CHRISTMAS PA R T I E S NOW BOOKING GLEE CLUB Who doesn’t love a good chuckle? The Glee’s Christmas comedy shows are a real treat – stand-up picks this year include Ed Gamble, Jen Brister and, rather appropriately, Jarred Christmas. There’s also a Christmas meal, and resident after-show DJ to keep the party going late into the night. christmas.glee.co.uk CHAPEL 1877 Whether you’re looking to book an intimate family gathering or big office party, Cardiff’s beautifully restored gothic chapel-cum-restaurant can accommodate, with stylishly presented fish and seafood dishes amongst the more traditional Yuletide fare. chapel1877.com CELTIC MANOR Even Yuletide refuseniks will find themselves getting into the spirit of things at one of the five-star resort’s glitzy themed party shindigs. See you on the dancefloor at the ‘So 80s’ night... celtic-manor.com ANGELA GRAY’S COOKERY SCHOOL Located at Llanerch Vineyard, they’ve definitely got Christmas covered, with a panoply of festive courses, pop-ups and evening events. The Weber Winter Warmer course (17 December) will show you how to create warming dishes and roasts on the barbecue – yep, even your Christmas turkey. angelagray.co.uk DIRTY MARTINI Glamorous interiors, bespoke Martinis and cocktails – Dirty Grinch, anyone? – festive food/sharing platters and a guaranteed buzz, whether you’re starting or ending your big work night out. dirtymartini.uk.com GWDIHW With diverse and eclectic live music – from funk and afrobeat to jazz, electronica and hip-hop – and cutting edge DJs, Gwdihw can happily accommodate parties of 15 to 100+, with a hog roast, mulled cider and more. Dare to be different! gwdihw.co.uk/christmas BAR 44 Confit chicken and romesco; chorizo poached in rioja; garlicinfused roasties… Mmm. For a top-end Spanish tapas blowout, look no further. bar44.co.uk
VALE RESORT As ever, a staggering array of Christmas events on offer, ready for you to sing, dance and let your hair down, from soul and big band swing to the prestigious Masquerade Ball at Hensol Castle. vale-hotel.com BURLESQUE Fancy something a little bit different? Inspired by the famous Folies Bergère, this extravagant knees-up at Sophia Gardens promises exotic Parisian nightlife and cabaret, four-course meal, casino, and even dodgems. bestpartiesever.com PARK PLAZA The usual merry riches here, with various gala party nights and packages at the hotel’s Laguna kitchen and bar, and after-dark Kuku Club. Christmas with added sparkle, as they say. lagunakitchenandbar.com
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e know, we know. And we’re sorry. You’re still waiting for summer to properly kick in, and planning an Indian summer of barbecues and beach trips – and here’s a lifestyle magazine nagging you that it’s time to start thinking about the work Christmas party, of all things. In fact, we hate to break it to you, but some people were on this back in June… Among them, our finest and friendliest local, independent restaurants, hotels and pubs,
who’ve been perfecting their festive menus for weeks now in order to ensure you and your team have something delicious, original and fun all booked up and ready to look forward to as you plunge into the second half of the year. So, whether you’re after a sedate lunch for five or a boisterous, city-centre knees-up for a small army, look to your left to find a sure-fire hit with everyone from Alan in accounts to your hipster apprentice, Orlando. All you then have to do is start researching AW17 party gear and making sure there’s some aspirin in the work first aid box…
CHAPTER Chapter’s WinterFest weekend (1-3 December) is the perfect way to ease yourself into the festive period, with cultural and culinary treats (including a two-course Christmas menu) and a food and drink festival with seasonal beers and ales, amongst other things. chapter.org PORRO Branches in Llandaff and Roath, serving modern British food with Italian influences, and celebrating simple, quality ingredients. As well as the main restaurant, it also has a private dining room upstairs, seating up to 20. Fritto misto with aioli, followed by crispy, pan-fried veal escalopes with parma ham? Don’t mind if we do... porrocardiff.com
Chin, chin!
DEPOT Fancy an alternative staff social? Depot’s bingo and Christmas-themed Jingle Balls and Saturday Night Live nights – held throughout December, with festive street food, singalongs, circus acts, live music, DJs and more – will see you right. depotcardiff.com NATIONAL MUSEUM CARDIFF If arranging the office do feels like herding cats, let the prestigious Museum – who knew? – take care of all the essential arrangements, from welcome drinks and silver service to decorations and a late night DJ. museum.wales
Peepo! Top-notch Spanish food, wines and sherries at Bar 44
www.mediaclash.co.uk I CARDIFF LIFE I 85