As Christmas draws closer, it seems London’s heading back into what is basically another Lockdown next week. We currently have the highest number of Covid cases in the country – it’s rising fast in school children aged 11-18. Can’t say I’m surprised, I’ve seen them around our local schools and it was inevitable. I’m expecting everything to shut down again soon.
So, in what may turn out to be a brief period of respite, I’m taking the chance to absorb the festive spirit on the streets of London. First choice, obviously, my beloved Covent Garden for a Christmassy day of exploration and food.
The decorations around the Piazza are, as ever, fabulous. Plenty of glitter and sparkle, trees everywhere, giant mistletoe and even Lego characters scattered around, adding a quirky, colourful touch. Though I did feel somewhat sad and weird – the whole area was almost eerily quiet.
My lunch destination – The Gentlemen Baristas just off the Piazza for a special Christmas menu. My first Christmas dinner of 2020. And it’s a special one, created by award-winning chef Mark Greenaway recently appointed as the group’s consultant chef.
What’s on the Christmas menu
This four course Christmas menu designed by Mark starts with a classic. How I love an avocado and prawn cocktail. Cleverly served on top of a crisp half of little gem lettuce, it’s such a beautiful plate of food and so fresh and delicate. Love the little flowers too.
Next up another beautifully presented plate. Pan roasted potato gnocchi served with wild mushrooms, leeks, wilted spinach, cream and little piles of smoked salmon. Absolutely delightful flavours and the softest of gnocchi.
For mains it has to be roast turkey served with cranberry sauce and traditional trimmings. Again, love the presentation of this classic. A beautiful round of turkey and stuffing drenched in tasty cranberry gravy. Served with crispy roasties, Brussels sprout halves, parsnips and onions. It’s hard to beat those Christmassy roast flavours.
Time for dessert – steamed Christmas pudding with cinnamon butter and brandy custard. The surprise touch is that the pudding comes encased in a white chocolate dome which melts when the brandy custard is poured over. Ingenious.
And here it is melted and ready to eat.
What a great start to Christmas feasting! And something of a revelation, I really wasn’t expecting such beautiful and, above all, flavoursome plates of food. I’d go back and do it all again. Seriously.
Today’s price point
And finally.
Firstly, the four-course special Christmas lunch costs £43 a head.
Cocktails start from £9 and all colours of wine from £28.
We visited The Gentlemen Baristas at 8-9 James Street, Covent Garden WC2, just off the Piazza.
There are seven branches of The Gentlemen Baristas all around London.
