It’s December and the holiday season is in full swing. Tis’ the season for cinnamon-infused mulled wine, cosy family gatherings by the fire and jovial end-of-year celebrations. Naturally, there are a whole host of fabulous convivial happenings taking place across the UK this month – and we’re spreading festive cheer by sharing five of our favourites, from a fantastical opera to a jolly afternoon tea at a Mayfair hotel.
Hunker down in The Three Horseshoes
Earlier this year, renowned chef Margot Henderson opened The Three Horseshoes, a newly refurbished 17th-century pub in the village of Batcombe, Somerset, meaning this December is the first time the beautiful boozer will be celebrating Christmas. Throughout December, a huge Christmas tree will be on display, while the bar will be topped with warm mince pies and mulled cider (best enjoyed after a long countryside walk). Known for her quintessentially British cooking at Rochelle Canteen, Henderson’s food at The Three Horseshoes is the big draw – and the mouthwatering festive menu is no exception: expect goose rillets with pickled prunes; roast duck, confit potatoes and red cabbage; and sherry trifle are among the most delicious dishes. The Three Horseshoes also has five beautifully curated bedrooms, perfect for anyone in need of a winter escape to the country.
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A Festive Afternoon Tea at St James’s Hotel & Club
To celebrate the holiday season, the five-star St James’s Hotel & Club has made the joyous ritual of afternoon tea even more delightful with a special festive menu. Created by executive chef William Drabble and served in the elegant Seven Park Place, the menu will feature classic finger sandwiches and delectable sweet treats, such as an apple cinnamon crumble, hazelnut financier with Frangelico, and a vanilla tart with forest berries. The star of the show, however, is the bespoke Christmas cocktail titled the ‘Aphrodite Odyssey’, which is a beautiful blend of rose liquor, vodka infused with cinnamon, rosemary syrup and assyrtiko white wine. Cheers!
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Hansel and Gretal at the Royal Opera House
An evening at the Royal Opera House is always enchanting, particularly during December. If you’ve grown tired of the Nutcracker ballet, don’t fret: this year, the Royal Opera House is showcasing Antony McDonald’s bewitching operatic production of Hansel and Gretal on its main stage. Humperdinck’s fairytale masterpiece tells the story of two siblings who, after becoming lost in the forest, stumble upon a curious house made of cake, only to realise it belongs to the Witch… This stunning opera, which is sung in English, is suitable for all the family and runs from 16 December 2023-7 January 2024.
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Explore the Great Outdoors with the Cairngorm Reindeer Herd
There are few creatures as commonly associated with the festive season as reindeer. Think you have to venture to the likes of Norway or the North Pole to see them in their natural habitat? Think again. Scotland's Cairngorm National Park is home to Britain's only free-ranging herd of reindeer. Around 150 of these gentle animals live here and you can meet them by joining a walking tour up the breathtaking mountainside. And if you’re in pursuit of an unusual Christmas present and want to support the herd, you can even adopt a reindeer to help maintain their lovely lifestyle on the Cairngorm Mountains.
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Celebrate Christmas and New Year’s Eve at Brunswick House
Is there a more divine backdrop for a festive feast than the gorgeous Grade II-listed mansion that is Brunswick House? The restaurant is particularly plush, with black-and-white chequerboard tiles running underfoot and glistening chandeliers hanging overhead. This December, you can indulge in several festive menus served here, including a grand festive banquet fit for groups of 12 to 24 people. Standout plates include chalk stream trout crudo with mustard and juniper to start, wood-fired highland sirloin with roscoff onion and mushroom for the main, and boozy prune tart with almond sorbet for dessert. And if you're looking for a spectacular way to spend New Year's Eve, Brunswick House is inviting guests into the historic vault room for an evening of celebration. If it was good enough for the Duke of Brunswick…
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