SEASON'S EATINGS

Nothing says Christmas quite like twinkling lights and seasonal spreads, so get fully into the festive spirit at London's most sparkling dining destinations

- REPORT: MELANIE MACLEOD

NOBU

Nobu is special all year round, but the sushi restaurant pulls out all the stops at Christmas, offering a unique take on food-centric festivities.

For daytime decadence, opt for the Winter Afternoon Tea (£75 per person). It's tea time, but Nobu-style. Forget scones and jam: this inventive menu comprises savoury signatures such as chicken kara-age sliders and black cod butter lettuce, alongside sweets infused with matcha and yuzu, plus freshly brewed teas.

One romantic option is the Winter Omakase tasting menu (£150 per person). Although sushi isn't what you might expect during the holiday season, this menu offers a refreshing change from turkey and cranberry sauce, providing the best of Nobu's seasonal ingredients in a multi-course spectacular. Tuck into dishes including confit Chilean sea bass, veal teriyaki and a special Nobu nigiri selection - you won't even miss the pigs in blankets.

nobuhotels.com

THE LANESBOROUGH ►

Escape the madness of Hyde Park's Winter Wonderland in The Lanesborough's serene sanctuary, with countless Christmas trees turning the hotel's already impressive halls into a sparkling dream world.

Beneath the restaurant's striking glass-domed ceiling, visitors can tuck into executive chef Shay Cooper's festive set menu, including traditional fare such as Norfolk turkey wellington with parsnip, cranberry and sherry. Or you could opt for something out of the ordinary, such as the grilled sea trout accompanied by Jerusalem artichokes or truffled mushroom pasta.

oetkerhotels.com

▲ COQ D'ARGENT