FOOD FLAVOURS

Do Christmas differently this year, by swapping out wine for sake in this Japanese take on a traditional festive classic. Robun’s warming and spicy twist on mulled wine brings together a combination of citrus fruits and the sweet spicy scent of star anise, along with a combination of plum liqueur, wine, along with the all-important sake.

If you’d prefer to leave it to the experts, head across to Robun who will be serving mulled sake throughout the festive period, alongside a Christmas menu with beautiful dishes rooted in Japanese culinary tradition. Robun also has a You will need: 50ml Futsushu sake 50ml red wine (ideally Cabernet

Sauvignon) 25ml Briottet plum liqueur 1 x orange peel piece 1 x lemon peel piece 1 x star anise Dried orange or lemon, to garnish

Method: 1. Peel a strip of orange peel and a strip of lemon peel. 2. Combine the sake, red wine, liqueur, freshly peeled citrus fruits and a piece of star anise in a large saucepan. 3. Stir to thoroughly combine all the ingredients. 4. Heat on low to medium temperature, ensuring not to simmer or boil the mixture. 5. Carefully test the mixture for its temperature, ensuring it is drinking temperature before serving. 6. Once hot, serve in a tall latte glass or in your favourite festive mug and garnish with a slice of dried orange or lemon.

private dining room that can host 40 people seated and 50 people standing, for any festive celebrations in December and January. Robun, 4 Princes Buildings, George Street, Bath; robun.co.uk

Plan for a memorable New Year's Eve by enjoying a spectacular tasting menu and dining experience at The Elder in Bath.

You'll be served bubbles in the form of Krone Borealis MCC, and then a farmhouse loaf with salted butter and bullshot tea. The six-course feast that follows includes Scottish langoustine; smoked potato agnolotti; Bathurst Estate fallow deer Wellington; poached fillet of south coast brill with seashore vegetables; baked Vacherin Mont d’Or; poached pear, walnut and raisin toast; and passionfruit and dark chocolate soufflé, with many of the courses offering two options.

The Elder’s wild food offering is unique; wild deer herds are manage on private estates and venison is processed in the restaurant’s own FSA regulated larder. Book using The Elder’s reservations page or by emailing enquiries@theelder.co.uk.

The Elder, 2–8 South Parade, Bath; theelder.co.uk

Chatley Farm Brownies have been bringing chocolate love to Somerset for 16 years, with delicious brownies handmade in the professional kitchens on their beautiful farm, near Bath. Put simply they use the best Belgian chocolate and locally sourced ingredients to create delicious squares of heaven. The Brownies are coming to Bath Christmas Market once again, so you can encounter the chocolate delights in Abbey Chambers until Sunday 11 December. What’s more Bath Discovery card holders get 10% off.

The Abbey Hotel Bath is bringing the Alpine ambience of the ski slopes back to the heart of the city this Christmas with its twinkly, snow-topped Aprés Ski Bar on the terrace of the Abbey Hotel. The bar opened its doors in November and is open daily from 12pm to late, until the end of the festive season.

The Après Ski Bar offers the perfect place to rest weary feet after a day exploring the Bath Christmas Markets. It’s a magical wonderland for children (big and small) to capture the perfect festive snaps in the purpose-built snow globe, or next to the bright and interactive mural that adorns the side of the chalet, created by local artists Jason Dorley-Brown and Emma Taylor of JET Pictures.

With sparkly lights, alpine lodge décor and festive music, expect traditional après ski fare including mouth-watering bratwursts, winter cocktails, indulgent luxury hot chocolates, and locally sourced mulled cider. Braver souls can sit outside on the terrace under Bath’s starry skies, enjoying the festive atmosphere wrapped up in a snuggly blanket. abbeyhotelbath.co.uk/ apres-ski-bar