The Best Restaurants to Book for Christmas
Get your tables booked early for your festive feast this year
Rockliffe Hall
Hurworth on Tees, Darlington DL2 2DU
01325 729999
rockliffehall.com
Each restaurant at Rockliffe Hall, guided by the creative vision of Culinary Director James Close, reflects that unmistakable Rockliffe warmth. Every Sunday in December, guests can enjoy a traditional Sunday roast accompanied by live carol singers in the welcoming Clubhouse. For a more Mediterranean take on festive dining, TERRA Riviera brings the relaxed elegance of the Riviera to the North East. The new evening menu celebrates the best of French coastal cuisine and the warmth of Italian flavours. This year, the estate will also unveil a new outdoor winter dining and drinking experience, inspired by après in the Alps with a dash of nostalgic glamour.
The Cellar Door
41 Saddler Street, Durham DH1 3NU
0191 383 1856
thecellardoordurham.co.uk
The Cellar Door is a hidden gem in the heart of Durham with access to the scenic riverfront. The style here is distinctly British with a menu of elevated classics we love. Enjoy either a two- or three-course set menu this winter which brings together all your favourites including classic prawn cocktail, beef Wellington and mulled wine poached pear.
Bouchon Bistrot
Gilesgate, Hexham NE46 3NJ
01434 609943
bouchonbistrot.co.uk
We love simple food with French flair and Bouchon Bistrot makes it an art form. Available from Tuesday 2nd December, stop by for lunch or dinner and dine on two or three courses. Dishes include everything from cheese soufflé and beef bourguignon, to indulgent milk chocolate bûche de Noël and iced rum and vanilla parfait.
Jesmond Dene House
Jesmond Dene Road, Newcastle NE2 2EY
0191 212 3000
jesmonddenehouse.co.uk
Sparkling cocktails, seasonal menus, and a whole host of festive delights – Jesmond Dene House is the place to dine this Christmas. For indulgent festive dining, visit between Wednesday and Saturday this December for two or three courses from their special festive menu, accompanied by coffee and mince pies. For a larger celebration, there are three private dining rooms to choose from, and for a relaxing winter’s afternoon, enjoy a Festive Afternoon Tea served in Fern – don’t miss the special Taittinger Festive Afternoon Tea with live music on 14th December.
The Potted Lobster
3 Lucker Road, Bamburgh NE69 7BS
01668 214088
thepottedlobster.co.uk
Offering laid-back bistro-style dining in one of Northumberland’s most popular seaside villages, The Potted Lobster uses fresh, local ingredients to create their dishes. If you’re seeking something beyond the typical turkey dinner this festive season, stop in for smoked haddock chowder, locally-caught lobster and seafood platters, all courtesy of talented head chef Richard Sim.
SIX
South Shore Road, Gateshead Quays,
Newcastle NE8 3BA
07922 427019
sixbaltic.com
Boasting unparalleled views, this award-winning restaurant is always a treat. From festive parties and intimate get-togethers to celebrating Christmas Day, Six has your festive season covered. As we wait for the official Christmas menus, past festive delights have included everything from trout gravlax and confit duck leg to gingerbread crème brûlée.
Swinton Park
Masham, North Yorkshire HG4 4JH
01765 680900
swintonestate.com
This Christmas, experience the magic of the season on the Swinton Estate, where fabulous festive dining awaits amidst beautiful seasonal decorations from late November until early January. Escape the Yorkshire elements and step into the warm, cosy ambience of The Terrace Restaurant and Bar, where you can savour a delectable two- or three-course Festive Lunch. For a truly special celebration, gather loved ones for a Festive Sunday Lunch in the opulent surroundings of Samuel’s Restaurant or, for a touch of tradition, delight in a Festive Afternoon Tea – a quintessential experience reimagined with a seasonal twist.
The Boatside Inn
Warden, Hexham NE46 4SQ
01434 602233
theboatsideinn.co.uk
Newly awarded an AA Rosette for its culinary offering, The Boatside Inn is a traditional country pub with real heart. Step into the warmth of the inn and enjoy a specially curated festive menu of goodies. Book before 24th November and receive a complimentary drink on arrival alongside the set menu. From 3rd December, guests can enjoy everything from smoked salmon roulade and eggnog pannacotta to a traditional turkey Christmas dinner with spiced red cabbage, sour cherry stuffing and roast root vegetables.
Angels’ Share
53–55 St George’s Terrace, Jesmond,
Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 2SX
0191 200 1975
angelssharejesmond.co.uk
This is set to be our favourite retreat during the busy festive season. Created for long conversations over good wine and nibbles, Angels’ Share is the perfect place to stop during Christmas shopping, or visit with friends in the evening. As well as exceptional self-service wine, guests can enjoy a range of signature cocktails, beer and spirits from the fully-stocked bar. Complete your evening with a selection of perfectly paired nibbles, and cheese boards piled high with moreish goodies.
The French Quarter
Arch 6, Westgate Road, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 1SA
0191 222 0156
frenchquarternewcastle.co.uk
Enjoy the authentic taste of France this festive season at The French Quarter, where guests can enjoy a refined experience without the fuss. Nothing says Christmas quite like cheese and wine, with the expert team ready to guide you through their favourite pairings. Alongside delicious cheese, charcuterie and wine, diners can also expect a range of classically French dishes – think warming beef bourguignon, tartare, smoked mackerel croquettes, and vanilla crème brûlée.
Faru
29 Silver Street, Durham DH1 3RD
0191 380 5451
faru.co.uk
The special December Sunday lunch menu has now been released for this Michelin-recommended fine dining restaurant in the centre of the city. Covering three courses, expect ham hock terrine with spiced pear and parsnip, followed by Yorkshire turkey with decadent trimmings like crushed carrot and swede, Brussel sprouts with pancetta and chestnuts, and succulent pigs in blankets. For dessert, try a simple yet delicious chocolate tart with orange and vanilla.
The Rose & Crown
Romaldkirk, Barnard Castle, County Durham DL12 9EB
01833 650213
rose-and-crown.co.uk
The warmest of welcomes awaits at this picturesque 18th century inn this Christmas. The food here, prepared by head chef Dave Hunter, strikes the perfect balance of hearty yet refined – the perfect comfort for winter nights – enjoyed in oak-panelled surroundings next to a roaring fire. You can also stop by for lunch after a bracing winter walk. For a true winter treat, book a stay and escape from the world at The Rose & Crown.
Lord Crewe Arms
The Square, Blanchland, Northumberland DH8 9SP
01434 677100
lordcrewearmsblanchland.co.uk
This AA Rosette-awarded country inn and restaurant is led by talented chef Paul Johnson and dates back to the 12th century. The Christmas menu has been crafted to be both seasonal and hearty, using local ingredients. Across three courses, tuck into smoked salmon with pickled cucumber, before moving onto slow-cooked ox cheek with tarragon braised carrots. There’s always room for dessert at Christmas, and burnt Northumberland cream with Lindisfarne mead poached plums and shortbread is the perfect winter warmer.
The Glass House
Wynyard, Tees Valley TS22 5NF
01740 644811
wynyardhall.co.uk
Throughout December head to Wynyard Hall for an unforgettable dining experience. At the elegant Glass House, indulge in a carefully-curated seasonal set menu (Wednesday to Saturday) which showcases exceptional local produce. For a special seasonal treat, on selected dates throughout December Wynyard Hall is also hosting festive afternoon tea in their spectacular Hall – expect all your favourites with a delightful Christmas twist.
Dobson & Parnell
21 Queen Street, Newcastle NE1 3UG
0191 221 0904
dobsonandparnell.co.uk
Expect a seamless blend of British and European cuisine at this chic city-centre restaurant. Their set Christmas menu (running from 26th November) includes a great range of festive tipples to accompany your meal, like Santa’s spiced negroni. The roast carrot and parsnip soup makes for the perfect light starter, and we’d always opt for turkey at Christmas (with all the trimmings of course).
The Box Tree Restaurant
35–37 Church Street, Ilkley LS29 9DR
01943 608484
theboxtree.co.uk
Combining excellent service with fine wines and award-winning cuisine, it’s no wonder that this restaurant has remained a must-visit destination for foodies for more than 60 years. This Christmas, head chef Brayden Davies has your festive feasting covered. Celebrate with a Christmas Eve lunch or dinner, and on Christmas Day enjoy roast turkey with all the trimmings alongside a selection of smaller festive dishes.
The Old Deanery
Minster Road, Ripon HG4 1QS
theolddeanery.co.uk
Holding three AA Rosettes and a recommendation from the Michelin Guide, The Old Deanery is a must-visit at Christmas. Celebrated chef Adam Jackson heads the kitchen inside this magnificent Jacobean mansion, where culinary artistry is balanced with rich history and tradition. The daytime menu offers a selection of refined light bites, and the evening tasting menu is truly spectacular – featuring everything from sea trout with caviar, and saddle of lamb to traditional petit fours.
Native
165–167 Gibraltar Street, Sheffield S3 8UA
0114 268 2225
nativejhmann.co.uk
For the seafood obsessed, head to Native in Sheffield this festive season for refined dishes served on adorable vintage crockery. Their bookings for the lead up to Christmas are open now and going fast so book early to avoid disappointment. While we wait for their menu to be announced, past dishes have included smoked haddock croquettes with cauliflower soup, and soft shell crab with crispy pork.
The Fleece
5 Victoria Road, Richmond DL10 4DW
01748 343313
thefleeceyorkshire.co.uk
The team at The Fleece like to keep things fresh and local in the kitchen, with menus that change weekly to reflect what is seasonal and inspiring the team. During the day, stop by for light bites and something sweet from the in-house bakery. At night, the evening menu (served Monday to Saturday) has something for everyone – think baked Camembert to share, trio of venison, and duck leg croquette with crispy cabbage and chicory. There’s always time for dessert at Christmas and the sticky date and walnut pudding is especially good.
Crab & Lobster Restaurant
Dishforth Road, Asenby, Thirsk YO7 3QL
01845 577286
crabandlobster.co.uk
Exceptional fuss-free food in generous portions is what to expect at this charming restaurant. The gourmet seafood has been keeping customers returning since 1991, and there are plenty of classic English dishes on the menu too. There’s so much for foodies this festive season too – tuck into a special afternoon tea or festive lunch from 17th November, and Christmas Day includes a fantastic four-course lunch.
22 Yards Wine Bar & Merchants
21 High Petergate, York YO1 7EN
22yardswine.com
Nestled in the heart of York (only a stone’s throw from York Minster), this charming wine bar offers a fabulous seasonal menu for winter feasting using only the best local ingredients alongside a carefully-curated wine list. There truly is a pour for everyone here, with more than 70 labels available by the glass, including fine wines and Champagnes. Don’t know where to start? The expert staff are on hand to offer advice on the right wine for you as you tuck into everything from fresh oysters and confit sprouts with pancetta to turkey leg rillette with cranberry sauce and warm cherry frangipane tart.
Rhubarb
Cheltenham Crescent, Harrogate HG1 1DQ
rhubarbharrogate.co.uk
This fine-dining restaurant is a real culinary gem in Harrogate, celebrating modern British cuisine with refined and elegant dishes. Head chef Varun Khanna blends traditional flavours with contemporary techniques to create dishes you’ll love this festive season. There’s plenty to drink here too, and the restaurant offers an extensive wine list and expertly prepared cocktails. This December, make sure to book what is bound to be a memorable festive lunch featuring a three-course set menu, available Wednesday to Sunday.
The Swine Bistro
77a Otley Road, Headingley, Leeds LS6 3PS
0113 469 2383
theswinebistro.co.uk
The new incarnation of The Swine That Dines, this relaxed neighbourhood restaurant has already been named in The Good Food Guide’s 100 Best Local Restaurants and is a great option for fabulous dining this Christmas. The food here is hearty and familiar – perfect for the winter months. On weekdays, tuck into a lunch menu or stop by for their evening menu, and Sundays are reserved for roast dinners which are unbelievably good.
