Of all Kentish Town’s many eating establishments, Patron is surely one of the most atmospheric, whatever time of year, with its booths, low-lighting and understated sense of occasion. But the festive season sees Fortess Road’s seminal French restaurant going up a notch – with lavish decorations and a whole schedule of intimate celebrations.
In the original room, the intimate leather banquettes and iconic, curved, marble-top bar are dressed with festive garlands and lit by warm, dazzling lights, bringing a wonderfully cosy and romantic atmosphere full of French charm and holiday spirit.
In the elegant new adjoining dining room (a former butcher’s, which we first wrote about here), a spectacular tree and large dining table create the perfect setting for festive gatherings.
Tables are also available to book for larger groups as well as Christmas parties and private events for up to 120 guests. Delicious set menus, canapé selections and other catering options can be tailored to perfectly suit your needs, while bespoke event extras, like a luxury oyster bar, create an unforgettable experience.
So, what’s on the menu?
This season’s menu focuses on pure indulgence, filled with delicious winter signature dishes. Alongside classics like crispy Duck Confit, garlic Snails with confit green garlic butter and deep-fried Dauphinois, patrons will also enjoy seasonal specials, including Champagne Oysters, pastry top French Onion Soup, Burgundy Fish Stew, Poulet aux Morilles and melt-in-the-mouth short rib Bourguignon (pictured below).
Then there’s the Christmas Party set menu (£55 for two courses, £65 for three), which includes such luxurious festive treats as Terrine de Campagne, Bouillabaisse with French rouille and succulent Rib-eye with a rich bordelaise sauce.
Need something sweet? For dessert try the classic wintry Poached Pear with vanilla crème fraîche, a Christmas Crème Brûlée and “Grand-mere’s” Chocolate Mousse. Peruse all the seasonal menus here.
What happens on Christmas Eve?
On the 24th December Patron will be filled with the incredible smell of mulled wine, mince pies and the sound of Christmas carols played live on the piano 5pm – 7pm. The restaurant will be open for lunch from midday, followed by the 50% off Happy Hour 5pm – 6pm and dinner from 5pm. Speaking of which, the happy hour runs daily in all the Patron venues on Fortess Road (see below).
And the big one: New Year’s Eve?
Sure, it’ll be open for lunch from midday, but why not celebrate New Year’s Eve with the most spectacular dinner of the year? Immerse yourself in the chic French decor of the space that will only enhance the “Midnight in Paris” theme of the evening.
On New Year’s Eve the restaurant serves the luxury set menu, including a stunning St Germain Royale cocktail and amuse bouche on arrival, followed by a delicious four-course feast.
Starters include Foie Gras with quince jelly, Scallops with celeriac puree and Beetroot Tartlet with horseradish crème fraîche, while choose from Rib-eye steak, Sole Meunière and Duck Confit a l’orange for mains. And enjoy delights like winter berry Floating Islands or Chocolate Profiteroles for dessert.
Don’t forget Tabac
With its intimate, low-lit drinking den vibes, Patron’s sister Fortess Road bar is perfect for festive gatherings – and has to be the best kept secret in Kentish Town, with its infamous Happy Hour (4 pm – 6pm, Tuesday to Sunday), offering 50% off all cocktails and wine by the glass.
For a heady bout of festive cheer this winter, it also houses a wealth of party possibilities, whether you’re a small group of friends looking for a place to catch up with some gorgeously theatrical winter cocktails (see above), to a larger crowd looking to take over the whole bar for an unforgettable night celebrating the end of the working year
Finally, a note on Maison Patron
“A little taste of Paris brought to your door.” That’s the strapline for Maison Patron, which brings the luxury restaurant experience to your home with delicious French comfort food, fine wines and boutique cocktails (we roadtested it here when it launched in lockdown). Whether it’s an intimate family gathering, a grand Christmas Eve dinner, a relaxed Boxing Day lunch, or a lavish New Year’s Eve celebration, Maison Patron will help you effortlessly create an unforgettable dining experience.
Alongside Patron classic dishes and drinks, Maison Patron offers a selection of unique gifts that will bring joy to all foodies, wine enthusiasts and cocktail lovers. It’s beautifully packaged and promptly delivered to all areas of London.
Simply visit the maisonpatron.com website, select your items from the versatile menu and choose your desired delivery day. Same-day delivery, pre-order and collection are available throughout the festive period.
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