With exactly 21 sleeps to go until the big day, we’ve got something for the Christmas roast naysayers. So if you’ve got the dreaded dry roast dinner scaries, fear not.

We’ve put together a list of alternative Christmas meals from different cultures and for different budgets, from ham hock bao buns to warming paneer curries.

But if you’re more traditional, we’ve got some treats for you too: a Great Christmas Feast with all the trimmings and a special theatrical twist; or a decadent afternoon tea in a pink winter wonderland.

Plus, our verdict on new Brixton-based hamburger bar, Buster’s, which is serving up wagyu beef, pet-nat and more.

6. The Butcher’s Tap and Grill

By Beatrice Aidin

Tucked behind the King’s Road, Tom Kerridge’s The Butcher’s Tap and Grill is a pub with the atmosphere of a warm hug. As the name indicates, it’s a carnival for carnivores. We dive into bone marrow with horseradish crumb, share 500g of halcyon sirloin steak on the bone along with coronation coleslaw – genius combo – and it’s all darned delicious.

During December, check out the three-bird turkey, chicken and duck burger with honey parsnips and cranberry sauce (£19.50) with £1 donated to Chelsea Pensioners. On leaving we spot Tom recording his podcast while keeping a keen eye on the kitchen. Next time, chef, I’m going in for that hug.

Cocktails from £17. 27 Tryon St, Chelsea.

The Butcher's Tap And Grill
25 – 27 Tryon Street Chelsea SW3 3LG