Susie the Foodie

FOODIE THINGS IN LEICESTERSHIRE

Welcome to a new regular feature in which I’ll be recommending places to enjoy delightful dishes in our county. Here’s where to eat and be merry this Christmas...

Staunton Harold Nurseries & Garden Centre Cherry Lane-Glebe

Foston Road, Countesthorpe LE8 5QP

Ashby de la Zouch, LE65 1RU

Santa’s Grotto Nov 20-Dec 24

Santa’s Grotto

Santa’s grotto is normally open every weekend from mid-November until Christmas. Adults and children alike can enjoy a ride around the many animated figures before visiting Santa on his sleigh.

The garden centre also has inspirational colour-themed displays. Garden Centre: 01332 862 769 Wander through a Christmas world to arrive at Santa’s Grotto! Meet Father Christmas for a charming chat and receive a special gift.

Breakfast with Santa Dec 4-23, 8.50am

Peach House Restaurant

The restaurant offers breakfasts, lunches and teas every day with a wide variety of home-made foods ranging from toasties to pies, jacket potatoes, chilli and omelettes plus the traditional favourites such as haddock, gammon and scampi.

Cream Teas

Treat someone special to afternoon tea. Cream Tea - Cream scones with a choice of tea or coffee. £9 for 2 people Afternoon Tea (pictured), plus tea or coffee. £27 for 2 people

Booking is essential. Call the restaurant on 01332 865 155 at least 24 hrs in advance. Gift vouchers for the cream teas are available to purchase in the restaurant. Join Santa and his elves for a freshly prepared breakfast. Tickets cost £10.99 per child which includes breakfast, entertainment and a special gift; adult tickets are £6.99 includes breakfast.

Tea Time with Santa Dec 8-15, 4.20pm

Why not enjoy a freshly-prepared delicious Tea with Santa and his elves! Tickets cost £10.99 per child which includes tea, entertainment and a special gift; adult tickets are £6.99 includes food.

All Grotto tickets must be booked in advance. Tickets can be purchased online or in store cherry-lane.co.uk. 0116 277 1570

Ashby Food Gusto Christmas Fair

Market Street, Ashby-de-la-Zouch

Sat Dec 4, 10:30 – Sun Dec 5, 16:30

What better way to get in the Christmas spirit than nibbling your way around the food-filled Market Street full of hot food, drink and gift ideas from local and regional food producers and artisans, all while listening to great local entertainment.

Entry is free.

foodgusto.com/ashby-christmas-fair

Festive Feast and Crafts Market

Market Place, Hinckley

December 12, 10:00-16:00

V4 will be performing in front of the town centre tree. Food stalls will include Indian, South African, Thai, homemade cakes, award winning cheeses, homemade sauces and relishes. There will also be craft stalls and a very tall Santa Claus.

Entry is free.

Bistro Live

89-91 Charles Street LE1 1FA

Christmas Parties

Eat, drink, and dance the night away.

This year’s Christmas menu has a great choice of five starters and five main courses, and our famous trio of delicious desserts. Freshly prepared and cooked to order.

Winstanley House

Hinkley Road, Leicester LE3 1HX

Black Iron Festive Menu Available from November 8

Lunch is served Monday - Friday from 12pm - 2:30pm. Two courses for £17.00, 3 courses for £22.00. Dinner is available daily from 5pm, two courses £24, Three courses £29.

Christmas Party November 26 – December 22

Celebrate your annual office party or celebrate the festive season with friends and family. Party Packages include arrival drinks and live entertainment. From £49 per person.

Black Iron on Christmas Day

Book a festive feast with all your favourite trimmings. £95 per adult, £55 per child.

0116 366 5642 winstanleyhouse.co.uk/christmas

Bradgate Arms

Cropston LE7 7HG

Nov 22-Dec 30

Celebrate Christmas at the Bradgate Arms. Choose a festive twist on the traditional, or something classic with all the trimmings that taste of Christmas.

Festive Menu: 2 courses £14, 3 courses £16.50

Christmas Day Menu: 3 courses £43 Plastic toys have been removed from our crackers to make them more environmentally friendly. Plus, when you’re pulling your crackers with us this Christmas, you’ll be in for an extra special surprise from the Bradgate Arms!