Five good reasons to go out to celebrate
The festive season is the perfect excuse to get together with family and friends. But, let’s face it, hosting can be rather stressful at times. Here’s a few good reasons to take the festivities elsewhere this Christmas…
FULLY STOCKED BARS
Does anyone really drink Baileys at any other time of the year? How many times have you bought all manner of spirits or what-not “for Christmas” only to have a couple of measures, then put the bottle back into the cupboard to be forgotten about? If you’re like us, then just about every year. Go out to a venue and the fully stocked bar will have something for every taste — whether it’s beer, posh wines and champagnes, spirits, and probably even fancy cocktails. Let them stock up on everything and you can keep your drinks cupboard for your personal favourite tipples. Less hassle for you, better for the planet. Double win.
NO WORRYING ABOUT DIETARY REQUIREMENTS
Unless you are very lucky, you’ll have at least one person in your party with some sort of dietary requirement. Hospitality venues are set up to cater for this sort of thing (but do everyone a favour and let them know in advance if there’s anything tricky they need to cater for). But your kitchen — not so much. So, what do you do? Have to make something separate for that person — and if it’s a buffet scenario make sure no-one else snaffles it? Or make everyone eat the same thing? Which brings us to our next point…
EVERYONE GETS TO CHOOSE WHAT THEY EAT
Menus are a glorious thing. A plethora of choices to (hopefully) suit everyone. Everyone can eat something different if they so wish, and it’s not your responsibility to provide eight million different options.
NO LEFTOVERS
No matter how hard we try, there are inevitably leftovers from any party. And unless you’ve been super organised then there’s a good chance that food has been left out to become, let’s face it, a bit of a sweaty mess which no-one would want to eat afterwards. By eating out you won’t end up with a fridge, or recycling bin, full of leftovers to deal with.
NO CLEARING UP
Because it’s not just about the washing up after everyone has left, is it? (That’s what a dishwasher is for!) It’s the fact that you’ve got to make sure the house is clean and tidy before everyone arrives too. Plus, the inevitable spillages (and possibly breakages, depending on how rowdy your guests are!). If you take your party to a restaurant/hotel/bar then it’s all their problem, isn’t it?
Foodlover Faves
The Farrington Inn, Farrington Gurney
The quintessential British pub is perfect for a cosy festive celebration.
A festive dining menu will be running from November 29 until December 24, and the pub will also be serving mulled wine and cider (with a free mince pie!) to help you get into the Christmas spirit. There will also be a Christmas raffle, with the winner getting an early Christmas present with the draw taking place on New Year’s Eve. thefarringtoninn.co.uk
The Francis Hotel, Bath
This festive season, guests at The Francis Hotel can enjoy an array of festive dining experiences. Feast your eyes, and your tastebuds, on the hotel’s lavish Christmas Afternoon Tea with delicious festive finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones and delicate pastries all accompanied by mulled wine. There’s also a festive menu running from November 20 until December 30. On Christmas Day itself, the hotel’s restaurant, Boho Marché, will be serving five mouth-watering courses with all the trimmings, followed by coffee and mince pies, then settle down to The Queen’s Speech with a slice of sumptuous homemade Christmas cake. If you want to have an extended celebration, then there are two- and three-night Christmas break packages available too. Then come New Year’s Eve the hotel is hosting a sumptuous five-course dining experience. francishotel.com