This year, Christmas will be bigger and better than ever at The Athenaeum Hotel and Residencies (https://www.athenaeumhotel.com/) in the heart of London. Park-side and in amongst the twinkling lights and warm glow of cosy pubs, guests looking for festive fare and an indulgent break with their nearest and dearest of all ages will be able to share in the quintessentially British celebrations, all season long.
With five-star facilities, luxurious rooms, spa and on-site modern-seasonal restaurant, guests can feast, relax, and make merry with festive menus from Thanksgiving onwards. Ideal for couples in search of seasonal fun or much needed R&R, guests are invited to spend their stay within the hotel’s exceptional rooms and suites with outstanding views, overlooking a frost-covered Royal Green Park or charming Mayfair streets.
For families or larger groups, The Athenaeum is also home to a range of beautifully serviced, red brick townhouses. Spacious with bespoke contemporary design features, and dog friendly too, the residencies provide an unforgettable Christmas stay, with no need to leave anyone behind.
With full access to the hotel and a jam-packed itinerary for all the family, guests with children can also take part in the ‘12 Days of Christmas for kids’ activities (from 12th – 24th December). A host of magical moments await in the form of arts & crafts and games including a post box in the lobby for letters to Santa, Elf on the shelf, gingerbread village and decorating, Christmas cards and wreath making, and a Christmas gift for all in-house guests, and even stockings for guests in the Apartments & Suites.
Festive Menus
Headed up by Executive Chef Ian Howard, 116 at The Athenaeum is a modern British-focused and seasonal restaurant, with international inspiration. Chef Howard has created a series of high quality, festive menus for all to enjoy, with celebration with loved ones in mind.
Thanksgiving Menu – 23rd November only
An elevated take on the American classics, guests can enjoy a sumptuous three-course menu, specially created for Thanksgiving. Starting with Clam Chowder, the main event is the Stuffed and Roasted Bronze Norfolk Turkey in a Red Wine Jus with all the trimmings, including Whipped Mashed Potato, Savoy Cabbage, Buttered Green Beans and Cranberry Sauce, ending on a sweet note of Pumpkin Pie Cheesecake, Spiced Chocolate Soil and Hay Ice Cream for £59 per person.
Festive Afternoon Tea – 24th November onwards
The renowned Festive Afternoon Tea has been expertly crafted by pastry chef Nikhil Vyas, previously of Savoy London and Grosvenor House. To fully embrace the season, the afternoon tea includes Christmas touches throughout with sweet treats such as Spiced Gingerbread Eclairs, Red Velvet Reindeer, Hazelnut Praline Yule Log, Red Fruit Santas Hat, and Traditional Orange Spiced Scones. British classic sandwiches are also of note with Burford Brown Egg Mayonnaise, Coronation Chicken and Smoked Salmon to compliment. For added cheer and to top off the occasion in a very British way, a selection of English sparkling wine is also on offer from Hambledon vineyard. The festive tea is available throughout the Christmas season, served daily between 12-16:30 for £45pp (+fizz).
Private Dining and Set Menus – 12th November 2023 – 3rd January 2024
Perfect for reuniting with friends, family and colleagues for a Christmas celebration, The Athenaeum’s private dining rooms overlook leafy city scenes and are available for groups of 6-48 pax. Diners will be treated to full menus of well-sourced, delicious British inspired dishes such as Madeira Braised Lamb Breast with Crushed Jerusalem Artichokes, or Roast Bronze Turkey, Sage & Thyme Stuffing, Pigs in Blankets, Duck Fat Roasties, with hearty puddings including Sticky Date Pudding, Miso Caramel Glaze and Caramelised Popcorn or a classic British Cheese Selection to finish. Festive set menus range from £60 -£100 with optional Champagne and Canapes for an added £30.
Christmas Lunch – 25th December
For those looking to relax and enjoy Christmas Day favourites without the washing up, The Athenaeum is on hand for the big day. Serving a wonderfully celebratory, four course Christmas Day Lunch for £125 per person, diners can expect traditional dishes with contemporary flare throughout. Leading the menu is a host of starters with nods to the season such as Chestnut Mushroom and Hazelnut Soup, Beetroot Tarter with walnuts candied and emulsified, or Salmon Ceviche and Kumquat. The mains encompass elevated versions of much-loved classics such as Braised Beef Short Rib Bourguignon, Chalk Stream Trout and of course Roast Bronze Turkey, all expertly paired with trimmings of Duck Fat Roasties, Sprouts & Bacon, Crushed Roots and lots of Roast Gravy. Classic Christmas Pudding, Toffee Apple, Green Apple Mousse with a Caramel Centre, Bouche de Noel with Champagne & Vanilla Pannacotta or Selection of British Cheeses all promise to end the afternoon on a high.
Christmas Cocktails – 24th November onwards
To accompany a night of celebration or for a quiet nightcap after a long day of present shopping, The Athenaeum’s in-house Bar is also offering an enchanting menu of Christmas-inspired cocktails. Guests can sink into an intimate setting with floor-to-ceiling windows that showcase the hotel’s magnificent ‘Living Wall. A carefully curated range of festive drinks include ‘The Mandarin’ with mandarin liqueur, lemon, cinnamon and a pinch of nutmeg, ‘The Ballerina’ with spiced rum, caramel toffee liqueur, double cream and chocolate shavings and ‘Cinnamon Cane’ with Covert, Rémy Marten, Taylor port, chocolate bitters.
New Year at the Athenaeum
The Athenaeum is inviting guests to bid farewell to 2023 and toast to the dawn of a fresh year with exclusive menus and views, Champagne, delectable cuisine and full service from their exceptional team. Celebrations begin with exclusive New Year’s menu in the restaurant, and as the clock strikes midnight, the hotel will be opening up The View, an exclusive tenth-floor lounge with unparalleled vistas of London’s legendary fireworks showcase.
The View Experience – 10th Floor – 31st December
A sumptuous five-course feast at 116 at The Athenaeum awaits guests before making their way up to the tenth-floor panoramic lounge, The View, for free-flowing Champagne and canapes from 11.30pm – 1.30am. Guests can admire breath-taking scenes of London from the comfort of the hotel as the night sky lights up with the capital’s show-stopping fireworks display for £200pp.
New Year’s Eve Dinner – 116 At The Athenaeum restaurant – 31st December
An extra special New Year’s Eve feast is on offer from Head Chef Ian Howard who has prepared a decadent five-course menu to round off the year. Featuring elegant, seasonal dishes, guests will dine on Lobster & Scallop Ravioli, Roasted Fillet Rossini, Burrata, Guanciale Crumb, Apple & Chicory and Cured Salmon Ceviche. The indulgent menu will be available to both hotel and non-hotel guests and can be enjoyed as part of The View Experience package or on its own for £149pp, including a welcome Champagne on arrival. For early birds, the dinner discount of £20 is available for guests choosing to dine at either 6.30pm or 7.00pm.
To really make a night of it and extend New Year’s Eve dinner or The View Experience, the hotel has a variety of luxury Art Deco-inspired rooms, suites, or residences available for guests to wake up in the heart of picturesque Mayfair and blow away the cobwebs with a New Year’s Day walk in the Royal Green Park opposite.
