Going out for Christmas Day lunch?

[ErlingHaalandsManBun]

Moved to a new area and we have a lovely gastro pub 5 minutes walk away offering Christmas Dinner.

I am seriously considering booking in for myself, my DH and our 20 year old DD as it will only be the 3 of us.

The thought of no cooking, no washing up, no day being taken over preparing lunch really really appeals to me this year.

Anyone done this or do this regularly?

Any pro's and con's?

We’ve done it a few times over the years - when we were teens and my parents got divorced, and they decided we would spend Christmas together but didn’t want to be in each other’s houses; when my dad passed away and so everything felt a bit smaller; and when I was in my 20s and living in a flat in London and my family came to me because I had to work Christmas Eve and Boxing Day and I didn’t have space to cook. Each time was really good fun - everyone is generally in good spirits and it’s lovely seeing people on Christmas Day.

The food has never been anything to write home about but the atmosphere was always fun.

The con is the cost and need to take out second mortgage!

Sounds perfect to me - no washing up! Adapting the day to changed circumstances is an excellent approach.

I would love it, if it was lovely food and walking distance. DH would object strongly. Doesn’t like change!

We compromise by going out for drinks on the day and seeing all our pals, then home for Christmas lunch (realistically gets served 4/5ish!)

I don't think I could be bothered to cook after being out drinking with friends, I'd end up having a pizza 😂

Try once?

We did it once as a couple whilst I was pregnant as a treat before the baby came. It was ok, not spectacular, it was expensive and no leftovers which I missed. I’d try again though somewhere else, and I would go in your circumstances and if I could afford it.

I would definitely do this if the price is reasonable. My nearest place is charging £70 per person. Would have to get a taxi (double price) both ways as no public transport so very very very expensive for us

I hear you! I do all the prep beforehand otherwise it would definitely not happen! 😂

The food is amazing. We have eaten there for Sunday lunch and it was brilliant. One of the reasons I am seriously considering Christmas Day lunch there.

Yes. It is £70 per person.

Not cheap, I know, but its literally in strolling distance so no taxi's required and easy to get to even if the weather turns out to be shite.

The only thing I would miss is the leftovers I think. No turkey sarnies!! 😂

Book soon! Places like that get booked up very quickly.

Oh they're overrated anyway, just dry! Grab some carved slices in a pack, and job done!

Starter of choice from several options, main course, again several options (plus all trimmings) pudding of choice from several options and lastly coffee and mince pies.

I think that is very reasonable indeed for lovely food on Christmas Day! Go for it!

Oh, and do a turkey crown and some pigs in blankets on Xmas eve or something. Leftovers sorted. Not that I’d bother with turkey, but left over pigs are an essential!

Sounds great, gastro pub within walking distance, ideal. No hassle and the food will be good. We once went to a chain restaurant for Xmas dinner, that I wouldn’t recommend.

I would do if it's just the 3 of you. Why not ? If you can afford it of course.

There's too many of us and I know I'd get left with picking up most of the tab so it would be waaay to expensive especially as we all like a drink too.
It will make a nice change for you OP. Book it up before they get full.

X

Adult DS have done this a few times when older siblings at their dad’s house . We always go for late sitting as we don’t want dinner at 12 . It’s expensive but worth it for no stress

I’ve often suggested this ( when it’s me cooking and only 2 or 3 of us). It’s always been overruled sadly.

It is the only way for us, I work too hard in my job to be slaving over a roast dinner on Christmas Day, no clearing up, no leftovers, bliss.