2018 Festive favourites in Norwich and London

I love Christmas food and have spent the past few weeks checking out some of the festive inspired food on offer in Norwich and London. Over the next week or so I'll be adding to this list but for now here's some of my festive favourites that are out there in Norwich and London at the moment.

Norwich

Christmas Dinner at Grosvenor Fish Bar - £6.50
Turkey sausage, chips, battered stuffing balls, gravy and cranberry sauce. This chip shop meal with a festive twist returns again in 2018 and is a firm favourite of mine, the combination of items works so well! You can eat it in the bunker downstairs or why not do as I did and take it over to The Birdcage opposite and enjoy it with a pint.

Xmas Dinner at Urban Munch - £6.50
Freshly roasted turkey breast served over roast potatoes with homemade stuffing, chipolata sausages, braised onion, Yorkshire pudding, homemade cranberry sauce and rich gravy. This delicious takeaway version of Christmas dinner is not to be missed, you won't find any sprouts or carrots on this dinner but in many ways that just adds to it as you're getting all the best bits covered in a rich thick gravy. Don't forget to grab a few serviettes though, you'll definitely be needing them! They don't have a website but all you need to know is that you can find them at 1 Castle Meadow and they're open Monday to Friday from 9.45am till 3pm.

Nanna's Turkey Gobbler by Gonzo's Tea Room - £14.99
 Deep fried turkey burger, garlic and rosemary potato rosti, port infused winter slaw, burger cheese, Brie, cranberry and orange drizzle served in a brioche bun. It’s topped off with a pig in blanket and served with fries and a side of gravy. You're definitely going to need a stack of serviettes with this beast of a burger!

Christmas Dinner wings by Gonzo's Tea Room - £6.50
Stuffing coated chicken wings served with a rich gravy and cranberry dip, so delicious!

That Piggin' Christmas burger by The York Tavern - £13
Homemade beef and sausage patty, crispy bacon, blue cheese, crushed chestnuts, orange infused beetroot, mulled cabbage, blue cheese spinach and chestnut aioli served in a bun with parsnip crisps and gravy. A really well thought out combination of flavours that make up an unforgettable and delicious Christmas burger.

Battered sprouts (60p), mince pies (60p) and Christmas puddings (£1.50) from Lucy's Chips, Norwich Market
I'd already tried the battered mince pies and Christmas puddings served with brandy sauce last year but thankfully they're back at Lucy's Chips again this year. Joining them is battered Brussel sprouts at a mere 60p per portion. I love Brussel sprouts so if you do too then you've just gotta try some! There are two different Lucy's Chips stalls on Norwich Market so head to the bigger of the two stalls to find this trio of festive battered treats.

 

Mince pie cookie by And Eat It - £2.50
As soon as I spotted this mince pie cookie on instagram I wasted no time in trying it out for myself and I loved it! A huge cookie with chocolate and mince pie inside, an excellent combination of crunchy and gooey textures that work so well together. If you love cookies and mince pies then you definitely need to try one of these! Find And Eat It at on Row C of Norwich Market, stalls 51/61.

Christmas Menu at The Tipsy Vegan - £25 for 3 courses
In the past I've found some 3 course Christmas menus to be disappointing but that all changed when I went along with my wife to The Tipsy Vegan on St Benedicts Street. The price includes a cocktail (Bourbon, Cointreau, cider and ginger ale) and all 3 courses were exceptional with some amazing flavours in every course. The courses I chose were Chestnut mushroom and sherry pate on toasted bread, Mushroom wellington with all the trimmings and salted caramel chocolate tart. I'll definitely be returning here again next year, a very impressive Christmas menu and great service too!

London

Turkey and smoked bacon burger by Truffle - £8
The taste of Christmas captured in a bun beautifully by Truffle with their Turkey and smoked bacon burger. Turkey and bacon patty, cranberry jam, sage and onion stuffing, crispy shallots and truffle mayo. I loved this combination, so delicious! Find them on the South Bank until Christmas.

XXXmas Garbage Plate by MEATliquor - £10
MEATliquor are offering an impressive festive menu and it's one that's definitely worthy of your attention, see the full menu here. I visited the Kings X branch to try the XXXmas Garbage plate which takes loaded fries to a whole new festive level. Free range Herons Farm roast turkey, Piggies in blankets and crispy stuffing crumbles over fries. It's served with gravy and cranberry sauce on the side so pour it over and enjoy!

Christmas pudding brownie pie by A Pie Party - £5
Ever since I tried my first slice of pie by A Pie Party back in April I've been returning for more almost every time I visit London. Every month there's a new special and the December special is my favourite so far. Gooey Christmas pudding brownie in a shortcrust pastry, topped with a spiced brandy butter cream and a sprig of edible holly, pure bliss! During December it's available at Maltby Street Market on Saturdays and Victoria Park Market on Sundays. Be quick though as you only have until 23rd December and they do sell out quickly!