The Great Christmas Feast
This Christmas, step into one of the most extraordinary chapters in London’s culinary past for an unforgettable evening of feasting, history and philanthropy at Ham Yard Hotel...
In the winter of 1851, pioneering chef Alexis Soyer staged an extraordinary Christmas feast in Soho, serving dinner to more than 22,000 people in need on the very site where Ham Yard Hotel stands today. Now, 175 years later, we’re bringing the spirit of that remarkable occasion back to life with a spectacular one-night-only dinner in partnership with StreetSmart, raising vital funds to support people experiencing homelessness across London.
Hosted by food writer and broadcaster Tom Parker Bowles, the evening will begin with cocktails and snacks in Ham Yard’s courtyard before you’ll head inside for a three-course feasting menu inspired by Soyer’s original banquet. Bringing together some of the country’s most exciting culinary talent, including chefs Sally Abé (Great British Menu winner and named SquareMeal’s Female Chef of the Year) and Ben Tish (award winning cookbook author and recipe columnist for the Sunday Times magazine), expect generous platters of handmade pies, fire-cooked meats, magnificent roasts and a grand finale of traditional Christmas sweets and plum pudding.
Beyond the feast, take part in an exciting live auction and raffle, featuring exceptional prizes including a four night stay at Warren Street Hotel in New York. Every ticket purchased will help support StreetSmart’s work with people experiencing homelessness, giving this historic celebration a purpose that reaches far beyond the table.
An extraordinary story, an exceptional gathering of chefs and a very good cause. Join us at Ham Yard for a Christmas feast unlike any other.
£150 per person including a welcome cocktail and appetisers and a three-course meal with wine.
About Alexis Soyer
Alexis Benoît Soyer (1810 - 1858) was a celebrated French chef, inventor and culinary pioneer who transformed British cooking during the Victorian era. Best known as the head chef of London's prestigious Reform Club, Soyer combined extraordinary culinary talent with a passion for innovation and social reform. He introduced new cooking technologies, revolutionised large-scale food preparation and used his expertise to help feed people experiencing poverty during the Irish Potato Famine. During the Crimean War, he worked alongside Florence Nightingale to improve food and catering for wounded soldiers. A true visionary, Soyer believed that good food should be both delicious and accessible.
In a modern tribute to his enduring influence, Prue Leith dubbed Alexis Soyer her favourite chef on The Great British Menu. His legacy continues to inspire chefs through his creativity, ingenuity and belief that cooking can make a real difference to people's lives.
About StreetSmart
StreetSmart is a UK charity that has spent the last 28 years supporting people experiencing homelessness by providing vital resources, raising awareness and uniting the community. The idea is simple: when you eat out, you can add a little extra to help someone without a home. Each November and December, participating venues add a voluntary £1 per table to the bill, which can be removed on request. This money is collected by StreetSmart and goes directly back into the surrounding community.
Find Us
Ham Yard Hotel
One Ham Yard
London, W1D 7DT
