Australia, the USA and a whole host of other countries are slowly but surely easing their international border restrictions allowing double-jabbed visitors into the country without the need to quarantine.
And here in the UK, at the beginning of the month, the government dropped the final 7 countries off its ‘red list’, meaning that there’s now no requirement for quarantine when entering the UK from abroad.
As the business secretary Grant Shapps said in a statement, ‘’Whether it’s reuniting family members or making it easier for businesses to trade, the success of the vaccine rollout both at home and abroad has allowed us to reach this milestone.”
Though the government’s focus seems more firmly fixed on the business side of that statement, we’re here to consider those reuniting family members. With London set to welcome families from across the globe this festive season, many who won’t have seen each other for the best part of two years, a little guidance for newcomers might be required. We’re here to help with that; here are essential tips for throwing a family reunion in London this Christmas.
STAY IN A SERVICED APARTMENT
London hotels are notoriously expensive, with more ‘affordable’ places in the capital tending to be on the grotty side. As such, many families descending on the city opt for a serviced apartment as their base, giving privacy and a more convivial, convenient place to gather.
At a serviced apartment, you can choose to cook your family breakfast, lunch or dinner from the comfort of your rented space, or simply enjoy a relaxing afternoon vegging out on the sofa, family-style!
If you are planning to entertain, it’s worth looking into staying in a serviced apartment somewhere like London Bridge. The neighbourhood is blessed with Borough Market which is home to some of London’s top food producers and traders, and is the perfect place to pick up some festive goodies for the family.
The market at Christmas is certain to get you into the spirit of the season, a gentle, enjoyable reminder of the generosity of this most wonderful time of the year. You can visit Stollen and cheese food stalls that are doing their darndest to make you festively plump, as well as a plethora of other purveyors of seasonal treats perfect for enjoying back at your serviced apartment.
Or, if the thought of cooking for your extended family is a little stress inducing, lots of the city’s top restaurants deliver takeaways and Christmas dinner meal kits to the area – ideal for preparing in your serviced apartment and taking the hassle out of your Christmas family reunion.
Apart-hotels promise a home away from home experience, making them perfect for a family reunion at this time of year.
Read: Things to do in London Bridge and Borough Market for the IDEAL day out
BOOK A RESTAURANT ASAP
What’s a family reunion in December without a Christmas feast? The focal point of the majority of festive get-togethers finds itself fixated on food, with plates and anecdotes shared, drinks clinked and the sentimentality of the season in the air.
Modest estimates put the number of restaurants in London at around 15’000, and let’s be honest here; 14’000 of those will be fully booked for the entirety of December if you don’t get your ice skates on and book a table, pronto.
The larger the group, the tougher that will be; so it’s best to start the search now. Broadly speaking, top London restaurants will be divided into two camps this festive season; those serving a dedicated Christmas menu and those doing their usual thing. Some of our favourite restaurants that take large group bookings in the City and Central London and are laying on festive menus include:
- City Social, City of London: Chef Jason Atherton’s restaurant City Social offers a private dining room that can accommodate up to 22 guests or a Chef’s Table experience for 11 lucky diners. The restaurant boasts 1 Michelin star, and a £95 per person festive menu including the likes of duck and truffle terrine with pickled dates, and Lake District rib eye steak with glazed carrots and triple cooked chips.
- Quo Vadis, Soho: This legendary restaurant boasts not one, not two but three private dining rooms on its second floor, with a capacity of over thirty guests in each. There are three festive menus here; £55, £75, or £85 per person, featuring chicken pie, roast turkey, and roast beef as their main courses respectively. All the trimmings are, of course, included.
- Brigadiers, City of London: For something a little different, why not try this excellent Indian barbeque joint? With four private dining rooms, free flow beers, giant sports screens and a party atmosphere all year round, if the family enjoys their festive celebrations on the frivolous side, this could be for you. The Christmas menu here, running from the 22nd November to the 23rd December, is £65 per person; a relative steal in the city. For the table, you’ll enjoy a turkey tikka masala pot pie, pork and prawn biryani, pumpkin missi rotis and so much more.
A few other great London restaurants for group dining include Bao Fitzrovia, whose basement can be booked for 10 people; Corrigan’s Mayfair, with several private dining rooms for those families who love fresh fish; and Bocca di Lupo, where you can book the private Remus Room and enjoy some of the finest regional Italian cuisine this side of Rome.
CHRISTMAS ATTRACTIONS
Family far flung will be keen to see London dressed up in all its festive glory, which could get even the most cold-hearted Scrooge in the spirit of the season. It’s important to sketch out a rough itinerary for the reunion and try to find activities that appeal to every generation. Remember, family units will want to break off and do their own thing, in which case here are some suggestions on what you can do together and apart…
- Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park: If you’re looking for a day out that will please all the family, then look no further than Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park; it really has it all. From ice sculptures and skating to fairground rides and stalls with mulled wine, all illuminated under sparkling Christmas lights, there’s something for everyone here. This year, Winter Wonderland is running from 19th November to 3rd January 2022, with entry available in four hour slots for just £5. Pre-booking is highly recommended, as tickets sell out fast.
- A Stroll Along The Southbank: Southbank in Winter pulls out all the stops and is definitely worth taking a stroll through. From Christmas markets to seasonal Christmas shows, there’s plenty on offer here for all the family. Moreover, running alongside the Thames means that your family can enjoy uninterrupted views of some of London’s most iconic landmarks from a magical vantage point.
- Ice Skating at Somerset House: Set in the picturesque 18th-century neoclassical surrounds of Somerset House, Skate at Somerset House with Fortnum and Mason is one of the most iconic ice rinks in London. Ideal for taking the kids so they are zonked out come evening, this will allow the adult relatives to catch up and enjoy time while they’re resting.
- Oxford Street Christmas Lights & Shopping: Where over 750,000 bulbs create a breath-taking annual spectacle, Oxford Street at Christmas can be quite a magical sight and has some of the most spectacular Christmas lights in London. Wandering down the street and admiring the seasonal window displays lining either side of this world famous street will certainly get you in the festive mood. The brilliantly illuminated facades and festive window displays of Harrods, Liberty, Fortnum and Mason, Selfridges are world famous and a must see for your visiting family.
Read: The IDEAL guide to England’s best Christmas markets
THE BOTTOM LINE
Could there be a more magical city than London at Christmas time? For a festive family reunion, it ticks all the boxes; great restaurants, affordable serviced apartments, and a huge range of sites to behold and activities to enjoy. We hope you have a very merry one this year!