So, it’s pretty obvious what the best thing about Christmas is, right? It’s the presents of course. Sure, it’s nice to get together with family and friends and all that, but at the end of the day it’s presents that take the cake.

Once we get past that, what’s the next best thing?

Food of course.

Truckloads of delicious foods that will most assuredly put you into a food coma of sorts but still worth gobbling down. While that may very well be, one of the biggest downers about many of us during the holidays is that if we want to get ourselves into a food coma, we have to actually prepare all the food. And it that wasn’t a big enough drawback, then there are all of the dishes, the kitchen mess and so many other things that just aren’t very Christmassy.

Well, I’m here to let you in on a little secret. Would you believe there’s a way to enjoy all of your favorite foods and still avoid the hours of prep time, cooking time in front of a hot stove, and of course the dreadful cleaning up? Well, I’m sure you’ve thought of it before, I mean after all, you seem like a reasonably smart person. What’s my solution? Well, it’s simple, go out for Christmas dinner.

Now, before you say it’s sacrilege and you’ve been eating Christmas dinner at home as a family since the start of the 20th century, just hear me out.

Why not once, just once, try going out for Christmas dinner as a family and see how it goes?

Okay, now that that’s settled, where to go?

Well, here are six places not to be missed.

The Butler’s Wharf Chop House in Bermondsey

Now, not only is this place a wonderful restaurant to enjoy a traditional Christmas dinner with your family, but it also a perfect example of local cuisine. Patrons will undoubtedly find one of their main courses to their liking for one of the biggest holidays in the country.

Feel free to relish the items on their menus such as roast Heron Farm turkey, oak-smoked salmon and who could ever forget their divine Christmas pudding? It’s all there, just waiting to be sampled for as little as 85 quid for the entire experience. What are you waiting for? Give it a try!

Sofitel London St. James

For those patrons who are longing for the elegance of a 5-star hotel in the form of a living fairytale whish is exactly what comes to life here every December. Every year has a different theme and will not disappoint. If you’re looking for a bit of magic, then this is your place. You can expect a wonderfully created three-course meal with a glass of champagne to wash down those delicious Scottish scallops for a mere 49 quid. The hotel does make Christmas reservations for parties, banquets and festivities that come in a full dinner party package for £ 110.

Leicester Square Kitchen

While this might not be a traditional location for Christmas dinner, this is not to be missed. By changing things just ab it, things can become more interesting, can’t they? Come and celebrate with friends or family and enjoy large Mexican or Peruvian dishes that can be shared with friends. Guests can enjoy shell tacos, smoked paprika ribs, and other finger foods all add to the experience of eating here at Leicester Square Kitchen. Between the atmosphere and wonderfully delicious foods, you’ll be sure to come back for more.

With the Christmas spirit high during the holidays, why not share a meal with friends and family at a wonderful location with incredible food.

The Bluebird in Chelsea

This location is singular in the sense that it takes good old classics and then spice them up with a drop of the ever-loving groovy sauce and excellent live music and to die for cocktails and you may come close to describing the amazing experience you’ll have a The Bluebird in Chelsea. It’s without question, Chelsea’s favorite hot spot.

If you go with the traditional three-course meal at the Bluebird, you’ll enjoy succulent roast turkey, roast cod, and beef fillet for around £110. There are other options available as well including a wonderful Dorset crab dinner. No matter what you choose, you will not be disappointed in your meal.

Colony Grill Room at the Beaumont

Without question, one of the best places to have a meal in Mayfair, but even more so for their enviable Christmas menu. They off their entire carte to choose from, which is nice for those guests looking to enjoy a wide variety. For those more traditionally minded patrons, their Christmas special is delicious. It includes roast turkey and of course pudding.

While many might argue it’s just another place serving turkey and pudding, they would be wrong. The nuanced flavors of both the turkey and the pudding are not to be missed.

The Dean Street Townhouse in Soho

For those patrons who don’t mind eating somewhere that is considered nice, trendy, loud and delicious then this is your place. Dean Street Townhouse is the perfect combination to come and share Christmas dinner with a large group right at the table. This one of the most sizeable restaurants in London able to serve large groups in comfort and style. While comfort can be found in a small loft or a basement restaurant, there is something to be said about having elbow room enough to enjoy a meal in good company.

While the comfort is most welcome, it doesn’t come cheap. The price is typically around 100 quid for the course. The course is more than worth the price. You’ll find the smoke salmon to die for and the Norkfolk turkey and capers, roast beef fillet, trifle and soda bread along with the after-meal delight of coffee paired with mince pies make it all an experience not to be missed.