Tis’ the season to be jolly, from traditional roasts with all the trimmings to afternoon tea, you’ll be sure to discover tasty festive food and seasonal drinks this Christmas in Basingstoke and Deane. We’ve made a list (and checked it twice!) of our top finds which we’ll keep updated all the way up to Christmas.

Santa Claus is coming to town…

Whether you are looking for a takeaway, a meal for two, a work Christmas lunch or coffee with friends, check out the choice of restaurants and Christmas pop-up’s in Festival Place. Nigerian food hub Afrizi has festive foods on its menu including the return of turkey wings and new this Christmas, puff puff deserts (pick from chocolate, pistachio or mango sauces, topped with oreo, biscoff, chin chin or coconut!) Cote Brasserie has its carefully crafted Menu De Noel, full of seasonal delights including a mushroom bourguignon, turkey paupiette and an indulgent vegan chocolate salted caramel tart. At Brewdog there’s festive tipple packages with food options including turkey sliders, brie wedges and vegan mince pies from its Christmas buffet menu or skip the canapes and enjoy a festive ‘Hoppy’ meal which includes a turkey burger, fries and a can of ‘Hoppy Christmas’.

In the Top of the Town, Christmas specials are back at Willows Coffee House including a gingerbread latte, cappuccinos, mint frosted moccas and hot chocolates. There are winter warmer options available in the Tea Bar including a delicious homemade cauliflower cheese soup. Enjoy an authentic South Indian seasonal menu at Elai, prepared with freshly sourced ingredients from local providers. Dice Tower gaming café also has its Christmas menu available which includes a Terry's orange hot chocolate.

If you’re looking to grab something ‘on-the-go’ whilst on a gift shopping spree, don’t miss the Christmas market in The Malls Shopping Centre where you will find a hog roast, donuts, waffles, crepes and festive hot chocolate.

Rockin’ around the borough

To help take the chill off a winter's day, warm your cockles with one-pots, soups, hot chocolate and spice-infused mulled wine in the Brewhouse tearoom at The Vyne National Trust. Available until Christmas at Overton Gallery is a special festive mince pie brownie. Drop-in or take away at The Parlour Tearoom in Viables. They offer a range of homemade cakes and afternoon tea and have a range of hot chocolates available to warm your hands and bellies including mint matchmaker and marshmallow magic. 

Bombay Sapphire Distillery is hosting Christmas cocktail masterclasses at the historic Laverstoke Mill. At Oakley Hall hotel, treat yourself or loved ones to a special festive afternoon tea in the Glasshouse Restaurant. Options include a champagne tea and children’s tea. Nestled between Oakley and Overton, Palm Brasserie offers festive group and tasting menus, afternoon teas and cocktail masterclasses. Or head to the village of Silchester, from a festive farmers lunch to casual street-style feasts, Silchester Farm has hearty and homely food covered. The Calleva Arms is offering a two-course or three-course Christmas set menu to help you celebrate in style.

Enjoy a festive evening of fun at the Holiday Inn at a Christmas party night and enjoy a complimentary Christmas cocktail followed by a three-course dinner and disco late into the evening. Shake your baubles at Beechdown at one of its Christmas party nights, the package includes a three-course meal (a vegan menu is available). For those who prefer a quieter atmosphere, Miller and Carter is close by offering an indulgent festive menu including a festive chateaubriand sharing experience.

Not forgetting the all-important Christmas Day lunch which is being served at Village Hotel, The Holly Blue, Bartons Mill, Bel & The Dragon, Sandford Springs and The White Hart.

November 2023