Alternative festive feasts

Turkey and roast veg might not be your cup of tea, so if you're not looking forward to feasting on the traditional stuff this year, sample some of this alternative festive food...

Chutney Mary
535 King's Road, SW10. Tel: 020 7351 3113
If you like a bit of spice with your turkey, try Chutney Mary's excellent traditional Indian food. Their four-course set menu features a selection of kebab platters and curries and comes with a sparkling cocktail. It is priced at £62.50 per person and will be served from 12.30pm to 3pm on Christmas Day.

Shish
Venues in Bayswater, Old Street and Willesden Green. www.shish.com
Shish invites you to 'follow your taste buds across the desert' this Christmas with their alternative festive menu. It features tempting offerings such as cranberry glazed poussin and sage, onion and chestnut risotto with roasted pumpkin and is available from the 29 November through to the 30 December. To book, visit www.shish.com

S&M café
268 Portobello Road, W10. (020 8969 6807) 48 Brushfield Street, E1 (020 7247 5438), 4-6 Essex Road, N1 (020 7359 5361)
Lovers of comfort food should head to their local S&M café to try out their range of seasonal sausages. The set menus cost £12.95 for two courses, or £16.95 for three courses and both include mince pie and tea or coffee. Choose from retro starters such as duck and port pate on toast or prawn cocktail, followed by turkey and cranberry or pork, prune and cognac sausages and round your feast off with sherry trifle, fruit cocktail or traditional Christmas pud. The menu is only available if pre-booked and a booking deposit of £5 per person is required. Visit www.sandmcafe.co.uk for more details.

Gallipoli
120 Upper Street, Islington, N1. Tel. 0871 332 0743
For a turkey-free Turkish you can't go wrong with this popular mini chain of eateries in Islington. Only one of the three venues on Upper Street will be open on Christmas day but there's sure to be a lively atmosphere, friendly service and some fabulous falafels on offer.