Now that we’re on a one week countdown to Christmas, it’s time to start making plans for that post Christmas period, when London is largely quiet but the festive sparkle is still in the air.
If you have food-loving friends or family in town, here are three surefire options to take them to – and give you a bit of time out of the house.
Borough Market
Every foodie’s mecca when they’re in London. Christmas is a particularly busy time of year since it’s full of people buying gifts, and the traders do extra special hampers and treats. My full run down on the best traders (found via Celia Brooks’ gastrotour of the market) is here, but definitely stock up on sweet treats at Sweet Roots, where you can buy the liquorice balls coated in white chocolate and passionfruit below. They are life-changing.
The Market Hall Christmas decorations in the featured image above make contemporary use of traditional foliage used for centuries in seasonal decorations and dishes. Read more about the installations on the Borough Market blog here.
The market is closed on Friday 25th, Saturday 26th, Sunday 27th, and Monday 28th December, then opens again from Tuesday 29th December until Thursday 31st December (but closes early at 3pm on New Year’s Eve).
Slow Food at Rosewood
The utterly beautiful Rosewood London recently launched a weekly Slow Food & Living Market in the hotel’s grand inner courtyard. Executive Chef Amandine Chaignot is at the helm, which recreates the traditional marketplace shopping experience in the heart of Holborn.
Open every Sunday from 10am to 3.30pm, it’s the only dedicated Slow Food & Living Market in London and features over 30 different merchants selling vegetables, fruit, meat & more. The three restaurants at Rosewood; Holborn Dining Room, Scarfes Bar and the Mirror Room, are offering special dishes and wines incorporating ‘slow’ ingredients – so you can make a day of it as well!
Festive Afternoon Tea at Claridge’s
Claridge’s has been serving classic, traditional afternoon tea for almost 150 years. Set in the splendour of Thierry Despont’s magnificent foyer, inspired by the 1930s’ heyday of art deco, you really can’t find better.
Until January 3rd they’ll be serving tea with a festive twist; guests can enjoy a seasonally warming festive afternoon tea with a glass of champagne.
Alongside the choice of almost 40 teas from around the world there’s a White Christmas speciality tea, Christmas themed finger sandwiches (including a gourmet turkey selection), freshly baked raisin and apple scones with Noel jam and Cornish clotted cream, Christmas themed pastries – and even Christmas pudding.
During the weekends you can also enjoy Christmas carols in the Foyer, so December 27th will be pretty magical. Afternoon tea is served daily at 2:45pm, 3pm, 3:15pm, 3:30pm, 4.45pm, 5pm, 5:15pm & 5:30pm, £80 per person, reserve online here.