Art & Culture
Celebrate Christmas in the Royal Docks
The countdown to Christmas is on. There’s always so much to organise in the lead up to the festive period including planning perfect Christmas dos and get togethers. The Royal Docks is a great place to meet up with friends, family and colleagues to celebrate. Read on for some of the many highlights:
Galyons
Famous for its Sunday roasts, Galyons is also offering a variety of Christmas sharing boards with all the trimmings. So, whether you’re a lover of seafood, meat, cheese, veg or charcuterie there’s a board for you. Prices start from £25. Now under new management, the gastropub is in the beautiful Grade II listed Gallions Hotel, built in 1881.
Open to all, Galyons restaurant boasts a dockside location at Royal Albert Wharf, featuring a terrace with stunning views. The restaurant is even open on Christmas Day so you can enjoy a delicious festive meal without all the effort of cooking and washing up. Book now to avoid disappointment.
Gallions Hotel, Albert Basin Way, London, E16 2QS
Fox Connaught and The Fox Excel
Whether you're planning an intimate festival gathering or hosting a grand Christmas celebration, Fox Connaught and The Fox Excel can help make party planning effortless. Both located in Royal Victoria Dock, the grade II listed venues offer vibrant atmospheres and versatile spaces for gatherings of all sizes, from private rooms to a warehouse-style bar with an 800-person capacity. Both venues are conveniently close to DLR stations with accommodation also available at Fox Connaught.
Catering options include finger buffets, drink receptions, and set Christmas menus starting at £24.95. The friendly team can also arrange live bands and DJs for the ultimate party vibes.
The Fox Excel, 2 Western Gateway, London, E16 1DR
Fox Connaught, Lynx Way, London, E16 1JR
www.foxconnaught.co.uk/christmas
The Windjammer
Toast, feast and party at The Windjammer this Christmas. The family friendly gastro pub in the Royal Wharf is a great place to celebrate. Packages start from £41 for a two course Christmas dinner. Expect all the Christmas classics with a delicious twist and more such as Usk Valley turkey breast with all the trimmings, including rosemary and apricot stuffing, pigs in blankets with cranberry and mandarin jam. For a veggie option try the pan-fried gnocchi with celeriac purée, wild mushrooms, spinach and pumpkin granola.
If you still have room, the cheeseboard is also a popular choice with Black Bomber Cheddar, mature Cashel Blue and Somerset Brie served with brandy apple chutney, celery, grapes and crackers.
The Windjammer, 25 Admiralty Avenue, Silvertown, London, E16 2PN
www.windjammerlondon.co.uk/christmas
If you don’t fancy a traditional sit-down Christmas meal, there are plenty of other options in the Royal Docks. Try one of these alternatives to make your festive gatherings one to remember:
Heroica Lounge
For a unique dining experience, visit Heroica Lounge, a pizza restaurant set on a double-decker bus. You can also book one of their cosy igloos, which can hold up to seven people and are beautifully decorated with faux fur blankets and fairy lights.
Located in Royal Victoria Dock, Heroica Lounge specialises in delicious wood fired pizzas, including the Truffle 12, topped with mozzarella, parmesan cheese, Italian sausage, mushrooms, truffle sauce and basil. Their popular homemade tiramisu is also back on the menu for Christmas.
Western Gateway, Royal Victoria Dock London, E16 1FA (next to the IFS Cloud Cable Car)
Husk
A firm favourite with locals, visit Husk, a microbrewery, taproom and kitchen. Conveniently its located just a stone’s throw from Canning Town station. The independent, family-owned business serves a range of craft beer on tap and a mouthwatering selection of dirty burgers and hot dogs on the menu.
This festive season give roast turkey a swerve and try Husk’s vegan bhaji burger instead. The crispy bhaji made from spiced cauliflower and onion is deep fried in a Husk Pale Ale batter. It’s topped off with a sweet mango ketchup plus coriander and mint soy yoghurt sauce all nestled in toasted seeded bun. Add a side of loaded fries too. The super-sized portion is perfect for sharing.
5 Silvertown Way, Canning Town, London, E16 1DH
Immerse LDN
For a unique activity, visit to Immerse LDN, a world-class immersive experience in Royal Victoria Dock. Step into the heart of everyone’s favourite TV show, at the UK flagship of The FRIENDS™ Experience. Also, on, see The Formula 1® Exhibition. This immersive experience includes iconic pieces such as Sir Lewis Hamilton’s 2018 Championship-winning Mercedes AMG F1 W09 and Ayrton Senna’s legendary 1988 McLaren MP4/4, uncovering some of Formula 1®’s most captivating stories.
After, immerse yourself in flavour the all-new Waterfront Street Kitchen and Bar. Enjoy the delicious street food inspired menu, from crispy, flavour packed wings to pan-Asian delights, all with stunning waterfront views. And of course, the Waterfront Bar has you covered with a fully stocked selection of craft beers, premium wines and spirits, handcrafted cocktails and refreshing mocktails and soft drinks.
ExCeL Waterfront Excel London, London, E16 1XL
Rise Climbing
For an adventurous Christmas do head to Rise Climbing. The climbing centre includes a range of bouldering, traverse and training walls plus a gym. Shoes and chalk are available to hire or buy. As you climb, you’ll challenge your strength, flexibility, balance, coordination and problem-solving skills. From complete beginners to experienced climbers, all are welcome. There is also a café if you fancy a cuppa, soft drink or beer after. Prices start from £8.50 with discounts for Blue Light Card holders.
Unit 6 Caxton Works, Hoy St, E16 1ZA. From £8.50
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