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?

I love eating out we do it every other year. This year going to a local pub £110pp choice between 4 different starters/ mains/ desserts I can’t wait!

We've tried this a couple of times and found it to be overly busy and rushed with long waits and very stressed out staff members who evidently don't want to be there. Plus the food was not up to the usual standard, guessing because it was being made enmass. I don't advice it but maybe your experience will be better If you do go for it.

Lack of lovely leftovers is one thing that puts me right off!

Second, is the fact that Christmas dinners out are hardly ever as nice as you can make at home - assuming that you’re a competent cook. (Obviously not if you’re the sort of person who is clueless about making lovely roast potatoes.)
Thirdly, the ££££!

Knew somebody who used to have pizza and party food Christmas day, then go for a Christmas dinner on a different day.

Did it once never again. Surrounded by feral children noise and even though it was an extremely naice pub swearing. Then just wanted to collapse before pudding and couldn’t.

Gosh, surprised so many little kids were there. Most usually stay at home with gifts or go to relatives.

I would love this..

I don't because of the staff. I worked hospitality years ago and my daughter quite recently. Despite a gap of 20 years between the two of us, things hadn't changed much, working for employers who told you it was just tough if you didn't want to work on Christmas day and no extra pay either. And customers screwing their faces up at you and cooing, "I feel so sorry for you, having to work on Christmas day," with faux concern. Yeah? Well, fuck off home then! The cost is ridiculous too, it's a huge mark up and frankly, I make a fantastic Christmas dinner, with no washing up, because that is DH's job!

I have done it a couple of times but each time the price has been astronomical and the food not great
If the price was reasonable and if I could be sure the food would be nice id do it again because Christmas day lunch is very stressful to cook and I never enjoy eating it after I've cooked it!

I like the cooking, taking everything at our own pace, being able to invite anyone who doesn't have plans for the day, and having left overs to snack on as we relax for the week. But obviously it's not wrong for people to make different choices.

I think it sounds like a wonderful experience and a good opportunity to try it this year OP. I think pubs and restaurants that do open often give a great option for those families who have got smaller, kids grown, lost parents, divorce etc and perhaps offer an out to those who may feel a sense of loss if they were at home replicating the same type of christmas they'd once had in happier times. Sometimes you just fancy a change, or hate coooking, or can't squish everyone in where you live. Whatever the reason for choosing this route, if it's your reason, it's good enough! I toyed with it this year as we have hosted for the last 15 years, often a big crowd. We are just 4 this year, me, DH, a teenager, and MIL.
We are on the wait list for a lovely hotel, and have two pubs locally that do christmas lunch very nicely. One is £90 a head, and the other plus the hotel are £165 a head! so it's not cheap. For various reasons, we have just pulled back and decided to have a lovely day out on christmas eve, and go to the rugby on boxing day, and so actually, a small cosy lunch at home will be welcome.
Enjoy your day OP x