The nights are a little darker, the days are a little cooler and we’ve had the final bank holiday of the year. And that means only one thing: Christmas is on the horizon. After a couple of years of stay at home celebrations, the Christmas party is back with a bang and Canary Wharf is the perfect place to celebrate.
The Ivy in the Park
Situated at 50 Canada Square Park, The Ivy in the Park restaurant has something for everyone in terms of cuisine. Known for its modern British classics and Asian-inspired dishes, revellers in December can look forward to a menu of roast pumpkin and butternut squash, goose and turkey shepherd’s pie followed by a cake called “Santa’s on his Way”. It’s a red velvet sponge with cream cheese frosting and dark chocolate. We’ll take two slices.
Book a space in the restaurant which is spread over two floors. Or opt for private dining in the Butterfly Room.
The Parlour
Located in the Park Pavilion on Canada Square, The Parlour is a stunning botanical bar and restaurant that’s about to be transformed into a winter wonderland. So it’s the perfect spot for a Christmas celebration.
Known for its seasonal food and innovative cocktails, the Christmas menu includes chestnut hummus starters, a delicious vegan wellington and roasted goose main courses, as well as the not-be-missed caramel roasted pineapple for dessert.
Plateau Restaurant bar and Grill
From its 4th floor location in the Canada Place building, Plateau has a NYC vibe, with its sweeping glass frontage and great views over Canary Wharf. It’s the ideal location for a glamorous night time Christmas party.
You can enjoy its contemporary French cuisine and cocktails in the main restaurant, or on one of the two heated terraces. Or maybe book one of the private dining rooms
What’s on the Christmas menu? Expect to see such seasonal delights as winter truffles, roast Norfolk Bronze turkey, butternut squash risotto, and chestnut and milk chocolate “Buche de Noel”.
The Pearson Room
The uber cool Pearson Room can be found on the 2nd floor at 16 Canada Square, and it’s well known for its laid back vibe and signature cocktails. Try the Forager’s Tale with gin, truffle and parmesan and the Fireplace with spiced rum, pear and champagne.
The whole venue can be hired (it seats 200) or areas can be reserved, such as the dining room, balcony or wine cellar. The Christmas menu caters for traditionalists, vegetarians and gluten free diners alike, and includes smoked ham hock and chicken terrine, prawn fish pie, cheddar and herb mash, and a mouth-watering sticky toffee pudding or mulled wine poached pear for dessert.
No35 Mackenize Walk
Situated – unsurprisingly – at 35 Mackenize Walk, this lively and contemporary bar and restaurant overlooks the water of Middle Dock in the heart of Canary Wharf, and is a popular hangout all year round.
Known for its bottomless brunches and cool weekend soundtrack, the Christmas offering is not to be missed either and includes such cold weather delights as braised rare breed beef cheek, seared seabass and wild mushroom risotto. If you have room, squeeze in an unforgettable sticky toffee pudding served with chocolate and orange ice cream.
There’s also a substantial canapes menu too that includes mini Cumberland and haggis sausage rolls, vegetarian halloumi and aubergine harissa skewers, and plant based pea and spinach falafels.
Pergola on The Wharf
With an open kitchen as a centrepiece and a wraparound terrace overlooking Northern Dock, Pergola on the Wharf at Crossrail Place is a botanical paradise serving up seasonal ingredients, fresh flavours and delicious juicy fruits cocktails.
Whether you want an intimate Christmas celebration for a handful of people or literally every member of staff, (there’s private dining room for 12 up to a capacity of 700), Pergola om the Wharf has something for everyone.
The Christmas menu caters for all types of foodies too with plenty on offer for vegans, vegetarians and those diners who are gluten free. Start with a caramelised parsnip velouté, followed by a turkey roast or chestnut roast with all the trimmings, and finish off with a gluten free Christmas pudding.
The Alchemist
If you like a whole lot of theatre with your Christmas dinner, The Alchemist at Reuters Plaza is guaranteed to dish up a night of high drama.
This cool, two floor bar and restaurant has two outside terraces an is known for its unexpected cocktail creations and a menu inspired by worldwide cuisines. And the Christmas menu is no different. Start of the evening’s celebrations with a prawn bloody Mary brioche, followed by a turkey in a basket and cherries with meringue kisses to follow.
Rocket
If you’re after something traditional, head over to the Rocket at Churchill Place. Less hipster bar and more laid back pub vibes, Rocket is known for its fantastic wine list and hearty menu full of classic British dishes.
On the Christmas menu, opt for mini baked camembert to start, followed by honey glazed pork belly and festive fruit crumble to finish. Or choose the festive buffet and tuck into crispy coated king prawns with a mango, chilli dressing; vegetable gyoza with Korean BBQ sauce; and mouth-watering honey and mustard pigs in blankets.
