As December rolls around, we inevitably start to tire of the endless plates of turkey with the trimmings. By Christmas day, it can be very easy to not want to look at a gravy boat or a roast spud again. Thankfully we live in one of the greatest cities in the world, and Christmas festivities need not involve a rotating array of dried meats. Discovery and booking platform DesignMyNight is very aware of this, and wants to encourage you to branch out this December, swapping turkey for high tea and Brussels sprouts for brunch – you can thank us later.
Try out a Christmas brunch
Tequila Mockingbird bottomless brunch
What's better than Christmas? Erm... Christmas and Cowboys? That's the theory behind this new festive brunch at Tequila Mockingbird, anyway. Bringing all the hoedown fun with a festive twist to the Covent Garden location, this boozy brunch will be a hoot.
From £49; designmynight.com
Barrio Angel bad Santa bottomless brunch
If there's a naughty Christmas joke to be had, you'll probably find it at Barrio Angel during their rambunctious bad Santa bottomless brunch that promises to be boozy and good fun.
From £39; designmynight.com
Lucy Wong Christmas afternoon tea
Indulge in a Christmas afternoon tea
Chesterfield Mayfair winter wonderland afternoon tea
Get in the Christmas spirit in proper British fashion with this festive afternoon tea.
From £75; designmynight.com
Lucy Wong Christmas afternoon tea
Eschewing the traditional sandwiches and scones in favour of dim sum, this Christmas afternoon tea is the perfect alternative to classic festive fair.
From £45; designmynight.com
Joia winter afternoon tea
Refuel after your Battersea Power Station Christmas shopping in the best way at Joia's afternoon tea, with expansive views across the river.
From £55; designmynight.com
Cocktails at Hamyard Hotel's winter rooftop pop up
Jump into a Christmas-themed experience
Winter gin garden at Hamyard Hotel
The iconic Soho hotel has transformed its oasis of a roof terrace into a festive winter wonderland, with fairy lights and warming gin cocktails galore.
From £20; designmynight.com
The immersive Christmas dive bar
Lean into the night-before-Christmas spirit with this yuletide dive bar in the Truman Brewery which promises dance parties, beverages and bucketloads of festive fun.
From £35; designmynight.com
The ultimate Christmas house party at Little Scarlet Door
Designed to feel like your coolest friend's apartment, Little Scarlet Door is a house party hideaway in Soho, which has been bedecked in festive splendour this Christmas season. Just don't forget your tinsel.
From £35; designmynight.com
Truman Brewery's Christmas dive bar
Alternative Christmas menus
Colonel Saab
Trade the classic roast for Indian favourites like murgh malai tikka and malai kofta curry this Christmas season – no sad, overcooked turkey in sight.
Ollie's House
Get some Boxing Day leftover inspiration at Ollie's House with their epic turkey fried rice – or simply make the most of a fresh take on Christmas cooking.
Christmas dining at The Liberty
Ditch the oven this Christmas Day
Joia Battersea
Toast with your loved ones with one of the best views in the city across the Thames and beyond and an Iberian menu of vibrant dishes.
From £270; designmynight.com
The Library
Celebrate Christmas in The Library's glamorous oak-panelled dining room with a classic festive menu with all the trimmings.
From £390; designmynight.com
Ayllu
Bring Japanese and Peruvian flavours to your Christmas day feast at Ayllu for a different approach to yuletide celebrations.
From £75; designmynight.com
