Looking for an independent, beautifully-designed Kensington pub for your Christmas party booking, that won't be serving up turkey and all the trimmings? The Bird in Hand, with its stunning historic building, colourful private hire space and Mediterranean menu could be just the place.
In 2026, chef-owner Max de Nahlik took over this fading gem with a vision of giving it a new lease of life. Interiors were refreshed with colourful seating, checkerboard flooring and on-trend pendant lighting, while old favourites remained across the wooden bar and exposed brick walls. Today, it's a gorgeous place to bring people together, and when is a better time than Christmas?
For festive parties, the pub offers its private dining room which has a capacity of 20 people around a central table. You'll have the place to yourself with a dedicated server and a feasting menu to get stuck into. Instead of seasonal British cuisine, which de Nahlik has nailed in sister pub The Holland, this menu is all about the flavours of the Med. Instead of pigs in blankets you're much more likely to feast on juicy olives, ripe tomatoes and fresh fish.
There's a selection of set feasting menus to choose between, each one with a set price per person, to be shared across the table. One of the sample menus gives you an idea of what to expect with starters such as tomato panzanella salad with creamy burrata and peppery rocket, alongside beef carpaccio served on crispy kale with walnuts, basil and miso dressing, as well as grilled asparagus, labneh and Aleppo pepper.
Mains might look like sharing platters of porchetta with walnut mustard and apple, as well as prime rib with red wine sauce, or a selection of fresh, creative pizzas - from spicy n'duja sausage and smoked scamorza, to courgette, rocket, salted ricotta and truffle oil. As for dessert, the coffee and chocolate mousse sounds delicious, as does the tiramisu.