Restaurants and food critics are reporting a surge in interest for Thanksgiving dinner in the UK, particularly in London.
Research by the food retailer Ocado shows searches for foods associated with Thanksgiving like pumpkin spice, Herr’s buffalo blue cheese curls and Newman’s Own ranch dressing are up 550%, 410% and 202% respectively.
Food writer Ben McCormack explained that ‘in the past American food had a terrible reputation in this country’ but that there has been a marked increase in awareness of the variety of American cuisine like new style Californian and Southern US foods like gumbo.
Joe’s Brasserie in Fulham typically serves traditional British food. But this year they decided to serve Thanksgiving dinner for the first time after customers suggested it might be popular.
Owner Will Hattersley said: “The response has actually been really, really positive.”
Restaurant review sites are boasting extensive lists of places to eat on Thanksgiving in London, from luxury experiences to cosy pub atmospheres.
This comes as the number of US expats in the UK is booming, with 6100 Americans applying for citizenship in 2024, the highest number ever recorded and a 26% increase, according to Home Office Data.
London is a popular destination for expats with over 71,000 people born in the USA now residing there, according to the 2021 census.
Thanksgiving dates back to 1621 when the European settlers (the pilgrims) and the Native Americans ate together at the end of the harvest season. It takes place on the fourth Thursday each November and is followed by Black Friday sales.
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Featured Image: Lucy Baldwin
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