Recent figures suggest there are more than 70,000 Americans living in London and reports suggest more are coming. Traffic to UK property sites from US users have been increasing in recent years as so-called “Donald Dashers” seek pastures new. Why? Apparently there’s a little more stability on these shores, better education and a little more political predictability. Who are we to say?
The fact of the matter is, the Americans here need roast turkey on November 27. Thanksgiving; they love it, glazed hams and all. And so here’s where to go for sweet potatoes topped with marshmallows, however appalling that might sound to some. You see? The split of 1783 wasn’t all bad news for us.
Duck & Waffle
Remember Duck & Waffle? It used to be a thing. Not so much anymore, but it did just appear in an episode of Slow Horses, the 24-hour restaurant the ideal setting for a band of sleuths in need of an early morning hiding place. And it’s serving a big and bold Thanksgiving feast, one that begins with devils-on-horseback and crispy polenta before moving onto turkey with all the trimmings. Think baked sweet potatoes with marshmallows, green bean casserole, collard greens and truffled macaroni cheese. Bourbon pecan pie for afterwards. From £60 per head.
110 Bishopsgate, EC2N 4AY, duckandwaffle.com
The Red Lion
This leafy west London pub was home to a fine sausage roll competition for many years. Sadly, no longer, but it remains a homely port of call to both locals and those in need of sustenance after a jaunt on Richmond Park. The Thanksgiving feast looks princely and warming: roast turkey with cornbread stuffing, roast potatoes, candied yams, peas and pearl onions, glazed carrots, gingered corn, “French” bean casserole, garlic mash and more besides. Sounds epic for £43 per head.
2 Castelnau, SW13 9RU, red-lion-barnes.co.uk
Riding House Cafe
The Riding House Cafe returns with its regular banquet for stateside guests and Londoners who love turkey. The menu features a classic bird with cornbread stuffing, maple-buttered sweet potatoes (no marshmallows here, please note), and truffled macaroni cheese. The pumpkin pie is said to be very good. There’s also a solid vegetarian option, as well as glazed sprouts with bacon, cranberry and orange relish, green beans and Calvados gravy. “Hearty” seems appropriate, if ever. And the £55 price tag could well be good value.
Multiple Riding House locations, riding.house
Lavo
Everyone loves a buffet and the swanky Mayfair restaurant Lavo is capitalising on the idea. No “family-style” turkey here. None of the regular celebrity crowd either, we shouldn’t think. On the menu, cherry boulevardiers as a welcome drink before guests are invited to grab a plate and choose between various carved meats, dressed shellfish, pizza and pasta, among snacks and “picky bits”. There’s an American theme — the buttermilk bread, stuffed pepperoni and macaroni cheese ensures it. No word on whether it’s “all you can eat” but second helpings are encouraged. We’d hope so, as tickets are £95 per head.
30 Marylebone Lane, W1U 2DR, thebotree.com
Smith & Wollensky
The US-inspired American steakhouse is putting on a three-course menu for Thanksgiving, with a focus — funnily enough — on steak rather than turkey. On November 27, beef will be served for the table and diners may choose between cuts such as sirloin and bone-in ribeye, much of which is USDA prime, or the best available in the US. Those who would rather go classic can have turkey instead and everything comes with the standard trimmings. Puddings include pumpkin pie and an Oreo cookie cheesecake, something that doesn’t often make its way over the pond (though there could be a good reason for that). Three courses for £86.
1-11 John Adam Street, WC2N 6HT, smithandwollensky.co.uk
Cut at 45 Park Lane
The modern American steak restaurant Cut at 45 Park Lane is to mark Thanksgiving with all the luxury anyone friendly with the place would expect. A Norfolk bronze turkey will be served with all the traditional trimmings, while “signature” dishes such as Queensland wagyu and Cornish Dover sole will be available for those who fear turkey. Food is the focus in this round-up, but it’s worth noting the US-heavy wine list — not strange considering this remains, technically, a chef Wolfgang Puck joint — and the “trio of pies” for pudding: pumpkin, key lime, and pecan. Three courses for £210 per head.
45 Park Lane, W1K 1PN, dorchestercollection.com
Sunday in Brooklyn
It’s no surprise the US import Sunday in Brooklyn takes Thanksgiving seriously. The New York restaurant is roundly American, with words like “gratitude, warmth and indulgence” par for the course. On the menu here are starters such as double-baked soufflé, a “harvest salad” (not sure what that means either), and plenty of glazed vegetables, cheesy cornbread and stuffing. The roast turkey is served as standard with gravy and roast new potatoes, while vegetarians will be given miso aubergine. It’s pecan cake for dessert. All to share and £60 per head.
Various locations, sundayinbk.co.uk
Sam’s Waterside
The restaurateur Sam Harrison’s second restaurant, a little farther west in Brentford, is putting on a Thanksgiving feast with a more interesting menu than most. To begin, grilled jalapeno and honey butter cornbread, stuffed with Andouille sausage, will be paired with a New England clam chowder, before the likes of lobster rolls and chargrilled New York strip steak. There’ll be a roast turkey on offer too — regular trimmings here — before pecan or key lime pie or peanut butter and jelly cheesecake. Three courses for £50 sounds like a good deal.
3 Kingham Avenue, TW8 8GP, samswaterside.co.uk
