Best Pubs Open On Christmas Day In London 2026

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By Kiera Chapman • Editor Food, drink and nightlife specialist with 8+ years in journalism, including bylines at The Sunday Times and Marie Claire. Last updated on 6th November 2026

For some people, Christmas Day is all about cosying up on the sofa in your pyjamas, but for others, celebrating in the boozer is a must. And if you fall into the second category, you need to check out our guide to the best pubs open on Christmas Day in London.

Whether you’re looking for a hearty Christmas dinner with the family, or just planning on having a few cheeky pints while the turkey is cooking at home, we’ve got the low-down on where to go across the city. For roaring fireplaces, twinkling decorations and plenty of festive cheer, check out our favourite spots below.

Find out more about how we curated this guide in our Editorial Policy.

Best Christmas Day Pubs In London 2026




Pubs Open For Food On Christmas Day In London

1. The Ship

One of South London's most popular pubs, The Ship looks out over the river from its position I Wandsworth. And while it may not quite be beer garden weather, the interiors here are just as appealing, with rustic wooden furniture, bright blue walls and lots of natural light.

If you're staying for dinner, then you're in for a treat. Kick things off with roasted cauliflower soup or baked South Coast scallops, before indulging in turkey mains and a salted chocolate, hazelnut and Kirsch cherry mousse.

  • Location: 41 Jews Row, Wandsworth, SW18 1TB
  • Opening hours: 12-6pm
  • Christmas Day menu: £100 for four courses, £50 for kids
  • Why we recommend: not only are the views of the Thames incredible here, but their dreamy four-course menu makes for the ultimate Christmas feast

2. The Flask

A historic pub in Hampstead Heath, The Flask is full of festive charm. It's a beautiful Victorian building with traditional décor, from a restored wooden bar to red leather booth seating and Victorian paintings on the walls – and there's even a fireplace.

Whether you're perching on a bar stool with a pint or booking a table for Christmas Day lunch, there's plenty to enjoy here. On the menu? Everything from crown of English turkey with maple roast gammon to beetroot and wild mushroom Wellington, followed by clementine posset with almond shortbread.

  • Location: 14 Flask Walk, Hampstead, NW3 1HE
  • Opening hours: 12-6pm
  • Christmas Day menu: £110 for three courses
  • Why we recommend: this old-school pub has a lot of history to it, and we always feel at home here – what could be better for the most magical day of the year?

3. The Alexandra

Been searching for 'pubs open near me on Christmas Day' lately? If you're based in the Wimbledon area, then be sure to check out The Alexandra. There's always a real buzz about this place, with lots of different seating areas to relax in.

Their delicious menu spans venison carpaccio, pan-roasted halibut supreme and turkey with all the trimmings. They also host a totally free dinner for anyone spending Christmas Day alone, promising a warm welcome and a celebration among other solo diners.

  • Location: 33 Wimbledon Hill Road, Wimbledon, SW19 7NE
  • Opening hours: 12-6pm
  • Christmas Day menu: £100 for three courses, £50 for kids
  • Why we recommend: these guys do a lot for the community, providing a free Christmas meal for anyone spending the day alone. It's always got a vibrant atmosphere, and their festive menu is truly delicious too

4. The Marquis of Westminster

With all its rustic charm and traditional features, The Marquis of Westminster is already the perfect pub to spend Christmas Day in – and that's before taking their festive set menu into consideration. 

Bringing comfort favourites and seasonal flavours, make your way through six courses starting with a glass of prosecco and canapés. Choices for mains include chargrilled fillet of beer and the classic turkey roast with all the trimmings, plus veggie options that even meat eaters would be tempted by. Finish on a sweet note with a delicious dessert and mini mince pie for all.

  • Location: 50 Warwick Way, Westminster, SW1V 1RY
  • Opening hours: 11am-5pm
  • Christmas Day menu: £90 for six courses, £35 for kids
  • Why we recommend: right in the heart of London, perfect for tourists or anyone who lives centrally, this rustic pub takes Christmas seriously - and their menu is to-die-for

5. Ferry Boat Inn Tottenham

Celebrate Christmas Day with scenic waterside charm at The Ferry Boat Inn. Sitting right along the river in Tottenham, this welcoming local favourite serves up a festive feast complete with classic seasonal roasts, crisp roast potatoes, and all the traditional trimmings.

Pair your holiday meal with their award-winning real ales or a glass of festive fizz while soaking in the cosy, family-friendly atmosphere. 

  • Location: Ferry Lane, Tottenham, London, N17 9NG
  • Opening hours: TBC
  • Christmas Day menu: £85 for four courses, £38 for kids
  • Why we recommend: with a historic riverside pub setting, traditional Christmas roast menus with all the trimmings, and family-friendly festive warmth, this place has got it all

6. Bell & Crown

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We think the Bell & Crown would make a great stop for your Christmas day dinner this year, thanks to their 'charm of a country pub with a great London location'.

Not only are they right by the water, always a bit of a luxury when you're amongst the bustle of the city, but they're putting on an excellent spread for Christmas Day diners. Think fillet of British beef, prawn and queen scallop ravioli, maple roasted pumpkin soup and so much more.

  • Location: 11-13 Thames Road, Chiswick, W4 3PL
  • Opening hours: TBC
  • Christmas Day menu: £120 for five courses
  • Why we recommend: this is a pub where the end of your Christmas day meal can be celebrated with a walk along the river. If you're anything like us, we always need a bit of a wind down post-meal, so why not enjoy the festivities, then head out alongside the Thames

7. The Duke's Head Putney

Perched right on the Thames at the iconic starting point of the Oxford and Cambridge Boat Race, The Duke's Head is a grand Victorian Grade II-listed beauty with over 150 years of riverside charm. Inside, you'll find four distinct venues under one roof, each offering its own blend of historic character and contemporary comfort.

This Christmas Day, the pub is pulling out all the stops with a decadent three-course feast, featuring dishes like spiced butternut squash soup, crown of English turkey and pan-roasted duck breast. To finish, indulge in festive favourites from traditional Christmas pudding to a salted chocolate, hazelnut and Kirsch cherry mousse.

  • Location: 8 Lower Richmond Road, Putney, SW15 1JN
  • Opening hours: 12-6pm
  • Christmas Day menu: £99 for three courses, £49 for kids
  • Why we recommend: we love The Duke's Head for its mix of heritage grandeur and riverside cosiness - there's just something magical about watching the Thames flow past on Christmas Day

8. The Pembroke, Primrose Hill

Celebrate Christmas Day surrounded by local history at The Pembroke. Nestled in the heart of Primrose Hill, this iconic 19th-century watering hole sets a warm and welcoming backdrop for festive gatherings with family and friends.

Their Christmas menu features indulgent seasonal classics, traditional roasts, and elevated pub sharers, all paired with a handpicked selection of wines, craft beers, and festive tipples.

  • Location: 150 Regent's Park Road, Primrose Hill, NW1 8XN
  • Opening hours: TBC
  • Christmas Day menu: £75 for four courses, £32 for kids
  • Why we recommend: this place boasts historic 1860s neighbourhood charm, seasonal crowd-pleasing pub roasts, and a lively, festive atmosphere in Primrose Hill

9. The Elgin

A Notting Hill favourite for British dining, The Elgin is pulling out all stops this Christmas Day with a four-course meal that is defined by English flavours and ingredients. Gather your friends and family and get cosy in a gorgeous pub, laced with velvet furnishings, dark wooden accents and pretty stained glass windows. 

Kick things off with heritage beetroot salad, move on to a crown of English turkey, and finish it all off with a classic Christmas pudding, to name a few of the dishes on offer on the day.

  • Location: 96 Ladbroke Grove, Notting Hill, W11 1PY
  • Opening hours: 12-6pm
  • Christmas Day menu: £105 for three courses, £55 for kids
  • Why we recommend: The Elgin really is what old-school pub dining is all about. We think this is a great shout for Christmas day if you want top-notch British food, in an equally British setting

10. George Staples Sidcup

Gather your favourite people for a warm, bustling Christmas Day celebration that doesn't break the bank at The George Staples in Sidcup. Known for its relaxed pub interiors, welcoming local atmosphere, and spacious surroundings, this local institution provides a wonderfully festive backdrop for your holiday meal.

Their generous five-course Christmas Day feast starts with the chef's canapés before diving into starters like cheese soufflé or smoked salmon and king prawn cocktail, followed by traditional roasts and indulgent desserts like white chocolate gateau or mirrored truffle torte.

  • Location: 273 Blackfen Road, Sidcup, DA15 8PR
  • Opening hours: TBC
  • Christmas Day menu: £65 for five courses, £30 for kids
  • Why we recommend: a lively community hub setting, an extravagant five-course festive menu with canapés, and excellent value for money in South East London

11. Danson Stables, Bexleyheath

Spend Christmas Day enjoying countryside charm inside Danson Park at The Danson Stables. Set within a newly refurbished, historic Grade II-listed building, this parkland gastro pub offers a peaceful, scenic backdrop for a festive family gathering.

Their indulgence-filled four-course Christmas Day menu features hand-carved turkey with all the trimmings, 10oz ribeye steak, baked salmon fillet, and roasted stuffed butternut squash, followed by traditional Christmas pudding or a white chocolate and lemon gateau.

  • Location: Danson Park, Danson Road, Bexleyheath, DA6 8HL
  • Opening hours: TBC
  • Christmas Day menu: £85 for four courses, £38 for kids
  • Why we recommend: beautiful Grade II-listed stone stables set in Danson Park, a lavish five-course Christmas menu, and a welcoming, family-friendly atmosphere

12. The Great Exhibition

The Great Exhibition is a cosy Victorian pub in Dulwich with a modern twist. Their kitsch interiors are a great setting for a festive feast on the big day, with a four-course set menu starring focaccia with rosemary butter, monkfish ceviche, confit duck leg and sticky toffee pudding with vanilla ice cream. 

  • Location: 193, Crystal Palace Road, SE22 9EP
  • Opening hours: TBC
  • Why we recommend: these four courses have been expertly curated, verging on fine dining without being pretentious

13. The Hound

Housed in a restored 1872 Victorian police station in West London, The Hound transforms historic heritage into a stylish, contemporary coaching inn. For Christmas Day, it swaps police reports for pop-the-cork celebrations, hosting a family-style festive feast featuring welcome fizz, pumpkin soup with truffle, roast turkey crown or beef rump, and classic Christmas pudding.

Combining modern British dining with local pub warmth, it offers a refined yet relaxed backdrop to let someone else handle the cooking on the big day.

  • Location: 210 Chiswick High Road, Chsiwick, W4 1PD
  • Opening hours: 11.30am - 10pm (Christmas Day sittings vary by booking)
  • Why we recommend: taking historic pub charm to another level, their luxurious family-style Christmas menu lets you celebrate the big day in a grand West London setting without lifting a finger.

Pubs Open For Drinks On Christmas Day In London

14. The Whittington Stone, Highgate

Named after the iconic tale of Dick Whittington, The Whittington Stone is a laid-back destination for a few seasonal tipples. The spacious interior promises classic British character, with pool tables and a well-stocked bar.

They've got everything from cask ales to craft beers and fine wines, as well as plenty of spirits. Plus, they've even got  a wide range of cocktails on offer.

  • Location: 53 Highgate Hill, Highgate, N19 5NE
  •  Opening hours: 11am-5pm
  • Why we recommend: full of classic British charm and guaranteeing a relaxed setting for your Christmas drinks, this friendly pub is a must for North Londoners

15. The Goose Walthamstow

Walthamstow's The Goose is a cosy boozer with plenty of space, featuring comfy leather booths and classic wooden furnishings. They'll be open for drinks on Christmas Day, boasting a bustling atmosphere throughout.

Whether you're in the mood for mulled wine, refreshing pints or classic and signature cocktails, they've got everything you need right here.

  • Location: 264 Hoe Street, Walthamstow, E17 3AX
  • Opening hours: TBC
  • Why we recommend: a relaxed space for festive drinks, The Goose is welcoming for all – and their cocktails are fantastic as well

16. The Old Bell Kilburn

After London pubs open for drinks on Christmas Day? The Old Bell is a classic North London boozer, blending old-school charm with a lively atmosphere.

They'll be welcoming you on Christmas Day with drinks at the bar, perfect for a pre-dinner pint or two. They've got a great range of beer and wine on offer, alongside classic and signature cocktails at an affordable price.

  • Location: 38 Kilburn High Road, Kilburn, NW6 5UA
  • Opening hours: TBC
  • Why we recommend: this traditional drinking den has a real festive buzz about it, loved by locals and offering a wide variety of tipples

Frequently Asked Questions

What time do pubs open on Christmas Day in London?

Hours are usually short. Some pubs open from around 11am to 5pm, others from 12pm to 6pm, and some lunch services run to a last sitting around 3pm. Hours vary by venue, so confirm before you go.

Do I need to book a pub for Christmas Day lunch in London?

For a full meal, yes. Many pubs serve a pre-booked Christmas lunch in one sitting, usually between 12pm and 3pm, with a set menu paid in advance. Walk-ins for a sit-down meal are hard to find, so book early.

How far in advance should I book a pub for Christmas Day?

Earlier than you might expect. Well-known independent pubs can fill by September, and popular sittings go first, so an autumn booking gives you the most choice of time and menu.

Can I just go to a pub for a drink on Christmas Day?

Sometimes. Some pubs welcome walk-ins for drinks as well as diners, but space is limited, and policies differ by venue. Check with the pub first.

How do I get to a pub on Christmas Day in London without public transport?

Almost all public transport is suspended on the day, including the Tube, buses, Overground, Elizabeth line, DLR, trams and National Rail. Plan your route in advance, and consider walking or booking a taxi or private hire car ahead of time.