Are Restaurants Allowed to Open on Christmas Day in London?

By Alice Nichols

If you’re planning on dining out on Christmas Day in London, you might be wondering if restaurants are even allowed to open. Well, the answer is not a straightforward yes or no – it really depends on a few factors.

Firstly, it’s important to note that Christmas Day is a bank holiday in the UK. This means that many businesses are closed, and employees are entitled to take the day off work. However, there are some exceptions – including restaurants.

Restaurants and pubs are technically allowed to open on Christmas Day in London, but they must have specific permission from their local council. This permission is known as a “special licence”, and it allows the establishment to serve alcohol and provide entertainment on what would usually be a restricted day.

But just because restaurants are legally allowed to open doesn’t mean that all of them will choose to do so. In fact, many establishments do close their doors on Christmas Day so that their staff can spend time with their families and loved ones.

If you do decide to dine out on Christmas Day in London, it’s important to book well in advance – as many restaurants that choose to open will likely have limited availability. Additionally, be prepared for higher prices than usual – as many establishments will charge premium rates for their special festive menus.

Of course, if you’d prefer not to venture out on Christmas Day itself, there are plenty of other options available. Many restaurants offer special festive menus throughout December and into January – so you can still enjoy a delicious meal without having to worry about making reservations or paying inflated prices.

In summary, while restaurants are technically allowed to open on Christmas Day in London with special permission from their local council, many choose not to do so. If you do decide to eat out on the big day itself, make sure you book well in advance and expect higher prices than usual. Alternatively, consider enjoying a festive meal at a later date when restaurants are likely to be less busy and prices may be more reasonable.