Where to Celebrate Thanksgiving in London

As an American in London, the approach of Thanksgiving can feel… unsettling. Back home, the day is practically scripted: gathering with everyone you went to highschool with the night before, Macy’s Day Parade on TV, football in the background, and a plate piled high with turkey, gravy, and potatoes (preferably sweet potatoes topped with marshmallows, a culinary innovation I sadly have yet to witness across the pond..)  

Here in the UK, none of that is given. And I found myself wondering: Where do I get my Thanksgiving fix in London? And maybe even more importantly: Would I have to pretend the holiday didn’t exist like other holidays, such as the Fourth of July?! 

Then, in early October, during a classic Saturday pub crawl through Chelsea, my friends and I wandered into The Cadogan Arms. And there it was: posters proudly advertising a Traditional Thanksgiving Dinner. My heart did a little happy jump, finally, a taste of home in the middle of London. Signed, sealed, delivered. Turkey, gravy, stuffing… all the familiar favorites were promised.  

When Thanksgiving Day arrived, the pub felt perfectly autumnal. Candles flickered on dark wooden tables, the warm glow of the lighting made the space feel cozy, and the air buzzed with quiet excitement. Around me, fellow American expats shared the same understanding: we were far from home, but we were celebrating anyway. The atmosphere was relaxed, welcoming, and filled with that comforting sense of togetherness that makes Thanksgiving feel like Thanksgiving.  

The meal started with a prawn cocktail, which caught me a bit off guard...seafood isn’t exactly a traditional Thanksgiving starter, but it was fresh and delicious, so I didn’t mind the twist. Then came the turkey, perfectly roasted, with all the classic sides: stuffing, roasted vegetables, and rich, savory gravy. Each bite felt familiar and comforting, a reminder of home even though I was thousands of miles away. While there were no sweet potatoes topped with marshmallows (still a slight heartbreak), the meal captured the spirit of Thanksgiving: warmth, gratitude, and the simple joy of sharing good food with good people.  

Will I be going back this year? Yes!  

Sometimes home isn’t where you are, it’s the meal (and the people) that make it! 

Other spots that are hosting Thanksgiving:  

• Dean Street Townhouse  

• The Red Lion, Barnes  

• The George  

• The Surprise