Thanksgiving may be an American holiday, but gathering around the table for a meal is a universal pastime that anyone throughout Eastlondonlines’ four boroughs can celebrate.
While the holiday is about eating, it is also about giving thanks and getting excited for the holidays. Americans use Thanksgiving to reflect on their year, spend time with family, and express gratitude for all the good in their lives.
ELL has rounded up some feasts, crafts, and volunteer opportunities happening throughout the boroughs to get you in the holiday mood.
Put a trendy twist into Thanksgiving dinner at BRIX
For a less traditional, London-chic Thanksgiving, head to London Bridge’s BRIX and indulge in options such as steamed trout, pulled-beef truffle mac-and-cheese and Daim bar cheesecake. Who says you have to stick to the same meals every year?
Where: 16 Great Guildford Street, London, SE10HS
When: Wednesday 22- Thursday 23 November
Cost: Two courses £35, Three courses £40
Find out more here.
Make a recycled festive wreath
By the time Thanksgiving rolls around, the crafting begins. To pay homage to the tradition of gratitude families try to ensure nothing goes to waste. What is a more festive way than creating your own recycled wreath provided to you by Make Mee Studio? Children and adults are welcome.
Where: Crofton Park Community Library, 375 Brockley Rd, London SE4 2AG
When: Monday November 27, 6:15pm-7:45pm
Cost: £15
Find out more here.
Eat an All-American Thanksgiving Feast, NFL and Live Country Music at Old Street Brewery and Taproom
Those craving an authentically American experience will enjoy Old Street Brewery’s third annual feast, complete with live country music and American football.
Enjoy traditional staples that are harder to find in London like candied yams, heirloom corn and cornbread with honey and butter. In addition to extensive buffet options, your ticket includes a glass of mulled cider and craft beer.
Where: Unit 1 Queen’s Yard, London E9 5EN
When: Thursday November 23, 5pm-10pm
Cost: £45 Adult
Find out more here.
Volunteer to cook or chat at FoodCycle Foodbank
The special thing about this Foodbank is it encompasses Thanksgiving values all year round by combatting not just hunger, but also loneliness and food waste. If you don’t trust your cooking, you can deliver food or greet those who want a chat while they eat.
Where: The Methodist Church, 1 Merchant St, Bow, London E3 4LY
When: Times depend on what role you select
Cost: Free
Find out more here.
Friendsgiving Fundraiser at the Five Points Brewery
Those who celebrate Thanksgiving know it is a peculiar mix of generosity and indulgence. Enjoy a full Thanksgiving meal and bake sale, where the proceeds benefit For You Haiti, a charity providing medical assistance, food and educational sponsorships to the children of La Gonâve, Haiti.
Where: 61 Mare St, London E8 4RG
When: Sunday November 26, 12pm – 3pm
Cost: Adult £35, 6+ child £7, 5 and under free
Find out here.
Eat your Thanksgiving meal at the Hoxton Hotel
Shoreditch’s Hoxton Hotel is hosting an American meal with a twist, serving up dishes like tea-brined turkey, Tennessee whisky-glazed ham and of course the all-important pumpkin pie. Mississippi-native Chef Slade Rushing will keep you fed while you down the two Jack Daniels cocktails included on your ticket.
Where: 81 Great Eastern Street, London, EC2A 3HU
When: Thursday November 23, 7pm
Cost: £55
Find out more here.
Enjoy the views and food at the Duck and Waffle
Look over London while you eat your Thanksgiving dinner 40 floors high in the sky. Included in your many dishes is buttermilk cornbread with classic honey butter and bourbon pecan pie. You can even participate in the age-old American debate – should your sweet potatoes be topped with marshmallows? These ones will be.
Where: 110 Bishopsgate, London EC2N 4AY
When: Thursday November 23
Cost: Lunch per person £55 and children under 10 £27.50, Dinner per person £90 and children under 10 £45
Find out more here.
Feel fancy at the Shard’s Oblix Thanksgiving dinner
While it is a posher option, the Oblix offers some staple flavours for an American Thanksgiving dinner, including turkey breast with chestnuts and roasted pumpkin with maple syrup and sage. Not to mention the view by itself is worth a trip up.
Where: Level 32, The Shard, 31 St. Thomas Street, London SE19RY
When: Friday November 24 – Sunday November 26
Cost: £97 per person
Find out more here
