The most beautiful restaurants in London that transform for Christmas

Is there anywhere more beautiful than London at Christmas time? From as early as October, the capital transforms into a festive parade of twinkling lights and stunning displays. Leading the charge are some of London’s best restaurants, with many giving their interiors (and exteriors!) a major overhaul for the season. From incredible bauble installations to festoons of flowers and fairy lights, we’ve rounded up the most beautiful restaurants in London that transform especially for Christmas.

While Christmas seems to be getting earlier and earlier every year, we’d argue that the festive season officially starts in London with the switching on of its famous Christmas lights. This year, Londoners will be able to visit the iconic light displays on Oxford Street and Carnaby Street from 2 November, while Covent Garden’s festive decorations are set to go live from 7 November, featuring 140,000 lights and an enormous 60-foot Christmas tree. London’s restaurants typically follow suit not long after that, so keep your eyes peeled as the capital’s cafes, bars, hotels and eateries add a touch of festive flair to their façades this year.

As expected, London's dining scene has gone all-out when it comes to their festive decorations. They always do! For a taste of what to expect, we’ve included details on their displays for 2023, from a Tuscan Christmas installation featuring pastel-hued baubles and snowy evergreens, to a crystal studded golden tree.

These beautiful spots have come up with all sorts of fantastical wizardry when it comes to their festive decorations. So, without further ado, have a scroll through the London restaurants that have undergone fantastic festive transformations this year.

Daphne’s, Chelsea

What: Daphne’s dreamy Tuscan Christmas installation took our breath away last year, and the team have done it again, with the Chelsea restaurant sporting hundreds of baubles, foliage, and green and gold trinkets. Guests are invited to lounge in its light-filled, conservatory-style dining room while enjoying comforting Italian dishes and refined cocktails. Can you imagine anything more magical?
Where: 112 Draycott Avenue, SW3 3AE
Book now: Daphne’s

34 Mayfair, Mayfair

What: It’s impossible to stroll by 34 Mayfair in the winter months without taking stock of its striking Christmas display. Falling under the campaign 'A Twilight Falls', guests can gaze at its well-dressed Christmas trees and a bauble-adorned ceiling while they dine at the retro restaurant. You can also find a limited edition drinks menu on offer until 31 December, in collaboration with English sparkling wine brand Nyetimber.
Where: 34 Grosvenor Square, W1K 2HD
Book now: 34 Mayfair

Pergola Paddington, Paddington

What: 'Deck the Halls' is back for another year at Pergola Paddington, an extravagant festive takeover featuring snow dusted pine cones, twinkling lights, and plenty of delicious food and drink. Expect Christmas singalongs and Gospel choir performances, all washed down with hot toddies, mulled wine and decadent hot chocolates. 
Where: 4 Kingdom Street, W2 6PY
Book now: Pergola Paddington

Dalloway Terrace, Bloomsbury

What: You can always count on Dalloway Terrace to put on a stunning display come Christmas time. Consistently listed amongst the best outdoor terraces in London, this Bloomsbury gem swaps its summery floral garlands for leafy ferns, red winter berries and twinkling lights come December. This year, it's partnering with Champagne house Perrier-Jouët to offer floral cuvees and Champagne cocktails, as well as an indulgent sparkling afternoon tea.
Where: 16-22 Great Russell Street, WC1B 3NN
Book now: Dalloway Terrace

Duck & Waffle, City of London

What: As far as Instagrammable restaurants in London go, Duck & Waffle is high on the list with its jaw-dropping views and indulgent dishes. Throw in a Nutcracker themed festive scene and you have yourself a winter wonderland worthy of a pic on the 'gram. Head on up to the 40th floor to see its beautifully decorated tree, royal red curtains and giant Nutcrackers. 
Where: 110 Bishopsgate, EC2N 4AY
Book now: Duck & Waffle

The Ned, City of London

What: The Ned’s halo-like wreath is always one of the most beautiful festive decorations in London. Or at least we think so! Hanging above the Nickel Stage in the Nickel Bar, guests can enjoy a cocktail while gazing at the masterpiece and relaxing to live music. Don't miss its majestic Christmas tree in the foyer, too.
Where: 27 Poultry, EC2R 8AJ
Book now: The Nickel Bar at The Ned

Sketch: Lecture Room & Library, Mayfair

What: Sketch's flamboyant installation takes centre stage in its three-Michelin-starred Lecture Room & Library. A fantastical golden tree is adorned with a cascade of sparkling crystals, and positioned beneath a crimson tasselled light feature for ultimate wow-factor. Aptly named 'A Surreal White Christmas', you can view this beautiful scene until the 8 January.
Where: 9 Conduit Street, W1S 2XG
Book now: Sketch: Lecture Room & Library

Coppa Club, Tower Bridge

What: Coppa Club’s famous igloos are an iconic part of Christmas in the capital, and we’re expecting these gorgeous globes to make a return this year. They’re always dressed for the season, with fur-lined seating and twinkling lights. Our favourite are the igloos at its Tower Bridge site, which offer unbeatable views of the River Thames and the Shard.
Where: 3 Three Quays Walk, EC3R 6AH
Book now: Coppa Club Tower Bridge

Le Pont de la Tour

What: Alfresco terraces aren’t just for summer! Le Pont de la Tour transforms its terrace for the winter months every year, with fluffy fur blankets, leafy evergreens and sparkling fairly lights. Soak up views of the Thames and Tower Bridge from this festive oasis.
Where: 36d Shad Thames, SE1 2YE
Book now: Le Pont de la Tour

Annabel’s, Mayfair

What: The interiors at Annabel’s are breathtaking all year round, but at Christmas, this private members’ club in Mayfair gets a makeover with bells on it. Think glistening bauble displays and more twinkling lights than you can shake a stick at. It’s not just the interiors that get the glam treatment either. Every year, the venue dresses up its entrance with an OTT scene; last year saw it dressed in a fantastical festive fun-fair façade, with a giant carousel and flying Pegasus, while the year before it donned an enormous gingerbread house. This year, passers by can gawp at its hot air balloon scene, designed in collaboration with The Caring Family Foundation's Food from the Heart Campaign. It's designed to represent hope that anything is possible when we rise above challenging times, and it truly is a site to behold.
Where: 46 Berkeley Square, W1J 5AT

Scott’s, Mayfair

What: You can expect both of Scott’s restaurants to be dressed to the nines for Christmas, but its Mayfair site truly pulls out the stops. Inspired by the Twelve Days of Christmas, a jewelled tree takes centre stage at the entrance of the restaurant, adorned with golden pears and partridges as well as myriad twinkling lights. It's a similar theme inside too, with green wreaths and bushy trees covered in baubles, pears and partridges. 
Where: 20 Mount Street, W1K 2HE
Book now: Scott’s Mayfair

One of the most popular winter trends in London is eating inside an igloo. Check out our guide to the best igloos and winter pop-ups in London to try it out for yourself.