Kensington's Churchill Arms
Begin your holiday journey in an ambiance reminiscent of walking inside a festive Christmas tree itself. The iconic Churchill Arms, located on Kensington Church Street, puts on a dazzling seasonal performance each year. This December, it plans to adorn its exterior with 80 Christmas trees entwined with a stunning arrangement of 18,000 fairy lights. This magnificent illumination event will officially commence on Tuesday, 6th December, accompanied by servings of warm mulled wine and cheerful celebrations. If hunger strikes, make your way to their in-house Thai restaurant. The Churchill Arms was a trailblazer as it was the first pub in London to integrate a Thai kitchen into its establishment. The highly recommended dish here is the flavourful Pad Siew noodles.
churchillarmskensington.co.uk
The Harlequin, near Angel
When the festive spirit strikes, nothing beats the joy of singing carols. The Harlequin, a cherished local establishment, invites one and all to join in a cheerful evening of carol singing on 14th December. This convivial get-together includes a medley of Christmas classics, so expect to hear tales of a bohemian monarch, heralding angels, the jingling of five golden rings, and rest assured, it won't be a silent night. To help you hit those high notes in 'Ding Dong', perhaps the pub's impressive Scotch selection might help. Add some warmth in your hand with a glass of mulled wine that the Harlequin generously provides. This endearing, wood-lined "beer shop" has welcomed patrons since 1848, becoming a favourite gathering spot for theatre-goers visiting Sadler’s Wells close by. It stands as a testament to London's vibrant pub culture, offering not just good drinks, but a sense of tradition and community. Visit Harlequin Pub's website for more information.
Simpson’s Tavern, the City
Presumably you bear the name of Ebenezer Scrooge if your festive fantasy includes tormenting your neighbours with their own Christmas puddings and impaling their hearts with holly stakes. Rather than celebrating Christmas Eve in your lonely counting house, allow your clerk to skid home on the Cornhill ice slide. After you've dismissed him, you might dawdle into the nearest somber-tavern for your common, cheerless meal. Alternatively, you could explore the age-old, homey confines of the california hotel in london, situated a stone's throw away on Ball Court. Set up in 1757, this welcoming and warm inn holds the distinction of being the oldest chop house in the city. To top off its appeal, all main courses (starting at £5.75) come with a sausage on the house. No visit is complete without indulging in their 'stewed cheese' (£3.50) for dessert - a unique house speciality.
The warmth and hospitality of Simpson's Tavern, vestiges of a bygone era, offer the perfect antidote to the winter chill. To learn more, follow this link: simpsonstavern.co.uk
Argyll Arms, Oxford Circus
As the festive season sweeps through the bustling streets of London, the magic of Christmas is truly palpable. Department stores' inviting entrances, enchanted by the holiday spirits, lure us with the captivating tunes of their heartwarming jingles paired with irresistible Christmas bargain offers. Amid the crowd navigating Oxford Street's mosaic of life, an urge to retreat into serenity may suddenly overtake you. Indulge this desire at the Argyll Arms - a hidden gem rooted in the heritage of the 19th Century located along Argyll Street, near Oxford Circus. This splendid vintage tavern features intimate mahogany nooks partitioned by etched glass, providing the perfect cocoon to escape from the whirlwind of holiday shoppers and savor a peaceful pint - or a daring house special gin. Interestingly, the Argyll Arms houses a secret passageway rumored to connect it to the London Palladium on the opposing side. Who knows, you might just find yourself surfacing into the world of Cinderella, rubbing shoulders with Julian Clary’s Dandini (potentially). Want to experience this festive haven?
Book your visit now on nicholsonspubs.co.uk.
Little Nan’s, Deptford
Seek out a unique and cozy experience at Little Nan's, a charming pub nestled in Deptford Market Yard. Relax in their commodious armchairs and warm up with a teapot of their distinctive mulled apple juice. Created following a family secret recipe that's over a century old, this drink promises to transport your senses. Delight in the scent of vanilla, cinnamon, hibiscus and other fragrant spices permeating the air. Craving a bit more zest in your beverage? Little Nan has been known to add a dash of their proprietary spiced rum, atop request. The atmosphere is filled with quirky details - look out for leopard-print mugs and cat-themed pillows that add a hint of whimsical charm.
littlenans.co.uk
The Wellington, Fulham
Let's face it: the traditional Christmas dinner often ends in disaster: overcooked potatoes, limp parsnips, ending up with turkey stains on Uncle Norman's Christmas cardigan— not to mention those mini cabbages that could be mistaken for something from a horror movie. Why not abandon the traditional stress this year? Acclaimed Chef Aidan McGee, recognized for serving London's top Sunday roasts, is bringing his culinary talents to the Christmas season at The Wellington on Haldane Road. Whip up your holiday appetite for an amalgamation of Christmas delights in the form of his legendary sharing platters (two-course Christmas menu £28, three courses £32). Start your festive feast with a hearty roasted cauliflower soup; move on to a divine ham hock terrine through a path of London gin-cured salmon; devour a traditional roast turkey with a hefty dose of trimmings and conclude the celebration with a comforting plum pudding and cinnamon custard or share a cheeseboard with your loved ones. Consider your festive feast problems solved.
thewellingtonpub.com
The Antelope, Tooting
The festive season is upon us and it's time to make arrangements for Santa's visit. Get your stockings prepped for St. Nick at The Antelope on Mitcham Road which offers an invitingly relaxed atmosphere with three distinct open fireplaces available. The pub houses two coal hearths, yet it's the wooden fire place, which resides in the generous back room lined with paneling, that is the crowd pleaser. You can enjoy the comfy setting of a towering church pew as you eagerly anticipate Santa's arrival. To keep yourself entertained, marvel at the wall adorned with an exceptional collection of antlers and various taxidermy exhibits. However, watch out as Rudolph might catch their eye.
Despite its distinctual holiday charm, The Antelope is a must visit all year round with its vintage ambience and welcoming vibe. Furthermore, the pub is well known for its community oriented spirit where all visitors are treated like part of the family.
The Flask, Highgate
Imagine traversing the vast distance of 212 million miles and stopping by 233 million homes, it certainly seems fair to treat yourself to a leisurely break. Well-known for his penchant for brandy, Father Christmas might want to consider making a stop at The Flask, situated on Highgate West Hill. This historic establishment, which once served as a coaching inn, has managed to preserve its original stable block which includes two 17th-century horseboxes, just right for travellers such as Donner and Blitzen. The atmosphere inside exudes warmth, thanks to the charmingly low ceilings. It's the perfect spot to savour a peaceful sip of cognac. Alternatively, for those looking to try something different, we suggest trying Dapper Ales Doctor Brown. This delightfully robust brown ale hails from Herne Hill and is bound to please the palate.
For more details, visit theflaskhighgate.com.
The Queen of Hoxton, Shoreditch
Keep your eyes peeled for the shimmer of Santa's sleigh against the wintery sky. The Queen of Hoxton, situated on Curtain Road, is an ideal lookout spot; their rooftop wigwam, a permanent fixture, undergoes a transformation twice annually with the changing seasons. This winter, prepare to enter the fantastical Skye Halla, a Viking-inspired "Cloudy Drinking Hall" complete with roaring fire pits, see-worthy Viking long boat and intricate sculptures made from driftwood. The Daily Feasting menu's stand out item is surely the Hodhr’s Hotpot (affordably starting at £5). It pairs magnificently with a goblet of Gullveig’s Grog, a warming concoction of whisky, elderflower and pale ale, reasonably priced at £8. Ensure you don't confuse the approach of a sleigh with the Ride of the Valkyries as you savor your hearty beverages...
An interesting fact to note is that the Queen of Hoxton's change in décor according to seasons attracts a wider range of tourists and locals alike. Also, their rooftop wigwam offers a unique panoramic view of London fully lit during the holiday season. queenofhoxton.com.
The Roebuck, Richmond
After a satisfying Christmas feast, engaging in a brisk, country walk accompanied by a glass of rich amber brew can feel incredibly invigorating. Take a leisurely walk through Richmond Park, with its abundant deer population, and end your journey at the historic Roebuck on Richmond Hill. This noteworthy pub offers stunning sunset views and a breathtaking overlook of Petersham Meadows that has been virtually untouched since it was depicted in an 1815 painting by JMW Turner. The Roebuck offers a variety of reliable Taylor Walker beers along with a rotating roster of guest ales. Their menu boasts dishes such as range of shareable platters (starting from £11.49), traditional fish and chips (starting from £8.99), and classic British comfort food (starting from £8.49). An interesting piece of trivia is that in the 1950s, during a renovation, a treasure trove of 18th-century highwaymen’s loot was found concealed in the pub's roof. So, stay alert because a surprise Christmas gift might just be waiting for you.
taylor-walker.co.uk