"Not all festive meals look like roast spuds and a remortgage. If you need a big, fun spot that works for a budget and those averse to sprouts, Detroit Pizza in Islington is a great shout. It’s more laid-back than a lot of places on this list and, crucially, makes deep dish pizza pillowy enough to warm you up from the cold outside. Grab one of the beers on tap, head to the sports bar upstairs, or just crash in the roomy booths." - heidi lauth beasley, jake missing, rianne shlebak, sinead cranna