Where better for a Christmas party than a much-loved local boozer? The Carpenter's Arms in Hammersmith has long boasted a dedicated following and its recent re-vamp has only made it more of the place to be. After being taken over by the Wren Pubs family, the 19th-century building has received an aesthetically-pleasing re-design, with a cool, retro but homely feel.
Think chocolate-hued wall panelling, anglepoise lamps and quirky artworks on the ground floor, with a mix of vintage seating and space to prop up the bar, perfect for getting together with friends, family or colleagues. If you've got your heart set on this trendy local for your Christmas party, you could talk to the team about taking over the main pub dining room, or even just booking a large table.
If, however, you're looking for a private dining space or happy to host an intimate dinner, the first-floor private dining room could be just the ticket. This cosy, rich-toned room is just gorgeous for Christmas with its rust-coloured walls, original fireplace and lots and lots of lamps, which create a lovely glow. Here, there's approximately capacity for 14 to 16 people, ideal for a team lunch or dinner.
As for the food, the menu is inspired by the best of the British Isles with plenty of seasonal ingredients. While dishes change regularly and Christmas will no doubt bring its own special menu, you can take a look at the website's sample menu to get a flavour of what's to come. For example, currently the signature cocktail is a Botivo Paloma with grapefruit juice, soda water and a wedge of pink grapefruit, with snacks like Wiltshire cocktail sausages served with wholegrain mustard, alongside crispy squid with lime mayonnaise.
While, starters might be Wiltshire hamhock and chicken terrine with pistachio and cranberry sauce on toasted sourdough, followed by mains of Somerset pork tomahawk with grilled radicchio, pineapple and chilli and coriander salsa, or Ashdale beef onglet with peppercorn sauce, fries and house salad.