If ever there was a place made for festive feasting, it's Chez Lindsay. Sitting just moments from the Thames in Richmond, this much-loved French restaurant feels particularly magical during the Christmas season, when the surrounding streets twinkle with lights, shop windows glow and the riverside takes on a festive charm.
Inspired by the cooking traditions of Brittany, Chez Lindsay offers the kind of warm, comforting food that suits a winter celebration just so. Whether you're gathering colleagues for an end-of-year dinner, organising a festive family get-together or catching up with friends over good food and wine, the restaurant's Christmas menus bring together classic French flavours and seasonal indulgence in equal measure.
For private Christmas events, you can take over the first floor private dining space and host your own celebration. This exclusive-use room has capacity for between 12 and 40 people, and can be configured however works best for you. Festive menus are not yet revealed but to whet your whistle, take a look at the sample menus online.
Dinner might begin with elegant starters such as pan-fried scallops served with tomato purée, saffron beurre blanc and sea vegetables, or a rich wild mushroom and brie vol-au-vent finished with tarragon cream. For something truly celebratory, the foie gras terrine with fig chutney, toasted brioche, hazelnuts and port wine jelly feels every bit the festive centrepiece.
The main courses continue the theme of French comfort food. Duck leg confit arrives alongside a hearty cassoulet of cannellini beans and Toulouse sausage, while lamb rump is paired with smoked aubergine caviar, creamy leeks and an olive and tomato jus. Those craving a classic bistro favourite can opt for Surrey Farm sirloin steak with French fries and a choice of peppercorn or Béarnaise sauce.
And then come the desserts, arguably the most important part of any Christmas meal. Expect rich French pâtisserie, seasonal specials and festive twists on classic puddings, alongside favourites such as Crêpe Suzette and decadent chocolate creations. A glass of Champagne or a carefully chosen French wine only adds to the occasion.