London’s food scene is second to none, whatever month of the year it is. But when we get to winter, eateries all over the city decide to up the ante even more, bringing us unique festive dishes and menu specials to fill our tummies with the flavours of Christmas. So we’ve partnered with South Western Railway to round up some of the best festive foods in London for you to try this holiday season.
1. The Black Pig
They’re known for their god-tier toasted ciabatta sarnies – and unsurprisingly their Christmas special is top of our list of festive foods in London. Stuffed with slow roast pork shoulder, smoked turkey, confit leek mayo, braised red cabbage, cranberry sauce and pecan stuffing, this is the crème de la crème of Christmas sandwiches. Borough Market Kitchen, Winchester Walk, SE1 9AG
2. Terra (Eataly London)
If we’re going to trust anyone to combine pasta and biscuits in a dish (stay with us), it’s the Italians. This Christmas, Eataly London’s Terra has dreamed up a daringly different pasta dish to feature on their festive menu. We urge you to try this fresh tagliatelle coated in walnut pesto and topped with an amaretti biscuit crumble, paired with a wintery Negroni Candtio under the twinkling lights. 135 Bishopsgate EC2M 3YD
3. Wes and Sandy’s pick of the week
South Western Railway’s winged friends, Sandy and Wes are always ready to share their top London recommendations. Sandy loves the arts, theatre and lunching with the girls, while Wes loves clubs, pubs and going to gigs with his mates. But one thing they will always agree on is their love of hot chocolate. It’s been over a decade since the guys at Italian Bear Chocolate started delighting Londoners with the richest, most luxurious hot choc around. Your options are milk, dark or gianduia (a blend of hazelnut and chocolate). Add flavours such as ginger, cinnamon or cardamom and then you’ve got Christmas in a cup. This is hot chocolate as God intended it. 41 Broadwick St, Carnaby, W1F 9QL
4. Humble Crumble
It’s safe to assume many you will have seen these guys all over social media, but for those who haven’t… you’re welcome! Rest assured, the team at Humble Crumble serve their delicious artisan desserts all year round – but never has there been a more appropriate time to eat crumble than Christmas. Top your piping hot fruit crumble with toppings such as frozen custard and freshly whipped cream and prepare to experience heaven in food form.
Borough Market Kitchens, Winchester Walk, SE1 9AG
105C Commercial Street, Old Spitalfields Market, E1 6BG
Unit 739, Camden Market, Chalk Farm, NW1 8AH
5. Pastaio
We love a foodie collab, especially when it involves pasta. And who better to bring us a festive Italian special than the team at Pastaio and hosts of the I’ll Have What She’s Having podcast, Sophie Wyburd and Hannah Crosbie? There’s a number of mouthwatering items on this limited edition Christmas menu, but the one we’re the most excited about is the brussel sprouts gnocchi. If anything is gonna change your mind about sprouts, it’s this. 19 Ganton St, Carnaby, W1F 9BN
6. Miznon
This Christmas, this Tel Aviv-influenced street food restaurant is doing what someone should have done a very long time ago: making a main course out of the world’s favourite canapé. Yes, this pillowy, soft pita is stuffed with soft potatoes, sour cream, spring onions and Jewish caviar. And seeing as it’s Christmas, why not take them up on their recommended serving suggestion of a glass of Moët and Chandon alongside?
8 Broadwick Street W1F 8HW
14 Elgin Crescent W11 2HX