Looking for a Christmas party venue that swaps tired tinsel and turkey for something a little less traditional? The Laughing Yak on Kingsland Road is a vibrant Nepalese restaurant in Dalston, and its main restaurant, which can be hired for groups of up to 30, makes for a brilliantly unconventional festive setting.
Forget the predictable three-course Christmas menu: here, guests can explore the full breadth of Nepalese cooking, from pani puri shots and seabass machha tacos to hand-crafted momos, slow-braised curries and thali platters loaded with rice, roti and house chutneys. Let your guests mix-and-match a selection of different dishes, for a fun, convivial Christmas feast that's sure to get people talking.
For groups who want a set format, the six-course tasting menu is a strong option. Available in both meat, fish and fully vegetarian versions, it offers a guided journey through the kitchen's most celebrated dishes, with staff taking time to introduce each course along the way. The tasting experience also comes with a glass of Prosecco for a festive flourish, and you can add a dedicated wine pairing to the meal if you're looking to make this year's Christmas bash extra memorable.
The restaurant itself is vibrant and full of character, with colourful, eye-catching interiors that are fit for celebrations just as they are. Of course, great service is integral to The Laughing Yak's ethos, with a team who are attentive, enthusiastic and bring the same care to large group bookings as they do to every table in the house.
While the restaurant is set up to host seated dinners for 30, do speak to the team if you'd like to host something more casual, such as a standing drinks reception with snacks and canapes.