IT’S CHRISTMAS!!!… Ok, well, not quite, but it is time to start booking your Christmas parties and get-togethers if you don’t want to miss out on some truly cracking venues.

We might not be able to guarantee snow, but if you’re dreaming of the perfect Christmas this year, the Thames Valley region is home to a whole host of special venues that are sure to make your festive dreams come true. From Michelin-starred restaurants that offer an enchanting and truly festive fine dining experience that won’t soon be forgotten, to modern, stylish, and truly one-of-a-kind venues that will please even the biggest of Scrooges, no matter what kind of venue you’re after this year, you’ll find it in our Thames Valley Christmas Party Guide.

To make your life a little easier though, here at Fed Up & Drunk, we’ve compiled a list of seven of our favourite restaurants and venues in the region to consider this Christmas time.

 

THE THATCHED TAVERN

Where better to spend a memorable British Christmas this year than in a 500-year-old traditional thatched tavern built in 1480? Boasting a cosy bar, roaring fire, and locally sourced English fare that will warm your heart this wintertime, there are few places in the country with the charm and character of this fine establishment.

Bring your family, friends or colleagues and enjoy a sensational and simply scrumptious festive feast from their comforting Christmas menu while you are swept up in the enchanting atmosphere of this rustic, cosy thatched cottage.

Endearingly known as “The Thatch” by its many loyal patrons, this building is steeped in fascinating history and was even a well-known landmark in the 1700s when Queen Victoria’s Royal Carriage was sometimes seen outside while John Brown was fortifying himself inside before his onward journey to Windsor Castle.

To find out more about what The Thatched Cavern can do for you this Christmas, contact the venue on 0844 625 5480 or email them at [email protected]

 

THAMES LIDO

One of Reading’s newest and most unique venues why not celebrate Christmas somewhere especially stylish this year? Thames Lido, the renovated Kings Meadow Swimming Pool, boasts both a poolside restaurant and a private function room, with picturesque views overlooking the River Thames, and makes for a magical location to celebrate the festive season with your closest friends or colleagues.

Executive head chef Freddy Bird’s Christmas menu will impress, combining seasonal treats with enticing international ingredients from Spain, North Africa, and the Middle East. With an extensive selection of festive dishes to choose from, you’ll be spoiled for choice.

The main restaurant has a capacity for up to 110 people for a sit-down meal, while the function room can accommodate parties of up to 50 people. You can even book the entire venue for an elaborate party if you wish. No matter what you’re looking for, Thames Lido is the perfect place in which to unwind and indulge as you celebrate the year surrounded by friends or family.

To find out more on what Thames Lido can do for you this Christmas, contact the venue on 0844 625 4979 or email [email protected]

 

DONNINGTON GROVE HOTEL & COUNTRY CLUB

From office Christmas shindigs to intimate Christmas dinners with your closest friends and family, no matter what you are looking for this year, at Donnington Grove, you’re sure to make memories you will treasure forever.

Boasting the finest food along with first-class service, there is something truly magical about the festive season at Donnington Grove. This December, join Donnington Grove at their December party nights. During this time, this stunning venue with be transformed into a festive wonderland. For just £40pp, you’re guaranteed an unforgettable evening which starts with a glass of chilled, sparkling wine on arrival, and follows with a tempting three-course feast which includes dishes such as traditional roast turkey, topside of beef, and pan-fried sea bass. There will also be a number of exciting and special Christmas treats, novelties, along with a DJ playing your favourite Christmas party tunes until midnight.

To find out more on what Donnington Grove Hotel can do for you this Christmas, contact the venue on 0844 625 4846 or email [email protected]

 

TRUNKWELL HOUSE

Housed within 34 acres of gorgeous, captivating countryside, the handsome Trunkwell House transforms into the Windy City this festive season for a Christmas you’ll always remember.

Bringing the razzle-dazzle to your festive celebrations, Trunkwell House takes inspiration from the sassiest, sexiest, and most sophisticated Broadway musical of all time to bring you a truly unique party unlike anything else you’ll find in the region this year. Join one of their ‘Christmas in Chicago’ themed party nights where the gin is cold and the piano is hot and get swept up in Chicago charms as you enjoy piano tunes, jazz singers and a show-stopping cabaret show and fabulous aerial show from a luxury grand marquee. There will also be a 3-course sit-down meal and tea and coffee station, along with a DJ, disco, LED dance floor, entertainment ride and thrilling casino tables – the ideal setting to make fun memories with your colleagues and friends that you’ll be laughing about all of 2019.

To find out more on what Trunkwell House can do for you this Christmas, contact the venue on 0844 625 4846 or email [email protected]

 

ZERODEGREES – Reading

Have a hoppy Christmas this year at Zerodegrees, an award-winning microbrewery and pizza restaurant famous for its memorable mango beer, monthly speciality beers and mouthwatering selection of some of the finest pizzas you’ll ever have tasted.

This year, join Zerodegrees for an unforgettable festive feast and choose from cracking Christmas favourites like turkey roulade, lamb with Christmas spices, prawn and black pudding gumbo, breaded camembert, and much much more, including any pizza you fancy off their magnificent menu.

The perfect place to enjoy a pint with mates, this unique microbrewery and restaurant truly offers something for everyone this Christmas time. With traditional food, adventurous options and some wildly exclusive brews, raise a glass to the new year in style this winter.

To find out more about what Zerodegrees can do for you this Christmas, contact the venue at 0844 502 9336.

 

THE HIND’S HEAD

If you can’t treat your yourself or your loved ones at Christmas, when can you? Why not indulge in a fine dining experience you’ll be dreaming about until next Christmas at The Hind’s Head in Berkshire.

A Michelin-starred restaurant situated in the picturesque village of Bray known for its fantastic foodie scene, there are few places in the country more charming than The Hind’s Head, which has been serving locals and visitors since the 1400s when it was first established as a coaching inn and hunting lodge. And the food is simply unbeatable.

Let this traditional inn lift your spirits with its wood-panellled walls, cosy arm chairs and sturdy brick fireplaces. Inspired by its Tudor heritage, the kitchen team delivers delightful and indescribably delicious dishes that celebrate Britain’s culinary past whilst adding a good dose of creativity and originality to transform traditional dishes into something truly terrific.

This festive season, the talented kitchen team will be cooking up their own takes on many of our traditional festive favourites like peas and ham soup, roast turkey, spiced red cabbage and Yule Log. There will also be reinterpretations of historical recipes that are bound to become sought-after seasonal delicacies such as venison Carpaccio, beef à la mode, mulled cider apple trifle and the renowned Quaking Pudding.

To find out more about what The Hind’s Head can offer you this Christmas, contact the venue on 0844 625 4928 or email [email protected]

 

L’ORTOLAN

Another Michelin-starred restaurant (in fact Reading’s only Michelin-starred restaurant), why not treat your family or friends to a surprisingly affordable fine dining experience they’ll never forget this festive season at L’Ortolan?

With a menu that focuses on modern French cuisine, head chef Tom Clarke brings his talents and expertise to the table to create exceptional dishes that will astound you. Situated within the stunning village of Shinfield, L’Ortolan has three separate dining rooms which are all well-suited to hosting an enchanting Christmas dinner.

From large parties and private events to more intimate get-togethers with family and friends, this festive season enjoy a six-course tasting dinner or a traditional three-course lunch as your take in the elegant architecture and delightful décor of this restaurant’s Grade II listed building. At just £58pp for the festive dinner and £43pp for the festive lunch, considering how expensive even chain restaurants become this time of the year, dinner here would make the perfect foodie gift for your loved ones this Christmas time.

To find out more about what L’Ortolan can offer you this Christmas, contact the venue on 0844 502 9607 or email [email protected]

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