CityBird: Carluccio’s, Smithfield

Hours later, and we finished off the lunch with a knees-up in the dingy Aldgate local. By 6pm, my colleague was so drunk she had to go home and nap for several hours. Where did I head? To carry on the party in style, obviously.

Italian chain Carluccio’s in Smithfield might not be the obvious choice for an after-Christmas-party bev, but the branch has just launched its aperitivo menu – small sharing plates, accompanied by prosecco, natch. Small plates equals perfect post-Christmas blow-out snack. 

The stuzzichini (small plates) are all deliciously Italian. There’s soft foccacia, polpette (Italian meatballs), gamberoni (prawns wrapped in parma ham), caponata (aubergine stew with flatbread) and bresaola (slices of cured beef) among others. Wash it down with a bellini – you can choose from peach, passion fruit or cherry – or a Campari and prosecco. For those less inclined to cheap fizz, the selection of Italian whites aren’t to be sniffed at. 

The aperitivo bar sits apart from the main restaurant, which is a blessing – you can just roll up without the hassle of booking or sitting between two loud, gurning office Christmas parties. Extra bonus, Carluccio’s can sort you out with a panettone: guaranteed to make you look like a City knob when you turn up at home on Christmas Eve. 

Happy Christmas readers, see you in the New Year!