If your idea of the perfect Christmas knees-up involves flowing drinks, big screens, live music and wall-to-wall sport, then BOX Sports Bar in Piccadilly Circus might just be your festive holy grail.
I headed down for their bottomless brunch expecting a lively afternoon - and left 90 minutes later wondering how they'd managed to combine a sports pub, a party venue and a Christmas celebration so seamlessly, all while never letting my glass run dry.
From the moment we arrived, the atmosphere at BOX was electric. Screens filled every available space, each one showing live sport, so no matter where you stood or sat you had a perfect view of the action. Add to that a live band playing throughout the afternoon and a DJ dropping in some festive classics, and it felt more like a party than a brunch - in the best possible way.
The bottomless brunch offering is simple but dangerously effective - unlimited food and drinks for 90 minutes. The Prosecco flowed freely, and I genuinely mean freely - our glasses were constantly being topped up without us having to ask. For cocktail lovers, the selection didn't disappoint either. My standout was the Peach Cooler - refreshing, fruity and just strong enough to keep the festive spirits high without overwhelming the afternoon.
Food-wise, both me and my guests opted for the burgers, and they were a solid choice. Juicy, well-cooked and elevated by caramelised onions that were an absolute must-have. But while the burgers were impressive, the real star of the show was the salt and pepper chips. Crispy, perfectly seasoned and tasting like they'd been lifted straight from a top-tier Chinese takeaway, they quickly became the table favourite and were gone in minutes.
One of the unexpected highlights of the afternoon came courtesy of the World Darts Championships, which were playing on the big screens. We were treated to a particularly memorable moment when dart player Ricky Evans revealed his bold - and very festive - Christmas outfit choice. The entire bar erupted, proving that even casual sports fans can't resist the drama and humour that darts delivers.
Despite the high-energy vibe, the crowd struck a perfect balance. The bar was packed with sports fans, but everyone was well behaved, good-natured and there purely for a good time. It felt inclusive, fun and ideal for groups looking to celebrate without the chaos tipping into carnage.
By the time our 90 minutes were up, it was clear that BOX Piccadilly has nailed the formula. Great food, non-stop drinks, live sport, music and a buzzing festive atmosphere make it an unbeatable option for a Christmas get-together. If you're looking for a venue where the drinks don't stop flowing and the party never loses momentum, BOX might just be your new festive tradition.