What makes the perfect pub Christmas?
It’s that time of year again, folks! Twinkling lights, freshly baked treats, and all your favourite people coming together to celebrate another year of good times and happy memories.
Here at Chef & Brewer, we’re big fans of all things festive — in fact, it’s our speciality! From decking our halls with boughs of holly to cooking up a seasonal storm in the kitchen, nobody does a pub Christmas like us (if we do say so ourselves). So, as the nights draw in and the festivities draw nearer, here are all the things that we think make the perfect pub Christmas.
The cozy atmosphere of a Christmas pub
Soft lighting, a roaring fire, and a warm welcome as you step inside from the cold, rosy-cheeked and ready for a tasty tipple. Simply put, nothing compares to the unbeatable atmosphere of a Christmas pub. From every carefully placed, hand-made wreath to the sound of laughter and clinking glasses, a pub at Christmas just feels like home.
All your favourite people in one place
Is there anything better than having all your friends and family in one room? If there is, we haven’t found it yet! Christmas has a magical way of bringing people together. Perhaps it’s the promise of delicious comfort food. Or maybe it’s the welcome excuse to relax and catch up with loved ones.
The festive season also offers an excellent opportunity to connect with old friends and distant relatives. How many times have you promised, “We’ll meet up for lunch,” only to get caught up in the chaos of daily life? Christmas gives you an excuse to pause and think about what’s truly important — pints with old pals and treasured family reunions.
Festive drinks
Raise a glass, it’s Christmas! Ah yes, festive tipples. Steaming mugs of mulled wine, bright, fizzy glasses of bubbly, and sweet, decadent cocktails mixed just the way you like them. If there’s one thing you can guarantee at a Christmas pub, it’s a perfectly poured pint! Whatever your go-to seasonal sip happens to be, you’ll find it behind the bar at Chef & Brewer. Whether you’re enjoying it alongside a delicious meal or toasting to friendships old and new, you’ll find a whole host of delicious festive drinks to sample. Because if you can’t treat yourself to a tipple or two at Christmas, when can you?
Delicious Christmas pub food
Let’s be honest, Christmas is all about the food. Listen, we don’t make the rules; we’re just here to uphold tradition. So, if a hearty festive feast is on your Christmas list this year, look no further than your favourite Chef & Brewer pub. From mouthwatering mains to heavenly desserts, our festive menu is an indulgent treat from start to finish. Stick with the classics, like our Hand-Carved Roast Turkey, or try something new, like a succulent Confit Duck Leg & Braised Red Cabbage. It’s your choice, and a little bit of what you fancy does you good, as the saying goes.
A toast to tradition
These days, heading to the pub during Christmastime for festive fare and memorable moments with loved ones is a tradition many of us hold dear. In fact, as a nation, it’s a tradition we’ve observed for at least 200 years, dating back to changes in Yuletide customs during the 19th century. While inns and alehouses have always been community hubs, they naturally became popular places to celebrate.
And the great thing about traditions is that it’s never too late to start new ones! If you generally hibernate at home during the festive season, why not honour the past while inventing new ways of celebrating? For instance, you could begin your Boxing Day with a brisk winter walk before heading to the pub for a hearty post-Christmas breakfast.
Must-visit Christmas pubs for 2025
If you want to make the most of Christmas 2025 and savour the atmosphere of a cracking Christmas pub, here are just a few of our favourites.
Add a touch of elegance to your festive celebrations and treat yourself to a stylish seasonal soiree at Greaves Park. This stunning Grade II listed pub sits in the heart of Lancaster with picturesque surroundings and bundles of character. Perfect for any-sized gathering, Greaves Park offers a little slice of luxury with a side of rustic country pub character — the best of both worlds, if you will!
During the festive season, Greaves Park goes above and beyond with attention to detail that turns every visit into something spectacular. Christmas Day is particularly special, so book now before tables fill up!
When a pub starts with “ye olde”, you know you’re in for a few stories, and Ye Olde Leathern Bottel in Wokingham is no exception! This 17th-century gem has that “traditional pub” atmosphere, perfect for festive celebrations. With its timeless charm and menu of delicious pub classics, it’s easy to see why Ye Olde Leathern Bottel is so popular around Christmastime.
Get cosy by the crackling fireplace with a mug of mulled wine or pull up a chair around the table with your nearest and dearest for a festive spread that’ll have you feeling merry and bright with every bite.
Indulgent treats, toast-worthy tipples, and festive charm — if that’s your Christmas pub checklist, then the Old Mill in Coventry is nothing short of perfection. A former 16th-century watermill perched on the banks of the River Sowe; this captivating country pub has everything you need for a stress-free Christmas. From festive nibbles to Christmassy cocktails, you can enjoy the season without lifting a finger!
“The Red Lion” may be the single most popular pub name in the UK, but this particular pub is one of a kind. With its famous leonine figurehead displayed proudly out front, this grade II listed 17th-century pub is brimming with character. However, when Christmas rolls around, the Red Lion dials up the cosy, offering seasonal specials, celebratory tipples and festive cheer by the sleigh-load.
Plus, if you love nothing more than a refreshing country walk on New Year’s Day, you'll be pleased to know that the Red Lion is nestled on the edge of Martlesham Wilds, with plenty of nearby trails. Be sure to fill up with a hearty pub breakfast first!
Find the Christmas pub of your dreams
Christmas can be a stressful time for many, but we’re here to make things just that little bit easier, so you can sit back and focus on the important things, like spending time with the people you love the most. From delicious feasts to toast-worthy tipples, you’ll find everything you need at a Chef & Brewer pub near you.
Oh, and all of the pubs we mentioned are dog-friendly, so your four-legged pals don’t have to miss out on the seasonal celebrations.