M A I N S
PARTY TIME
If you don’t want to deal with all the hassle that goes with organising your own party this Crimbo, then an open party night could be the answer. All you need do is grab a few mates and head on down to one of the many ace venues hosting shindigs this season; the only advanced planning you’ll need to do is book your place. They’re getting in on the action early at AV8 at Cotswold Airport. The aeroplane-themed restaurant is usually only open during the day, but on November 8 and 15 there’s a chance to go there for an evening knees-up, including a Christmas menu and live music from covers band undisCOVERED. Tickets cost £19.95 for a two course meal or £24.95 for three. At Cirencester’s Corinium Hotel parties are happening every Friday and Saturday night from December 1-16, with prices from £32 for dinner and dancing. Dishes on offer include chicken and pork terrine, supreme of sea trout and profiteroles. And there’re some pretty sweet accommodation deals on offer too, if you want to stay over. There’s a range of dates available at Magnolia Brasserie at Sudbury House in Faringdon too (December 9, 15, 16, 22). The princely sum of £45 will get you a three course dinner, with dishes such as crayfish and smoked salmon ballotine, turkey roulade and steamed Christmas pudding, as well as a disco. And for one night only – on December 15, in fact – the Hare and Hounds in Westonbirt is offering a night of festive fun with a three course dinner and a disco for just £35 each. If you don’t want to drive home after, then there are rooms available too. Over Farm is offering a variation on the dinner and disco theme, with barn dance Christmas party nights on December 1, 2, 7 and 8. Several dates are already sold out, however, so you’ll need to act quickly to get in on the action. £25 will get you a welcome drink, pig roast, barn dance and disco – all in the farm’s glorious 160-year-old converted grain store – which sounds like a total bargain. Top: undisCOVERED will be providing the entertainment at AV8 Above left: Party at The Hare and Hounds Above right: Say cheese at The Old Stocks Left and below: Learn some new dishes
DOING IT FOR THE KIDS
Younger guests will love Sunday lunch at De Vere Cotswold Water Park during December, and not just because there’s a top festive carvery going on. (There’s a children’s buffet menu also on offer.) Probably more exciting for the little ones is the fact that the man himself, Santa Claus, will be in attendance, handing out a gift for every child – and, to top it all off, there’s a children’s disco taking place too. Cotswold Farm Park is really getting into the festive spirit this season. From November 25 until December 22 there are loads of Christmassy activities (as well as all the usual fun) for kids, including the chance to enrol in Elf Academy, visit Father Christmas in his grotto, and say hello to the animals of the nativity story.
FANTASTIC FEASTS
Christmas might not be all about the eating but, let’s face it, it’s a lot about the eating. If you’re looking for some inspiration for your Crimbo cheese board (or if you just like cheese!), then don’t miss an evening with the Cotswold Cheese Company at the Old Stocks Inn in Stow-on-the-Wold on November 24, from 7.30pm. You’ll be able to nibble on some lush local cheeses, and check out some wine pairing recommendations. The £35 ticket price includes plenty of cheese and wine, and everyone who comes along can get 10% off next time they shop at the Cotswold Cheese Company. No 38 The Park in Cheltenham is offering the ultimate Christmas feast for large groups. Groups of 20 or more can take over this elegant townhouse (for lunch or dinner) and dine
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