After fifteen years of welcoming American guests to my Kensington hotel, I’ve learned that missing familiar holidays and traditions can be one of the biggest concerns for US visitors to London. Whether you’re here for a week’s vacation or an extended stay, there’s something comforting about maintaining those cherished celebrations – even if you’re 3,500 miles from home. The good news? London has embraced American culture in ways that might surprise you. From perfectly roasted Thanksgiving turkeys to Fourth of July barbecues, and even those late-night Super Bowl parties, I’ve discovered the best spots where you can feel a touch of home while enjoying the unique twist that London adds to these celebrations. Let me share some of my guests’ favorite spots and insider tips that I’ve collected over the years – places where you can raise a glass to American traditions while making unforgettable London memories.
Finding Your Thanksgiving Feast in London
As an American in London, you might think you’ll miss out on that perfect turkey dinner – but I’ve got good news for you! After years of helping my US guests plan their November holidays, I’ve discovered some fantastic spots that capture that authentic Thanksgiving spirit. While it might feel strange celebrating this distinctly American holiday in the UK, London’s vibrant food scene has embraced the tradition with surprising enthusiasm.
My top recommendation is Christopher’s in Covent Garden, where I’ve sent countless guests over the years. This elegant American restaurant goes all out with a traditional three-course Thanksgiving menu that would make your grandmother proud. Last year, they served a perfectly roasted turkey with all the trimmings – yes, including that essential cranberry sauce and pumpkin pie – for about £75 per person. Book at least six weeks ahead; I’ve seen too many disappointed faces when my guests wait until November to try securing a table! If you’re bringing the whole family, request one of their cozy booth seats overlooking the buzzing Strand.
For those feeling more adventurous (or budget-conscious), I’ve discovered that putting together your own Thanksgiving feast is entirely doable here in London. Whole Foods in Kensington (just a 10-minute walk from my hotel) stocks everything from cranberries to canned pumpkin starting in early November. Here’s an insider tip that’s saved many of my guests’ holidays: Partridges on Kings Road takes orders for American-sized turkeys weeks in advance, and they’ll even help you calculate the right size for your party. Just remember that most London flats have smaller ovens than you’re used to back home – something I learned the hard way when helping a guest plan their dinner party last year!
Independence Day: Stars and Stripes in the UK
While Big Ben isn’t the Liberty Bell, and the Thames isn’t exactly the Potomac, I’ve watched London transform into a surprisingly festive venue for Fourth of July celebrations over the years. From my hotel’s prime location in Kensington, I’ve helped countless American guests find their perfect slice of homeland celebration – and trust me, this city knows how to honor Independence Day, even if there’s a hint of irony in the air!
The Blues Kitchen in Shoreditch has become my go-to recommendation for an authentic July 4th experience. Last year, they hosted an incredible celebration complete with pulled pork, corn on the cob, and proper American-style barbecue that had my guests raving for weeks. Tickets typically run around £35 per person, which includes your meal and a cocktail. Here’s an insider tip: book your spot by mid-June, and request a table on their outdoor terrace if the weather looks promising. The atmosphere is electric, with live blues bands playing throughout the evening and enough American accents to make you forget you’re in London!
For those seeking a more upscale celebration, I always point my guests toward Benjamin Franklin House near Trafalgar Square. Yes, you read that right – the only surviving Franklin residence hosts an annual Independence Day party that’s both historically fascinating and thoroughly entertaining. Last year’s event featured period-costume performances, American wine tastings, and the most authentic apple pie I’ve found this side of the Atlantic. Tickets usually cost £45, and while it might seem a bit pricey, the unique experience of celebrating America’s independence in a founding father’s former home is well worth it. Quick tip: they only release about 100 tickets each year, so I recommend signing up for their newsletter in advance – I’ll even help you with the booking if you’re staying with us.
American Sports and Super Bowl Spots
Let me tell you about the first time I hosted a Super Bowl party in my hotel’s lounge – twenty bleary-eyed Americans cheering at 3 AM while trying not to wake the other guests! These days, I’m much better prepared with a detailed playbook of where to catch American sports in London. And yes, while the time difference means you might need an extra shot of espresso, the atmosphere at London’s best sports bars can rival any hometown venue.
The Maple Leaf in Covent Garden has been my number-one Super Bowl recommendation for the past five years. They transform their entire space into a mini NFL stadium, complete with American beer, proper hot dogs, and enough screens to ensure you won’t miss a single play or commercial. Tickets typically run £25-30, which includes your first drink and a buffet of game-day favorites. But here’s the crucial play: they release tickets right after the playoff teams are confirmed, and they sell out within hours. Pro tip: sign up for their mailing list now, or better yet, let me know you’re interested and I’ll make sure you’re on their priority booking list – it’s one of the perks I’ve arranged for my guests.
For regular-season NFL games and MLB action, I always direct sports-hungry visitors to Passyunk Avenue near Warren Street. Don’t let the Philadelphia-inspired name fool you – they welcome fans of all teams! Their authentic Philly cheesesteaks (£12) and loaded nachos (£14) make the perfect accompaniment to those late-night games. The owner, Pat, is a Philadelphia native who understands exactly what American sports fans need – including showing every MLB playoff game, even if it means staying open until the wee hours. Just remember that for big games, especially during the World Series, you’ll want to reserve a table at least a week in advance. I’ve seen too many disappointed faces trying to walk in during crucial playoff matches!
Making American Memories in London
As I tell my guests when they first arrive at the hotel looking worried about missing their favorite American celebrations: London may do things differently, but that’s part of what makes these experiences so special. Whether you’re carving into a Thanksgiving turkey at Christopher’s, watching fireworks over the Thames on July 4th, or cheering for your team at 3 AM in The Maple Leaf, you’re not just maintaining traditions – you’re creating unique memories that blend the best of both cultures.
Over the years, I’ve watched countless Americans discover that celebrating their homeland’s holidays in London adds an extra layer of meaning to these special occasions. There’s something magical about sharing your traditions with curious British friends, or finding yourself explaining the rules of American football to an enthusiastic pub crowd at 2 AM. And isn’t that what travel is all about? So bring your holiday spirit to London, and let this wonderful city surprise you with its own take on American celebrations. Just remember to book early, keep these insider tips handy, and don’t hesitate to ask your hotel concierge (we love helping with these requests!) for additional recommendations or assistance with reservations. After all, creating these cross-cultural celebrations is one of my favorite parts of welcoming Americans to London.