Browns Restaurant in Convent Garden 24th Dec 2026
As one of the many dedicated
hospitality professionals in
London, I was scheduled to work throughout the bustling Christmas season of 2025. For those of us in the industry, the festive period is less about rest and more about resilience. While much of the city slows down, hospitality moves at full speed.
Public transport across the UK becomes limited during this time — and on Christmas Day, it comes to a complete standstill. With an early start ahead and no trains or buses running, I decided to stay at a hotel in Central London to make the week a little smoother.
On Christmas Eve, my one day off, I chose to step outside the routine.
Although I no longer celebrate the season in the way I once did — now striving to live in alignment with my faith as a Muslim — I saw no harm in embracing the warmth of the atmosphere. For me, it was less about the holiday itself and more about the universal themes it carries: family, reflection, generosity, and love.
So I ventured into the heart of Covent Garden, alive with twinkling lights and winter cheer, to enjoy a traditional festive meal — thoughtfully tailored, of course, without pork, ham, or alcohol. The experience wasn’t about indulgence in the conventional sense, but about intention. A hearty three-course meal at Browns Covent Garden became an act of self-care before the demanding week ahead.
Sitting among visitors soaking up the magic of London at Christmas, I allowed myself to see the city through their eyes. The glow of the decorations, the hum of conversation, the quiet excitement in the air — it reminded me that sometimes we don’t need to celebrate a holiday to appreciate its spirit.
For me, Christmas Eve wasn’t about tradition. It was about perspective. A pause before the pace. A moment of gratitude. And a simple reminder that showing love to yourself is just as important as showing it to others — especially before a week dedicated to serving everyone else.
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