Christmas at Megan's on the Hill in Balham comes with all the fairy lights and festive energy you could want, just without the same old turkey routine, although there are still a few traditional nods for the purists. With multiple private dining options and a whole venue takeover available, it's a brilliant pick for office Christmas parties and festive get-togethers in South London.
If you don't already know Megan's, the London-based group specialises in Mediterranean-inspired food, so this year's Christmas menus have an international twist, with kebabs, dips, chargrilled meats and sharing boards all served up in a bright, sociable setting. For larger celebrations, the fairy-lit conservatory seats up to 60 or holds 80 standing, while hiring the whole venue accommodates up to 132 seated or 180 standing. Smaller groups can opt for the semi-private dining area, which seats 18, making it ideal for team dinners, family gatherings or a close-knit Christmas catch-up.
There are two festive menus on offer. The feasting menu is designed for sharing, kicking off with pigs in blankets glazed with maple syrup, Turkish cheese fondue, blistered padrón peppers and a selection of dips with flatbread, pita and organic sourdough. The main event is a generous board loaded with pulled braised turkey, lamb and beef kofte skewers, crispy sage and avocado stuffing fritters, chargrilled sucuk, more padrón peppers and spicy beef and lamb arayes in crisp pita, with overnight-braised lamb shoulder available as an add-on for groups wanting to go even bigger. Dessert arrives as another sharing moment, with Biscoff doughnuts and maple syrup, chocolate brownie and mini mince pies.
For those who'd rather choose their own, the three-course set menu has plenty of choice too. Starters include roasted red pepper and tomato soup, smoked salmon with avocado and cucumber, spinach and feta parcels or buttermilk chicken bites with date barbecue sauce. Mains range from harissa salmon and a braised turkey and stuffing open kebab to crispy arayes or a slow-cooked lamb cassoulet, plus a vegan sage and avocado stuffing kebab for plant-based guests. Desserts include a mince pie ice cream coupe, warm brownie and ice cream, pumpkin and coconut loaf or Biscoff doughnuts, with mulled wine and a mini mince pie to finish things off.