You can now book in for dinner in the Houses of Parliament

The current perpetual news overload has been stressing out even the most politics-averse Londoners recently, but there is one unexpected upside to a December General Election: over the next two months, the Palace of Westminster is offering us ordinary citizens a rare opportunity to dine in style at the Members’ Dining Room in the Houses of Parliament.

Since Parliament is not in session in the run-up to next month’s election, the House of Commons dining room normally reserved for MPs and their guests is letting members of the public book in for a three-course lunch or dinner. The last December election was all the way back in 1923, so this is likely to be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to enjoy a festive meal in these magnificent surroundings.

Okay, so there’s no turkey or Christmas pud on the menu – but there is a set menu costing £45 for lunch sessions or £55 for dinner, all made using seasonal British produce. Mid-week dates are available from next Tuesday until Thursday December 5, with a maximum table size of eight, and the resplendent Members’ Bar will also be open to diners who fancy a drink before their meal.

In other words, as long as your company has a hefty festive budget to blow, this could be the classiest office Christmas lunch you’ll find in London this year.

Here’s everything you need to know about Christmas in London. And sign up here to get Time Out tips in your inbox every week.