Come November 23rd, 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.
Here, The Sybarite’s curated list of the most decadent Thanksgiving meals to enjoy across London come the 23rd of November.
The Colony Grill Room
As renowned specialists in old-world American fare, it’s little surprise that The Colony Grill Room is offering a curated Thanksgiving menu. Enjoy hearty dishes including pumpkin risotto with smoked ricotta, a traditionally garnished Thanksgiving turkey and pumpkin pie with spiced coffee ice cream.
£85pp, 23rd November, book here.
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.
£65pp, 23rd November, book 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. Drawing expansive influences from American cuisine, standouts from the menu include clam and sweetcorn chowder, braised halibut and pecan pie.
£95pp, book here.
Christopher’s Grill
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 shrimp before moving onto a Missouri-rubbed lamb roast and a side of candied yams, ending on a sweet note with a warm chocolate fudge brownie.
£80pp, 23rd November, book here.
Sea Containers Restaurant
Embracing American traditions with open arms, Sea Containers is hosting a traditional feast complete with all the trimmings. Expect to taste devilled eggs, Norfolk turkey and pumpkin pie topped with whipped cream, all in the company of your nearest and dearest.
£53pp, 23rd November, book here.
The 411
It will come as no surprise that Angel's newly-opened neighbourhood bar, which is inspired by the energy of New York’s Soho district, will be plating up a series of American-inspired dishes for Thanksgiving. Here, a warming bowl of honey roast pumpkin soup, roast turkey with all the trimmings and a sweet slice of pecan pie await you.
£40pp, 23rd November, book here.
Sunday In Brooklyn
Pumpkin-spiced soup, slow-roasted turkey and freshly baked cornbread are just a few standouts on the menu at this Notting Hill institution, whose three chefs are renowned for dishing up authentic American fare.
£55pp, 23rd November, book here.
Sette
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 pumpkin ravioli with butter and sage, turkey with brussel sprouts and pecan pie with vanilla gelato.
£95pp, 23rd November, book here.
Cadogan Arms
For diners who have trouble choosing between dishes, this charming gastropub has done the hard work for you, curating a set three-course menu. Your feast begins with a classic prawn cocktail to tantalise the palate, followed by a stuffed turkey with moreish pigs in blankets and candied yams, finishing with bourbon and pecan pie.
£80pp, 23rd November, book here.
Oblix at the Shard
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 restaurant’s à la carte menu offers an array of culinary delights including beef carpaccio, roast turkey, green beans with pancetta and ricotta, and your choice from the impressive Oblix dessert platter.
£97pp, 23rd November, book here.
The Pem
With a curated menu by Chef Sally Abé, Westminster’s The Pem — known for exuding Great Gatsby-esque opulence — will be dishing up a selection of warming fare, including maple-roast Cumbrian turkey, duck fat hasselback potatoes, and buttermilk cornbread.
£95pp, 23rd November, book here.
Galvin Bar & Grill
Drawing influences from America’s coastline, your dinner will begin with clam chowder and crab cakes, before moving towards a traditional roast turkey with brussels sprouts. For anyone seeking a delicious meat-free option, the restaurant also offers a vegetarian menu, complete with a leek and truffle chowder, followed by a roast pumpkin main course.
£68pp, November 23rd, book here.