Christmas Day lunch in London

michaeljones161

Due to my job, I have to be 'on call' at work on Christmas Day. However, I can get out for a couple of hours at lunchtime.

I'm looking for a pub or restaurant within say 30-40 minutes walk of Borough tube station which will be open and serve a good Christmas lunch with all the trimmings for my wife and me

I've found a few places (like the Butler's Wharf Chop House near Tower Bridge) but they're very expensive. Butler's Wharf is ninety quid! We'd be happy to spend up to £100 including drinks for the two of us.

I say 'within 30-40 minutes walk' because even though I'm 'on call', I can still have a drink! So no driving - and I'm not paying for a London taxi on Christmas Day!

Any suggestions?

Beckyy

I think you'll be really lucky to get anywhere for that price in London, including drinks too. I don't live in London, prices are quite reasonable here, and it's still at least £50-75 for a Christmas lunch at a hotel type restaurant without drinks. I hope you find somewhere. Try searching on trip advisor for places locally then checking their websites.

tejsmith

Give Dean Swift, Simon the Tanner or Draft House a call to see if they're open on Christmas Day, they all do lovely food.

Also, there's loads of places on Bermondsey St, could give those a go too.

brasso

We've gone out for Christmas lunch/dinner the last couple of years, and can really recommend it (particularly if the party is mainly adults). The sheer relief from not stressing over how long to cook the turkey, and whether you've done enough veg etc made it well worth it!

That said, as you've discovered, it's not cheap. The normal arrangement is that restaurants/pubs etc charge double (at least) their normal rates. Don't jump to the conclusion that they are ripping you off -- they simply have to compensate for paying their staff big overtime rates.

You might be lucky if you hold out until nearer the time. Restaurants sometimes offer big discounts nearer the time if their bookings are disappointing. They can't afford to have a half empty restaurant if they are paying their staff double. (But obviously you run the risk of missing out if everything gets booked up.)

Good luck - hope you find something.

michaeljones161

Thanks for your replies.

I have managed to find a few pubs locally which will be open and serving lunch on Christmas Day.

The Ship on the corner of Borough High Street and Borough Road. £24 Three courses

The Southwark Tavern by Borough Market. £55 Three courses

The Founders Arms on South Bank (next to The Tate Modern). £16 "A Christmas Roast" (I assume for that price that's just one course. Other courses available, I guess.)

Now I guess I better book it quick.