Event bookers or individuals looking to host their Christmas party in Stratford ought to give some serious thought to this neighbourhood gem tucked away in the heart of East Village. For not only does Darkhorse Restaurant boast gorgeous interiors, complete with rustic wooden tables, an open kitchen and bar, and wood-panelled walls lined with bottle upon bottle of wine, it also serves up some pretty tasty food too.
As Darkhouse only serves seasonal produce, the Christmas, set and canape menus are subject to slight changes, but Christmas party goers can still look forward to hearty festive fare with a modern European twist. Starters on the Christmas set menu include the likes of roast pumpkin and potato soup with crostini and crème fraiche, and potted mackerel with nutmeg butter and savoury shortbread, while mains run from confit leg of duck with roast Jerusalem artichoke, sage and Brussels tops to baked goat’s cheese and aubergine with mixed bean favetta. Traditional Christmas pud is out, with desserts such as saffron panna cotta with blackberry jam and cinnamon tuile, and chocolate and chestnut torte with sweet beetroot cream on the menu instead.
The Christmas menu detailed above is for seated parties of up to 60 guests, but if you’re looking to host a Christmas cocktail party instead, that can be arranged. The space can accommodate up to 120 standing guests for cocktails and canapes or a buffet, the menus for which include the likes of ham and cheese croquetas, squid ink arancini, spicy salt cod fritters, and patatas bravas.
You’ll also find the bar fully stocked and ready for depletion in the spirit of Christmas revelry. You can choose to kick things off with a festive cocktail or a glass of bubbly before moving on to wine (of which the staff here know a thing or two about), or stick to a variety of beers, wines and softs. There are also fine wines for those more refined Christmas meals.