Gloucestershire is home to a sparkling array of party venues, promising yuletide cheer and festive merriment this Christmas 2023.
Whether you’re planning a big office Christmas party, a festive night out with friends or a cosy family get-together with turkey and all the trimmings, SoGlos's Christmas party guide is packed with ideas to make your 2023 celebrations the best yet.
Christmas parties at Cowley Manor
The venue
Make this year's Christmas party one to remember at Cowley Manor, all decked out for the festive season following its huge refurbishment earlier this year.
Luxurious private party options include lunch or dinner in the Garden Room or hire of the Games Room, both with capacity for up to 36 guests; while for smaller parties, the Private Dining Room can seat up to 14 people and the Library can hold 10. Both the Library and Games Room are available to book out for pre-dinner drinks, too.
On the menu
Cowley's three-course Christmas menu includes starters like duck liver parfait with truffle jelly and toast or beetroot and burrata with buckthorn; with traditional roast turkey paired with artichoke and truffle, or roast cod with squash and saffron for the main course — plus a Delicia pumpkin option for vegetarians.
For dessert, there's classic Christmas pudding topped with brandy custard, caramelised white chocolate and dark chocolate mousse, or a cheese plate with Cowley crackers for spreading.
Meanwhile, the Christmas feast menu offers pure festive indulgence, giving diners a centrepiece to share for their main course. Pick from glazed ham, slow roasted lamb shoulder, turkey crown or sirloin of beef — served with roast potatoes, glazed carrots, sauteed sprouts and chestnuts, plus plenty of cranberry sauce for the table. Pescetarian, vegetarian and vegan diners get their own separate plated alternative.
SoGlos loves
For a really lavish celebration, big groups have the option to exclusively book the hotel in all its festive finery. Venue hire includes use of the main house and all 31 bedrooms, giving guests the chance to experience the ultimate Christmas house party in the Cotswolds.
There's also the option for families and friends to enjoy their own Christmas getaway at Cowley, arriving on Christmas Eve and checking out on Wednesday 27 December 2023 — with a three-course Christmas Eve meal, breakfast each morning, sumptuous five course lunch on Christmas Day, plus plenty of food, drink and festive fun included.
How much?
Private dining with the three-course Christmas menu costs £65 per person; while the Christmas feast menu costs between £55 and £85 per head, depending on your food of choice.
Christmas package stays start at £2,550 per room.
When?
Christmas get-togethers at Cowley Manor are available throughout December 2023.
How to book
Email events@cowleymanor.com or call (01242) 870900.
For more information about Cowley Manor's Christmas offering, visit cowleymanorexperimental.com/offers.
Christmas party venues in Cheltenham
Christmas parties at Leonardo Hotels
The venue
This festive period, Leonardo Hotels Cheltenham is offering partygoers the opportunity to celebrate the Christmas season in style, with an evening of live entertainment and novelties alongside a three-course meal, available across a range of its meeting and event rooms.
On the menu
Suitable for both large- or small-scale events, party the night away at a Leonardo Hotels disco evening, running throughout the Christmas period, where guests can tuck in to a three-course meal and enjoy entertainment from the Leonardo Hotels resident DJ — sure to keep you on the dance floor until the early hours.
The selection of festive dishes on the Christmas party night menu include winter carrot and squash soup; roast turkey breast with sage and onion stuffing and chipolatas wrapped in bacon; and decadent desserts including a sticky toffee Christmas pudding with brandy custard and New York vanilla cheesecake with mulled berries.
SoGlos loves
Leonardo Hotels Cheltenham's dedicated team will be able to assist party planners to organise every element of your Christmas event, down to the decor and music — as well as the opportunity to stay overnight with special accommodation rates.
How much?
Prices start from £32.95 per person.
When?
Party packages at Leonardo Hotels are available on selected dates from Friday 24 November to Saturday 23 December 2023.
How to book
Visit leonardohotels.co.uk/christmas or call (01242) 232691.
Christmas at Sef Steakhouse
The venue
Christmas carnivores can head to Cheltenham's newest meaty eatery, Sef Steakhouse in the Quadrangle, as it announces its special festive menu available to book from Wednesday 22 November, all the way up to Christmas Eve.
On the menu
Featuring an incredible array of dishes, diners can choose between three or four courses — there's also an option to order a dish to share, including beef wellington with a red wine jus or a 1100g tomahawk steak, for an additional £10 per person.
Enjoy a starter from the selection, featuring porcini and cashew paté, served with olives and sourdough; ham hock terrine with apricot chutney and sourdough bread; or a honey roast parsnip and celeriac soup with truffle oil and focaccia for vegetarians.
Then move on to a delicious main course of traditional roast turkey with stuffing, pigs in blankets and a cranberry jus; a beef fillet with a brandy jus and crispy leeks; or a sweet potato and bell pepper wellington with roast beetroot, sprouting broccoli and a vegetable jus — plus, all main courses are served with roast potatoes and seasonal veggies.
Finally, pick out a gorgeous dessert from the list including a chocolate and orange tart with vanilla ice cream; a classic Christmas pudding with brandy and cinnamon custard; or for savoury taste buds, a cheese board featuring crackers, celery, apple, grapes and a fig chutney.
Diners are reminded to inform the team at Sef Steakhouse of any allergies, as not all ingredients are listed in the description of the dishes on the menu.
SoGlos Loves
The four-course menu includes a welcome glass of prosecco for each member of your group, as well as a basket of rustic bread, with butter and olives.
Plus, a special festive cocktail menu is still to be released!
How much?
Feast on three courses for £47 or indulge in four courses for £57. Sef Steakhouse also require a deposit, which will be taken over the phone via a staff member.
When?
The festive menus are available to book from Wednesday 22 November until Christmas Eve 2023.
How to book
Guests can view the full festive menu and book a table at Sef Steakhouse by visiting sefsteakhouse.co.uk or by calling (01242) 805649.
Christmas at Nagomi
The venue
Sharing its name with the Japanese philosophy of togetherness and harmony, Nagomi encourages shared meals and social gatherings — and what time is more fitting for bringing people together than Christmas!
Positioned in Cheltenham just around the corner from the Promenade on Crescent Place, Nagomi's festive season is packed full of food and drink options, all set within its authentic Japanese interiors and perfect for a fabulous party meal with friends or family.
On the menu
For those looking to spice up their Christmas celebrations with something different this year, Nagomi offers Yakiniku. This fun and interactive dining experience is a Japanese indoor table barbecue, in which guests can choose their own thinly sliced cuts of meat, including Kobe beef wagyu and different styles of pork, chicken and seafood, before grilling them to their preference.
Or pick out a Nagomi platter from a choice of three that feature a variety of meat options, served with lettuce, ssamjang, sliced garlic and chillies — group platters can also be prepared on request.
The Yakiniku options come with three homemade sauces: yakiniku sauce, with sweet and savoury flavours; negi shiyu, flavoured with lemon and leaks; and Korean ssamjang, a spicy Korean dip.
There's also plenty of options on the main menu, including Japanese and Korean small plates based on authentic recipes from Japan and Korea, featuring Korean corn dogs, Seoul fried chicken and homemade Japanese curry, as well as Bibimpap, a Korean rice dish served in a hot stone bowl, plus dishes of noodles, soups and salads.
SoGlos loves
Nagomi has a firm focus on authentic Japanese and Korean flavours and is one of only four restaurants outside of London that is licensed to serve Kobe beef from Japan, which has been labelled as 'the best beef in the world.'
Perfect for the Christmas party season, try a shot of Korean soju, choose a Christmas cocktail or try one of the draught beers or wines from the extensive drinks menu.
How much?
Prices vary depending on which meaty option each member chooses — but a hearty meal can cost just £35 per head, with some drinks.
When?
Celebrate at Nagomi all the way up until the big day, but please note that it will close on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year's Day.
How to book
Bookings for the Christmas season at Nagomi are now being taken via nagomi.uk and groups of over seven guests should fill in the form on the website.
Christmas parties at Ellenborough Park
The venue
Located near Cheltenham Racecourse, the 15th century country estate of Ellenborough Park combines a luxury hotel, spa, restaurant, brasserie and cocktail bar.
Historical features like oak beams and stone fireplaces are beautifully complemented by modern luxuries worthy of the finest hotels.
On the menu
Sure to get you in the spirit, Ellenborough’s festive three-course lunches and dinners incorporate ingredients like celeriac, chicken liver parfait and poached pear, alongside options such as beetroot risotto and sea bream (for those determined to save the turkey till the 25th!).
Guests attending Ellenborough Park’s festive party nights can take their pick from the same menu, while also enjoying a welcome drink and a DJ that promises to have everyone dancing until carriages at midnight.
As for Ellenborough’s festive afternoon tea, you’ll find clementine panna cotta, pistachio macarons, and a dark chocolate, cranberry and white chocolate cake among the specially created top tier treats for this time of year.
SoGlos loves
If you’re looking for something a bit special, Ellenborough Park is it… from the party night prosecco on arrival, served with a ‘festive twist’; to the turkey and cranberry sandwiches as part of its afternoon tea — not to mention the stunning seasonal decor — the venue certainly delivers on luxury.
With the venue open for wine and cheese tasting for £55 per person on Boxing Day, a relaxing trip to Ellenborough Park is the perfect reward for those who took care of cooking the most important meal of the year just 24 hours earlier.
How much?
Festive lunches are priced at £50 per person, while dinner is £65 per person. Festive afternoon tea costs £37 and party nights are £70 per person.
When?
Festive afternoon teas are available throughout December 2023. Its last few festive party nights can still be booked for Friday 8, Saturday 9 and Thursday 14 December 2023.
How to book
Call (01242) 545454 or email reservations@ellenboroughpark.com.
Christmas nights out at The Brewery Quarter
The venue
Providing a one-stop destination for the ultimate Christmas night out, The Brewery Quarter boasts everything from restaurants serving seasonal cuisine from all over the world and creative cocktail bars, to fun festive activities and entertainment.
On the menu
For those looking for a more traditional Christmas dinner, tuck into twists on Christmas classics like butternut squash soup with crispy sage, turkey hanging kebabs with pigs in blankets and cookie dough pie at The Botanist. Cosy Club is offering everything from finger food buffets up to the whole shebang, including welcome tipples, canapes, wine and a three-course meal, with options including pigs in blankets, fried halloumi, Cosy Christmas pie, slow-roasted pork belly, chocolate cheesecake and traditional Christmas pud; or get creative at The Alchemist with dishes like panko pulled beef, drunken dumplings, crispy buttermilk turkey and whisky panna cotta.
For more casual Christmas get-togethers, craft beer joint BrewDog has turkey sliders, crispy brie wedges, buffalo cauliflower and mince pies on its Burger Buffet menu, with Festive Hoppy Meals and three-course feasts available, too. Brewhouse & Kitchen invites guests to be their own bartender with a nine-pint beer dispenser for the table, plus three-course festive feasts and buffet options available; while Hub Box is dishing up its famous Christmas burgers, with options including the Wagyu Wonderland, Brie B King and Bauble and Squeak, with sides like raclette fries, dirty tots and beer fondue.
Flight Club has two festive food packages ideal for groups of up to 37 guests, including drinks, canapes, pizza and puds. Or say 'buon natale' this season and opt for an Italian feast, with Pizza Express serving up dough balls in blankets, Romana porchetta pizza, snowflake brownies and snowball doughballs; and Prezzo offering a festive set menu with dishes like crispy fried mozzarella, beef raviolini with gorgonzola sauce, chicken, prosciutto and sage saltimbocca and tiramisu.
And while they don't offer dedicated Christmas menus, Mowgli and Pho have plenty of delicious dishes to choose from, too.
SoGlos loves
It's not just about the food this festive season — Escape Hunt offers Christmas party packages with one or two escape room games included, plus Christmas nibbles and drinks; Hollywood Bowl's Christmas party package includes two games of bowling, nachos, a drink and a main meal each; while Mr Mulligans invites partygoers to challenge themselves to a round of adventure golf before tucking into a buffet and drinks.
How much?
The Botanist's Christmas menu costs £27.95 for two courses or £34.95 for three, with a glass of prosecco included; Cosy Club's Festive Feasting menu costs £17.95 per person for a finger food buffet, £27.95 per person for the sharing feast, £65 per person for the Festive Shindig or £75 per person for the Festive Soiree; while The Alchemist offers three courses for £35, or £55 with a signature festive cocktail included.
BrewDog's Burger Buffet costs £26.50 per person, Festive Hoppy Meals cost £27.95 per person and Festive Feasts cost £29.95 per person, with drinks packages available, too; while Hub Box's Xmas Menu costs £30 per person including a welcome drink, main and sides to share. Flight Club's festive packages cost £45 per person for The Elf and £65 per person for The Santa, excluding social darts; and Prezzo's three-course festive set menu costs £27 per person.
Escape Hunt's Christmas parties cost £33 per person for the Jingle Bells package including one game per person, or £65 for the Sleigh Bells package with two games per person; Hollywood Bowl costs £22.50 per adult and £17.50 per child for its Cracking Christmas Party package; and Mr Mulligans costs £24 per person for one game of golf and two drinks each, £30 per person for one game of golf, two drinks each and the Mulligans Buffet, or £38 per person for one game of golf, two drinks and the Ultimate Buffet.
When?
Dates vary per venue.
How to book
Visit thebreweryquarter.com.
Corporate Christmas parties at Ian Coley Sporting
The venue
Located just outside Cheltenham, Ian Coley Sporting is a leading shooting ground that’s popular with seasoned shooters as well as newbies looking to try their hand at the sport. With a range of shooting stands and diverse targets, its corporate Christmas parties promise lots of fun with a competitive edge — perfect for a unique team building experience.
On the menu
Celebrating the festive season with a bang, Ian Coley offers three corporate clay shooting packages to put guests’ marksmanship skills to the test this Christmas, with three different itineraries offering from 25 shots per person, up to 75. From learning to hit different targets and practicing at the stands to competing against teammates and even trying a fun simulated game drive, the activities are suitable for beginners and experienced shooters alike.
The full itinerary of 75 shots per person includes tea, coffee and mince pies upon arrival; shooting over a variety of stands; refreshment breaks; an exciting shooting competition; team flush; and finishes with further refreshments, prizes and a tipple of sloe gin. Plus, packages can be customised with optional extras, allowing hungry shooters to fuel up on festive breakfast rolls, a variety of fizzy drinks and fruit juices, too!
SoGlos loves
With everything you need for an unforgettable Christmas party, Ian Coley’s corporate packages include top-class tuition from its friendly instructors, gun hire, safety equipment, clays and cartridges, plus a prize for the best Christmas jumper. Not to mention a dedicated events manager to keep things running smoothly.
How much?
Packages start from £65 per person.
When?
Festive corporate parties at Ian Coley are available throughout November and December 2023, through to January 2024.
How to book
Visit iancoley.co.uk/christmas-parties.
Christmas parties at Hotel du Vin
The venue
Have a real jolly at Hotel du Vin this Christmas, where guests can indulge in a whole range of celebration packages this party season — covering everything from delicious food and fine wine to fabulously festive afternoon teas, available throughout November and December.
On the menu
Hotel du Vin is inviting those across Gloucestershire to eat, drink and be merry this Christmas season with its glitzy and glamorous party packages, including celebration buffets and bar drinks, seasonal afternoon teas and festive sit-down meals.
Tuck into traditional fare and decadent desserts, spanning roast free-range turkey ballotine, pan-seared cod with winter ratatouille and even warm figgy pudding.
Or to celebrate the ultimate social affair with friends or colleagues, treat yourself to Hotel du Vin's Christmas bar drinks package, featuring finger food such as breaded Camembert with cranberry chutney, pigs in blankets with honey mustard glaze and cheesy truffle roast potatoes, teamed with Champagne, wine, beer and more.
SoGlos loves
For a quieter option this festive season, Hotel du Vin also offers afternoon tea with a Christmastime twist. Expect mince pies, cakes, scones and seasonal sandwiches, served with a choice of tea, or a glass of Champagne — 'tis the season after all!
How much?
Prices start from £37.50 per person.
When?
Party packages are available from Friday 17 November to Sunday 24 December 2023.
How to book
Visit hotelduvin.com/christmas or call (01242) 370584.
Christmas parties at Malmaison
The venue
Whether you're celebrating the party season with your nearest and dearest, or throwing a social bonanza for the whole company, Cheltenham's Malmaison is offering a variety of party opportunities for merrymakers to enjoy this festive period.
On the menu
Cheltenham's Malmaison is inviting revellers to throw on their best party outfits and raise a toast with friends, family or colleagues as they indulge in the season's treats with an abundance of delicious dishes such as roast hake, smoky haricot beans, tomato and red onion stew, slow braised daube of beef and sticky toffee Christmas pudding.
Throw the social event of the year with The Bar Drinks Party package and dance the night away — keeping fuelled with festive finger food such as truffle and Parmesan roasties, sprout pakoras and pigs in blankets, along with prosecco, seasonal or classic cocktails and more.
Alternatively, sit back and relax with an afternoon tea spruced up with a festive sparkle, including savouries such as smoked mackerel paté, pickled cucumber brioche croute and turkey katsu and mango chutney wraps, plus Viennese mincemeat tarts and Black Forest trifle among the sweet treats — as well as a glass of prosecco!
SoGlos loves
Those who are unable to celebrate in December needn't worry, as Malmaison will be carrying on the party well into the new year. Enjoy dinner with all the trimmings or festive buffet menus until the end of January 2024.
How much?
Celebrations start from £32 per person.
When?
Christmas parties are available for booking on various dates from Thursday 16 November 2023 until Tuesday 31 January 2024.
How to book
Visit malmaison.com/christmas or call (01242) 370655.
Diamonds Are Forever Christmas parties at Cheltenham Racecourse
The venue
The home of jump racing gets a glamorous twist this festive season, as Cheltenham Racecourse hosts its Diamonds Are Forever Christmas party nights throughout December 2023.
Ball gowns and tuxedos are the order of the evening for these sophisticated Christmas parties at one of Gloucestershire's most iconic venues.
On the menu
Cheltenham Racecourse's Diamonds Are Forever party nights offer a secret service-themed evening that even 007 himself would be impressed by.
Getting the party started with a specially crafted James Bond-inspired cocktail, guests will then sit down to a three-course festive feast prepared using local, seasonal ingredients by the award-winning Jockey Club Catering team, who are used to cooking for the likes of the Royal Family!
After dinner, there's live entertainment and a DJ spinning floor fillers into the early hours, making for an unforgettable festive celebration.
SoGlos loves
Designated drivers can enjoy complimentary car parking at Cheltenham Racecourse included with their Christmas party place.
How much?
Party nights cost from £75 per person, with the option of joining a shared table of 10, or booking a private table of 10.
When?
Diamonds Are Forever party nights take place on Friday 1, Saturday 2, Thursday 7, Friday 8, Saturday 9, Thursday 14, Friday 15 and Saturday 16 December 2023.
How to book
Visit thejockeyclub.co.uk/cheltenham.
Christmas parties at Brasserie Blanc Cheltenham
The venue
Inspired by chef patron Raymond Blanc's childhood, Brasserie Blanc Cheltenham offers a classically gorgeous — and distinctly French — space to dine in this Christmas.
Formerly a ballroom from the Regency period, it's now an elegant restaurant for upmarket dining experiences, whether you're planning an office party, family Christmas fiesta or fun-filled festive evening with friends.
On the menu
This Christmas party season, guests can choose from dishes including a cod brandade croquette with smoked haddock chowder and piquillo peppers to start; a pheasant supreme with Muscat pumpkin and pickled girolles, or a traditional Springate Farm wild bronze turkey with chestnut stuffing, Brussel sprouts and port gravy for the main course; and a Madagascan vanilla crème brûlée to finish.
Catering to many dietary requirements, veggies can tuck into pan-fried gnocchi with a Jerusalem artichoke velouté to start; a harissa aubergine with roast butternut squash and pomegranate molasses as a main; and top it off with a dark chocolate mousse cup served with a citrus marmalade — delish!
SoGlos loves
Taking the fuss — and the dreaded washing up — out of the big day, Brasserie Blanc has also created a gorgeous Christmas Day menu.
Merry diners can feast on six courses with menu options like an appetiser of roast celeriac soup; a beetroot terrine starter; a main of beef wellington; an entremet of blackcurrant sorbet; a traditional Christmas pudding dessert and a cheese board. All topped off with a classic mince pie with a cup of tea or coffee!
How much?
The Christmas party menu costs £37.50 per person, with Christmas Day dining costing £99.95 per person.
When?
The Brasserie Blanc Cheltenham festive party menu is available from Monday 20 November 2023.
Its festive opening times are from 12pm to 11pm on Christmas Eve, with food served until 9.45pm; 12pm to 5pm on Christmas Day, with food served until 3pm; 10am to 6pm on Boxing Day, with food served until 5pm; and normal hours until New Year's Eve.
How to book
Call (01242) 266800 or visit brasserieblanc.com/cheltenham.
Christmas parties at The King's Arms Prestbury
The venue
If you're looking for a cosy Christmas party, The King's Arms Prestbury fits the bill with its charming inglenook fireplaces, high wooden beams and quirky dining nooks.
The 500-year-old inn is at the heart of the Prestbury community, serving up fresh seasonal food — with a separate dining space for special occasions for a memorable gathering this festive party season.
On the menu
Choose from starters including pork terrine with pickled red cabbage and garlic toast or Muscat pumpkin soup with toasted pumpkin seeds; before moving on to the main course with options including a traditional Springate Farm wild bronze turkey served with all the trimmings, or harissa aubergine with baba ghanoush for vegans and vegetarians; and finish with a fromage blanc mousse with poached autumn berries, or a dark chocolate mousse dome for ultimate indulgence.
Christmas Day dining is also covered, as festive feasters can enjoy a six-course menu with options including an appetiser of roast celeriac soup; king scallops as a starter; beef wellington for main course; blackcurrant sorbet in-between; a winter-spiced poached pear for dessert, followed by a cheeseboard — with a cup of tea or coffee and a mince pie to top it all off.
SoGlos loves
For a yuletide feast with a twist, book one of the two heated potting sheds in the gardens at the King's Arms Prestbury and cuddle up for a unique winter alfresco dining experience.
How much?
The Christmas party menu at The King's Arms Prestbury costs £37.50 per person and to dine on Christmas Day, it's £99.95 per guest.
When?
The King's Arms Prestbury's festive party menu is available from Monday 20 November 2023.
Its Christmas opening times are from 12pm to 11pm on Christmas Eve, with food served until 10pm; 12pm to 3pm on Christmas Day, with food served until 5pm; 12pm to 6pm on Boxing Day, with food served until 5pm; and normal hours until New Year's Eve.
How to book
Call (01242) 520012 or visit kingsarmsprestbury.com.
Christmas parties at Roxy Lanes
The venue
Inviting festive revellers to have a ballin' time this Christmas, sip on unique rock and pop inspired cocktails and tuck into tasty buffet food while trying your hand at everything from ice-free curling and beer pong to arcade games and batting cages at Roxy Lanes, in the heart of Cheltenham.
On the menu
With three amazing floors to enjoy, challenge your friends, family or colleagues to an evening of celebrations with Roxy's games, food and booze.
With three festive packages to choose from — including the Feast, Standard and Ballers packages — the venue makes for a brilliant choice for a party of any size, with each Roxy package including a huge buffet comprising of a variety of pizzas and the full range of nibbles, plus drinks!
While enjoying the games on offer, guests can tuck into classic margherita or Italian pepperoni pizzas; popular smaller plates such as Roxy fries coated with barbecue seasoning; spicy popcorn chicken tossed with sriracha mayo finished with sesame seeds, lime and a fiery scotch bonnet hot honey; spicy buffalo cauliflower bites; and more.
Alongside its extensive cocktails menu, there's also a range of wine and fizz, as well as plenty of brilliant beers to choose from — including DEYA.
SoGlos loves
For a very jolly start to the festive season, party groups will have the option to add on additional drinks packages to their event when they book.
How much?
The Feast Package, which includes the Roxy Feast, costs £18 per person; the Standard Package, which includes the Roxy Feast, plus two drinks tokens each costs £28 per person; and the Ballers Package, which includes the Festive Feast, two drinks tokens and half a bottle of prosecco or wine costs £38 per person.
Add-on drinks packages range from £30 to £150.
When?
Roxy Lanes is open from 12pm to 12am from Monday to Wednesday, 12pm to 1am on Thursday, 12pm to 2am on Friday and Saturday and 12pm until 1am on Sunday.
How to book?
Visit roxyleisure.co.uk to enquire and secure your party place.
Christmas parties at Dunkertons Park
The venue
Celebrate all things Christmas with colleagues and friends at Dunkertons Park on the outskirts of Cheltenham, sampling organic cider and warming up around cosy firepits for a more laid-back festive affair. As a bonus, there's free parking for all guests, too.
On the menu
Dunkertons’ exclusive street food partners will be dishing up plenty of festive food throughout the holiday season, with special deals like Sourdough Sundays at Bella Mia — offering free garlic bread or cheesy garlic bread with every pizza purchase on Sunday afternoons — and Bombay & Beyond Fridays, spicing up your Christmas celebrations with £10 curries and all the trimmings from Bombay & Co.
Humble Kusina serves up colourful bao buns and Filipino food, with festive specials like pulled pork baos topped with pigs in blankets, crispy onions and apple sauce; while The Woozy Pig has a delightfully dirty Christmas burger on the menu, comprised of an aged patty topped with cheddar cheese, camembert, bacon, stuffing, red onion jam and gravy.
There are lots of options for vegan and vegetarian diners, as well as an extensive drinks menu featuring plenty of Dunkertons organic cider.
SoGlos loves
A lively atmosphere is guaranteed in the Tap Room, with regular events to inject some extra fun into your Christmas get-together, from quiz nights and cider tours to live music and DJ nights.
When?
The Dunkertons Tap Room is open from 5pm to 11pm on Monday to Thursday; from 12pm to 11pm on Friday; from 11am to 11pm on Saturday; and from 11am to 10pm on Sunday.
Event times vary throughout the festive period, see Dunkertons website for more information.
How much?
Prices vary for food, which is available to purchase from Dunkertons’ street food partners. Dunkertons can also create bespoke festive packages to cater for all budgets and requirements.
Prices vary per event, with some free of charge.
To book
Visit dunkertonscider.co.uk/events to book an event. Dunkertons Tap Room welcomes walk-ins.
Christmas party venues in the Cotswolds
Christmas parties at De Vere Cotswold Water Park
The venue
Set in the heart of the Cotswolds and surrounded by lakes, rivers and open countryside, De Vere Cotswold Water Park provides an escape from the outside world. With elegant and contemporary interiors, its a wonderful setting for a whole host of Christmas celebrations.
On the menu
Festive menu highlights include ham hock and pickled carrot terrine for starters; traditional ballotine of turkey, or a vegan-friendly roast squash and lentil wellington for mains; and the option to satisfy your sweet tooth with a tantalising chocolate and orange tart with passionfruit puree.
The DJ and Disco Public Party Nights and Public Party Night with Live Band packages include a welcome glass of prosecco and a three-course meal, followed by tea, coffee and mini mince pies and either live music or a DJ and disco.
Public Party Tribute Nights include the above, but will feature acts such as The Spice Girlz, ABBA Dream and Rule the World (Take That). For an extra festive jubilation, book the Bublé Reborn night to enjoy Michael Bublé's Christmassy classics.
Parties of up to 79 guests can opt for a private Christmas get-together, which includes a welcome drink, three-course meal, after-dinner tea, coffee and mince pies, plus evening entertainment in the form of music from De Vere's resident DJ.
SoGlos loves
For families with children, De Vere is hosting afternoon teas overlooking the lake, where Father Christmas will be in attendance. On selected dates throughout December 2023, little ones can meet the man himself while tucking into a festive afternoon tea — and receiving a special gift, too.
How much?
DJ and Disco Public Party Nights cost £49 per person; with Public Party Night with Live Band or Tribute costing £56 per person. There's the option to add overnight accommodation to all Christmas party packages for £54 per person for bed and breakfast.
Santa Afternoon Teas cost £30 for adults; £20 for children aged three to 14; and £10 for infants up to the age of two. Meanwhile, the standard festive afternoon tea, which doesn't include a visit from Father Christmas, costs £22 for adults and £12.95 for children aged three to 14. Pre-booking and pre-payment is required for these experiences.
When?
Christmas joiner and DJ and Disco party nights are taking place on Friday 1, Saturday 2, and Friday 22 December 2023; with Live Band nights on Saturday 2, Saturday 9 and 16 December 2023.
Private Christmas parties are available throughout November and December 2023.
The Spice Girlz tribute night takes place on Friday 1 December; ABBA Dream on Friday 8 December; Bublé Reborn on Friday 15 December; and Rule the World (Take That) on Friday 22 December 2023.
While Santa Afternoon Teas are on Saturday 2, 9 and 16 and Sunday 3, 10 and 17 December 2023. The standard festive afternoon tea is being served daily from Friday 1 December 2023, excluding Saturdays.
How to book
To enquire, call De Vere Cotswold Water Park on (01285) 864000 or book online via devere.co.uk/cotswold-water-park-hotel/whats-on.
Christmas party venues in Gloucester
Christmas parties at Coal Kitchen
The venue
This Christmas season, independent restaurant Coal Kitchen in the historic Pillar and Lucy House at Gloucester Docks, is offering guests the chance to celebrate the festivities with friends, family or colleagues.
On the menu
Promising to serve up yuletide joy this Christmastime, the chefs at Coal Kitchen have put together a sumptuous festive menu, featuring dishes such as roast hake with crushed root vegetables, creamed kale and chestnuts; vegan spiced bean Wellington, roast potatoes and root veg, brussels sprouts and vegan gravy; and of course, a classic roast turkey dinner with stuffing, pigs in blankets, potatoes and all the trimmings.
Whether it's an office Christmas party, a special catch up with friends or a spontaneous cocktail, Coal Kitchen can create a great festive experience sure to leave lasting memories and get you ready for the big day.
Plus, Coal Kitchen can cater for both small and large groups — so there's something to suit everyone, whether you're throwing a massive seasonal blowout or a quiet but cheery celebration.
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To help toast the festive season off to the jolliest of starts, add on a glass of fizz on arrival for just £5 per person. And if you want to add on a whole drinks package, Coal Kitchen has introduced a separate festive drinks menu, so you can plan your spend per head and relax while enjoying the party.
How much?
The three-course Christmas set menu costs £29.50 per person for a starter, main course and dessert. Drinks packages start from £5 and can include fizz, half a bottle of wine or three bottles of Peroni and a festive cocktail.
When?
The festive menu is available at Coal Kitchen from Monday 13 November 2023 to Sunday 7 January 2024.
How to book
Visit coalkitchen.co.uk.
Christmas party venues in Stroud
Christmas parties at Eastwood Park
The venue
Set in 200 acres of beautiful Gloucestershire countryside, Eastwood Park is a stunning Victorian house with a range of versatile event spaces and 70 bedrooms — all within easy reach of Gloucester, Bristol, south Wales and the Midlands.
On the menu
Whether you want to celebrate with friends, family or colleagues, Eastwood Park can cater for all this festive season, with Christmas lunches and joiner party nights available, alongside private dining — in the daytime or in the evening.
As part of its Christmas Lunch offering, guests are welcomed in from the cold with a glass of fizz while they warm up, before sitting down to enjoy a delicious two- or three-course meal, rounded off with mince pies.
Ramping up the festive fun, its joiner party nights include a sharing platter starter, festive main with all the trimmings, as well as sharing platter dessert, with the party package also including crackers and novelties and a DJ and a photobooth!
Promising something for everyone — veggies and vegans included — party guests can expect sharing platters to start, with a choice of traditional roast turkey; baked cod and mash potato, spinach and cheese sauce; or carrot, sprout and peanut loaf with onion gravy for the main event.
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Alongside its Christmas Lunches and joiner party nights, Eastwood Park is also running a festive wreath-making workshop with a prosecco afternoon tea.
How much?
Christmas Lunch costs £29.95 per person for two courses, or £34.95 for three courses; while the Christmas party nights cost £40 per person, with overnight accommodation available for a very reasonable £50 per person.
Wreath-making costs £45 per person; with the prosecco afternoon tea costing £24.95 per person — both can be booked together for £64.95 per person.
When?
Christmas packages are available to book on selected dates throughout November and December 2023 and January 2024.
Wreath-making takes place on Sunday 26 November and Sunday 3 December 2023.
How to book
Email events@eastwoodpark.co.uk, call (01454) 260207 or visit eastwoodpark.co.uk/christmas.
