Kensington’s Launceston Place is an intimate and homely setting for Christmas in this leafy corner of W8. This stately townhouse has pride of place in one of London's swankiest neighbourhoods, which makes Launceston Place well worth a look if you're planning a Christmas party to impress. Headed up by chef Ben Murphy, Launceston Place has long had a reputation for excellent food and hospitality, but the interiors are worth of note too; two function rooms are decked out with large wooden fireplaces, ornate mirrors and work from up-and-coming British artists. Both are available for individual semi-private hire, or they can be hired together for exclusive use of the restaurant for up to 50 seated guests, or 100 for a standing drinks party.
Though you wouldn't immediately know it was there, Launceston Place also has a private chef's table tucked away next to the kitchen. This ultra-exclusive dining experience is available through-out Christmas, making the ideal culinary Christmas party for up to 10 lucky guests, who will be cooked for and served personally by the chefs themselves - including Murphy - as well as Launceston Place's award-winning head sommelier. Murphy is on hand to tailor a bespoke menu for those dining at the chef's table.
If you're planning a Christmas dinner at Launceston Place, don't expect your usual roast turkey, pigs in blankets and cranberry sauce. Even at Christmas, dinner at Launceston Place is an adventure - the festive tasting menu includes dishes like prawn, black garlic, lardo and bisque, venison with pine and shiitake mushroom, celeriac with mint, pecorino and truffle, and quince tart with vanilla and yoghurt. The festive menu is available in various arrangements and price points for lunch and dinner. Alternatively, hire the venue and enjoy wonderful haute cuisine canapes.