When you picture Christmas, it probably looks a lot like this: roaring fires, cosy perches, traditional grub (and lots of it!) and drinks on tap. So where better to spend it than at The Double Red Duke, the Cotswolds’ most welcoming English pub with rooms?
This year we’re putting on a cracking spread, whether you’re looking to hire a space for your office party or family celebration, or want someone else to cook the Christmas Day feast so that you can put your feet up.
For smaller groups of family and friends, a truly unforgettable experience is the 10-seater Chef’s Counter, where we provide not only the food but the entertainment too. Sit back and relax with a glass of champagne as you watch our brigade of chefs cook up a storm, with dishes including venison with spiced quince and devilled kidneys on toast (a favourite of restaurant critic Jay Rayner, no less), as well as our famed wood-fired scallops. Our mouths are watering just thinking about it.
If you’d prefer something more formal, as well as intimate, then the Feasting Room is perfect for hosting a dinner for up to 14 of your nearest and dearest. We’ll make sure your glass is always topped up – all you need to do is ensure the chat is top notch (no pressure). Then after dinner you can move into one of the snugs (we throw one in to every Feasting Room booking) for a little lounging and to let your meal go down before a final nightcap.
Want food to be the main attraction of your work do? We hear you. And never fear, we can guarantee it won’t be a pedestrian plate of warmed-up turkey or microwaved pigs in blankets. Hire the restaurant for groups of up to 40 and you can start your celebration with a welcome cocktail in one area, before heading over to the table for a feast to remember featuring some of our favourite dishes. The Garden Room is another option for up to 45 people, or you could just hire the entire pub and bring your own DJs too to make a real night of it.
And if you’re thinking of outsourcing the cooking this year on the day itself, then look no further. Our Christmas Day menu is a culinary journey showcasing our take on the festive classics. Devils on Horseback and Beef Tartare snacks whet the appetite, before a starter of Lobster Cocktail or Game Terrine. The main event can be as traditional as you want it, whether that’s a Norfolk Bronze turkey with all the trimmings or prime rib of beef or turbot in lobster sauce (vegetarian and vegan options are available too). It’s Christmas pud or St Emilion chocolat to finish, and don’t forget the cheese course (Baron Bigod, anyone?) and petit fours too – it is Christmas, after all. Just remember to bring your appetite (and perhaps an elasticated waistband).
To enhance your Christmas Day experience (and to avoid being the dreaded designated driver) then why not book to stay in one of our comfy hotel rooms? We’ve got a host of different sized rooms to cater to your needs and budget, but each and every one is guaranteed to be quirkily decorated and supremely cosy. The Family Room is great for special occasions, easily accommodating a family of four with super king beds. One even has room for the dog, too. After all, why should Max stay at home, that’s not very Christmassy is it?
Fancy treating yourself this Winter? Make the most of our best rates and escape to The Duke early this new year #DoubleRedDuke
Looking for a little reprieve from the festive season? We`ve got a few low and no-alcohol gems that are perfect for any occasion, at The Duke this January #CountryCreatures
Coming soon to Clanfield in Oxfordshire:
The Double Red Duke.
A beautiful, 17th century coaching inn nestled between the Chilterns and the Cotswolds, close to Oxford and minutes from William Morris's Kelmscott.
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