Come the end of November, the smell of roast turkey and pumpkin pie permeates the air for the American holiday rooted in tradition.
Thanksgiving dates back over 400 years ago, originating in 1621 when the Pilgrims and Wampanoag Indians gathered at Plymouth to celebrate a successful autumn harvest. A monumental feast was enjoyed, also known as the first dinner. By 1863, president Abraham Lincoln declared this event a national holiday, which was henceforth known as Thanksgiving.
While Thanksgiving may historically be an American holiday, it has since garnered international favour for its overarching message of gratitude and blessing for the upcoming harvest season. And, while we don’t resonate directly with the story, the UK still enjoys celebrating it as an opportunity to get together with friends and family while enjoying a delicious meal.
There is no shortage of restaurants offering a bespoke Thanksgiving dinner for Brits and visitors from across the pond alike. With menus ranging from traditional (read roast turkey and pecan pie) to more contemporary takes, including pumpkin risotto and braised halibut.
Keep scrolling for The Sybarite’s curated list of the most decadent Thanksgiving meals to enjoy across London come the 27 November.
Brasserie Max
Designed to feel like a chic dinner party hosted at home, the aesthetic of Brasserie Max is incredibly inviting and welcoming. As such, the venue will be serving up a traditional Thanksgiving feast with all the trimmings, including a side of macaroni cheese and Boston cream pie for dessert.
£75pp, including a welcome drink. Bookings made here.
Charlie’s At Browns
While this restaurant may be best known for creating traditional British fare, their Thanksgiving offering is not one to be missed. Standouts from the menu include roast pumpkin soup, Norfolk Bronze turkey, and traditional pecan pie with maple ice cream.
Widely lauded as one of London’s best American restaurants, a menu bursting with authentic flavour is guaranteed here. Begin your culinary journey with seared tiger shrimps before moving onto a Missouri-spiced rack of lamb and a side of candied yams, ending on a sweet note with a warm chocolate brownie.
Embracing American traditions with open arms, Sea Containers is hosting a traditional feast complete with all the trimmings. Expect to feast on buttermilk cornbread with aged cheddar and salted butter, Norfolk turkey with sage and onion stuffing, and classic devilled eggs.
It will come as no surprise that Angel's NYC-inspired neighbourhood bar will be plating up a Thanksgiving feast for 27 November. The three-course meal kicks off with roast pumpkin soup or jalapeno poppers. For mains, choose from slow roasted turkey and pumpkin and cauliflower vegan cheese crumble, and for dessert, tuck into a classic: pecan pie served with a Buffalo Trace custard.
Sunday in Brooklyn's outposts in Notting Hill and Marylebone will be celebrating Thanksgiving this year over several nights. Menu highlights include double-baked soufflé, turkey with all the trimmings and of course, the classic pecan cake. On 27 November, there are two fixed sittings to choose from, each lasting 2.5 hours.
Brought to London from the team behind New York’s famed Scarpetta restaurant, this restaurant has brought the culinary essence of Manhattan to Knightsbridge. Serving a modern twist on the Thanksgiving classics, expect to enjoy squash ravioli with butter and sage, turkey with seasonal winter vegetables and pumpkin pie tart with vanilla Chantilly cream.
£120pp (with a complimentary glass Ruinart Brut Champagne), 27 November. Bookings made here.
For diners who have trouble choosing between dishes, this charming gastropub has done the hard work for you, curating a stellar menu featuring the likes of baked brie, roast turkey crown, slow-cooked short ribs, and pumpkin and ginger biscuit smores.
Boasting one of the best skylines in London, travel up to the 32nd floor of the Shard for a traditional Thanksgiving dinner with a view. The specially-curated tasting menu includes roasted turkey breast with chestnut, Brussels sprouts, and a decadent black truffle sauce. The Thanksgiving menu costs £99pp, with the option to elevate the experience with an American-inspired wine pairing for £68pp.
Located in the heart of Westminster, The Pem is known for exuding Great Gatsby-esque opulence. On 27 November, the fine dining restaurant will be serving up a selection of warming fare, including sweetcorn and clam chowder, maple roast Cumbrian turkey, and blackcurrant and chestnut Mont Blanc.
At Claridge's Restaurant X Dante, guests can feast on a New York-style dinner with signature dishes and decadent cocktails. Commence the evening with radicchio and honeycrisp apple, roasted Norfolk turkey served with all the trimmings, pumpkin cheesecake and classic pecan pie.
There are a plethora of restaurants in London offering special Thanksgiving dining experiences. Whether you're looking to enjoy a spread with friends, or a dinner with loved ones, there's a spot to suit every need.
Thanksgiving this year falls on Thursday 27 November.
Thanksgiving is a good time to visit London as flights tend to be cheaper ahead of Christmas. The holiday is widely celebrated in London, meaning there's no shortage of activities and dining experiences available throughout the city.
The end of November is also a great time to visit the Big Smoke given that Christmas is just around the corner. Visitors can expect plenty of extravagant decorations, markets, and ice rinks without the December crowds.
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