Bristol & Bath Christmas & New Year's Eve Guide 2015

2015

edition

christmas & new year’s eve

perfect for

planning corporate parties

a comprehensive guide to christmas and new year’s eve celebrations in bristol & bath

welcome

season’s greetings!

Whether you’re already counting down the days, or can’t bear to think about it until December, there’s no denying Christmas, in all its turkeyfilled glory, will be upon us before we know it.

Naturally, given the huge role all things edible and slurpable play in proceedings, we at Food & Drink Guides love everything about the festive season. We also know only too well the tough decision-making involved in planning for the party season, whether it’s organising the company Christmas bash, a team shindig, an intimate soirée for a select few, or a fun-filled New Year’s Eve. The Bristol & Bath Christmas & New Year’s Eve Food & Drink Guide is here to help. It’s packed with venue suggestions, gift ideas, recipes and lots of handy tips to make sure any celebration is a resounding success.

A beautiful venue that can be exclusively yours this Christmas

4 From Desk ’til Dawn

Al desko to disco in just a few easy steps

8 Ask The Experts

Party planning ideas from those in the know

11 Parties For Every Pocket

Celebrate Christmas without breaking your budget

12 Deck The Halls

43 Happy Hampers Treat-filled hamper gifts to suit any budget

47 Masters Of Their Craft Have a hoppy Christmas with craft beers for every occasion

50 Tips For Tip-Top Tipples Lovely libations to serve at this year’s bash

55 Gin Done Wright A wacky DIY cocktail idea from foraging expert John Wright

How to get Christmas spirit rolling in the office

58 A Secret (Santa) Worth Keeping

17 Just For You Top-notch venues available for

Gift ideas that will put a smile on anyone’s face

exclusive hire

20 Push The Boat Out

Stunning waterfront party venues in Bristol

24 Activities And Festivities Team building ideas and fun days out

28 Merry Markets Your guide to this year’s best Christmas markets 32 A Musical Christmas Carol events to make your heart sing

8 Festive Traditions From 3 Around The Globe How the rest of the world

does Christmas

Canningford House 38 Victoria Street Bristol BS1 6BY t: 0117 927 7167 e: editor@foodanddrinkguides.com w: www.foodanddrinkguides.co.uk Editor Sally Webb Deputy Editor Hannah Burton Graphic Designers Holly Bradford, Morag Davidson Senior Editorial Assistant Jessica Roberts

in the guide 2 Clevedon Hall

bristol & bath christmas & new year’s eve food & drink guide 2015

Editorial Assistants Dominic Stroud, Holly Nash, Joele Forrester, Lucy Palmer PR & Marketing Manager Jennifer Merrikin Project Manager Joe Packer Advertising Sales Emma Filby, Matt Brentley Published by Food & Drink Guides Ltd Publisher Sam Collins Managing Director Robin Fry Printed September 2015

63 How To Be Good Get the office together for a charitable cause

67 Hock To Trot A slow-roasted ham hock recipe that’s sure to impress

71 Cooking Up A Snow Storm Cookery classes for all

74 The Hungover Games Helpful hints for post-party pick-me-ups

79 Industrious Resolutions New Year’s resolutions to improve your working life

christmas & new y ear ’ s eve guide 201 5

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Celebrate Christmas your way at

clevedon hall Exclusively yours this festive season

Just a short drive from the mayhem of Bristol and a mere stone’s throw from the elegant seafront at Clevedon is a tranquil haven that you’ve possibly never noticed. Allow me to open your eyes…

Stand on the stone steps of 19th-century Clevedon Hall sipping a Champagne cocktail, watching wild deer skip through the snow-covered grounds and survey all that is yours, as the party continues inside – an idyllic yuletide scene, yes, but not just the stuff of daydreams.

This beautiful manor house can be yours this Christmas. A sympathetic three-year refurbishment has given Clevedon Hall a new lease of life, but its charm and character have been retained. For a minimum of 100 guests (up to 250), it can be taken exclusively for a festive feast and party that you and your guests will never forget, at a price that seems at odds with the grandeur of such a venue.

Flexibility is the beauty of this place. Almost anything goes – whether you want to start the party early with a light lunch, take part in a cocktail masterclass in the afternoon, indulge in a decadent evening banquet, dance until dawn, go for wacky fancy dress, host a sophisticated ball, enjoy a night of 60s soul or take to the gaming tables with a casino theme, the sky is the limit.

Clevedon Hall’s innovative and highly experienced team can organise as much or as little as you like.

The appointment of master of culinary arts, Alan Jones, to Clevedon Hall further adds to its sophisticated appeal.

Bristol-born head chef Jones, previously of Michelinstarred Lucknam Park and Cowley Manor knows more than a thing or two about West Country produce and award-winning cuisine. He brings with him a passion for quality, bags of creativity and the ability to compile a modern British menu that will awaken tired palates and wow gourmands in equal measure. Alan will work

2

christmas & new y ear ’ s eve guide 2 0 1 5

with you and the best ingredients from the surrounding fields, farms and even the hall’s own grounds to create the perfect bespoke menu.

The library and adjoining orangery (which together can hold up to 150 for a sit down meal), fully stocked bar, lounge and great hall can all be configured to suit your needs. After dinner, perhaps you’d like a live band and dancing in the great hall, before you encourage guests to relax in the lounge, complete with Chesterfields and wood panelling – the perfect setting in which to sup fine whisky into the wee small hours. Drinks packages are as flexible as everything else, whether you want to welcome guests with a warming winter cocktail, or simply organise a cash bar.

After all that revelling, those who’ve always thought they were destined for life in the lap of luxury can retire to one of 25 bedrooms, completing a night as lord or lady of the manor in absolute comfort and style. Bedrooms can be taken as part of an exclusive hire package.

Whether you attend one of the fantastic party nights hosted throughout November and December, or pull out all the stops and go for exclusive hire, Clevedon Hall will inject a sense of occasion into your Christmas this year.

Clevedon Hall, Clevedon Hall Estate, Elton Road, Clevedon, North Somerset, BS21 7RQ www.clevedonhall.co.uk 01275 795895

clevedon hall

Exclusive Hire

Packages from £42 a head.

Contact Clevedon Hall regarding available dates in November and December.

Christmas Party Nights

Packages from £37 a head, inclusive of three courses and a festive disco.

4th, 11th, 17th and 18th December Private table and room options available dependent of size of group.

Menu choices on the night: Slow-roasted butternut squash soup or Terrine of ham hock Roast turkey with all the trimmings or Pithivier of roast roots, wild mushroom, artichokes and goat’s cheese Homemade Christmas pudding or Vanilla cheesecake with warm fudge

New Year’s Eve Masquerade Ball

£100 a head, inclusive of a five-course taster menu and entertainment.

christmas & new y ear ’ s eve guide 201 5

3

getting ready

from desk ‘til dawn How do you make it from office professional to festive party-goer on time, glammed up and in the mood? Here are a few suggestions to take you from desk ’til dawn.

The first thing to think about is food (obviously). The festive season is all about overindulging and eating too many mince pies, and it’s always a good idea to line your stomach ahead of a big night out. To avoid fuss and faff, order some lunchtime snacks to the office. M&S (www.lunch-to-you.com) offers a great selection of platters delivered to your door and packed with sandwiches and treats, allowing you and your team to nibble and socialise before slipping into party dresses or slick shirts.

Next, spend a bit of time sprucing up – don’t start too early (you still want to look fresh-faced when you hit the dance floor later), but certainly get busy with the lippy before you crack open the vino. (Never drink and apply!) Designate an office angel – the one who always looks good – to be in charge of hair and makeup. The office angel should organise who’s bringing what, so that essentials like fake eyelashes and plasters (those new shoes are almost definitely going to give you blisters) are present and correct. You could even order a make-up kit to share – Feel Unique’s is lovely (www.feelunique.com). Establish a primping station, complete with straighteners, curling tongs, hair grips and spray, and form an orderly queue to transform your tresses.

4

christmas & new y ear ’ s eve guide 2 0 1 5

Browse Pinterest for quick and creative up-dos in advance.

A quick dunk of the fringe in the sink and a blast of dry shampoo can really refresh dull hair. This too goes for the gents with limp locks in need of a quick fix; follow with a dash of hairspray for any flyaways.

Clear a second desk to set up a make-shift cocktail bar. Just three ingredients can make a surprising number of cocktails – add sugar or honey from the office kitchen supplies to rum and lime for a delicious DIY Daiquiri.

Now you’re looking great, it’s time to get the team feeling festive. Drinking games have a reputation for quickly leaving everyone in a state of disrepair, so perhaps opt for some seasonal silliness with a game of gift-wrap relay. Gather boxes, scissors, wrapping paper and sticky tape, divide into teams and race to fill Santa’s sack.

Having dressed up and livened up, start the dancing early in the office. Once Rockin’ Robin starts playing, ties will be loosened and high heels kicked off. The office carpet won’t be ideal for dodgy dancing but may prove perfect for anyone keen to crack out the worm.

christmas THE MAIN EVENT

FESTIVE FAVOURITES or

FINER TWISTS

FEASTING

CANAPÉS

Whether you fancy two or three courses, it’s the Christmas dinner you’ve been waiting for all year

£ 12.95 or £ 15.95

2

Courses

3

Courses

£ 20.95

per person

£ 25.95

per person

A LITTLE THANK YOU For choosing us for your Christmas party we’ll give you a £20 gift voucher to spend at Pitcher & Piano in 2016.

w: pitcherandpiano.com/christmas t: 0843 155 2029 e: bristol@pitcherandpiano.com Pitcher & Piano Bristol, V Shed, Cannons Road, Bristol, BS1 5UH

per person We do love a canapé! So we’ve put together two menus with some delicious festive miniatures, which are perfect while you wait for your guests to arrive before the big Christmas feast or to enjoy on their own while the drinks are flowing.

CHRISTMAS IS CLOSER THAN YOU THINK! GIVE US A CALL OR POP IN AND LET US TAKE CARE OF THE REST. WE’LL BE LAYING ON A CRACKING SPREAD WITH OPTIONS TO SUIT EVERYONE. - AND OF COURSE ALL WASHED DOWN WITH OUR DELICIOUS FRESH-BREWED CRAFT BEER.

at restaura nt microbrewer y ¥ restaurant

BOOK BEFORE 31ST OCTOBER AND ENJOY A GLASS OF BUBBLY ON ARRIVAL! LONDON

020 8852 5619

BLACKHEATH@ZERODEGREES.CO.UK

ZERODEGREESRESTAURANT

BRISTOL

READING

0117 925 2706

BRISTOL@ZERODEGREES.CO.UK

@ZERODEGREESBEER

0118 959 7959

CARDIFF

029 2022 9494

READING@ZERODEGREES.CO.UK

CARDIFF@ZERODEGREES.CO.UK

ZERODEGREESBEER

WWW.ZERODEGREES.CO.UK

Aniseed’s wealth of experience enables us to blend a fresh, modern approach with the traditional.

”

A really big thank you for the amazing food today!

It was all absolutely delicious & looked beautiful.

”

Nicola Saunders

Christmas is around the corner!

We have a fantastic Christmas Menu whether it’s a sit down meal, or a simple drinks reception with canapés, we have lots to offer and are taking bookings now!

For more information please contact us.

Unit 7 St. Gabriel’s Business Park, St. Gabriel’s Road, Bristol, BS5 0RT

Tel: 0843 155 2569 | Email: info@aniseedcatering.co.uk

www.aniseedcatering.co.uk

Christmas & New Year’s Eve

Dynasty

at

Fine Chinese Cuisine

Enjoy some of the most authentic Chinese food in the city t 'FTUJWF 4FU .FOVT TUBSUJOH GSPN b QQ t 5SBEJUJPOBM 3PBTU 5VSLFZ %JOOFS PQUJPOT BWBJMBCMF t 1BSUJFT PG VQ UP QFPQMF DBUFSFE GPS

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Wine & Dine Package Chef’s Festive Banquet, Welcome Drink, ½ Bottle of House Wine per person & Karaoke Entertainment for just £36 per person (suitable for parties of 20 or more)

Chef’s Festive Banquet Menu Dynasty Hor D’Oeuvres Platter (Crispy Turkey Spring Roll with Cranberry Dip, Barbecued Pork Ribs, Sesame Prawn Toast, Crispy Seaweed) ************ Aromatic Crispy Duck Served with Pancakes, Garnishes & a Special Duck Sauce ************ King Prawns with Lemon & Sesame Crispy Shredded Turkey with a Tangy Chili Sauce Beef with Green Peppers & Black Bean Sauce Stir Fried Chicken w/Satay Sauce Sweet & Sour Fish w/Fresh Pineapple Barbequed Honey Pork Seasonal Vegetables w/Garlic Special Fried Rice ************ $ISJTUNBT %FTTFSU t $IJOFTF 5FB PS $PGGFF

All of the above plus a welcome drink & 1/2 bottle of wine per person and entertainment, for one inclusive price of £36pp!

Book Early This Year & Save Money www.dynasty-bristol.co.uk 16a St Thomas Street, Bristol, BS1 6JJ 0117 925 0888

party planning

ask the experts

Is planning the 2015 office party presenting you with some puzzling problems? Here’s how to get the best out of the best night of the year, according to those in the know.

Roman Baths Kitchen

Best Parties Ever Ltd

AquaRiva

Hype

James Clifford, Assistant Restaurant Manager

Tim Stevens, Managing Director

Cleo Rocos, Creator and Brand Owner

Gemma Box, Event Director

Make an entrance. First impressions count – guests should arrive at the party and be immediately presented with “awesome”.

Don’t serve Champagne or sugar-laden drinks – try AquaRiva Organic Agave Syrup in place of liqueurs. Have a drinks/ cocktail plan with the bartender or venue. It is your duty to ensure that your guests have a great time and do not suffer the next day.

It’s not easy selecting a Christmas party that suits everyone, especially if you have a range of ages and interests to cater for.

If this is the case a themed party is perfect for you. Themed parties often have the wow factor and will amaze even the most hardto-please characters.

From the moment they walk through the door, guests will become immersed in the theme, with themed cocktails, menus and much more.

Start early. The earlier you start thinking about your Christmas party the more options you will have. Firstly decide who is going to be responsible for the important task of organising the biggest party of the year. Next set a date and find out what the ma jority of people fancy doing and narrow down the options. Check your budget, pick your venue, organise the menu (and pre-order), and don’t forget the transport. Most importantly have fun!

8

Keep it moving. The average person’s attention span is very short, so guests need regular but short bursts of entertainment throughout the evening, each one different and exhilarating in its own right.

christmas & new y ear ’ s eve guide 2 0 1 5

Have a glam theme, something fun and easy that encourages guests to step away from their daily routine and become their favourite version of themselves.

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FESTIVE & DELICIOUS Christmas celebrations at Brasserie Blanc

Now taking party bookings in our brasserie & beautiful 13th Century event halls.

With mouthwatering menus, bespoke crackers & a Christmas present* for the party booker, we have plenty of reasons to celebrate chez nous this year.

We l o o k f o r w a rd t o w e l c o m i n g y o u

THE FRIARY BUILDING, CABOT CIRCUS, BRISTOL BS1 3DF 0117 910 2410 bristol@brasserieblanc.com brasserieblanc.com 0117 910 2412 bristol@blancevents.com

* 5 0 . 0 0 g i f t c a r d w h e n 1 0 o r m o r e p e o p l e b o o k e d . T & C ’s a p p l y.

budgeting

Are you looking for ways to lavish a fabulous Christmas celebration on your colleagues without breaking the events budget? We’ve got some suggestions for how the whole company, including the accountant, can have a happy Christmas.

Hilton Bristol, Bradley Stoke

Bristol Zoo, Clifton 0117 923 8332 hospitality@bristolzoo.org.uk

Weekday evenings can be cheaper than Fridays or Saturdays. Bristol Zoo is an original venue for a festive dinner, and the animal masks provided are sure to make the after-dinner disco a roaring success.

01454 893438 events.bristol@hilton.com

Schedules get pretty hectic at Christmas.

Make sure everyone’s available, and keep costs low, by holding your party at lunchtime on a weekday. The Hilton Bristol can lay on a sumptuous three-course buffet lunch from Monday 14th to Fri 18th December.

Mercure Bristol North Grange, Winterbourne 0844 815 9063

Lido, Clifton 0117 332 3970 events@lidobristol.com

To help you work with your budget, The Lido gives you a whole range of choices, from fivecourse sharing menus (£55 pp) and two- or three-course set lunches (£16 or £20) to festive tapas (from £15 pp), with the option of booking the poolside terrace for large groups.

Life can seem rather lacklustre once December’s over. Inject some fresh sparkle by holding your office party in January. Not only will it boost morale, but it’s cheaper too.

The Mercure Bristol North Grange is holding its fabulous Hollywood Christmas Nights right the way through until 23rd.

christmas & new y ear ’ s eve guide 201 5

11

deck the halls

Get the office Christmas spirit rolling If your workplace tends to exude gloom rather than glee at Christmas, take the reins from long-suffering Scrooges and get planning. Here are a few ideas to ensure merriment abounds in the lead up to the holidays.

Get your baubles out Nothing says Christmas like fabulously festive decorations. If there’s a budget, great – go wild. If not, ask everyone to chip in £1 and load up on tinsel and baubles. If you’re a creative bunch (or strapped for cash), you can always set up a paper-snowflake-making station near the recycling bin.

12

christmas & new y ear ’ s eve guide 2 0 1 5

festive office Have a communal advent calendar Create your own office advent calendar by tying a piece of ribbon from one end of the office to the other. Buy red-and-white striped confectionary bags, fill them with sweeties and peg them onto the ribbon with numbered pegs. Take it in turns to open a bag each day and enjoy your candy countdown.

everything’s better with a Santa hat!

Organise a Secret Santa

Put hats on things Santa hats. Santa hats everywhere. At a jaunty angle on the corner of your monitor? Make it happen. Draped over the top of your phone? Yes! Door handles, notice boards, desk dividers – all of these things are immeasurably improved by those red cones with a fluffy white trim.

Bonus points for sneaking one onto your line manager’s head.

Whether you’re a last-minuteon-Christmas Eve kind of person or you finished your shopping in April, nothing will get you in the mood for Yuletide celebrations like getting wrapped up and heading out for a spot of Christmas shopping. Head to page 58 for our suggestions on what to buy that special co-worker this Christmas.

Plan the pre-Christmas-party party The afternoon before your Christmas party is unlikely to be productive. Let’s just admit that now. Nominate people to get essentials like gingerbread men, Christmas-flavoured lattes and candy canes, and have yourselves a mini-buffet shindig while pretending the phone isn’t ringing.

christmas & new y ear ’ s eve guide 201 5

13

Make this Christmas special with The Botanist

Christmas Day 3 courses £69.00 Festive Menu 3 courses available from 23rd November £25.95 Seasonal dishes, perfect puddings, mulled wines and mouth-watering cocktails – all served with an extra helping of festive cheer.

The Botanist, 20a Berkeley Square, Bristol, BS8 1HP 0117 927 7333 • www.thebotanistbristol.co.uk

-ho-ho Fancy some unpretentious good old-fashioned merriment, followed by dancing until the early hours of the morning? Then make sure you visit us for a great night out. Guaranteed.

FOR PRIVATE PARTIES AND DANCE-FILLED NIGHTS THIS CHRISTMAS

0117 9253256 WWW.MBARGO-BRISTOL.CO.UK BRISTOL@MBARGO.NET

38-40 TRIANGLE WEST, CLIFTON TRIANGLE, BRISTOL, BS8 1ER

@MBARGO_BRISTOL WWW.FB.COM/MBARGOBRISTOL1

Enjoy a very special Christmas at The Chequers A stunning Christmas menu, friendly service and cosy atmosphere makes a perfect Christmas party venue.

Christmas menu available from 23rd November.

For enquiries & reservations, call 01225 360017.

See website for menu & party booking information. www.thechequersbath.com The Chequers | 50 Rivers St | Bath | BA1 2QA

Come and Party at the Mercure Bristol Holland House Hotel and Spa - The ultimate Christmas party venue in 2015.

Mercure Holland House is an ideal setting located in central Bristol with a choice of festive event suites to suit all party sizes. For sparkling sights and the happiest nights welcome to our All Inclusive Winter Wonderland party nights a truly memorable celebration for you this Christmas.

WINTER WONDERLAND ALL-INCLUSIVE PARTY NIGHTS Arrival Bellini cocktail House wine on tables Friday and Unlimited inclusive house drinks of draught beer, £45.00 per person Saturday lager, cider, wine and soft drinks only.

3 course set £65.00 per person Delicious three course dinner festive menu 3 course choice In addition we offer extra bars with a selection of premium festive menu beverages, cocktails and shots to purchase on the evening Decorations and novelties Entertaining DJs with mood lighting Exclusive organiser rewards Party starts at 7pm | Dinner served at 7.45pm Bar closes at 1am with disco until 1am (Fri & Sat), 12 midnight (Sun to Thurs) Sunday to Thursday

ORGANISER REWARDS AS THE ORGANISER OF A FESTIVE PARTY, IT CAN BE A BIT HECTIC ARRANGING EVERYTHING. THEREFORE WE’VE A RANGE OF EXCLUSIVE ORGANISER REWARDS. Start your party night early and receive a 50% discount on selected wines by the glass, draught beers and soft drinks, in the hotel bar between 5.30pm and 6.30pm.

s Book a party for 10 people or more and receive a bottle of Prosecco. s Book a party for 25 people or more and receive 2 x 25-minute spa vouchers or a 1-hour treatment voucher with complimentary day use of our spa facilities.

s Book a party for 50 or more and receive an overnight stay with an upgrade to a privilege room (subject to availability), full English breakfast and late check-out.

ALL-INCLUSIVE NEW YEAR’S FROM £75.00 per person CELEBRATE THE NEW YEAR IN STYLE AND ENJOY A COUNTDOWN TO REMEMBER AT OUR ALL-INCLUSIVE NEW YEAR’S CELEBRATIONS. s $UULYDO GULQN per adult s 'HOLFLRXV FRXUVH EXIIHW GLQQHU s $OO LQFOXVLYH GULQNV WR LQFOXGH KRXVH ZLQH GUDXJKW ODJHUV Dinner, entertainment and overnight and beers, house spirits and soft drinks accommodation including breakfast, based s 'LVFR DQG 'on two people sharing (adults only) s $GGLWLRQDO H[FOXVLYH GULQNV SURPRWLRQV DQG VKRW EDU Single supplement charges apply

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Contact our Christmas co-ordinator now for further information on h6698-sb1@accor.com or 0117 968 9873 Mercure Bristol Holland House Hotel and Spa, Redcliffe Hill, Bristol, BS1 6SQ

exclusive hire

Exclusivity is the name of the game this Christmas, so we’ve put together a list of top-notch venues available for private hire for your Christmas celebrations.

Ashton Court Mansion, Long Ashton Let the team at Ashton

Court Mansion work their magic to deliver a spectacular, luxurious party where laughter and chatter will soon fill this venue’s beautiful dining room. The team are basically Christmas experts, so you’ll be in safe hands. A delicious three-course meal will be served by Santa’s little helpers after you’ve finished a Christmas cocktail upon arrival.

When the empty plates have been cleared, gaze at twinkling stars from the frosty winter garden bar and show off your best moves on the dance floor. Compete with work mates over karaoke before crashing out at this glorious location.

The Thunderbolt, Totterdown This restored, Grade II listed former tollhouse from the 1830s can entertain 150 people within its funky and fun walls. Head inside The Thunderbolt to find a lovely atmosphere, plenty of charm and local booze to make your jolly cheeks glow this festive season. The great sound system and dance floor will get your heart racing and ensure you have a top-notch night.

If you’re looking for an independent venue filled with an eclectic mix of music, art and ale then you’d better get booking...

The Grand Hotel, Bristol City Centre Dance the night away

at this luxurious city centre hotel before drifting off in one the 182 cosy rooms in the wee hours. Wake up to a full English breakfast and the first-class leisure and beauty rooms. If you book a party for over 100 people you will receive a bottle of bubbly, three months’ leisure membership and all the benefits this beautiful location offers. There’s every reason to unwind and pull your crackers in the warmth of The Grand Hotel this winter.

Clevedon Hall, Clevedon Boasting manicured lawns, chic decor and grand exteriors, this lavish venue can be all yours this Christmas.

Finish off the year by bringing the team together and celebrating in style by dining on beautiful food, raising Champagne-filled glasses and dancing the chilly night away. When you’re all partied-out you can get a good night’s rest in one of the stunning bedrooms and wake up to the peace and quiet afforded by the private grounds. You’re guaranteed a fantastic time at Clevedon Hall.

Racks, Clifton Racks Bar and Kitchen is the party venue everyone

is talking about. This Clifton venue can accommodate up to a whopping 200 people. With cosy alcoves, a burning log fire and welcoming atmosphere, this is the perfect location to see you and the office through the festive season. There will be plenty of tasty treats to fill your bellies and cool spaces to hang out in, from the private bar in the playroom to the intimate snug.

christmas & new y ear ’ s eve guide 201 5

17

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GAME TERRINE with onion chutney and slices of toast

* ( TRADITIONAL ROAST TURKEY with winter vegetables, ‘piggy in a blanket’, onion and sage stuffing and roast potatoes

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Festive Lunch & Early Menu 2 courses ÂŁ20.95, 3 courses ÂŁ24.95 Sunday to Thursday noon until 6pm

Festive Evening & Weekend Menu 3 courses ÂŁ29.95 Sunday to Thursday after 6pm, and all day Friday and Saturday

Drinks Party Packages

Choose from a varied selection of packages, including bottles of wine, beers and ciders, cocktail pitchers and soft drinks.

@coalgrillandbar facebook.com/CoalGrillandBarRestaurants

www.coalgrillandbar.co.uk

Festive Menu

Full menu options are available on our website.

These are just some of our favourite options.

Starters

Honey roasted butternut squash soup Pork, prune & brandy terrine

Mains

All mains are served with honey & thyme roasted parsnips & carrots, shaved Brussels with chestnuts & smoked bacon and mulled wine & apple braised apple.

Roast breast of turkey Braised blade of beef

Desserts

Festive sticky sponge pudding Chocolate pot Selection of British cheeses

Browns Bristol, 38 Queens Road, Clifton, Bristol, BS8 1RE • 0117 930 4777 www.browns-restaurants.co.uk browns.bristol@gmail.com

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waterside venues

When it comes to the location for your Christmas meal, choosing the right place can be a little overwhelming – Bristol certainly isn’t short of fantastic eateries. Why not push the boat out this Christmas and seek culinary solace on the water.

The Glassboat, Welsh Back

Effortless elegance comes to mind when thinking of this first-class dining destination. Stars light up the inky-coloured waters of the Floating Harbour, which can be seen through the stunning floor-to-ceiling windows. This winter, the head chef has created a menu inspired by classic French and British dishes.

What’s more, the lower deck is available to hire for private dining too – what a fabulous spot for a memorable Christmas party.

Mud Dock, Bristol Harbourside

Pull up a seat at Mud Dock, a picturesque venue with stunning views of Bristol’s harbour. Its relaxed ambience makes it the perfect place for a fun Christmas do, whether you’re planning a party for two or 102. Feast on a three-course meal, sharing plates or nibbles at this cool café.

Pitcher & Piano, Bristol Waterfront

Watch the world go by as your cheeks turn pink and you laugh along with work friends. Whether you opt for the two- or three-course meal, or simply nibble on festive canapés before drinks, this eclectic and energetic venue has it covered.

Ellipse Bar & Restaurant at Mercure Brigstow Hotel, Welsh Back

Step inside this hotel to find excellent service, a relaxing atmosphere and fantastic views of Bristol’s Floating Harbour. Dine in the semi-private dining area (which has a toasty open fire) after relaxing in the bar and lounge area. Its boutique feel will make for a classy festive lunch or dinner. For added sparkle and glamour, you can book a Hollywood Nights package which is bound to get you in the spirit.

Arnolfini, Bristol Harbourside

This dynamic venue is an art gallery, cinema and bar and restaurant. It’s in a great, central location, perfect for you to clink glasses and see the year out with colleagues. You can book for groups up to 12 to dine in the contemporary, spacious dining room or hire the more open-plan fifth floor which boasts a 360-degree view reaching from St Mary Redcliffe right across Bristol’s historic harbourside.

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CAMERAS! LIGHTS! IT’S HOLLYWOOD NIGHTS! These Hollywood-themed parties let you feel like a star for the night, from the paparazzi on the red carpet to the Walk of Fame. Whether with friends, family or colleagues, you’ll enjoy a premier evening of delicious food, casino tables, magic and music from the resident DJ.

PARTY DATES Available through November, December & January from

£30 per person

Party starts at 7pm Dinner served 7.45pm (Acorn Suite) or 8.15pm (Park Suite) Bar closes 1am

Mercure Bristol North, The Grange Hotel, 1 Old Gloucester Road, Winterbourne, Bristol, BS36 1RP 0844 815 9063 •mercure.com/festive •csales.mercurebristolnorthgrange@jupiterhotels.co.uk

X CHRISTMAS AT THE PHOENI

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e al, locally source d pro duc Foo d is based on season s. our flav an ope Eur and with Eng lish rgies catered for.

Vegetarians, vegans and alle

£22 to £27 per person,

group for a minimum of 10 per ment optional DJ and musical entertain

located centrally, between Cabot Circus Car Park and Future Inn Hotel

1 WELLINGTON BUILDINGS, CHAMPION SQUARE, BRISTOL, BS2 9DB WWW.PHOENIXBRISTOL.COM | 0117 329 0076

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activities

and Fancy injecting a little competition or wackiness into team building, before or after sitting down to a slap-up dinner this Christmas? Or perhaps you’re just after something a little exotic for that all-important end-of-year meal? Either way, here are a few suggestions to excite, delight and get the festive frolicking underway.

Smoke & Mirrors, Bristol www.smokeandmirrorsbar.co.uk

Bloc Climbing www.blocclimbing.co.uk

Smoke & Mirrors is one of Bristol’s hidden gems and one of the most fun venues in the city. With weekly magic shows, comedy nights, burlesque shows and live music, it’s a great shout for a Christmas party with a difference.

Bloc Climbing offers indoor rock climbing at its best. You’ll grapple with vertical walls and some rather scary gradients. Bloc Climbing is a great option for adventurous groups looking to burn off some steam.

Zorb Football www.zorbfootball.co.uk

At-Bristol Ice Rink www.at-bristol.org.uk/icerink

Jump into a big inflatable ball with only your legs hanging out and play a game of football. Zorb Football is lots of fun and can release a lot of office tension as you bump into each other at high speeds.

Christmas Party Raceday at Chepstow Racecourse www.chepstow-racecourse.co.uk There’s nothing like the excitement of the races, with its unique atmosphere and highs and lows. This December, wrap up warm and head to Chepstow for some festive top-quality jump racing, including the Coral Welsh Grand National trial – definitely a winning idea. Saturday 5th December (various packages available) ACF Teambuilding & Events www.acfteambuilding.co.uk

If you’re all out of inspiration, get in touch with these guys. ACF is an ideas factory of fun events and exciting days out for the whole team. Offering everything from monster truck driving, MJ’s Thriller dancing and archery, to school-style sports days and Hollywood film nights, this Somerset-based company has got Christmas all wrapped up for you this year.

Returning for 2015-2016, the At-Bristol Ice Rink at Millennium Square is ideal for getting everyone together for thrills, spills, slip-ups and showboating.

Even if you’re more Total Wipeout than Dancing on Ice, you’re guaranteed a fun-filled time. Look out for the Disco Boots evenings. 7th November to 5th January (closed 25 and 26 December) (group rates apply) Bingo Wings www.foozie.co.uk/bingo-wings

At a Bingo Wings (Bristol Lingo Bingo & Chicken Wings) night, instead of numbers on your bingo card, you’ll find Bristol sayings like ‘cheers drive’ and ‘ark at ee’. Guests are then treated to lots of tasty chicken wings after each game.

Koh Thai Tapas www.koh-thai.co.uk

Looking for something other than turkey and veg?

Koh Thai Tapas offers authentic Thai dishes in a unique setting. The tapas menu contains all of your Thai favourites cooked by a skilled hand and presented beautifully.

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C H R I ST M AS AT

G L A S S B O AT W H AT E V E R T H E O CC AS I O N , B E I T B U S I N E S S O R P L E AS U R E , T H E G L AS S B OAT R E M A I N S T H E P E R F E C T WAT E R S I D E R E STAU R A N T FO R YO U R F E ST I V E C E L E B R AT I O N S !

O U R H E A D C H E F H AS C R E AT E D A M E N U T H AT H AS W I D E A P P E A L W I T H S O P H I ST I C AT E D B I ST R O C L ASS I C S I N S P I R E D BY T H E V E RY B E ST O F F R E N C H A N D B R I T I S H D I S H E S .

O u r L owe r D e c k i s a va i l a b l e f o r p r i va t e d i n i n g f o r u p t o 4 0 p e o p l e f o r a s i t d ow n m e a l o r u p t o 5 0 p e o p l e f o r a s t a n d u p re c e p t i o n .

C o n t a c t u s o n 0 1 1 7 3 3 2 3 97 1 o r e m a i l eve n t s @ g l a s s b o a t .c o. u k f o r f u r t h e r d e t a i l s …

O u r C h r i s t m a s m e n u i s b e i n g s e r ve d f ro m t h e 1 s t t o t h e 3 0 t h D e c e m b e r f ro m 1 2 p m t o 1 0 p m .

Beneath the Mistletoe at The Golden Heart Christmas Day 3 courses £59.00 Festive Menu 3 courses available from 23rd November £20.95 Seasonal dishes, perfect puddings, mulled wines and mouth-watering cocktails – all served with an extra helping of festive cheer.

The Golden Heart, Down Road, Bristol, BS36 1AU 01454 774 392 • www.thegoldenheartwinterbourne.co.uk

Wrap up warm, get your gift-buying hat on and with glühwein in hand hit the stalls.

Here’s the ultimate guide to this year’s best Christmas markets.

The Wine Gang Christmas Wine Fair in Bath The Guildhall, High Street, Bath, BA1 5AW Sat 31st Oct

Aptly named, this fair will be a one-stop shop for all things wine-related. Guests will be able to attend wine walks, sample from the 300-strong selection of highquality wines, and enjoy special discounts for one day only at The Guildhall.

Cardiff Christmas Market City Centre, Trinity Street, Working Street and St John’s Church, Cardiff, CF10 1BH Thurs 12th Nov to Weds 23rd Dec

Hop over the bridge this Christmastime and you’ll find a traditional market in Cardiff’s centre. Locality is at the epicentre of this market, with Welsh artists, artisans and crafts people making up the majority of the traders.

Bristol’s German Christmas Market Broadmead, Bristol Shopping Quarter, Bristol, BS1 Fri 6th Nov to Tues 22nd Dec

Falfield Christmas Craft & Food Fayre The Gables Hotel, Bristol Road, Falfield, GL12 8DL Sun 15th Nov

Every year, Bristol city centre is transformed by a maze of chalets selling German-themed treats and trinkets.

From jewellery, soaps and candles, to bratwurst, gingerbread and waffles, there’ll be something for everyone at this festive market.

You can begin buying your Christmas presents early this year, thanks to this north Bristol event. For a chance to find some bespoke gifts and delicious goodies, and even meet Santa himself, pop along to The Gables Hotel this November.

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christmas markets

Gloucester Quays Victorian Christmas Market Gloucester Quays Shopping Centre, St Ann Way, Gloucester, GL1 5SF Thurs 19th Nov to Sun 22nd Nov

Spiegeltent Christmas Market Waterfront Square, Bristol, BS1 5LL Sat 12th Dec to Sun 13th Dec & Sat 19th Dec to Sun 20th Dec

Step back in time at this four-day extravaganza. Street performers, brass bands, crafters and food traders will be gracing the shopping centre, and there’ll also be a traditional carousel.

Arts and crafts, mulled wine, vintage trinkets, cakes and jewellery are just a taste of the goods available at this market. Kids will be kept entertained by the festive themed activities, and there’ll even be a special appearance by Santa.

Bath Christmas Market Abbey Churchyard, Bath, BA1 1LY Thurs 26th Nov to Weds 13th Dec

In the heart of Bath’s pedestrian area this Yuletime, you’ll find an array of independent traders showcasing a huge selection of artisanal gifts. You’ll be spoilt for choice by the ample variety including homewares, clothing, and edible treats.

Bath Artisan Market Green Park Road, Bath, BA1 1JB Sun 13th Dec

For one day only, Bath is set to be teeming with traders offering up hot and cold fare, and all sorts of gift-worthy knick-knacks. It will be a family-friendly affair, with a dedicated play tent for the young ones.

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E N J O Y C H R I S T M A S AT

C H R I STMAS LU N C H M E N U 2 courses for £16.95 or 3 courses for £21.00

C H R I S TMAS D I N N E R M E N U £27.95 for 3 courses

E A R LY B I R D O F F E R Organiser eats free! Plus 10% off the food bill if you book in to eat on a Sunday - Wednesday.

Offer available from 30 th Nov to 16 th Dec on parties of 10 or more.

V I S I T O U R W EB SI TE TO VI EW THE CH RISTMAS ME NU

www.aqua-restaurant.com @aquaitalia

/aqua_restaurant

/aquaitaliarestaurant

Your Exclusive Christmas Party at Ashton Court Mansion: For a limited period only Ashton Court Mansion is offering exclusive Christmas Party Packages for companies with a minimum of 100 guests, to include the following: Exclusive use of the Ashton Court Mansion with Christmas Tree and decorations.

Starting from £45 per head with bespoke packages and theming available on request

Arrival drinks in the Great Hall (Kir Royale or Prosecco) Three Course seated dinner in the Music Room with half a bottle of wine In-house DJ and dancefloor

Ashton Court Estate, Long Ashton, Bristol, BS41 9JN 0117 963 3438

ROARINg twenties 28th November 2015 - 15th January 2016 Step back in time as we re-create the heady days of the 1920s - away from prying eyes in our high-class speakeasy.

Sashay down the red carpet, enjoy a delicious 3 course dinner with Zf]]\\# ZiXZb\ij Xe[ efm\ck`\j $ Xe[ kf Åe`j_ k_\ e`^_k f]] $ _fk [f^j Xk d`[e`^_k% Fli m\ip fne :_Xg\ife\ Jk\m\ ?XiiX^Xe# n`cc dXb\ jli\ pfl½i\ jn`e^`e½ Xe[ j_l]Æ`e½ ¼k`c k_\ jdXcc _flij% 8]k\i [`ee\i kip k_\ `cc`Z`k ^XdYc`e^ [\e n`k_ ]le ZXj`ef kXYc\j%

Prices from

£35.00

For more information or to book your tickets please call Lauren Manning on 01454 201090 or email aztec.partynights@shirehotels.com

per person

Aztec Hotel & Spa, Aztec West, Almondsbury, Bristol, BS32 4TS

a musical

christmas Apart from a glass of mulled wine and a mince pie, nothing gets us into the Christmas spirit better than some uplifting music and carols. Here’s a selection of events that’ll make your heart sing, and your vocal chords too.

St Mary Redcliffe Church, Bristol

St Mary Redcliffe’s enchanting Carols for All at Lunchtime (Thurs 17th Dec) is short enough that you can pop along in your office lunch break and raise your voice in song. It’s an uplifting, inclusive event that will fill you with seasonal cheer and goodwill.

Ston Easton Park, Bath

Join the community choir for carols around the Christmas tree (Sun 20th Dec) at the luxurious venue of Ston Easton Park country house hotel. Hot chocolate, mulled wine and mince pies will be available to purchase. w: www.stoneaston.co.uk Bath Abbey, Bath

Experience Handel’s masterpiece, Messiah, performed by the Bristol Ensemble in the splendour of Bath Abbey (Fri 4th & Sat 5th Dec), or rest your legs and exercise your lungs with Shoppers’ Carols, an informal 20-minute service ideal for weary shoppers and local office workers (Sat 28th Nov, Sat 5th & Sat 12th Dec). e: music@bathabbey.org t: 01225 463362 St James Priory, Bristol

Soak up the beautiful harmonies of Carols by Candlelight (Sat 12th & Tues 15 Dec) performed by Exultate Singers in historic St James Priory – the oldest building still in use in Bristol. The ticket price includes warm mince pies and spiced fruit punch in the interval. w: www.exultatesingers.org/shop

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carol concerts Christ Church, Bath

For a varied programme of festive music, join the acclaimed Bath Camerata and their talented new conductor at Christ Church in Bath (Sat 19th Dec). w: www.bathcamerata.co.uk Colston Hall, Bristol

w: www.colstonhall.org/whats-on Children and adults alike will love The Nutcracker & The Snowman at the Colston Hall (Sun 20th Dec), with suites from Tchaikovsky’s ballet and a screening of the film with live music.

For a Balkan, gypsy and jazzy Christmas join Sheelanagig, Urban Folk Quartet and Turbans at the Colston Hall (Fri 18th Dec) for a toe-tapping, hand-clapping evening of merriment, including circus acts and magic as well as music.

Join the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra at the Colston Hall (Weds 30th Dec) for a New Year’s Eve romp through some of Strauss’s well-loved waltzes, marches and polkas, led by charismatic Viennese conductor Aleksandar Markovic.

St George’s, Bristol

w: www.stgeorgesbristol.co.uk t: 0845 402 4001 The annual Only Men Aloud UK Christmas Tour is coming to St George’s (Fri 11th Dec). This awardwinning male vocal ensemble will be performing a wide range of Christmas music, from traditional favourites to rock and pop classics, all delivered with their usual wit and panache.

Swing along to a soulful interpretation of favourite pieces from Handel’s Messiah performed by the fabulous Vocal Works Gospel Choir (Sun 6th Dec). The concert will also feature other uplifting classics, and the wonderful acoustics of St George’s will highlight the singers’ aweinspiring voices.

The Bristol Bach Choir and the Liberty Brass Ensemble will capture The Spirit of Christmas at St George’s (Fri 18th & Sat 19th Dec) with uplifting choral music, rousing festive tunes, audience carols and seasonal readings. There will be retiring collections to support St Peter’s Hospice.

Sing along with the City of Bristol Choir (Mon 21st Dec) or Exultate Singers (Tues 22nd Dec) at the Christmas Spectacular at St George’s. There will also be lively orchestral pieces performed by the Bristol Ensemble.

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Christmas Scrumminess

lunch: 2 courses £17, 3 courses £21

Cocktails

dinner: 2 courses £23, 3 courses £26

DJs

T: 0843 155 2568 E: bocabarbookings@btconnect.com W: bristol.bocabar.co.uk

The Most Wonderful Time of the Year at The Hole in the Wall Christmas Day 3 courses £59.00 Festive Menu 3 courses available from 23rd November £20.95 Seasonal dishes, perfect puddings, mulled wines and mouth-watering cocktails – all served with an extra helping of festive cheer.

The Hole In The Wall, 2 The Grove, Queen Square, Bristol, BS1 4QZ 0117 926 5967 • www.theholeinthewallbristol.co.uk

One of the best

private hire venues in Bristol If you are looking for a venue for a Xmas party or special event throughout the year, The Thunderbolt on Bath Road in Totterdown is available for exclusive hire. The 150 capacity venue oozes character and benefits from a large garden with covered marquee and gas BBQ. The hire charge includes the use of the stage/lighting, 5K PA, dressing room, CD/vinyl decks, projector and screen. A range of catering options are available and bands/ DJs can be booked if required.

Please ring Sophie on 07913 695201 for a package tailormade to suit your needs.

VENUE HIRE from £150 (Monday – Thursday) £250 (Friday and Saturday) DECORATIONS from £100 DJs from £150 per night LIVE MUSIC from £250 per band CATERING from £10 per person

124 Bath Road, Totterdown, Bristol, BS4 3ED www.thethunderbolt.net

VOTED BEST UK FOOD & DRINK BLOG AT THE UK BLOG AWARDS

www.foodanddrinkguides.co.uk/blog

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Our fabulous four course Christmas menu is available from 23rd Nov to 21st Dec All our food is freshly prepared on the premises and served with a smile!

Open Christmas Day for a fantastic six course feast!

Special menus for Boxing Day and New Year’s Eve See our website for opening times, menu & party booking information For enquiries, call us on 01225 423731 35 Marlborough Bldgs, Bath BA1 2LY www.marlborough-tavern.com

2

2

COURSE

COURSE

£20 20.95 .95

£24 24.95 .95

SAMPLE STARTER

3

3

COURSE

£23 23.95 .95

COURSE

£27 27.95 .95

OAK SMOKED SALMON AND PRAWN SALAD lemon olive oil dressing

MAIN

TRADITIONAL ROAST TURKEY with winter vegetables, ‘piggy in a blanket’, onion and sage stuffing and roast potatoes

DESSERT

TRADITIONAL CHRISTMAS PUD with brandy sauce Severnshed | The Grove | Bristol | BS1 4RB

0117 925 1212

BOOK YOUR TABLE NOW! AVAILABLE 1 ST -24TH DECEMBER SUNDAY - THURSDAY ONLY

@severnshed www.severnshedrestaurant.co.uk

B UO N N ATA L E AT P ONT E V E C CHIO RISTORANTE & BAR! Enjoy 3 courses for £24.50 or 2 courses for £19.50 Plus a glass of Prosecco on arrival SAMPLE DISHES INCLUDE:

STARTERS

Capesante al Forno 4FBSFE ,JOH 4DBMMPQT XJUI #MBDL 1VEEJOH BOE $IPSJ[P Zuppa di Natale $ISJTUNBT 4PVQ XJUI $IFTUOVUT BOE $IJDLQFBT

MAIN COURSES

Rolle di Tacchino 3PMMFE 3PBTU 5VSLFZ TUVGGFE XJUI )POFZ 3PBTU )BN BOE .P[[BSFMMB BOE TFSWFE PO B CFE PG $SFBN .VTISPPN 4BVDF BDDPNQBOJFE CZ B TFSWJOH PG USBEJUJPOBM $SBOCFSSZ Risotto Porcini e Tartufo 0VS EFMJDJPVT $IFG T 4QFDJBM 5SVGn F BOE 1PSDJOJ .VTISPPN 3JTPUUP

DESSERTS

Pere Cotte 1FBS QPBDIFE JO 4BVHJPWFTF 3FE 8JOF BOE UPQQFE XJUI .BTDBSQPOF $IFFTF Christmas Pudding PONTE VECCHIO BATH, SPRING GARDENS ROAD, BATH, BA2 6PW t XXX QPOUFWFDDIJPCBUI DPN $PNQMFUF $ISJTUNBT NFOV BWBJMBCMF POMJOF

We Brits are quite confident that we’ve got the Christmas season sussed – give us a table laden with roasted food, a sack of presents and some carol singing, and we’re happy.

But how does the rest of the world celebrate, and more importantly, are there any unmissable traditions that we can borrow this Christmas?

Austria and Germany

Italy If you’re celebrating New Year’s Eve in Italy, make sure you pack your best red undies. Red is seen as a lucky colour, so Italians old and young sport a pair of red pants on NYE to bring them good fortune and happiness in the coming year.

On 6th December, children in Austria and Germany eagerly await the arrival of Nikolaus. In many regions, children leave a pair of boots out so they can be filled with treats like clementines, nuts and chocolate – if they’ve been good throughout the year. Nikolaus is often accompanied by a somewhat darker figure called Knecht Ruprecht who carries sticks, whips and coal to punish naughty children. Happily, nowadays his presence seems to be enough to guarantee good behaviour, so his role is more symbolic.

Spain We have a fat man who doles out gifts, Catalonians have Tió de Nadal. This charming festive log is festooned with a cheery face and tucked in a blanket. In the run-up to Christmas, he’s ‘fed’ nuts and sweets, before spending Christmas Day being beaten to encourage him to shoot out the treats. Poor little fella.

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adorable!

traditions Mexico In Mexico, the Night of the Radishes attracts an enormous number of visitors and tourists. Artists carve ornate and intricate scenes and models out of radishes and display them prominently in the central plaza in Oaxaca. Generally held on 23rd December, the festival showcases a lot of nativity scene carvings.

Venezuela Let’s be honest, it can be a bit of a struggle to get up for early morning Mass at Christmas. But the denizens of Caracas have perfected their Christmas Day church commute by adding rollerskates to the mix – what a way to start the day.

Kentucky-Fried Christmas

Japan While turkeys are not widely reared in Japan, chickens are – enter KFC for a Christmas coup that changed the face of the festive season forever.

KFC ran a hugely successful marketing campaign in the 70s, and since then the Japanese have associated buckets of fried chicken with Christmas, so much so that it’s necessary to pre-order your bucket weeks in advance.

Gambia In Gambia, Christmas is celebrated with lots of music, dance and parades.

Perhaps the most popular figure is the Agugu, a masquerade dressed in a glittering gown who dances in exchange for money and sweets thrown from the crowd.

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CHRISTMAS PARTIES A ‘thank you’ to the Christmas Party Organiser. If you book a party of at least 10 persons you will go FREE and if you book a party of at least 20 persons you or a member of your family can enjoy a one night bed and breakfast stay for 2 persons at The Royal with our compliments on a date of your choice (subject to availability).

CELEBRATIONS AT BRASSERIE BRUNEL Celebrate Christmas with friends and colleagues in our lovely restaurant with a choice of delicious dishes, at lunch and in the evening, at great value prices:

Christmas Lunch Menu 2 courses for £10.95

Christmas Party Lunch Menu

3 courses plus coffee & mince pies only £10.95

Christmas Party Dinner Menu

2 courses for only £17.95, 3 courses plus coffee & mince pies only £21.95 Add a ‘sparkle’ before lunch or dinner with a refreshing glass of delicious Prosecco at the special seasonal pice of just £3.50 per glass.

If you would like to continue in the festive party mood after dining with us, there are several nightclubs close by, including Second Bridge and Po Na Na.

CHRISTMAS LUNCH Make it a family Christmas to remember with a wonderful 6 course Christmas Day Lunch and a refreshing glass of Champagne on arrival for only £69.00 per person and a reduced rate of £35.00 for children between the ages of 5 and 13.

Please visit www.royalhotelbath.co.uk for details.

CHRISTMAS SET LUNCH

CHRISTMAS LUNCH

Potato and watercress soup (v)

Potato and watercress soup (v)

Potato and watercress soup (v)

Cured meat platter with potato and chive salad

Warm flatbread with roasted peppers, garlic, goats cheese and mozzarella (v) rocket salad

2 Courses £10.95

Traditional roast turkey with all the trimmings served with seasonal vegetables and roast potatoes or Grilled Halloumi with roasted red pepper and buttered linguine (v) pesto dressing Christmas pudding with brandy sauce Coffee and mince pies £1.95 Enjoy a glass of Prosecco as an aperitif for only £3.50

3 Courses £14.95

Avocado, chicken and smoked bacon salad with a honey and mustard dressing Warm field mushroom, shallot and parmesan tart (v) mixed leaf salad Traditional roast turkey with all the trimmings Fillet of salmon with green beans, cherry tomatoes and olives, warm olive oil dressing Grilled Halloumi with roasted red pepper and buttered linguine (v) pesto dressing Chargrilled extra mature sirloin steak (£3.00 supplement) served with field mushroom, roasted vine tomato and watercress All main courses are served with fresh seasonal vegetables and potatoes Christmas pudding with brandy sauce Knickerbocker glory Crushed meringues, mixed berries, clotted cream and vanilla ice cream Warm blueberry Bakewell tart served with honeycomb ice cream Belgian chocolate praline torte Coffee and mince pies Enjoy a glass of Prosecco as an aperitif for only £3.50

CHRISTMAS DINNER PARTY 2 Courses £17.95 3 Courses with coffee £21.95

Smoked salmon with a mango, chilli and coriander salsa toasted sesame seeds, mixed leaves Avocado, chicken and smoked bacon salad with a honey and mustard dressing Warm vine tomato, onion, thyme and mature cheddar tart (v) mixed leaf salad Traditional roast turkey with all the trimmings Whole baked fresh trout caper and prawn butter Leek and wild mushroom risotto (v) flavoured with garlic and fresh herbs Chargrilled extra mature rib eye steak (£3.00 supplement) with a creamy peppercorn sauce Roast Lamb rump with a red wine and cranberry jus Breast of chicken garnished with fresh asparagus white wine and tarragon cream sauce All main courses are served with fresh seasonal vegetables and potatoes Christmas pudding with brandy sauce Warm chocolate brownie with white chocolate and cherry ice cream Vanilla and pistachio crème brulee served with oatmeal biscuits Peach and apricot Eton mess crushed meringues, peaches and apricots, double and clotted cream Lemon and lime syllabub with homemade shortbread biscuits Coffee and mince pies

Brasserie Brunel at The Royal Hotel, Manvers Street, Bath BA1 1JP Phone: 01225 463134 Email: info@royalhotelbath.co.uk

Enjoy a glass of Prosecco as an aperitif for only £3.50

festive hampers

happy

hampers

Everyone loves receiving a hamper at Christmas. They can be filled with a variety of delicious treats, and range from cheap and cheerful to bespoke and lavish. In light of the magnificent selection available, a themed hamper can be a great choice, offering a more personalised option without you having to build the hamper yourself from scratch.

Traditional British Breakfast Hamper

by Farmison & Co £29.95 from www.yumbles.com

The Cheese & Wine Box

by Fortnum & Mason £125 from www.fortnumandmason.com

8 traditional air-dried back bacon rashers, Doreens black pudding, 12 Nidderdale breakfast sausages, bake at home ciabatta loaf, vine tomatoes, breakfast mushrooms

Langres, St Felicien, Persille Du Beaujolais, Comté, Brie de Meaux, Fortnum’s cheese knife, Fortnum’s corkscrew, Fortnum’s Graves Chateau de Cardaillan, Biscuits for Cheese selection box

Luxury Cream Tea Hamper

by Devon Hampers £48 from www.devonhampers.com

Edinburgh Preserves Farmhouse Hamper

by Edinburgh Preserves £40 from www.johnlewis.com

Two bottles of Ashridge organic cider, Devon Cottage organic fudge, four Devon Scone Company scones, Hogs Bottom strawberry jam, Langage Farm clotted cream, Teoni’s strawberries and cream cookies

Farmhouse pâté, sesame biscuits, mint sauce, caramelised onion chutney, farmhouse chutney, hot English mustard, jalapeño sauce, honey mustard, smoked chipotle sauce, spicy tomato chutney, duck pâté

The Scottish Classic Drinks Hamper

by Fine Scottish Hampers £131.30 from www.finescottishhampers.com

The Madrid Spanish Hamper

by Pure Spain £150 from www.notonthehighstreet.com

Benromach Speyside whisky miniature, Chocolati pink champagne chocolates, elderflower-infused Edinburgh Gin, raspberry-infused Edinburgh Gin, gin and tonic dark chocolate bar, Glen Grant The Ma jor’s Reserve, Gordon & Macphail Atholl Brose miniature, Lyle Organics rhubarb vodka, Old St Andrews whisky miniature, Shortbread House of Edinburgh cinnamon and demerara shortbread, Shortbread House of Edinburgh lemon shortbread, Stag water biscuits

Vizcarra Crianza Ribera del Duero red wine, Terras Gauda Albarino white wine, Sabina Garnacha rosé, Lorna olive oil, wine vinegar, La Mancha saffron, sweet smoked paprika, chorizo vela picante, whole Lodose piquillo peppers, Sivaris bomba rice, lemon/orange blossom honey, turron (soft nougat), torta imperial (hard nougat), Valor plain chocolate, hand-painted ceramic bowl

christmas & new y ear ’ s eve guide 201 5

43

Buon Natale from

Enjoy Christmas by the sea this year

3 course evening meal £18.95 to £24.95

This historic 18th-century building is ready to hold all kinds of Christmas parties

Prices for events starting from

£25

per person

Why not also stay overnight after your party?

From

£35

per person per night

All rooms are en-suite and include breakfast

3 course lunch £15.95 www.salvatoreskitchen.co.uk

Princess Royal Square, Beach Road, Weston-Super-Mare, BS23 1AT Tel: 01934 624977

470 Bath Road, Arnos Vale, Brislington, Bristol, BS4 3HQ Tel: 0117 971 1461 | Fax: 0844 493 1505 Email: events.arnos@sjhotels.co.uk | www.sjhotels.co.uk

Organiser eats FREE on party bookings over 20!

Valid Sun-Thurs, 1st-23rd Dec. Minimum of 20 guests

Visit us at www.mendipinn.co.uk to book or call us on 01749 841703 Oakhill, Shepton Mallet, Somerset BA3 4UU

CHRISTMAS 2015

THE BLACK BOY INN

AT

THE FESTIVE SEASON IS ALWAYS A SPECIAL TIME AT THE BLACK BOY INN, WITH A WARMING LOG FIRE, THE SMELL OF MULLED WINE, FRIENDLY SERVICE AND FRESHLY PREPARED SEASONAL DISHES. IT IS A GREAT PLACE TO CELEBRATE THIS CHRISTMAS WITH YOUR FAMILY, FRIENDS OR COLLEAGUES. WE CAN ACCOMMODATE PRIVATE PARTIES OF UP TO 25 GUESTS.

CHRISTMAS SAMPLE MENU 2015 AVAILABLE FOR PARTIES BOOKED BETWEEN 1ST AND 24TH DECEMBER 2015

PRESSED HAM HOCK & PARSLEY TERRINE PICALILLI, TOAST

*** VENISON PAVE

BRAISED RED CABBAGE, THYME FONDANT POTATO GLAZED CHANTENAY CARROTS (SUPPLEMENT £2.00)

*** FREE RANGE ROAST TURKEY BREAST

PRUNE & ARMAGNAC STUFFING, CHIPOLATAS, ROAST POTATOES, HONEY ROAST PARSNIPS ***

CHOCOLATE, BLACK CHERRY & SPICED APPLE STRUDEL RUM & RAISIN ICE CREAM

***

ICED CHRISTMAS CAKE PARFAIT 171 WHITELADIES ROAD, BRISTOL, BS8 2RY TEL. 0117 973 5233 WWW.BLACKBOY-INN-BRISTOL.CO.UK

LIQUEUR CHOCOLATE TRUFFLES, BERRY COMPOTE

***

SELECTION OF BRITISH CHEESES BLACKBOY INN CHUTNEY, GRAPES AND BISCUITS (SUPPLEMENT £2.00)

3 COURSES £27.95

Christma� Feas� a�a�

QED Bistro

Choose from the festive three-course set menu, complete with wine for your first and main courses and coffee to finish.

Starter�

Main�

Dessert�

Prawn and avocado cocktail with crusty bread

Duck leg confit with chorizo hash

Christmas pudding with clotted cream

Soup of the season

Traditional turkey dinner

Chocolate brownie

Chicken liver pâté with pickles Menu subject to change

Salmon fillet Niçoise Main courses served with all the trimmings

£25 per person

122 St. Michael’s Hill, Bristol, BS2 8BU 07976605064

C h no rist w ma av s ail me ab nu le

Celebrate Christmas at a very special venue...

A perfect venue for Christmas parties large or small Fabulous home cooked food & friendly service Open Christmas Day & Boxing Day Private hire available

Easy parking & access

The Hare

Hounds, Lansdown Road, Bath BA1 5TJ

01225 482682

www.hareandhoundsbath.com

craft beer

craft masters of their

If the approach to Christmas has got you feeling fizzed out and you simply can’t face another mulled drink, then perhaps you should turn your attention to craft beer this festive season. It’s cool, affordable and there’s a brew to suit every occasion. As far as we’re concerned, it’s time to have yourself a very hoppy Christmas.

Wiper & True www.wiperandtrue.com

Bristol breweries were once famous for making the best milk stouts around; now Wiper & True is keeping up the tradition. Its Milk Stout, which uses a ‘copious amount’ of chocolate malts, is perfect to pair with cheese and biscuits.

Moor Beer Company www.moorbeer.co.uk

A firm favourite among craft beer enthusiasts, Moor Brewery’s Revival is a hoppy pale ale. It’s 3.8% ABV makes it an easy beer to enjoy at any time, but particularly on Christmas Eve to avoid the Christmas Day hangover.

Bristol Beer Factory www.bristolbeerfactory.co.uk

Bristol Beer Factory’s Milk Stout is a dark, chocolatey stout with a smooth coffee bitterness. It’s a rather heavy drink, but totally delicious. We’d suggest enjoying this one in front of the telly with some cheese and biscuits.

Beerd www.beerdbristol.com

Monocle, Beerd’s most popular brew, is a rich, golden ale with floral aromas. It’s an English IPA and the perfect beer to go with your Christmas dinner. At 5.3% ABV it’s a good all-rounder.

Arbor Ales www.arborales.co.uk

Arbor Ales Beech Blonde is a light, golden ale that is as good at Christmas as it is during the summer. It has a manageable 4.9% ABV and would be a great pre-dinner tipple.

christmas & new y ear ’ s eve guide 201 5

47

Festive Celebrations Christmas Lunches

Christmas Dinners

2 courses £16.95 3 courses £19.95

2 courses £18.95 3 courses £21.95

Christmas Lunches & Christmas Dinners Menu Traditional Christmas Pudding

Roast Butternut Squash & Sweet Potato Soup Poached Salmon & Monkfish Terrine Caramelised Onion & Wild Mushroom Tartlets

Adults: £39.95 Children 5-12 years: £19.95 Under 5s: Free!

MENU TO BE CONFIRMED

Trio of Chocolate

English Roast Beef Cranberry & Brie Wellington

Christmas Day 3 course carvery

Sticky Toffee Pudding

Traditional Roast Bronze Turkey Crown

Tea / Coffee & Mince Pies

New Year’s Eve 5 course menu & glass of Champagne at midnight £49.95

MENU TO BE CONFIRMED

To book, please call us on 0117 910 2706 or email bristolcitycentre.events@hilton.com

Hilton Garden Inn Bristol City Centre, Temple Way, Bristol, BS1 6BF

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AquaRiva Tequila

Clevedon Hall

MBargo

As well as being a well-known star of TV and an accomplished businesswoman, Cleo Rocos is the author of the Gourmand Prize winning book The Power of Positive Drinking, so she really knows her olives when it comes to cocktails. She is also the creator of award-winning AquaRiva Tequila, a 100-per-cent-agave tequila that’s won more awards than you can shake a salt cellar at.

Cleo suggests this caffeine-laced cocktail this Christmas.

Fabulous events venue Clevedon Hall really knows how to throw a sophisticated party. Dishes come courtesy of an awardwinning chef, so it stands to reason that the drinks offering is also second to none. Clevedon Hall’s recommended drink will add more than a touch of class to proceedings.

Favourite Clifton nightspot MBargo recommends a nice glass of steaming mulled wine to warm your hands and your cockles this Yuletide.

Espresso Martini 35 mls AquaRiva Reposado Tequila 15 mls AquaRiva Organic Agave Syrup 2 shots of espresso coffee

Spruce Julep 25ml Hendricks gin 25ml homemade spruce (home-grown if we can find them!) syrup Prosecco Blend the syrup and gin before topping up with the Prosecco.

Shake with ice and strain into a cocktail glass and garnish with a coffee bean.

50

christmas & new y ear ’ s eve guide 2 0 1 5

Mulled Wine 1 litre dry red wine 2 (5cm) cinnamon sticks 1 dessert spoon whole cloves 1 dessert spoon whole allspice 1 large piece orange rind (avoid the pith) 1 large piece lemon rind (avoid the pith) 4 tablespoons sugar, or to taste In a heavy saucepan over a medium heat, combine the red wine, cinnamon, cloves, allspice, lemon rind and orange rind. Heat gently, but don’t bring to the boil. Stir in 2 tablespoons of the sugar, and, once dissolved, taste to see if you’d like to add more. Keep hot on a medium to low heat for 20 minutes to let the flavours infuse the wine. Serve your mulled wine hot in glasses or mugs.

christmas cocktails When trying to decide on the perfect drink to serve at this year’s Christmas bash, who better to seek advice from than some of the best in the industry? Here are some lovely libations that will have you licking your lips and rocking around the Christmas tree in no time.

Psychopomp

Kamm & Sons British Aperitif

The Bootlegger

Bristol-based Psychopomp produces craft distilled gin made in a hand-made copper still and containing a blend of classic and unconventional botanicals.

The result is a quality gin that is produced in small batches in very limited quantities. Founder Danny Walker favours this smooth, festive recipe.

This bittersweet botanical spirit readies tastebuds before a meal and contains 45 natural botanicals, including ginseng, grapefruit peel, Manuka honey, juniper berries and elderflower. Author of Blend Me, Shake Me: 101 Hip New Cocktails and all-round creative type, Alex Kammerling is also the brains and innovative force behind the spirit. Alex recommends this easyto-make winter drink.

Bristol cocktail bar The Bootlegger suggests this unique but very popular cocktail, which will warm you up on those cold winter nights.

The sweetness of the Kahlua works magically with the blended tequila and port.

Christmas Hot Gin Punch 3 teacups Psychopomp Woden 1 teacup port 4 teacups apple juice 4 heaped tablespoons honey 3 cloves 1 cinnamon stick 1 sprig rosemary The zest of a pink grapefruit Combine everything but the gin in a saucepan and simmer gently for an hour, then add the gin. Bring back to a simmer and serve in your gran’s favourite teapot.

Hot Roots

Night Before Christmas 35ml tequila 20ml Kahlua 20ml ruby port 5ml demerara sugar

50ml Kamm & Sons

Chocolate bitters

150ml cloudy apple juice

Cinnamon dust

1 slice ginger Crush the ginger in a pan, then warm all the ingredients on a stove and strain. Serve in a heatproof glass and garnish with a cinnamon stick.

Fill shaker 2/3 with ice, then add all the ingredients.

Stir for 30 to 45 seconds. Strain into a chilled Martini glass and add a twist of orange. Sprinkle with a little cinnamon.

christmas & new y ear ’ s eve guide 201 5

51

THREE BROTHERS BURGERS

PROPER DIRTY AMERICAN FOOD SERVED WITH A BRIZZLE ACCENT! Best burgers in Bristol, casual dining with a great atmosphere on the harbourside.

Why not join us for Christmas, our famous £5 lunch offer will be running throughout December!

Party menus are available on request. contact us on 0117 927 7050 or email info@threebrothersburgers.co.uk for further details threebrothersburgers.co.uk

MANY WILL DANCE, A FE W MAY LEAP...

FESTIVE PARTIES Celebrate Christmas with The Grand Hotel.

Quote â&#x20AC;&#x153;TGHXMASâ&#x20AC;? and receive 10% discount and complimentary midnight snacks.

FROM

ÂŁ16.50 PER GUEST

O R G A NISER R EWARD S Book for 100 people and the organiser receives:

A complimentary bottle of bubbly An overnight stay on the night of the party Full English breakfast Three month leisure membership

Rewards also available for the booker of a party for over 30 and 50 people.

To find out more, call 0871 376 9042 email: thegrandchristmas@thehotelcollection.co.uk visit: thehotelcollection.co.uk/christmas For 0871 numbers, calls typically cost between 11p and 15p per minute for landline customers, plus a call set-up fee. From a mobile phone, calls may cost between 5p and 40p per minute.

UNIQUE HOTELS ACROSS THE UK.

FOLLOW US

CARNE ARGENTINA UNICA

2 COURSES £24 3 COURSES £29

DON’T TALK TURKEY DO CHRISTMAS DIFFERENTLY

CAU BRISTOL, 74 QUEENS ROAD, CLIFTON, BRISTOL BS8 1QU T 0117 925 4162

/CAURESTAURANTS @CAURESTAURANTS

CAU BATH MILSOM PLACE OPENING NOVEMBER 2015

CAURESTAURANTS.COM

john wright

gin done wright

Foraging expert and River Cottage regular John Wright treats us to a fabulous festive cocktail creation that your party guests will be talking about for months to come.

Creating your own smoked sloe gin might seem a touch excessive, but it’s a fun (and slightly scary) thing to do, and so very Christmassy.

Smoked drinks take a bit of preparation and some homemade kit, but it’s worth the effort for the spectacle alone. The flavour?

Well some love it, some are not so keen, but it is still fun, especially at parties. Several drinks can be smoked but they need to be heavy: sherry and barley wines are thick, sweet and sticky enough to carry it off.

This is what you do:

Find a camping kettle. Punch a small (2.5mm) hole in the side near the top. If it has a whistle/ lid, break it off ruthlessly. Take a demijohn cork (which will have a hole in it) and insert a short length of plastic or metal tube.

Attach a metre length of flexible plastic tubing. Insert the cork into the spout of the kettle. It should fit, but you can pack it with paper if not.

You will also need a gas stove (camping or kitchen), and one of those little puffer-bulbs used for cleaning computer keyboards.

Slide a handful of oak or applewood chips into the kettle using a folded sheet of thin card or paper. Add some Christmassy spices such as juniper, clove, mace, cinnamon and star anise. If you’re a forager, I highly recommend including the lichen known as oak moss (evernia prunastri). Shake the contents to mix them.

Pour two shots of sloe gin into tall wine glasses.

Gently heat the kettle full of woodchips and spices over your gas stove. When things start looking a little dangerous, insert the nozzle of the puffer into the hole in the side of the kettle and puff furiously. When smoke starts to appear from the end of the plastic tube, bubble it through the sloe gin for a few seconds, then fill the airspace above the drink with smoke for dramatic effect. Mad but good.

christmas & new y ear ’ s eve guide 201 5

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Celebrate Christmas in style at The Ashton

Christmas Day 3 courses £65.00 Festive Fayre menu available from 23rd November, with 3 courses £23.95 Seasonal dishes, perfect puddings, mulled wines and mouth-watering cocktails – all served with an extra helping of festive cheer.

The Ashton, Ashton Road, Bristol, BS41 9LX • 01275 392 245 • www.theashtonbristol.co.uk

at

Indulge with us this Christmas

2 Courses for £22.50 3 Courses for £25.90 Our Christmas menu offers a fresh, contemporary take on traditional dishes using local produce.

BOOK YOUR CHRISTMAS PARTY NOW PRIVATE FUNCTION ROOM Fully fitted bar Music system Dance floor

10 Widcombe Parade, Bath, BA2 4JT (just 2 minutes’ stroll from Bath Spa train station)

01225 448870 | www.ringobellswidcombe.co.uk

BOOKINGS NOW BEING TAKEN FOR PARTIES OF 2 TO 102 WITH A RELAXED VIBE AND UNIQUE SURROUNDINGS, MUD DOCK CAFÉ IS THE PERFECT LOCATION FOR A LAID-BACK CHRISTMAS PARTY. ENJOY DRINKS AND NIBBLES, A 3-COURSE SUPPER OR OUR POPULAR SHARING PLATES (LIKE A BUFFET, ONLY BETTER!).

• Party sharing menu £19.95 for 2 courses, £24.95 for 3 courses • Christmas à la carte and sharing menus available throughout December • Book now: the most popular dates go quickly!

• For more details, call Anna on 0117 934 9734 or email anna@mud-dock.co.uk

BOOK YOUR PARTY, GET A GIFT VOUCHER! Book by the end of October, and for every 10 people at your party, we’ll give you a £10 gift voucher!*

Mud Dock Café : The Grove, Bristol BS1 4RB www.mud-dock.com/cafe * 10+ people = £10 voucher, 20+ people = £20 voucher etc. Voucher is for the party organiser only and is valid for use at Mud Dock until end April 2016.

CHRISTMAS

AT THE LIDO The Lido is the perfect location to switch off, relax and indulge during the festive season!

Just do nothing… Overlook the swimmers below and enjoy being looked after by our friendly staff as your food is cooked in the wood ½ VIH SZIR Our à la carte menu changes on a daily basis so there’s always something new to try or why not let chef take control and broaden your palate with a no menu experience…

The Terrace is available for private dining for up to 42 people for a sit down meal or up to 50 people for a WXERH YT VIGITXMSR For further details contact us on 0117 332 3970 SV IQEMP IZIRXW$PMHSFVMWXSP GSQ

Very Good Vouchers And we don’t just mean the ‘here’s a tenner for Amazon’ kind. If you simply cannot decide on physical goods, handwrite some vouchers for fun but thoughtful little deeds that your colleague can redeem at any time, such as ‘tea and coffee delivered to your desk throughout the day’.

Welcome to the Christmas gift buying minefield that is Secret Santa.

Fear not – here are some present ideas that will put a smile on anybody’s face.

Mini-Me Magnificence This suggestion is wellsuited to those in the office who still embrace a young-at-heart attitude. At www.minifigs.me you can browse through a selection of LEGO minifigure parts to find the best lookalike for your Secret Santa. For a little bit extra, you can even get the figure turned into a cool keyring. Average figure price is £12 to £15.

Invaluable Insoles One for the ladies of the office – Alice Bow (www.alicebow.com) is a brand of hand-crafted Italian leather insoles currently priced at £13.90. These can be purchased in a range of colours and for both flat shoes and high heels, so the days of hearing complaints about foot pain on the walk to work or at the Christmas party disco will be a thing of the past.

Personalised Perfection Pickle Pie (www.picklepiegifts.co.uk) will custom-print a whole range of goodies for your nominated colleague. Mugs, tea towels, lunchboxes, cooking aprons, oven gloves and cover cushions are all present and correct, but the notebooks are a particularly good office gift. These serve as a quaint way to remind co-workers to stop stealing your stationery, as nobody can debate who the rightful owner is. Prices from £8.99.

58

christmas & new y ear ’ s eve guide 2 0 1 5

gift ideas A Heart Warming Gift The correct temperature for the office is an argument which has been raging since time immemorial. Keep your seemingly coldblooded colleague from shivering with a snuggly blanket or throw.

This Ikea number is just £5.50 (www.ikea.com).

Baking Bonus Hobbs House Bakery (www.hobbshousebakery.co.uk) offers gift vouchers towards bread-making and cake-making lessons – a great way of hinting to your colleague that they should bring more treats into the office! You can select the amount you want to put on the voucher – evening events can cost as little as £10.

A Very English Afternoon Why not treat your colleague to a delicious afternoon tea at Cadbury House Hotel in Bristol (www.cadburyhotelbristol.co.uk)?

Your gift recipient can indulge in delicate finger sandwiches, warm fruit scones with thick clotted cream and jam, and the patisserie selection of the day, and it’ll cost you a mere £13.

Drink And Be Merry St Austell’s brewery (www.thatsmybeer.co.uk) offers a personalised beer bottle service, allowing you to choose your favourite label and then tailor it with a colleague’s office nick-name. Quirky and thirst-quenching at the same time, and priced at just £9.99.

Caffeine Fix Everyone loves coffee, so you can’t go wrong with something roasted, ground, aromatic and delicious. The market is brimming with super little gift ideas that are both inexpensive and extremely tasty – the perfect choice for that hard-to-buy-for somebody. Browse www.bettys.co.uk/coffee, take a look at www.whittard.co.uk/gifts/coffee-gift or shop at thehouseofcoffee.co.uk/product-category/gifts for inspiration.

christmas & new y ear ’ s eve guide 201 5

59

Celebrate in Style at Center Parcs Longleat Forest

Our spectacular Christmas party nights are set within our charming Winter Wonderland. Come and enjoy a tantalising three-course meal and sparkling entertainment with friends and colleagues for an extra special festive evening.

Disco Nights with our own resident DJ Disco Nights Friday 4th December and Saturday 5th December 2015 Disco Package Cost: ÂŁ33.50 per person (inc. VAT)

Band Nights with live entertainment Band Nights Friday 11th December, Saturday 12th December, Friday 18th December and Saturday 19th December 2015 Band Night Package Cost: ÂŁ38.95 per person (inc. VAT)

Price includes a festive drink on arrival, delicious three-course meal, live entertainment and a late bar until 12.30am.

For more information or to check availability please contact the Christmas Team on 01985 848369 or email miriam.kirby@centerparcs.co.uk

JOIN THE BUZZ AT THE

Enjoy Christmas with all the trimmings in a warm and welcoming atmosphere

CHRISTMAS MENU 2015

Served Monday to Saturday from 1st - 23rd December lunchtimes and evenings

Starters

Mains

Desserts

Pressed Guinea Fowl & Garden Vegetable Terrine

Traditional Roast Turkey

Traditional Christmas Pudding

Rump Steak Beef Rossini

Blackberry Pavlova

Home Cured Salmon

Pan Fried Sea Bream

Apple Tarte Tatin

Classic Avocado & Prawn Cocktail

Leek & Crayfish Risotto

White & Dark Chocolate Delice

Chestnut & Sage Lasagne

Glazed Lemon Tart

Minestrone Soup

All of our dishes use the freshest local ingredients and main courses are accompanied by traditional roast potatoes, roasted root vegetables (parsnips, carrots, onions, butternut squash), brussels sprouts and braised red cabbage.

2 Courses ÂŁ19.95 or 3 Courses ÂŁ24.95

Book your celebration now 0843 155 2579

Find us on the border of Westbury on Trym and Horfield The Beehive, 112A Wellington Hill West, Bristol, BS9 4QY www.beehivebristol.co.uk eat@beehivebristol.co.uk

Whatever your individual requirements we will meet them. We just want you to relax and enjoy the festivities.

Celebrate Christmas at Woodbury Park!

CHRISTMAS PARTIES FROM AS LITTLE AS £17.95pp

• OFFICE PARTIES • CABARET NIGHTS • DISCO NIGHTS • JAZZ NIGHTS • CHRISTMAS SUNDAY LUNCHES • CHRISTMAS SING-A-LONG...

HOTEL GOLF CONFERENCE & EVENTS LEISURE & SPA WEDDINGS

For bookings call 01395 233382 www.woodburypark.co.uk Woodbury Castle, Woodbury, Exeter, Devon, EX5 1JJ

charity work

how to

be good

Spread a little good will this Christmas As the festive season nears and you start to feel merry, it’s natural to want to spread good cheer. What better way to embrace Christmas spirit than by helping others? Santa and his little elves prove that many hands make light work, so do your bit and get the office together for a charitable cause. Whether you’re thinking big or small, national or local, here are a few inspirational ideas: Boxes of Goodness

Samaritan’s Purse arranges for shoeboxes of presents to be sent to children in need of a treat at Christmas.

Get the whole team involved by turning your office into Santa’s workshop: give everyone £10 to spend on little gifts and treats, then reconvene in the office to pack up the giftboxes and post them out. Hand out bonus prizes for the best gift wrapping and bargain hunting. (www.samaritans-purse.org.uk) Carol Patrol

Every office has a serial crooner, and Christmas is the time to indulge them. Carol singing is great fun and perfect for team building (you’ll be united by embarrassment, if nothing else).

Ask a local charity if you can raise money for them, grab a bucket and start those vocal chord warm-ups.

Break a World Record

Come together for a Guinness World Record Team Challenge. Engage supporters whilst raising awareness of a chosen charity through an online fundraising campaign. Take on existing records

like the Tallest Coffee Cup Tower in One Minute. (challengers.guinnessworldrecords.com/challenges) Bake for Benevolence

Bristol-based charity One25 runs a late-night outreach programme to support vulnerable women across the city, relying on volunteers and donations. A slice of cake can work wonders, so why not hold an office bake off on behalf of the charity? Donate the proceeds and deliver some of your festive delights to the One25 team to be enjoyed by the women and volunteers during the Christmas period. (www.one25.org.uk) Volunteer

To really give something back this Yuletide season, why not arrange for your team to volunteer at a local charity for a day?

Whether you’re handing out cups of tea, keeping the elderly company or helping to host a fabulous party for disadvantaged children, it’s sure to earn you a spot on the Nice List. Visit timebank.org.uk for inspiration.

Of course, charity shouldn’t begin and end at Christmas – why not make it a collective New Year’s resolution to continue collaborating for charity in 2016?

christmas & new y ear ’ s eve guide 201 5

63

2015

Award-winning Italian cuisine from a dedicated team

Now taking bookings for

Christmas Parties

2 courses from £19.95 3 courses from £25.95 The normal menu is still valid.

Lunchtime and early evening offers still apply.

www.bottelinos.net 85 Queens Road, Clifton, Bristol, BS8 1QS ō 0117 922 6262 ō clifton@bottelinos.com Port Marine, Harbour Road, Portishead, BS20 7AW ō 01275 846443 ō portishead@bottelinos.net 25-31 The Boulevard, Weston-super-Mare, BS23 1NX ō 01934 416 465 ō weston@bottelinos.net 1-4 North Parade, Yate, BS37 4AN ō 01454 326649 ō yate@bottelinos.com

#HRISTMAS AT 3 courses £29.50, 2 courses £25.50 Part-hire and exclusive hire available.

Cocktails, mulled cider and mulled wine will be served in the large heated outdoor Christmas marquee.

# RPSC R?QRC MD +R?JW Choose something different this Christmas and experience fresh, authentic Italian food, prepared with spirit and served with a smile.

2PC %FPGQRK?Q 5?KNJC /CLS Starters Seafood cocktail Deep-fried breaded mushrooms with yoghurt dip Duck paté, crostini and salad Deep-fried arancini rice balls Soup of the day Mains Salmon fillet with prawn and saffron sauce Duck leg in orange and Cointreau sauce Baked vegetarian lasagne Escallope of turkey stuffed with Parma ham and mozzarella cooked in a Marsala cream sauce Belly of pork served with an apple cider sauce Desserts Poached pears Panna cotta Tiramisu

3 courses £22.95 per person

www.valentinosrestaurantbristol.co.uk • 0843 155 2578 124 Stoke Lane, Westbury on Trym, Bristol, BS9 3RJ

SAMPLE MENU STARTERS Duck liver parfait, quince, and pickled walnuts Diver-caught scallops, cauliflower and smoked cod’s roe MAIN COURSES Winter pumpkin, polenta, sage and chestnuts Pork belly, red cabbage and celeriac DESSERTS Selection of English artisan cheeses, house chutney and biscuits Christmas pudding parfait and stout ice-cream A 10% service charge will be added to tables of 8 or more.

Please note that this menu may be subject to minor seasonal changes due to market availability in December.

Merchants Road, Hotwells, Bristol, BS8 4PZ 0117 927 2229 the-pumphouse.com

ALL THE MAGIC OF CHRISTMAS AT...

MERCURE BRISTOL BRIGSTOW HOTEL

FESTIVE LUNCH AND DINNER THROUGHOUT NOVEMBER AND DECEMBER: 3 courses from £22.50 per person

from

£30 per person www.mercure.com/festive h6548-sb@accor.com 0117 933 8233 Mercure Bristol Brigstow Hotel, 5-7 Welsh Back, Bristol, BS1 4SP

ham hock recipe

hock to trot

We asked ex-Ethicurean sous chef Rich Bowman (now of Portland Restaurant, London) to share his favourite ham hock recipe. Slow-roasted in cider with honey and mustard, it’s wonderfully sweet and sticky and sure to impress your dinner guests this Christmas.

When it comes to Christmas feasting, everyone loves a good joint of ham, but why stick to traditional cuts when less expensive alternatives can be just as delicious? Found between the knee and the trotter, the hock offers rich and succulent meat, dark pink in colour and so tender that it falls off the bone.

This is what you do: 1. Using a sharp knife, score the layer of skin which surrounds the hock and then leave to cook on the middle shelf of a preheated oven (250˚C/482˚F).

2. After half an hour, turn the temperature down to 140˚C/284˚F and add the vegetables, garlic, cloves and thyme to the tray. Next, mix the cider, honey and mustard together in a bowl and pour the liquid over the meat. Leave to slow-cook for five hours or until the meat easily comes away from the bone.

To ensure the meat doesn’t dry out whilst cooking, baste with the juices at 20-minute intervals until done.

3. When the meat is suitably tender, remove from the oven and leave to cool, or serve hot with a selection of trimmings – braised leeks and Dauphinoise potatoes are particularly good with this recipe, but any of the traditional accompaniments will work just as well.

Ingredients 1 ham hock 1 large white onion (roughly chopped) 1 celery stick (roughly chopped) 1 carrot (roughly chopped) 5 chestnut mushrooms (quartered) 500ml dry cider 5 cloves 4 sprigs fresh thyme 4 garlic cloves (peeled) 2 tbsp. clear honey 1 tbsp. Dijon mustard 1/2 tsp. hot English mustard

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#HRISTMASAT 2APHAEL Head chef Peter Burchill has created an imaginative Christmas menu, comprised of the finest locally sourced produce. Raphael offers a welcoming atmosphere, with attentive and personal service. The restaurant can accommodate parties of up to 16.

3 courses £27.50

Upper Borough Walls, Bath, BA1 1RN 01225 480042 | www.raphaelrestaurant.co.uk

Continental Christmas Bath’s most stylish bar is the place to go for fine wines, innovative cocktails and artisan sharing boards.

Vino Vino can offer exclusive hire for up to 70 people between Sunday and Thursday Private Wine and Cocktail Lounge for up to 25 Parties of up to 12 in the bar

5-6 Seven Dials, Saw Close, Bath, BA1 1EN • 01225 312341 • www.vinovinowinebar.co.uk

Italian

Festivities at

Where better to celebrate Christmas than at Ciao Ciao, in historic Beau Nash House?

Whether a party with colleagues or a festive lunch, Ciao Ciao can hold everything from exclusive parties for up to 55 people to an intimate celebration for two.

The Italian-inspired menu is £25.95 for two courses and a complimentary dessert of warm Italian panettone.

Beau Nash House, Saw Close, Bath, BA1 1EU 01225 330030 | www.ciaociaoristorante.co.uk

7447.1626 RBK Christmas Ad 148x105mm v2_AW.indd 1

03/08/2015 17:45

relax eat drink

Christmas at Goldbrick House

A UNIQUE BUILDING COMPRISING A LARGE RESTAURANT & A MAZE OF BEAUTIFUL PRIVATE FUNCTION & DINING ROOMS

COME IN AND ENJOY A FESTIVE KNEES UP LUNCH FROM £22 DINNER FROM £34 CHRISTMAS CRACKERS INCLUDED PANTRY · COCKTAIL BAR · RESTAURANT · ORANGERY · PRIVATE ROOMS

Goldbrick House 69 Park Street, West End, Bristol, BS1 5PB www.goldbrickhouse.co.uk info@goldbrickhouse.co.uk 0117 945 1950

cookery classes

cooking up a snow storm

The South West is home to a number of great cookery schools, so whether you’ve a collection of willing novices to inspire, or a loved-one who’d go barmy for a bread-making masterclass, there’s a class to suit everyone.

From bread-making to creating the perfect Christmas dinner, Bath’s Bertinet Kitchen, owned and run by French chef and baker, Richard Bertinet, has a range of individual day courses and corporate booking options to bring out the foodie in you. December classes include such inspired ideas as A Spanish Christmas and Curries of the World. www.thebertinetkitchen.com Little Kitchen in Brislington is run by friends

Madeleine and Claire and together they aim to provide fun and affordable workshops and courses to both adults and children. One-off classes, which are about three hours long, are perfect for even the busiest of food enthusiasts, but they also run work socials, with themes like Parisian Patisserie, and offer the opportunity to work with them to design a bespoke workshop. www.little-kitchen.co.uk

At Bordeaux Quay on Bristol’s Harbourside, the team host a variety of workshops throughout the year, catering to the novice cook as well as those with a more skilled hand. Whether you’re learning butchery skills or how to come up with a pudding for every occasion, courses are fun and informative. There’s even an edible Christmas gifts workshop at the end of December, which is great for giver and recipient alike. Private hire is also available

for team building sessions (offered for 12+ delegates). www.bordeaux-quay.co.uk/cookery-school.php Barny Haughton’s community kitchen and cookery school concentrates on giving back to the local area, supporting local residents and children through free cooking lessons, subsidised meals for pensioners and other classes and workshops. In addition to such good work, the foundation’s cook school runs masterclasses and courses for adults, which take an in-depth look at particular cooking techniques, regional styles and ingredients.

Team building days can be designed to suit the needs and interests of the team. Simply contact the Square Food Foundation to arrange your own bespoke day. www.squarefoodfoundation.co.uk Where better to learn the culinary arts than at the wonderful River Cottage in Axminster. Courses vary in length and present the chance to learn such skills as seashore foraging, gluten-free cooking and even cheesemaking. Bespoke courses for the team can be moulded to suit your budget and collective interests. And with a range of one-day Christmas specific courses available, Hugh and the team will have you feeling festive in no time. www.rivercottage.net/cookery-courses

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Oven baked Sea Bream in mussels, tomato and basil

Flambéed xmas pudding with quince sherry custard

Cadbury House Hotel Joiner Parties Select dates in November, December and January From only £19.50 Family Sunday Disco Lunch Sunday 13th December, £19.50 adults/£9.75 children (aged 2-12) Christmas Day Lunch in The Great Room £79 adults/£38 children (aged 4-12) New Year’s Eve Masquerade Carnival Ball in The Great Room £79 per person New Year’s Gala Buffet Menu in The Drawing Room £49 per person

Parties from only £19.5 0

The Perfect Christmas at DoubleTree

by Hilton Cadbury House For the ultimate in style and 4 Star luxury this festive period, the newly refurbished DoubleTree by Hilton Cadbury House Hotel and Spa is the perfect place to celebrate Christmas with family and friends.

Marco Pierre White Restaurant Christmas Fayre Lunch £21.50 per person Christmas Fayre Dinner £29 per person (Sun to Thurs) £32 per person (Fri & Sat) Christmas Day Lunch £95 per person £45 children New Years Eve £80 per person (over 18’s only)

For further information or to book, please contact our Christmas co-ordinator on 01934 834 343 (option 1) or email: info@cadburyhouse.com | www.cadburyhotelbristol.co.uk

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A beautiful country gastropub, located on the outskirts of Bristol Available from November 23rd to December 24th 2 courses £23.95 s 3 courses £28.95

5R?PRCPQ Wild mushroom soup with truffle oil served with a mini loaf Carpaccio of beetroot & goats cheese with a fine herb salad Smoked duck with a plum sauce & a toasted almond salad Ham hock terrine served with pickled onions & toast Salmon pate with a dill dressing on sourdough bread

/?GL %MSPQCQ Chestnut, cranberry & mixed nut roast with roast potatoes & vegetarian gravy Traditional roast turkey, pigs in blankets, sausage & sage stuffing, roast potatoes & red wine jus Braised lamb belly served with creamy mash Vegetarian wellington with buttered spinach & halloumi cheese Roasted organic cod fillet with cocotte potatoes, mange tout & cherry tomatoes - All main courses are served with a selection of seasonal vegetables

&CQQCPRQ Cherry trifle with Chantilly cream & kirsch cherries Traditional Christmas pudding with brandy butter sauce Clementine lemon dessert with orange sorbet & citrus sauce Winter spiced Pannacotta with cranberry coulis Somerset cheese board with spiced pear chutney and accompaniments (£2 supplement)

01275 857 473 thebattleaxes@flatcappers.co.uk www.flatcappers.co.uk/the-battleaxes BRISTOL ROAD, WRAXALL, BS48 1LQ

the

hungover games Post-party pick-me-ups Whether you’re fortunate enough to have the day after your work Christmas party off or will be slumped at your desk come 9am, if spirits have been high the night before, chances are you’re in for a rough few hours. Here are a few tips to help you stay bright eyed and bushy tailed even after one too many glasses of eggnog.

must have

caffeine!

74

christmas & new y ear ’ s eve guide 2 0 1 5

the morning after

before you drink Pearfect Party Prep Make sure you line your stomach – drinking on an empty tummy never ends well. The best foods are full of natural good fats, like avocado and salmon, so if you’re doing preparty snacks, include some smoked salmon blinis and fresh guacamole with crudités.

Studies have also shown that hangovers are reduced by up to 20% by tucking into Korean pears before a boozy night. If you’re making juice, aim to consume at least 220ml for the best benefits.

the morning after Super Smoothie Slurp a vitamin-rich smoothie to ease your suffering. Our favourite fresh fix calls for 250g Greek yoghurt, 1 tbsp chia seeds, 1 tbsp coconut oil, a small banana, 35g frozen kale, 50g blueberries, 250ml coconut water and a splash of honey. Blitz it all together in a blender with a few ice cubes and you’ll feel revitalised in no time.

Ultimate Hangover Breakfast Vitamin B-rich wholegrains are some of the best things to help your body battle a hangover, so wholegrain toast should be the foundation that you build your hero breakfast on. Top the toast with poached eggs (full of cysteine, which is what your body uses to counteract hangovers), grilled tomatoes (bursting with vitamin C) and mushrooms (a tasty source of vitamins B and D).

Round this all off with a glass of apple or cranberry juice – fresh fruit juice is the perfect antidote to those morningafter sugar cravings.

If you can’t face such a full plate, nibble on a slice of wholegrain toast slathered in potassium- and anti-oxidant-rich honey.

Most importantly, make sure you have fun at your Christmas party, but don’t overdo it – come January 4th, you’ll be back in the office, having to face your co-workers…

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The Bristol Pavilion, Nevil Road, Bristol, BS7 9EJ

Family New Year’s Eve Party at The Bristol Pavilion

Christmas at

The Bristol Pavilion Packages

from

.50 £25 per person

Package includes:

Private Parties available

Arrival drink • 2 course carvery meal • DJ & disco • Table decorations and novelties

£35.00 Adults

£17.50

per child (3-12 years)

Contact us now for availability & bookings: 0117 910 8025 or email: sales-bristolpavilion@centerplate.co.uk

Under 3’s go FREE

31st December

www.thebristolpavilion.co.uk

All Inclusive Party Night

The fesƟve season is on its way and back for 2015 are our All Inclusive Christmas Party Nights oīering amazing value. Each night will include a delicious three-course dinner including coīee and fesƟve decoraƟŽns. The meal will be followed by a disco and dancing to our resident DJ and an open bar oīering house spirits and mixers, house red and white wine, house draught lager, biƩer and cider, plus draught soŌ drinks. Please note that premium brands are excluded. Selected nights only

80’s Party Night

Return to the decade that brought us righteous clothes and radical dance moves.

The fun begins with a fesƟve three-course meal and a half boƩle of wine.

AŌerwards let our 80s band, the “Love Cats” take you down memory lane with hits from David Bowie, Duran Duran, Spandau Ballet and Wham! Our resident DJ will be Įnishing oī the night unƟů 12:30am. If you loved the 80s, then you will love this party night. 11th & 12th December only

FesƟve Party Nights

New for 2015, join us for our FesƟve Party Nights. Enjoy a delicious three-course dinner with a half boƩle of wine and dance the night away to our resident DJ and disco unƟů 12:30am.

18th & 19th December only

Mid Week Xmas Lunch

Join us for a fesƟve Christmas Lunch in Brunel’s Hat restaurant with family, friends or colleagues. Our three-course buīet lunch is served from 12:30pm unƟů 2:30pm.

For full details about our Christmas Programme or to check availability and prices, contact our sales team on 01454 893438 events.bristol@hilton.com Hilton Bristol, Woodlands Lane, Bradley Stoke, Bristol, BS32 4JF

Have yourself a Merry Little Christmas at The Tramshed Christmas Day 3 courses £65.00 Festive Menu 3 courses available from 23rd November £24.95 Seasonal dishes, perfect puddings, mulled wines and mouth-watering cocktails – all served with an extra helping of festive cheer.

The Tramshed, Beehive Yard, Bath, BA1 5BD • 01225 421 200 • www.thetramshedbath.co.uk

Planning your Christmas party?

Join us for a festive glass of mulled cider and a taste of our River Cottage Christmas menu with a selection of canapés at our

Christmas Showcase Tuesday 15 September

Mains Beef brisket braised with bacon, red wine & prunes, pickled walnuts & smashed celeriac Roast organic chicken with baked onions, sherry, chestnuts & chorizo, pumpkin gratin Fillets of megrim sole, potted crab & seaweed butter, pur�ed roasted cauliflower Fish subject to change with availability

To attend or for more information please rsvp to bristolcanteen@rivercottage.net

Roast roots, onions & apples with barley, chestnuts & mushrooms, veggie gravy

Book your Christmas party before the end of September to receive 10% off your bill

Baked spiced squash, leeks & hazelnuts, winter salad of parsley, celeriac, lentils & cider-soaked raisins

Call 0843 155 2576 or email bristolcanteen@rivercottage.net with the ref Bristol&BathChristmasGuide

Starters Roast ironbark pumpkin soup, sage & walnut pesto, sourdough bread Baked beetroot, wilted radicchio & Somerset feta salad, preserved orange dressing Juniper & bay cured organic salmon, pickled red cabbage, sour cream & rye cracker Air-dried venison, cinnamon roast apples, hazelnuts & shaved Quicke’s cheese

For the table Roast potatoes & winter greens to share

Desserts Honey & bay panna cotta, boozy prunes & spiced biscuit Dark chocolate & orange cake, candied peel & cardamom cream Warm date & parsnip pudding, vanilla ice cream & brandy butterscotch Mulled cider poached pear, fresh ricotta & gingerbread crumble

River Cottage Canteen Whiteladies Rd, Bristol BS8 2QY

Shop online and let us deliver to your door

Terms and conditions: Selected Postcodes. Subject to availability. Details correct at time of going to print.

new year’s resolutions

Happy r!

New Yea

industrious resolutions

We all make New Year’s resolutions, so why not include one on this year’s list that’s going to make your working day that little bit better? These are some inspired ideas to get you thinking.

Take the stairs

Start the New Year’s fitness regime at work. Let go of your attachment to the lift and get moving. Your pedometer will thank you and by spring that imposing stairwell will have become a walk in the park.

Stress less

Find a lunchtime yoga class, meditate at your desk or simply count to ten and breathe. We can all agree that stress is definitely bad for your health and general well-being, so why not listen to your body and mind and make a conscious decision to banish bad thoughts and become far more Zen in the workplace.

Learn a new skill

Ever wanted to add to your skillset? 2016 is the perfect time to start.

Whether it’s learning how to use InDesign or Excel properly, knitting, cooking or blacksmithing, stop beating around the bush and find an evening or online course that fits the bill.

Swear you’ll never swear again

We’ve all promised ourselves the bad language will cease, but it never seems to last. Introduce a swear box to receive £1 coins every time a naughty slips from your lips and donate the money to a chosen charity.

Start packing and snacking

Ever wondered where your money goes? Chances are it’s spent on a lunchtime panini or potato. Vow to make your own lunch a couple of times a week, and pack additional healthy snacks, leaving surplus cash available to spend on other fun things, or indeed to donate to charity.

Keep hunger locked up ’til lunch

Don’t eat your packed lunch until it’s actually lunchtime, preventing the inevitable two-lunch syndrome and subsequent pound pile-on.

Communication without hesitation

You will respond to all emails with the same haste you apply to leaving work at the end of the day. The inbox build-up will become a thing of the past.

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JOIN TODAY AND SAY YES TO SAVINGS! Costco Wholesale is a membership warehouse club, dedicated to bringing our members quality goods and services at the lowest possible prices.

Trade Membership* The annual membership fee for Standard Trade Membership is £20 (plus VAT), which includes a complimentary card for your spouse or domestic partner.

COMING SOON TO BRISTOL

Individual Membership* The annual membership fee for Standard Individual Membership is £25 (plus VAT), which includes a complimentary card for your spouse or domestic partner.

Join in the warehouse or online: www.warehouses.costco.co.uk/membership

COSTCO BRISTOL ON ONLY. VALID UNTIL 31/12/2015.

Costco Bristol, St Brendans Way, Avonmouth, Bristol, Bristol BS11 9EZ T: 0117 916 0130 E: marketing116@costco.co.uk www.costco.co.uk

QUALITY FUEL WITH PERFORMANCE ENHANCING ADDITIVES

FOR MEMBERS USE ONLY. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE SPEAK TO ONE OF OUR MEMBERSHIP REPRESENTATIVES

JN9757_CF&D

SIG UP FOR MEMBERSHIP SIGN W WITH THIS ADVERT AND RECEIVE A FREE GIFT!

WHAT IS COSTCO? We are a cash and carry membership warehouse, bringing you the best quality products at the lowest possible prices.

At Costco you will find everything from groceries to cleaning supplies. We also have a deli department offering freshly made party platters and a bakery department offering a wide selection of cakes. We’re able to bring you such great value because of our enormous buying power and you get to enjoy the convenience of one-stop shopping. Whatever you buy from us you can trust Costco to provide unbeatable quality and value.

Your membership fee allows us to keep overhead costs down and pass the savings on to you. Our members quickly recoup the cost of their membership through the money they save by shopping with us.

YOUR RISK-FREE MEMBERSHIP. 100% SATISFACTION GUARANTEED. ON MERCHANDISE: We guarantee your satisfaction on every product we sell with a full refund.* ON MEMBERSHIP: We will refund your membership fee in full at any time if you are dissatisfied. *Exceptions apply. See in warehouse for details.

BOOK EARLY FOR THE BEST SEATS

Best Parties Ever are bringing their spectacularly themed Christmas Parties to a venue near you this year!

IDEAL FOR GROUPS OF 8-1,000

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The Party

The Package

The venue comes alive with living statues and Venetian street theatre, head to one of the intricately carved stone feature bars whilst our entertainers perform. Enjoy a selection of delicious canapés before you take your seats for a sumptuous four course dinner amidst the palatial splendour of Venetian masks and classical candelabras.

Prices from £37.50+VAT include: Spectacular Theming and Scenery Living Statues Live Resident Band Delicious Hot and Cold Canapés Superb Four Course Dinner Professional Photographer* Casino including Blackjack and Roulette* State-of-the-art Disco Professional Lighting Full Event Management On-site Security Free Cloakroom Survivors Breakfast!

Dress code: smart dress

Our authentic entertainment with fabulous vocals, dance and costumes is interwoven with thrilling displays of aerial acrobatics as the dancers tumble from our starlit ceiling.

After dinner, head to the casino and try your luck at blackjack or roulette or slip back behind your mask and dance the night away!

*A small charge applies

So join us this year for an unforgettable night – Christmas parties in Bristol don’t get better than Best Parties Ever!

VISIT OUR WEBSITE FOR DATES AND PRICES AND TO BOOK ONLINE

The Best Christmas Parties Ever!

0844 499 40 40 www.BestPartiesEver.com