Best Thanksgiving Dinner in London [2024 Update]

With the deepening of globalisation and cultural exchanges, some elements of Thanksgiving, such as turkey dinner, are gradually accepted in the UK. Thanksgiving dinner has slowly become popular in London, not only due to cultural integration but also because it is closely related to food enjoyment, gratitude, and business promotion.

Usually, Thanksgiving dinner is a delicious feast full of ritual and warmth. On this particular day, you can sit around the table with your family and friends to enjoy this tasty food and happiness together.   

Traditional Thanksgiving dinners have deep cultural significance and warm family memories. This guide also introduces the eight best places to celebrate and enjoy a delicious Thanksgiving dinner in London. Besides, we highly recommend Jackery Portable Power Station, a portable power supply for charging cooking equipment and other appliances at Thanksgiving gatherings or outdoors at marketplaces.   

Why Is Thanksgiving Dinner So Popular in London? 

For Americans, Thanksgiving dinner is the most critical moment for a family reunion. Traditional foods such as turkey and pumpkin pie are usually on the table, symbolising harvest and gratitude. So, how do people view Thanksgiving dinner in the UK?

Thanksgiving dinner has not received the same attention in the UK as in the United States, but some British people have gradually accepted it. For most traditional British people, they prefer to celebrate their traditional festivals. However, in the wave of globalisation, most British people also experience and accept different cultural elements with a more accessible and open attitude. However, Thanksgiving dinner will cause less sensation in the UK than in the United States. Its popularity in the UK as a cultural phenomenon is increasing. For most British people, Thanksgiving dinner is more of an opportunity to try something new or experience a foreign culture.

Reasons why Thanksgiving dinner is becoming more and more popular in the UK

Thanksgiving dinner is becoming increasingly popular in the UK, which can be analysed in the following ways.

Cultural Integration: With the development of globalisation, the UK has been continuously influenced by American culture, which has stimulated their interest in celebrating this festival.

Commercial Promotion: In the UK, most businesses will launch Thanksgiving-related activities and special offers to attract consumers to buy ingredients and goods related to Thanksgiving dinner.

Family Gathering: Thanksgiving provides an opportunity to reunite with family, consistent with the British emphasis on family values. Enjoying a hearty Thanksgiving dinner can strengthen the emotional connection between family members.

What Is the Traditional Thanksgiving Dinner? 

As a holiday full of warmth and gratitude, Thanksgiving always focuses on a sumptuous dinner. The traditional Thanksgiving dinner is the ultimate temptation for taste buds and carries deep cultural significance and warm family memories.

Roast Turkey

There is no doubt that turkey is the absolute protagonist of Thanksgiving dinner because turkey is not only tender but also symbolises harvest and reunion. Roasting a turkey is complicated and full of ritual, including stuffing, tying, seasoning, and baking.

Usually, the plump turkey is stuffed with stuffing, smeared with butter or olive oil, sprinkled with various herbs and seasonings, and then slowly roasted until golden and crispy. The turkey's stuffing is usually made of ingredients such as breadcrumbs, onions, celery, and herbs, and sometimes chicken or turkey mince is added.

You can add chopped nuts, raisins, apple cubes or dried cranberries according to your preferences. After being baked, the stuffing becomes crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, making it a perfect filling for the turkey and a delicious side dish on its own. In addition, people are increasingly liking turkeys without stuffing inside.

Mashed Potatoes

Mashed potatoes are a classic Thanksgiving dinner dish. They are not only soft in taste but also very filling. Mashed potatoes usually have a smooth texture and are an excellent choice for turkey and gravy.

Cornbread

Cornbread is a traditional southern United States side dish and Thanksgiving dinner dish. It is made from cornmeal as the main ingredient, and milk, eggs, butter, and other ingredients are added to make soft cake-like bread. Cornbread has a sweet taste and is a delicious staple for soups and dishes.

Cranberry Sauce

Cranberry sauce is bright in colour, sweet and sour, and effective in relieving greasiness. To make it, boil fresh cranberries with sugar and stir until the fruit breaks to form a thick jam. Cranberry sauce can be eaten with turkey or other meats to neutralise greasiness. It is an indispensable classic side dish on the Thanksgiving table.

Pumpkin Pie

Pumpkin pie is a traditional Thanksgiving dessert, symbolising harvest and sweetness. Peel and deseed the pumpkin; steam it and mash it into a paste; add sugar, milk, eggs and spices; stir well,  and bake it in the oven. The baked pumpkin pie has a crispy crust and a sweet and soft filling.

Whether roast turkey, cranberry sauce, pumpkin pie, or mashed potatoes, these delicacies carry a deep cultural heritage and warm family memories.

8 Best Thanksgiving Dinners in London for 2024

While Thanksgiving isn't a national holiday in the UK, many London restaurants have created a feasting menu for the masses to celebrate with friends across the pond (and enjoy a good meal, too). From turkey to pecan pie, corn on the cob to cornbread, yams to pumpkin, the British metropolis has something for everyone. Here are 8 of the best places to celebrate and enjoy a delicious Thanksgiving dinner in London:

Honey & Co. Daily

Location: 19-21 Store Street, London, WC1E 7BL, United Kingdom

Date: November 28

Price: £55 per person

Web: honeyandco.co.uk

Honey & Spice Deli's Thanksgiving Dinner Club will be held on November 28. Bridget Fojcik, manager of Honey & Spice and former Ottolenghi director, initiated it. If you want to try an authentic Thanksgiving dinner, Honey & Co. Daily is a great choice. The menu costs £55 per person and is a family-style sharing platter with almost all the classic dishes: Waldorf salad, buttermilk mashed potatoes, traditional turkey, Bridget's signature stuffing, and pumpkin cheesecake. The starter includes honey rosemary nuts, cheese sticks, blue cheese, and cranberry bread slices.

Fowl

Location: St James - 3 Norris Street, St James's Market, London SW1Y 4RJ

Date: November 28

Price: £95 per person

Web: fowlrestaurant.com

London's fanciest chicken shop, Fallow's chicken spin-off Fowl, is hosting its first Thanksgiving dinner this year. Fowl is offering a one-day chicken-centric menu, with specials including malted waffles with fried chicken and maple syrup, turkey rolls with candied yams, Brussels sprouts, mashed potatoes, cornbread, chestnut and bacon stuffing, and a gorgeous pumpkin pie.

CUT at 45 Park Lane

Location: 45 Park Lane, Mayfair, London W1K 1PN

Date: November 28

Price: £195 per person

Web: dorchestercollection.com

Head to renowned American chef Wolfgang Puck's outpost at 45 Park Road for an authentic Thanksgiving dinner. With its glass chandeliers and mahogany panelling, the serene Cut will serve a sumptuous lunch and dinner menu on November 28.

Menu highlights include Dorset crab and lobster cocktails, prime steak tartare, Norfolk bronze turkey with cornbread stuffing, cranberry compote and roast pork, toasted marshmallows with sweet potatoes, and three classic pies (key lime, pecan, and pumpkin) for dessert.

The Colony Grill Room

Location: 8 Balderton Street, Mayfair, London W1K 6TF

Date: November 28

Price: £70 per person, £25 per child (7-12years)

Web: colonygrillroom.com

The Colony Grill Room is a New York-style restaurant in the luxurious Beaumont Hotel in Mayfair.

This year, The Colony Grill Room has launched a Thanksgiving celebration menu inspired by transatlantic flavours. Entrees include spiced pumpkin bisque with citrus and smoked ricotta, classic turkey with all the trimmings, baked brie with cranberry gelee, and pecan pie with brown butter bourbon ice cream for dessert.

Sussex Bar & Restaurant

Location: 63-64 Frith Street, London, W1D 3JW

Date: Weds 27th - Fri 29th November

Price: £55 per person

Web: sussex-restaurant.com

Sussex Bar & Restaurant's Thanksgiving event runs for three nights (November 27-29). The Sussex Bar & Restaurant's Thanksgiving menu is seasonal and British, with dishes like artichoke and pecorino dip with cornbread, crab and corn chowder with sausage, Yorkshire turkey parmesan with cabbage coleslaw, and pumpkin pie with a marshmallow hat.

Duck & Waffle

Location: 110 Bishopsgate, London EC2N 4AY

Date: November 28

Price: Lunch £55 (£27.50 for children under 10), Dinner £90 (£45 for children under 10)

Web: duckandwaffle.com

Duck & Waffle (40th floor) is one of the highest restaurants in London. On November 28, the restaurant will serve a hearty Thanksgiving lunch and dinner with impressive views. In addition, the restaurant has launched a Thanksgiving menu that combines British and American dishes, perfect for those who want to celebrate Thanksgiving in London.

Duck & Waffle's Thanksgiving meal is served family style, starting with brioche, honey butter and roast pork, then turkey with all the trimmings (or mushroom and Brie Wellington cheese), and finally bourbon pecan pie.

108 Brasserie

Location: 108 Marylebone Ln, London W1U 2QE

Date: November 28

Price: £65 per person

Web: 108brasserie.com

108 Brasserie will open its dedicated pie room this Thanksgiving, serving a wide range of American pies, from classic pumpkin pie with chocolate shortbread to Mississippi mud pie. In addition, 108 Brasserie will also offer other delicious dishes: pumpkin and short rib fried rice balls to start, followed by Baltimore-style crab cakes, and then roast turkey with creamed corn and sweet potato mash.

Charlie's at Brown's

Location: 33 Albemarle St, London W1S 4BP

Date: November 28

Price: £115 per person

Web: roccofortehotels.com

Charlie's has a great atmosphere and stylish interior, but it also does a great job with food. The Thanksgiving menu at Charlie's isn't strictly traditional this year, but it sounds delicious. You'll get to choose three courses:

• Starters of clam and sweet corn chowder, gourmet pumpkin soup, or Waldorf salad
• Main courses of roast turkey with sides, stewed halibut, or potato gnocchi
• Desserts of pecan pie, pumpkin pie, or a wedge of cheese from Buchanan's

Tips for Enjoying Thanksgiving Dinner in London

Although Thanksgiving originated in North America, it has gradually gained attention and love in the UK. A hearty Thanksgiving dinner is a reward for the taste buds and a gratitude for life. With the following tips, you can enjoy Thanksgiving dinner more easily and happily and spend a good time with family and friends.

Tips for Enjoying Thanksgiving Dinner in A Restaurant

Instead of busy cooking at home, choosing a fine restaurant and enjoying a unique Thanksgiving dinner is better. Whether you want to experience traditional American flavours or try unique and innovative dishes, restaurants can provide perfect choices.

Tip 1: Make Reservations in Advance

Please make reservations a few days or even a week in advance to ensure that you have a comfortable dining environment.

Tip 2: Understand the Menu

Please learn about the special Thanksgiving menu through the official website or call before making a reservation. In addition, you can choose restaurants that offer special dishes so that you can enjoy a unique taste on Thanksgiving.

Tip 3: Pay Attention To Your Dress

Although you don't need to be too formal, appropriate dress can increase the festive atmosphere. Choosing clothes that match the Thanksgiving theme can help you better integrate into the festive atmosphere.

Tip 4: Cherish Food

While enjoying food, you should also pay attention to reasonable consumption. Please order according to your appetite and needs to avoid wasting food.

Tips for Homemade Thanksgiving Dinner

Through careful preparation and creative cooking, make this special night an excellent memory. In addition to rich food, creating a warm and pleasant atmosphere is also essential.

Tip 1: Prepare Ingredients in Advance

Thanksgiving dinner preparation is more cumbersome, so it is essential to plan. Please determine the menu in advance and buy the ingredients you need.

Tip 2: Innovative Dishes

Although the traditional Thanksgiving dinner is classic, you can add some innovative elements. For example, you can add British spices such as rosemary and thyme to the stuffing. In addition to the traditional pumpkin pie, you can try making apple pie, blueberry pie, etc.

Tip 3: Create a Warm Atmosphere

First, you can decorate the table more beautifully using warm lighting, candlelight, and flowers. Second, you can play relaxing music to make the dinner more pleasant. Find or choose a portable power station, like Jackery Portable Power Station, to charge appliances and electronics, such as your lights, portable speakers, projectors, and more, especially for outdoor parties.

Tip 4: Backup Power

Thanksgiving dinner often takes days to prepare. A power outage will likely spoil the refrigerator's food, and the power grid will likely be under tremendous pressure on Thanksgiving. Therefore, while enjoying the food during Thanksgiving, you should also be prepared for possible power outages in advance. The Jackery Explorer 2000 Plus and 1000 v2 portable power stations are good choices.

Jackery Portable Power Stations for Thanksgiving Dinners

Except for the best places for Thanksgiving dinner in London, you can hold your own Thanksgiving dinner gathering or make a fantastic backyard Thanksgiving party. No matter what dinner party you choose, you will use electricity. Jackery Portable Power Station helps to charge essential appliances, such as your oven, microwave, lighting, portable grill, and more, indoors or outdoors.

It is simple to recharge the power station; you can use wall outlets, carports, or our Jackery Solar Panels. Due to the sufficient sunlight in Australia, it is possible to combine Jackery Solar Panels with Portable Power Station (Jackery Solar Generator) to use solar energy fully. Here, we recommend Jackery Explorer 2000 Plus and 1000 v2 for charging essential appliances in Thanksgiving gatherings.

Jackery Explorer 2000 Plus

Jackery has introduced the Jackery Explorer 2000 Plus, a solid portable power solution that delivers outstanding performance. With its impressive capacity and powerful output, this device can support the operation of typical household appliances for weeks, which is best for charging high-demand appliances at Thanksgiving parties.

The Jackery Explorer 2000 Plus enables the addition of extra battery packs, increasing the capacity from 2 kWh to an impressive 12 kWh, thereby significantly improving the solar charging capabilities. This solar product has a remarkable output of 3000W, providing a 30% higher rated power than other 2 kWh solar products.

ChargeShield is Jackery's advanced fast charge technology, featuring 62 protective mechanisms, 12 protective algorithms, and four types of physical safety protection. This technology uses a unique stepped variable-speed charging algorithm to enhance safety and extend battery pack lifespan by 50%.

• Expandable for Versatile Scenarios: 2-12 kWh of expandable capacity.
• Leaping Performance: Powers heavy-duty devices up to 3000W.
• Ultra Fast Solar Charging: Advanced IBC technology, fast solar charge in 2 hours.
• Long-lasting Reliability: Outstanding LiFePO4 battery with a 10-year lifespan.

Jackery Explorer 1000 v2

For those who want a portable power supply for outdoor Thanksgiving parties, Jackery Explorer 1000 v2 is the smallest and lightest 1 kWh generator for outdoor uses. It has a higher capacity and charges more for outdoor appliances, which is more suitable for a small gathering than the Explorer 2000 Plus.

The Explorer 1000 v2 portable power station provides a phenomenal 1500W output, 50% more than prior editions, to efficiently run high-demand needs, including refrigerators, ovens, portable air conditioners, etc. With USB-A/C connections and up to 100W dual PD charging, it can charge several devices (phone, laptop) concurrently, therefore serving as the best friend for all your power requirements.

The Emergency Charge Mode lets the Explorer 1000 v2 Portable Power Station be wholly charged in less than an hour, providing vital power backup when your battery runs low. If you want to recharge it, it will take 1.7 hours for wall charging or 12 hours for the car charging. Besides, 2*SolarSaga 100W solar panels will take 7.5 hours to recharge fully.   

The Explorer 1000 v2 is more portable and lighter than conventional products, weighing only 23.8 pounds and 18% smaller than its predecessor. It is equipped with a foldable, compact handle that facilitates transportation.

• 1070Wh Capacity & 1500W Output: Powerful power output for ultimate outdoor freedom.
• Emergency Super Charging: Up to 7x Faster¹, full charge in as fast as 1 hour.
• Whisper-Quiet Operation: Under 22dB² for peace and serenity.
• Ultra-Durable & Reliable: LiFePO4 battery for 4000 cycles up to 10 years of daily use.

Thanksgiving Dinner in London FAQs

The following are the frequently asked questions about the Thanksgiving dinner in London:

1. Do they celebrate Thanksgiving in London?

Originating in the United States, Thanksgiving is a traditional festival to celebrate the harvest and express gratitude, usually held on the fourth Thursday of November each year. However, Thanksgiving is not officially designated as a legal holiday in the UK, and there is typically no tradition of celebrating this holiday in London or anywhere in the UK.

However, London is a multicultural city and provides a good choice for those who want to preserve traditional culture abroad. Although London does not have a formal tradition of celebrating Thanksgiving, you can still feel some Thanksgiving atmosphere due to the promotion of cultural integration and commercial activities.

2. Is Thanksgiving an excellent time to go to London?

While you won't see large parades or celebrations around Thanksgiving like you will in New York, Thanksgiving is still an excellent time to visit London.

There are specific pros and cons to travelling to London during Thanksgiving, and here is a detailed analysis:

3. Do I need to book in advance to celebrate Thanksgiving in London?

London is one of the busiest cities in the world. So, no matter where you go or when you visit, we 100% recommend booking in advance. It would help if you considered booking in advance, including the local attractions, restaurant and hotel reservations. In short, if you plan to celebrate Thanksgiving in London, it is wise to book in advance.

Final Thoughts

Thanksgiving dinner is famous for its rich traditional dishes, such as roast turkey, cranberry sauce, pumpkin pie, etc. The food is tempting and allows people to enjoy cooking and tasting food. In addition, each traditional Thanksgiving dish carries gratitude for the good times of the past year and expectations for future life. All in all, Thanksgiving dinner is a feast for taste buds and a gathering of the soul. So, you may try to have a Thanksgiving dinner in London this year!