunch menu of Buck Carpaccio, Roast Turkey with all the trimmings, and a Sweet Potato Custard Tart – with £5 from the cost of each meal going to charity. The money will be donated to The Felix Project, a charity that tackles food poverty by delivering free meals to schools, community groups, and beyond. The donation included in the price of each diner’s meal will allow The Felix Project to deliver 30 free meals to those in need. A great meal, and a great cause.
The Thanksgiving meal will be available from 12-3PM on November 24 at their restaurant.
3. Red Hand – Dalston
And now for something that looks nothing like your typical Thanksgiving meal. Here’s a celebration of American food and drink in one of East London’s favourite craft beer pubs. The Red Hand will be hosting a tap takeover of super-fresh Texan beers alongside a menu of American whiskeys and bourbons. They’ll also be launching their winter toastie menu on the evening, which will include a vegan turkey and stuffing toastie, a fig and blue cheese featuring toastie, a raclette and wild mushroom toastie, and more. You definitely won’t want to miss the warming delights.
They’ll be kicking off their celebrations from 5PM on November 24, pouring until late.
4. Plaquemine Lock – Angel
London’s only Cajun and Creole-inspired pub, the Plaquemine Lock is bringing a delightful twist to the Thanksgiving meal. Their Southern style celebration promises “a banging line-up of Bayou bites, cocktails as vicious as crocodiles and good old NOLA jazz”. Choose from dishes such as the blackened turkey with sausage, the roast turkey po’boy, the pumpkin pie, and more. And wash it all down with ‘vicious’ cocktails like the Boulevardier and the Hurricane. To cap it all off, live music from The Dirty Blues will bring southern-fried soul into the evening from 7:30-10pm.
Head on down on November 24 to try out the Thanksgiving menu.
5. The Pem – St James
Award-winning Chef Sally Abé is celebrating the flavours of the harvest at The Pem‘s Thanksgiving celebrations. A huge hit with diners last year, the three course menu is back once again. They’re set to fill the bellies of diners with the likes of Maple Roast Bronze turkey, Duck Fat Hasselback Potatoes, Pumpkin Pie Ice Cream, and tons more. It’s the very best of British ingredients, used to make the most American of Thanksgiving dishes.
The Pem will serve their Thanksgiving feast on November 24. Head to the website to find out more and book your table.
6. The Blues Kitchen – Camden, Shoreditch, & Brixton
The day after Thanksgiving often finds the ritual of the ‘leftover sandwich’ being made. Enshrined in pop culture through Friends’ ‘The Moistmaker’ (apologies for making you read that word), it’s a simple yet decadent affair. Take everything from the Thanksgiving leftovers and pile it high between two slices of bread. The Blues Kitchen have taken that concept and refined it ever so slightly with their Thanksgiving burger. It’s a behemoth of a burger that sandwiches a panko-crusted turkey fillet burger, roast pumpkin and cinnamon puree, maple glazed bacon, and mac ‘n’ cheese, in a pillowy soft brioche bun.
Hit up any of the three locations between November 21 and 27 to try out the Thanksgiving burger.
7. STK Steakhouse – Strand and Westminster
Sure, it might be confusing to head to a steakhouse and not gorge yourself silly on whopping amounts of red meat, but STK Steakhouse just gets Thanksgiving. So you’ll want to forego the meat for once and try out their signature turkey dish. Why not wash it all down with a seasonal cocktail too, while you’re at it? And you definitely won’t want to miss the Spiced Pumpkin Pie, with candied ginger cream, and crunchy caramel honeycomb. It’s a sweet-treat-lovers dream!
STK Steakhouse will be serving their Thanksgiving options across site from November 24-27.
8. Charlie’s – Mayfair
At Charlie’s they’re giving the American tradition a twist with the timeless British elegance the restaurant is known for. Three courses will be served up to stuff the bellies of hungry diners, all kicking off with Shrimp Bisque with Bourbon Cream, a Waldorf Salad, or Oysters ‘Rockerfeller’. For the main course there is, of course, the classic turkey with all the trimmings, including candied yams, and potato and leek gratin. And then finish off with some Pecan Pie, Pumpkin Custard Tart, or autumnal Baked Apples.
Charlie’s will be serving their Thanksgiving three-course meal only on November 24.
9. Madison – City of London
Jaw-dropping views of London’s skyline, live music from Acantha Lang, an American blues and soul extraordinaire, and delectable food combine at Madison’s Thanksgiving celebrations. It’s Thanksgiving dinner for those who really want to go all out, but without any of the effort. Food ranges from jumbo shrimp corn dogs, iconic Chicken & Waffles, and bourbon rubbed house smoked salmon for starters to the Madison Roast Thanksgiving turkey, USDA Prime rib au jus, or maple-baked salmon fillet for the main event. Finish off with the Thanksgiving Mississippi mud pie, the pumpkin pie spiced panna cotta, or the incredibly indulgent American deep fried apple pie. And then go ahead and just nap right there in your chair…
Charlie’s will be hosting their Thanksgiving celebrations only on November 24.
So, there you have it. A list of feasts and delights to explore as you wander the streets of London dreaming of a Thanksgiving spread. Go forth, and let the gluttony overtake!