The best festive pubs to visit this Christmas at Chef & Brewer
Christmas is a time for cheer and cherished moments with those who matter most, so where better to spend it than at the pub?
At Chef & Brewer, the holiday spirit greets you the moment you walk through the door of one of our festive pubs, with friendly welcomes, cosy surroundings, and seasonal flavours.
A festive pub is the perfect setting for your annual office party, with a relaxed atmosphere, a delicious festive food menu, and drinks on tap. And all without the hassle of hosting, so everyone can unwind and celebrate the season in style.
Consider it as a retreat for family dining too, with warm interiors that feel welcoming for all ages. Escape the winter chill, sink into a comfy seat, and enjoy hearty feasts with plenty of choice on the menu.
Make merry memories with pals over perfectly poured pints and pleasing plates bursting with Christmas classics. Tuck yourselves away in a cosy corner for a quiet catch up or head to the bar to get another round in and let the drinks and good times flow.
Looking for a festive pub near you? Chef & Brewer has plenty of choice across the country.
It’s the most wonderful time of the year at Chef & Brewer
At Chef & Brewer, our generous array of pubs are nestled in nature, with idyllic views and the beauty of the great outdoors on the doorsteps. At Christmas, our inns transform into the perfect cosy havens. A restful retreat after bracing stomps across frosted fields in the icy air or bike rides beneath soft winter sunshine.
Shake off the chill, and step inside our winter wonderlands. Feel the magic of the season from the second you get through the door, with fairy lights casting a warm glow, garlands of lush greenery, flickering candles, a roaring fireplace and a tree adorned with decorative ornaments standing proud.
Our festive pubs are made even better by our friendly team of staff. Whether it’s a frosty pint, a crisp glass of white or something fizzy, expect it to be poured to perfection and served with a smile.
As for our festive menu, we do plentiful portions crafted with care. Savour seasonal indulgences, and toast to the winter weather with warming dishes that wrap you in cosy comfort.
Our Hand-carved Roast Turkey is a traditional classic, with duck fat & rosemary roasties, glazed root vegetables, sprouts, red cabbage, a Yorkshire pud, sausage stuffing and gravy.
Turkey isn’t our only option for Christmas dinner. From Roasted Cod Loin to Lentil, Spinach & Vegetable Wellington and Marmalade Glazed Ham Hock, there’s plenty to tuck into.
For the perfect sweet finale, we offer a delectable selection of desserts, including our classic Christmas Pudding served with a jug of warm brandy sauce or our Pear & Pistachio Frangipane served warm with crushed pistachios and vegan ice cream. Craving something chocolatey? Our Melting Chocolate Fondant is unmissable, served with white chocolate ice cream and crushed buttery shortbread.
For extra parent points, don’t forget to book in for our Breakfast with Santa event. Tuck into tasty plates and let little ones make magical memories with Old Nick.
Deck the halls with something special
The soft twinkle of fairy lights
The cosy flicker of candles
With short days and long nights, add some festive charm with candlelight. Whether you go for an elegant long-stem or delicate tea lights, you can place them on your dining table, mantle, or windowsill to let their soft flicker glow. Enjoy the warm dance of a real flame or the warm illumination of an LED style.
The beauty of a bauble
History in every corner
Many of our pubs are homed in historic buildings with history steeped in every brick, beam and beautifully preserved detail. Take the Blue Cap, Sandiway, for example. Built in 1716 as a stop-off for coaches on their way to Manchester, Chester and even further afield, the Blue Cap is named after a famous Sandiway foxhound. With quintessential railway sleepers lining the ceilings, roaring fires and a bar well-stocked with rotating guest beers, the Blue Cap is a perfect example of what you can expect from a Chef & Brewer pub.
The five festive pubs you need to visit this Christmas
At Chef & Brewer, all our countryside inns offer the perfect Christmas retreat, but here are some of our favourite festive pubs.
A quaint spot close to the vibrancy of Manchester
Just outside the buzz of Manchester’s thriving city centre lies Didsbury, a leafy neighbourhood that's brimming with quaint village charm. And at its heart is the Didsbury, a charming pub that’s as welcoming to visitors as it is to locals. Its spacious beer garden has covered seating and heaters, so you can soak up the crisp air and stay cosy. Tuck into comforting classics on the menu, guaranteed to get you into the spirit. Speaking of spirit, the well-stocked bar is packed with tasty tipples, and the friendly staff are prepped to pour. When you're ready to explore, the nearby Rockery and Fletcher Moss Botanical Gardens offer peaceful winter strolls, or you can head back into the city to enjoy the buzz of Manchester’s famous Christmas markets.
A charming inn with a crackling fire
Discover history at every turn with this classic pub
Discover timeless decadence in the leafy village of Himley
Himley House is a Grade II listed pub nestled in the village of Himley, Staffordshire. A historic gem, it was once part of the grand 18th-century Georgian estate, Himley Hall, which is located just under a mile down the road. Enjoy winter al fresco sips in the large beer garden with covered seating, ambient twinkly lights and heaters, or step inside and embrace the warmth of the fireplace alongside a comforting dish from the pub food menu. If you're ready to call it a night, the pub also has 23 beautifully-decorated en-suite bedrooms.
A beloved gem for visitors and locals
Nestled on the outskirts of the charming Cheshire village of Sandiway is the Blue Cap pub. First built in 1716, and was given its unique name in 1822 to honour the famous Sandiway foxhound. As one of only two pubs in Sandiway and Cuddington, it's a beloved gem for locals but welcomes visitors with open arms. It's maintained its vintage appeal too, with railway sleepers adorning the ceilings and traditional leaded windows. And the pub food menu is perfect for big appetites, with classic dishes and seasonal surprises. For a wintry walk, there are plenty of gentle rambles and woodland walks to explore too.