Where to Enjoy a Christmas Feast This Winter
When it comes to Christmas dining, go big!
Jesmond Dene House
Jesmond Dene Road, Newcastle NE2 2EY
0191 212 3000
jesmonddenehouse.co.uk
Experience the charm and warmth of a traditional Christmas at Jesmond Dene House, where flavourful food is made with exceptional skill. In their neighbourhood dining room Fern there’s a festive set menu for December with all the trimmings, as well as a show-stopping festive afternoon tea and their ever-popular à la carte menu. For larger groups and parties they also have four private dinings rooms to choose from.
Battlesteads Hotel & Restaurant
Wark on Tyne, near Hexham NE48 3LS
01434 230209
battlesteads.com
Experience the true taste of Northumberland at Battlesteads Hotel & Restaurant, where classic pub food is a celebration of all things local. From simple but delicious dinners to extravagant five- and eight-course tasting menus, all their dishes feature fruits and vegetables grown in their garden, and head chef Eddie Shilton draws on the finest local livestock, game, fish and poultry to ensure standards remain as high as possible.
Côte
120–122 Grainger Street, Newcastle NE1 5AF
0191 731 4733
cote.co.uk
Right in the heart of Newcastle, Côte is the perfect restaurant for a warm and welcoming festive celebration. From 21st November they’ll bring a touch of French flair to your celebrations with a carefully crafted three-course Christmas menu. Specially designed to ensure that there’s something for everyone (with dishes like butternut squash tarte tatin, classic roast turkey ballotine wrapped in smoked bacon, and rich vegan chocolate praline tart) this is one not to miss this Christmas.
The Tempus
Charlton Hall Estate, Chathill, Northumberland NE67 5DZ
01665 579173
thetempus.co.uk
At the heart of The Tempus in Northumberland lies The Orangery, a beautifully decorated, light-filled space where you can dine on a carefully-curated seasonal menu from head chef Alistair Weightman. With a finalised festive menu soon to be announced, from succulent turkey to tempting desserts, The Tempus is a great place to celebrate classic Christmas Day dining.
The Lord Crewe
Front Street, Bamburgh, Northumberland NE69 7BL
01668 214243
lord-crewe.co.uk
With an AA Rosette award and serving up luxurious dishes with a strong focus on high-quality, local produce, The Lord Crewe in Bamburgh is the perfect seaside escape this Christmas. For the festive season (beginning 25th November and covering either two or three courses), you can enjoy a superb set lunch menu – tuck into confit duck leg hash to start, followed by ballotine of turkey, and their pear and sticky date toffee pudding is to die for.
SIX
South Shore Road, Gateshead Quays, Newcastle NE8 3BA
07922 427019
sixbaltic.com
Baltic’s iconic, award-winning restaurant is ready to celebrate the festive season, and with two AA Rosette awards (and a coveted place in the Michelin Guide) your celebration is in safe hands. December’s lunch menu features a classically festive three-course meal with dishes including trout gravlax, confit duck leg, and gingerbread crème brûlée. In the evening, enjoy six or nine courses from their flagship menu Taste of SIX, including hand-dived scallop ravioli, King Peter ham with hot honey, clove and goats’ cheese, and Black Forest compote. There is an excellent plant-based menu here too.
Swinton Park
Masham, North Yorkshire HG4 4JH
01765 680900
swintonestate.com
Covering 20,000 acres of stunning countryside right on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales, from 29th November enjoy a spectacular afternoon tea reimagined with a festive twist at Swinton Park, including delicate pastries, locally-sourced meats and artisan preserves. Also beginning on 29th November in The Terrace Restaurant, tuck into a two- or three-course festive lunch from head chef Shaun Burke.
The Glass House
Wynyard, Stockton-on-Tees, Billingham TS22 5NF
01740 644 811
wynyardhall.co.uk
Available throughout December, there’s no better place for festive dining than The Glass House in the grounds of Wynyard Hall. Expect Christmas classics alongside creative new dishes (with many ingredients sourced from their own kitchen garden). The Glass House also offers a good variety of vegetarian and vegan options, as well as a carefully-curated wine list and a selection of festive cocktails.
The Plough At Wombleton
Main Street, Wombleton YO62 7RW
01751 431356
ploughwombleton.uk
This warm and cosy village pub in the heart of Ryedale serves exceptional, award-winning food alongside a great selection of local hand-pulled beers and wines. Independently owned and run by husband and wife team Richard and Lindsey Johns, it’s a great place to get into the festive spirit. Join them on Christmas day for a cheeky pint in the bar area (open to all) before tucking into a delicious Christmas lunch, which includes pork Wellington with parsnip purée and cider fondant potato, a salad of citrus-cured salmon, Atlantic prawns and apple, and individual Christmas puddings with brandy custard sauce.
The Gamekeeper’s Inn
Long Ashes Park, Threshfield BD23 5PN
01756 752434
gamekeeperinn.co.uk
This Christmas, The Gamekeeper’s Inn invites you to experience the magic of the season in the stunning Yorkshire Dales. The ideal place to get together, head chef Chris Griffiths has crafted a delicious menu of seasonal specials including turkey roulade, a luxury chestnut roast and a classic Christmas pudding, or for something lighter you can indulge in their Festive Afternoon Tea from 1st December – turkey and cranberry slider anyone? With 11 comfortable ensuite bedrooms you can even stay the night, waking up to a delicious full Yorkshire breakfast.
22 Yards Wine Bar & Merchants
21 High Petergate, York YO1 7EN
01904 651215
22yardswine.com
This beautiful wine bar in the heart of York (directly opposite York Minster) is the perfect destination for a Christmas tipple and festive meal, with more than 70 wines and Champagnes (available by the glass) and a menu full of seasonal delights. Indulge in fresh oysters and charcuterie boards over a glass of wine, or browse their menu of large and small plates, perfect for sharing. Need to stock up for Christmas? There is an exceptional range of different wines available to purchase here, so take time to browse and feel free to ask the staff for their expert advice.
Hide & Hoof
Yummy Yorkshire, Delph House Farm, Huddersfield HD8 8XY
01226 762551
yummyyorkshire.co.uk
Visit Hide & Hoof this festive period – the perfect place to eat, drink and make merry. Head chef Chris and his team pride themselves on offering good food, done right – from full Yorkshire breakfasts to festive gourmet burgers, and brunch to afternoon tea, there’s something on the menu that will delight everyone. Special Saturday evening dining nights will run from the 23rd November–21st December, with a festive three-course menu full of favourites with a unique Yummy Yorkshire twist.
Crab & Lobster Restaurant
Dishforth Road, Asenby, Thirsk YO7 3QL
01845 577286
crabandlobster.co.uk
If you love good food, a visit to Crab & Lobster Restaurant is a must this festive season. Since 1991, they’ve been serving up gourmet seafood alongside classic English dishes, all crafted with a generous touch that reflects the best of Yorkshire hospitality. Picture an intimate dinner, a festive gathering, or just a relaxed meal – whether it’s in their cosy main restaurant, or in one of their charming dog-friendly dining pods, there’s something for everyone. Their private dining pods can transform into enchanting ‘Christmas baubles’ for a magical dining experience, and from 2nd December you can enjoy a fabulous two- or three-course festive lunch menu.
Ilkley Manor House
Ilkley Manor House, Castle Yard, Ilkley LS29 9DT
07480 064412
ilkleymanorhouse.org
Head to one of Ilkley’s oldest buildings this December for a fantastic festive dining experience. This Christmas, Ilkley Manor House (in partnership with Good Food Story) is hosting two exclusive dates for guests to enjoy a festive feast (on 13th and 20th December). Guests will enjoy a welcome glass of sparkling prosecco (or elderflower), before tucking into a delightful three courses. To begin, we would opt for the fresh prawn and crayfish cocktail (a seasonal classic) before moving onto a turkey dinner with all the trimmings.
The Devonshire Arms Hotel & Spa
Bolton Bridge, Skipton, North Yorkshire BD23 6AJ
devonshirehotels.co.uk
The perfect place to celebrate Christmas, on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales on the Bolton Abbey Estate, The Devonshire Arms Hotel & Spa holds a total of three AA Rosette awards for its dining spaces, so you know your festive feast is in safe hands. In the Brasserie and Bar, their chef has designed a delightful two- and three-course festive menu using seasonal ingredients from their kitchen garden and local suppliers. Beginning 1st December, you can enjoy the likes of roast turkey parcels with all the trimmings and Christmas pudding with rum butter sauce. The Garden Room is also well worth a visit this Christmas, serving up innovative seasonal dining with stunning views over the estate – take time to browse their à la carte menu or sit down for their delicious tasting menu.
TeT Restaurant
3–9 Cross Square, Wakefield WF1 1PQ
01924 298555
tetrestaurant.co.uk
This Christmas enjoy a taste of the exotic at TeT Restaurant in Wakefield. A culinary journey across Thailand and Vietnam, at TeT you’ll find an excellent selection of Southeast Asian dishes created by the expert team of chefs. For the festive period, enjoy their Golden Festive Menus, covering à la carte Christmas lunches of two and three courses, as well as an indulgent Christmas dinner. Want to try something different? Enjoy a festive bottomless brunch this season, or a unique festive Japanese-inspired afternoon tea, perfectly paired with Champagne.
Pearly Cow York
1 Clifton, York YO30 6AA
0330 055 4531
pearlycow.co.uk
The Pearly Cow York is the place to be this Christmas. Celebrating classic Yorkshire produce, join them in the run up to the big day, and from great Christmas party menus to the all-out-extravagance of Christmas lunch, they have it all covered here. Their festive menus are wholly unique, with Christmas Day lunch including a lobster taco reception, pork belly and apple chutney starter, and roast turkey with all the trimmings. What’s Christmas dinner without dessert? Save room for your choice of Christmas pudding with brandy sauce, chocolate, cherry and pistachio tart, or a classic Yorkshire cheese board.
The Crown
128 High Street, Boston Spa LS23 6BW
01937 229900
thecrownbostonspa.com
With bookings now live for the festive season, The Crown is where you want to be for a Christmas feast. Choose from a deliciously festive two- or three-course menu, with smaller table bookings and exclusive hire options available. There are plenty of seasonal staples to choose from, whether you’re starting your meal with cream of white onion and cider soup (served with Gruyère croutons), or indulging in a duck liver pâté, served with port, cherry and spiced orange compote and crostinis. For your main, there’s the classic roast turkey breast, served with all the trimmings, or try the hot smoked cod and creole sauce. Finish with a traditional Christmas pudding, or homemade sticky toffee pudding with spiced toffee sauce and clotted cream ice cream.
Feversham Arms Hotel & Verbena Spa
1–8 High Street, Helmsley YO62 5AG
01439 770766
fevershamarmshotel.com
Holding two AA Rosette awards for its exceptional dining, you’re guaranteed a merry Christmas at the Feversham Arms Hotel & Verbena Spa. In the restaurant, The Weathervane, the head chef uses locally-sourced produce to create seasonally-driven menus, and their three-course à la carte menu is just perfect, with a delicious appetiser, main and dessert all beautifully presented and bursting with flavour. In the mood for something lighter? Afternoon tea and a lighter lunch menu are available until 4pm.
