Enjoy a festive feast at London’s Christmas markets/ Rudie’s Jerk Shack
BY PALOMA LACY
Visit London has put together a list of the capital’s best Christmas markets to get you in the festive mood. It’s time to let in the spirit of the season, with a visit to these markets, many of which are in operation until early January 2022.
- Winter Wonderland Christmas Market
- Southbank Centre Winter Market
- Selfridges Christmas Market
- Covent Garden Christmas Village Leicester Square Christmas Market
- Eccleston Yards Christmas Market
- Borough Market
- Christmas By the River at London Bridge City
- Greenwich Christmas Market
And that’s not forgetting a few more local ones. Streatham’s Christmas lights switch on and market takes place on Saturday at Babington Plaza (outside the Manor Arms pub) from noon.
That same day is Black Culture Market, downstairs at The Department Store in Ferndale Road, Brixton.
There are also a good many local school and church Christmas Fairs.
It’s a busy weekend, with St Andrew’s Roman Catholic Primary School in Streatham, St Oswald’s Church in Norbury and St Phillip’s Church all choosing to celebrate on December 5.
On Sunday St James The Great Primary School in Norbury has its Christmas Fair from 11am. Handmade Palace Christmas Markets is being held on Sunday at the Paxton Centre.
The same day is the Lesnes Abbey Christmas Market in Belvedere, at 10am.
The ever-popular West Norwood Christmas Feast takes place on Saturday, December 12.
There’s nothing boring about the turkey served at Rudie’s Jerk Shack because it’s all in the seasoning and marination, two things synonymous with Caribbean cooking.
With seven restaurants throughout London, three of which are in South London, the Christmas menu launched last week at Brixton Village.
Three courses will set you back £25.50 or two courses for £19.50, with so many dishes that laugh in the face of tradition, bringing innovative and delicious flavours together.
The hero dish for me was the main event – roast turkey, but this is no ordinary bird.
Of course, it’s jerk roasted, served with roast yams, glazed plantain, grilled sweetcorn, oregano bakes and scotch bonnet chilli apple sauce.
As with all Rudie’s jerk marinading, it’s a process that lovingly takes 24 hours to create an unrivalled depth of flavour.
Turkey isn’t liked by everyone so how does jerk lamb grab you? Jerked lamb shoulder served with fried plantain, sweet potato fries, bakes, chilli jam (as above) and rum gravy.
Starters include a winter warmer of a pumpkin soup and deep fried baby squid served with coriander and lime dip.
For pudding, what else might you expect but chocolate rum cake? There’s also a fruit crumble alternative, served with ice cream or custard.
And the lighter bite option I liked the look of was a festive take on Rudie’s wraps – Jerk Turkey Wrap, a 24-hour marinated jerk turkey breast, pineapple and sweet pepper salsa, pickled red cabbage and cranberry sauce.
Or for a vegetarian alternative, Plantain Wrap – Glazed Plantain Wrap. This includes over ripe roasted plantain, topped with caramelised cinnamon sugar.
The Christmas wraps are available across all London sites.
Fans of afternoon tea will love the festive take from London’s finest.
This one stood out for us. It doesn’t get much more festive and photogenic than the Peggy Porschen Festive Afternoon Tea at The Lanesborough Hotel.
Pairing one of the Capital’s most picturesque dining settings – the domed glass roof must be seen to be believed – with the skill of one of the best bakeries around.
Highlights include Christmas turkey and stuffing, roast beef and horseradish cream and honey roast pumpkin and brie sandwiches, as well as a Jolly Gingerbread Cupcake, frangipane and mince pie tartlet and a cranberry Christmas pavlova.
Available until January 5, 2022 and is priced at £75 per person with the Paradis Chocolate Martini on arrival, or £78 with a glass of Champagne.
Pictures: A selection of food from Rudie’s Jerk Shak