fenger

Going to be at Sheraton Park Lane 12/24-12/26. Any recommendation on close by restaurants that may be open for xmas eve+day? It's our first time in London, and we are are adventurous eaters so no need to recommend "American-safe" spots (i.e. I really wanted go to St John's in fact but they will be closed 12/23-1/3)

Raffles

Lots of the middle eastern places open on Christmas Day, especially those near Marble Arch which is close to you. Might not be your thing, though.

Obviously all of the Park Lane hotel restaurants will be open. Might be worth trying Galvin at the Hilton (top floor, amazing views) or something at the Grosvenor House or Dorchester. (Four Seasons is closed for refurb.) You could also see if Theo Randall at the Intercontinental is open.

Time Out magazine often does a feature nearer Christmas on places open on Christmas Day .... you may want to keep an eye on their website.

bensyd

Be aware that the whole London transport system shuts down on 25/26 of December. And taxis are usually in high demand because they are the only way to get around. So I would suggest whatever you do try and get something within walking distance of your hotel.

ajax

London Tubes and busses are running - albeit at a reduced capacity - on Boxing Day (26 December). It's a Sunday service.

It's only on Christmas day that they literally shut down all day. Walking the streets on the evening of Christmas day, actually, is quite cool. It's like London in a movie set - all of the buildings are there, but there's not a soul on the road. At least in my area.

rfrost

I remember having dinner on Boxing Day at the
Wolseley (very near where you're staying) a few years ago--they might even be open on Christmas. Though the food's not wonderful, it's more than decent, and the atmosphere's great.

bensyd

Your absolutely correct! I have never actually had Christmas in London I usually try and get out .

ajax

I don't blame you in the slightest!

To the OP: pay no mind to us, I'm sure you'll have a wonderful time.

ElkeNorEast

I enjoyed a fantastic Indian lunch on Christmas day at Veeraswamy a few years ago... they are open for Christmas lunch but not dinner. Christmas crackers and other little treats made the lunch extra special. It's just off Regent Street not far north of Piccadilly Circus, so it's definitely walkable. After a nice big lunch we really enjoyed a very quiet walk through St. James's Park. Christmas in London is fantastic, but bring walking shoes!

dlf

Actually, finding something open on Xmas Eve is not difficult, as there are plenty of options in Kensington, Mayfair, Soho, Covent Garden areas....depends on your inclination/interest in walking. If it's cold and not raining, it's a great way to finish the evening. As for Xmas Day dinner, you'd better get on the computer and make some reservations now. You've got a couple of options for finding a table: either go to opentable.com, or go to the Brit version, primetimetables.com. Either will show you what tables are open and at what times. Plus, you'll either get a link to the menu/restaurant, or more info. Be careful to check and be sure that the restaurant you select isn't offering a special, fixed price menu that evening.

Aviatrix

You're saying "evening"... traditionally Christmas Dinner is served in the middle of the day, and while things may be different in London out here in the provinces many if not most restaurants are closed in the evening on Christmas Day.

steev123

Friends, we are on our first London tour and have been to many good attractions in London. We are looking for some great places to hang out especially to enjoy London night life. Please also suggest few great restaurants in Central London area.

WHBM

My only point to add is do make sure that you have your place lined up in advance, rather than walking the streets, as you will find the majority of places closed on Christmas day. Those that are available, including the restaurants in major hotels, have often taken reservations long in advance from those who don't want to do the cooking on the day themselves. Traditionally this involves an over-long "dinner" at lunchtime, probably spanning from 12 noon to around 4 pm, something of a houseparty atmosphere, and the bulk of the diners going for the "traditional" style of food. Think Thanksgiving in the USA. There is normally special and very expensive pricing compared to the normal menu. It is very unusual for places to be open in the evening after all this.

The stretch north from Marble Arch along Edgware Road, which has many Middle Eastern restaurants, is a good idea, they are one of the few places you can expect something to be open. I have to say that Hummus and Pitta Bread is, however, not many British people's idea of dinner on Christmas Day !

If even mildly religious, you might like to go to the Christmas Eve midnight service at Westminster Abbey (walkable from your place) or one of the other major churches. Get there by about 11 pm, they do actually get full up. Finishes about 1 am. Then walk back through the quietest streets you will ever experience in London. Oh, and hope it's snowing !

worldiswide

We were stuck several years ago with no reservations having just arrived xmas day (party of 7) and were staying around hyde park corner. The Hard Rock Cafe took pity on us and squeezed us in, and even they had a special menu, pricey and closed early, but it worked and we still laugh about that dinner. boxing day is only marginally better. One option for that day is sofra a multi location turkish restaurant that is is shepherd's market or st christopher's place. Its not expensive and food is good.

ssb2045

Just a heads up: Tube drivers are planning to strike on Boxing Day, could be just a threat (as is often the case), but be prepared, check the news when you get over there for details.

http://www.metro.co.uk/news/850676-b...aceful-lu-says

Wingnut

I noticed a couple of years ago that the Aberdeen Angus Steak House restaurants seemed to be open on Christmas Day (not that I'd recommend anyone eat there, ever). I also wonder whether you might have some success in Chinatown. From a quick glance down the OpenTable restaurants with availability at lunch on the 25th, the OP might want to consider The Only Running Footman in Mayfair - although I've not eaten there myself at the 3 course Christmas menu at £65 a head seems ambitiously priced... OpenTable is taking reservations at Joe Allen although the restaurant's own website booking engine suggests it might be closed Christmas Day and Boxing Day.