Eat, drink & be festive

’Tis the season to find out some of the best places in town for Christmas food and parties

So here it is Merry Christmas, everybody’s having fun, look to the future now, it’s only just begu-u-un. A timely reminder for you to consider booking Christmas parties. Whether it’s a smart lunch with business associates, a lively work party, a girly night out with friends or a luxurious Christmas Day lunch that you’re looking for, Christmas events and parties are one of the best parts of the festive season and will need to be booked up early, as tables fill up fast – even at this time of the year. With so many restaurants, bars, pubs and venues providing such a great variety of menus and offers, there’s no shortage of choice. In a place with as much going on as Brighton, it’s good to know where to start the search for that perfect Christmas get-together. If it’s a traditional family affair or an exclusive fine dining experience, Latest 7 are here to hold your hand and guide you through the best places to check out this December. The ambience, menu, ease of access and variety of drinks and food on offer are some of the choices our guide can help you with. But whatever you finally decide to choose – do it soon.

Let’s start with Brighton’s favourite family restaurant – Donatello.
Always busy, always fun and always great value, this family run business is a guaranteed hit for parties of all sizes with menus at a wide variety of prices. Classic Italian food will no doubt have a seasonal edge, and when it comes to atmosphere, few can compete.

Donatello, The Lanes, 1-3 Brighton Place, Brighton, East Sussex, BN1 1HJ, 01273 775477, www.donatello.co.uk

Round the corner at Fat Leo there is an amazing Italian menu for Christmas Day. Seriously good value at £10.50 for two courses and with a mouthwatering menu. Buon Natale!

Fat Leo, 16-17 Market Street, Brighton, BN1 1HH, 01273 771190, www.fatleo.co.uk

For those of us who enjoy the delights of gastro pub dining then look no further than award-winning Hove institution – The Foragers. They have a fantastic Christmas menu for groups of six or more – great value at £25 per head for dinner or £22 for lunch. Christmas Day lunch is already sold out so book soon for other days. Partner pub The King’s Head in Lewes features the same delicious contemporary British cuisine. They are offering the same great Christmas menu and they still have some bookings available for their exquisite Christmas Day menu, offering an excellent lunch for £45 per head, including a complementary King’s Head Bellini cocktail.

The Foragers, 3 Stirling Place, Hove, BN3 3YU, 01273 733134, www.theforagerspub.co.uk

The King’s Head, 9 Southover High Street, Lewes, BN7 1HS, 01273 474628, www.thekingsheadlewes.co.uk

The Hilton Brighton Metropole
is offering the perfect destination, a choice of tempting cuisine and sparkling entertainment for your Christmas party. With 28 function rooms they can accommodate any request from two to over 1,000 guests. You could celebrate with colleagues and friends at their popular Christmas Party Nights in conjunction with Juice FM or for a more sedate affair you can dine in the grandeur of the Waterhouse Restaurant at their Waterhouse Christmas Party Nights. Both include half a bottle of wine with a three-course meal from £29.95 per adult.

And for the ultimate Christmas treat, book Christmas Day lunch in the Hilton’s luxurious surroundings with a sea view. Relax whilst being entertained with live music in the Waterhouse Restaurant with its large picture windows, providing stunning sea views along the King’s Road. A glass of bubbly will be waiting for you upon arrival followed by a delicious four-course carvery.
Hilton Brighton Metropole, King’s Road, Brighton, BN1 2FU, 01273 720710, www.hilton.com/brightonmet

The Old Bank and Hove Bank
The Old Bank and The Hove Bank Steak & Ribs have all the right ingredients for a great Christmas party: delicious food, a comfortable setting, and warm, high-quality service. You can choose from our range of mouth-watering British steaks (aged for 28 days), marinated ribs, locally sourced fresh fish and much more, including some delectable desserts! Vegetarian options and children’s menus are available; to see our full menus and wine lists please visit www.oldbankkemptownbrighton.com or www.thehovebank.com

For parties at The Old Bank in Kemptown with a minimum of 12 guests, why not book our basement bar The Vault (serving an excellent range of cocktails, wines and beers) for private pre– and post– dinner drinks? You can also take advantage of BYO wine with no corkage charge Tues-Thurs, or book before 6.30pm for a 3-course meal at £10.95*. Call 01273 682200 for booking and more information.

Alternatively, The Hove Bank, which can be found on the south east corner of the beautiful Palmeira Square, offers a classic Grand Café atmosphere and some great options for lunchtime bookings; our guests can enjoy 2 or 3 course meals at £8.95 or £10.95. Find out more on 01273 721182.

The Old Bank, 120a Saint George’s Road, Brighton, East Sussex, BN2 1EA
01273 682200, www.oldbankkemptownbrighton.com

The Hove Bank, 64 Western Road, Palmeira Square, Hove BN3 2JQ, 01273 721182, www.thehovebank.com
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