Some people love it, some people loathe it, but like death and taxes, New Year’s Eve is unavoidable. If you’re a fan, then no doubt you’ll already be chomping at the bit to book your table at The Double Red Duke, where we’ll have a fantastically indulgent and decadent menu to serve, plus a live band all night. And if you’re a New Year’s Scrooge, then why not throw in the towel and make the most of it by booking something that you’ll actually enjoy?
They say that the way that you spend New Year’s Eve is how you’ll spend the rest of the year, so sitting down to a four-course meal with family and friends followed by falling into a comfy bed sounds pretty good to us.
Our feasting menu begins with Woodfired Scallop, Parsley & Garlic Butter, followed by a starter of either 36 Month Aged Parmesan Soufflé with Lobster Sauce, Game Terrine with Pickled Walnut and Truffle or Crab on Rye Brioche. We know how to get the party started!
The main event is a Sophie’s choice type decision between Woodfired Halibut, Celeriac, Coco Beans and Smoked Velouté or Fallow Deer, Beetroot and Blackberries. If you’re a couple, then the sharing plate of Prime Rib of Beef with Bearnaise Sauce is calling your names. Of course, you’ll need sides – Truffle & Parmesan Chips and BBQ Hispi Cabbage will do nicely.
Pudding is our famous Sticky Toffee Pudding with Vanilla Ice Cream or Salted Caramel Fudge (or an Apple Pie sharer for two). Plus, you can add a cheese course for good measure. It would be rude not to, after all. During your meal, there will be live music from our favourite local band, guaranteed to get you singing along or dancing, if that’s where the night takes you. At midnight expect much merriment – we’re a friendly bunch here – and be prepared to join hands for a lively rendition of Auld Lang Syne.
Of course, no one really wants to be designated driver or to pay the local taxi service triple prices after midnight, so do yourself a favour and book to stay the night too. We pride ourselves on having some of the comfiest boutique hotel rooms in the Cotswolds, with an array of sizes to suit everyone – including families with children and dogs.
The Medium Room is ideal for couples, with a king-sized bed and separate bathroom with 100 Acre toiletries – try and book the one with garden access if you like your cup of tea outside in the morning. A personal favourite is the Arch Room, which has a fun standalone bathtub built into the archway architecture of the room (and a separate shower room and toilet, for those with inhibitions). The super spacious Family Room comfortably accommodates a family of four, or three adult friends too. Every room comes with a chic Roberts radio and a fluffy dressing gown for lounging in on New Year’s Day.
The best bit of staying at a pub with rooms on New Year’s Eve? You’ll be there on New Year’s Day! There’s nowhere better for a hangover-curing breakfast, with our Full English being particularly brilliant (and our Bloody Mary) even if we do say so ourselves. Our great location is also slap bang in the middle of some of the country’s best walking routes too, so you can head out for a little fresh air to blow away the cobwebs. Better yet, stay in bed for as long as you like (well, until check-out) then head down for a fortifying lunch (including hair of the dog) before heading home home again – hopefully a New Year’s convert.
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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