THE UK is pretty good at creating food markets – think Camden Market and Borough Market in London or Bury Market in Greater Manchester – but now there’s a new kid on the block and it is technically already a viral hit.
Enter Tod’s Festive Feast – a new festive food market with viral food, created by influencer Eating With Tod.
Located next to The Outernet just steps away from Tottenham Court Road Station in central London, you will find the influencer’s – who is followed by 2.1million people – latest venture.
Known for trying some of the craziest and most viral dishes in the UK, Tod’s festive food market has gathered some of his favourites all together in the same place.
The influencer said: “I got bored of seeing the same food year after year at every Xmas market up and down the country, so it’s time we reinvented the wheel.
“Proper food, proper chefs with unmatched quality.”
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There are many viral hits across the market including the famous Roll Boys cinnamon rolls – which were sadly closed on my visit.
Other sweet options include Bread Ahead doughnuts, with their much-loved creme brulee doughnut.
Visitors won’t be short for choice when it comes to savory options either with top hits like Truffle London and Ruben’s Reubens.
Jumi Cheese was a literal feast for both the eyes and the people eating it with giant Raclette with different flavours like rosemary and smoked bacon.
For example, you could have ‘Alpinist’ with crispy pancetta, rosemary roast potatoes and rocket for £13.90.
The classic ‘Herbivore’ features a cheese of your choosing, as well as rosemary roast potatoes, kimchi, mustard and caramelised red onion chutney.
One thing I want to try next time I visit is from The Ashes‘ Christmas Del Piero Doughnut which features smoked whole hog, cranberry sauce, stuffing crumb, all served in a sugar doughnut for £10.50.
The best thing about the market? There wasn’t a single, over-grilled Bratwurst sausage for £12 to be seen (here’s looking at you Winter Wonderland).
If you do like your sausages though, Ruben’s Reubens Ballpark features a double smoked pork sausage, caramelised onions, mustard, ketchup and crispy shallots for just a tenner.
Still expect standard London prices for food, but compared to other Christmas markets it isn’t too over inflated.
The Duck Shed
For my main meal, I tried out The Duck Shed, which features a simple concept.
First you choose if you want a burger, wrap or salad box and then you decide on the filling.
Options included vegan duck for £12.50 and French duck with grilled Raclette cheese and onion chutney for £13.95.
But I of course had to try The British Christmas Quacker with slow roasted pulled duck, cranberry and bacon jam, smashed pigs in blankets, brie and spinach for £13.50.
I had it as a burger, and not going to lie, was a little disappointed.
Admittedly, I had big hopes but thinking about it logically, duck is usually better as a wrap, instead the bread was dry.
The filling is good and I really like the twist on a classic Christmas sandwich, though it could have done with a teaspoon more of sauce.
The portion is super generous though and it is cooked right in front of you.
Chin Chin
For my sweet treat, I bee-lined for Chin Chin.
We have all seen videos on social media of their decadent hot chocolate with ooey-gooey marshmallow on top, that is then burnt in front of you.
Considering the cold turn in the weather, I don’t think anything would be quite as satisfying as this hot chocolate.
It costs £5.95 a cup and it isn’t the biggest, but it really does fill you up with the generous amount of marshmallow.
As a big fan of hot chocolates, making sure to try one in every country I visit, I was impressed that the drink itself was actually super smooth, not too bitter or rich, but lovely and creamy.
It was an instant win, and helps warm up your insides.
Whilst you there…
With the market being located right next door to Tottenham Court Road Tube Station, there are a lot of others things you can do and explore nearby.
For example, you could head onto Oxford Street for a spot of Christmas shopping.
Or perhaps catch one of the nearby shows.
But even closer to the market is Outernet – a free attraction with Europe‘s largest and most advanced digital screens that often broadcast magical worlds, making it an immersive experience for the viewer.
And the attraction is now showing some festive features, including Nature Relaxation: Cozy Christmas Fireplace which lasts one minute.
Though, the real showstopper was the Ice Palace feature, which lasts seven minutes.
All walls of the Outernet become frosty and reveal an ice castle, that looks like it is straight out of Disney‘s Frozen.
The palace then awakens with life and music, with icy fireworks travelling across the ceiling.
And there is even snow, which feels oddly realistic, as if it is falling on you.
Tod’s Festive Feast is open everyday from 11am until December 28.
For other Christmas markets, here’s what we thought of this year’s Winter Wonderland.
Plus, UK’s largest one-day Christmas market to return after being cancelled last year – exact date to hit 120 festive stalls.