Festive picks: 9 ideas for booking your group Christmas lunch

GLT selects a handful of great ideas for group lunches this Christmas.

It may still seem like a long way off but Christmas creeps up on us nearly every year. So to avoid disappointment and last-minute planning, we’ve handpicked a selection of attractions which could be the ideal place for you and your group to enjoy a festive meal.

Visiting a castle this festive season could be a good choice for your group. Not only do they transport you to another era but there is something cosy and quintessentially British, especially at Christmas, about dining in grandeur. Cardiff Castle is a good choice for your group’s festive party or luncheon, offering fine dining and prestigious décor and ambience. Your festive lunch or dinner package can include a glass of sparkling wine in the Library, a five course dinner in the Banqueting Hall and a disco in the 15th century Undercroft to finish off the night. 

Hever Castle in Kent, as well as looking the part, could be an idea for a Christmas meal too, with roaring log fires, candlelight, Christmas trees and carols in abundance. Hever Castle can host festive banquets in the Astor Wing and the Castle Dining Hall or a dinner dance can be arranged in the Guthrie Pavilion. 

You might also consider Beamish, in County Durham, for Christmas dinner, as the museum will offer a seasonal dining package available exclusively for groups. A three-course Christmas lunch with all the trimmings will be served in a private room overlooking the town, while for smaller appetites there’s a Festive Lighter Bites menu. 

Groups visiting Tatton Park in Cheshire over the Christmas period can enjoy a ‘mansion and lunch’ group’s package on selected dates. The package comprises a visit to the Tatton mansion, followed by a traditional three-course Christmas lunch with a glass of wine, and tea or coffee in the atmospheric Tenants' Hall.

Ever thought of celebrating Christmas somewhere completely different? Say, outer-space? Well although it may be near impossible to actually spend it up amongst the stars, a great alternative is the National Space Centre in Leicester. And sure enough it offers Christmas parties and menus for groups. What's included? Well, not only can you enjoy the feel of being in another world, you can also enjoy a three course meal, brought to you by themed characters, live entertainment and a disco, as well as access to the exhibitions.

Pictured: A festive lunch at Beamish.

Dining in London

London poses as a great location for groups, with plenty to do, a wealth of restaurants and an abundance of yuletide cheer at Christmas. With so many restaurants, it can be hard to choose, so we’ve selected a few to give you an idea.

If you want to feel like a Hollywood star, London’s Planet Hollywood is a great choice for a movie-themed Christmas dinner. Groups can book a table between Friday 24th November and 24th December and for groups of 50 or more, right through until January 2018. 

Groups Direct will be offering Christmas lunch cruises on the River Thames in London this winter. Suitable for parties of 15 or more, the dining experience begins with a glass of sparkling wine, followed by a three course traditional festive lunch with all the trimmings, ending with tea and coffee. 

The Hard Rock Café is another option, with festive menus starting from 1st December. The restaurant is located across the road from Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland posing as a great place to escape the cold and enjoy a festive meal.

Jamie's London Bridge is a modern restaurant which can cater for groups with private areas available for booking. The British menu offers burgers, light bites and sharing platters. Christmas menus can be arranges which include a 3 course choice, finger food packages or drinks parties option.

Our latest Christmas Guide where you can find even more festive ideas is now live in our E-Mag which can be found here.