London comes alive at Christmas – not just with twinkling lights and festive music, but with irresistible seasonal food. From traditional British classics to creative market street food, the capital becomes a paradise for winter indulgence. Whether you’re visiting for a weekend or spending the festive season in the city, festive foodie finds in London are a must.
This guide highlights the very best festive foodie finds in London, helping you taste your way through the season like a local.
Traditional British Christmas Foods to Try
No festive trip to London is complete without sampling classic British Christmas dishes. Many pubs, restaurants, and hotels offer seasonal menus throughout December. Traditional pubs and historic dining rooms offer the most authentic experience – perfect after a day of sightseeing!
Christmas Dinner Favourites include:
- Roast turkey with stuffing and gravy
- Pigs in blankets (sausages wrapped in bacon)
- Roast potatoes and brussels sprouts
- Cranberry sauce and bread sauce
Classic Christmas Desserts cover:
- Christmas pudding, often flambéed with brandy
- Mince pies, filled with spiced dried fruit
- Trifle, layered with custard, cream and sponge
- Yule logs, a chocolate sponge cake rolled with whipped cream or buttercream and iced to look like tree bark
Christmas Markets & Festive Street Food
London’s Christmas markets are a highlight of the season, offering both a festive atmosphere and a smorgasbord of delicious food. You’ll find bratwurst, mulled wine and spiced cider, churros, hot chocolates, seasonal cocktails, sweet treats, and more.
London has a plethora of Christmas markets, from huge inner city ones to smaller local ones, with the main markets being Hyde Park Winter Wonderland, Covent Garden, Southbank Centre Winter Market and Leicester Square Christmas Market. Discover more about enchanting Christmas Markets in and around London with our handy guide.
Festive Afternoon Tea Experiences
Afternoon tea gets a Christmas makeover this season, with hotels, tearooms and restaurants adding seasonal flavours and decorations. Whether it’s mince pie-inspired pastries, gingerbread and spice scones, festive finger sandwiches or mulled wine options, there’s plenty in store.
Popular festive afternoon teas can be found at luxury hotels, historic venues and riverside locations – or, even on a sightseeing tour bus, with our very own Afternoon Tea Sightseeing Bus Tour with PG Tips, now featuring a festive menu!
Cosy Pubs & Seasonal Menus
There’s nothing more British than escaping the cold for a festive meal in a cosy pub and you’ll be able to find plenty to choose from in London! With cosy interiors, some with lit fireplaces, hearty seasonal dishes and festive ales, you’ll be able to enjoy a cornerstone of British culture.
If you’re looking for historic pubs, look near landmarks such as the Lamb & Flag in Covent Garden, The George Inn by London Bridge, The Chandos by Trafalgar Square, The Angels Inn in Marylebone, or The Ship and The Jon Snow in Soho.
Sweet Treats, Chocolate & Festive Desserts
London’s bakeries and chocolatiers go all out for Christmas, with plenty of delightful treats to discover. From seasonal biscuits and pastries to chocolate truffles, selection boxes, yule logs, Christmas pudding, Christmas cake, mince pies and more.
Festive Drinks to Warm You Up
From pubs to Christmas Markets, you’ll be able to warm up with hot chocolates (with Irish cream liqueur for the adults!), mulled wine and hot cider. Many bars will also create Christmas-themed cocktail menus using citrus, spices, and winter spirits to give your favourite tipple a festive twist!
Top Tips for London’s Festive Food Scene
- Christmas market queues for food can get busy – eat early to avoid the rush
- Book ahead for Christmas lunches and afternoon tea
- Check dietary options – London is excellent for vegetarian, vegan and gluten free festive dishes
- Combine food with sightseeing to make the most of your day
From comforting pub lunches and indulgent desserts to buzzing Christmas markets and elegant afternoon teas, there’s no shortage of seasonal delights to enjoy when it comes to festive foodie finds in London. Exploring London festive food is one of the best ways to experience the city’s holiday spirit – and a delicious highlight of any winter visit!
