Dining Out This December 3 Dec 2021
It’s the most Wonderful Time of the Year, so let’s forget about Last Christmas and enjoy the incredible foodie experience St Albans has to offer.
Whether it’s a venue for gatherings with friends, family, or work colleagues, there are a whole host of venues to eat, drink and be merry – and enjoy a magical time in St Albans this Christmas.
December is a crucial month for our hospitality businesses and they excited to welcome you!
Please enjoy dining out safely, keep up to date with the latest social distancing regulations, and if you do need to cancel, please give the venue as much notice as possible – and support them by opting for a takeout!
The White Swan
Dust off your Christmas jumpers, get the sequins out and glitter up…because every weekend, House DJ Shane will be playing more than just the Jingle Bell Rock. It’s a perfect venue that can host up to 45 people. Hungry? Sharing platters begin at just £12 per person. Check out their new roof terrace when your feet need a break from dancing and keep your hands warm with a choice of their many festive drinks on offer; be it mulled wine, hot toddies, or Baileys-infused hot chocolate; that’s if their extensive festive cocktail menu doesn’t get to you first!
For bookings please contact: www.whiteswanstalbans.co.uk or 01727 830998
Good for: Work parties, friends’ night out, informal, late licence, music, dancing, won’t break the bank, festive cocktails
Per Tutti
Per Tutti means for everyone, and this local Italian family-run restaurant always lives up to its name. Invite your family, your loved ones, your co-workers – and let Per Tutti create the magical atmosphere that will make up for Christmas past, provide the perfect Christmas present, and get you booking ahead for the Christmas future. Small gathering or a party for 40, Per Tutti can accommodate you. In addition to their already exceptional Italian menu, a festive three-course treat is also available. No matter which menu you opt for, you won’t be disappointed. Do it the Italian way.
For bookings please contact: info@pertuttirestaurant.co.uk 01727 839991
Good for: Family, friends, work; traditional Christmas menu, everyday menu, cocktails; private area for up to 40, formal or informal
The Cock Inn
If you’ve tried Chef Julian’s incredible Sunday roasts, then you will certainly know that Christmas has come early when you pay only £35 for this incredible festive three-course menu that offers mouth-watering starters such as Champagne and blood orange cured Salmon with salmon caviar, followed by main course options of beef feather blade or traditional turkey with all the trimmings. And for pudding… well, that’s a gift worth waiting for.
If that wasn’t enough, this city centre pub is creating a Winter Wonderland in its heated hidden patio and serving homemade mulled wine, rumoured to be the best in St Albans. Book in after a day of Christmas shopping and warm your hands up in front of their open fire.
For bookings please contact: 01727 854816 – www.thecockinnstalbans.co.uk
Good for: Gastro cuisine, cocktails, informal, mulled wine, festive atmosphere, winter wonderland, good beer, wine
Al-Farid
Wow. This recent addition to St Albans’ extensive restaurant choice is not to be missed. If you’re looking for something a little different for your Christmas party, look no further. Expect Moroccan food at its finest, surrounded by the most traditional décor, attentive staff, and a very warming ambience. This beautiful venue is accommodating for any festive party group. An extensive mezze menu is perfect for sharing and trying out a varied selection of what is on offer. If you prefer not to share, a three-course menu is also available along with a special Christmas three-course option, and all at very reasonable prices. Vegetarians, you are spoilt for choice! Hidden upstairs is a large room that can accommodate up to 40 people for any special occasion or Christmas party.
For bookings please contact: 01727 743848 info@alfarid.co.uk www.alfaridrestaurant.co.uk
Good for: Private area hire for up to 40, vegetarian, vegan, mezze sharing platters, informal, no hire charge, 3 course menu, friends, family, work function, kids
Suckerpunch
It’s no secret, Suckerpunch is known for the best cocktails in St Albans. If you’re after a festive party with glitz and glamour, get your friends together and leave the kids at home. Located on George Street in a rustic speakeasy setting with an industrial steam punk interior design, Suckerpunch delivers exceptional cocktails and an ambience that you’d expect in London. Make sure to order their Blackstrap Old Fashioned, made with Alberforth rum, sugar, bitters and orange oils. The cinnamon and mulled spices are extremely warming, perfect for the festive season upon us! So, get that babysitter booked in and hire the upstairs private room that accommodates up to 40 of your favourite guests and make the most of your very own bar tender for the night. Popcorn included!
For bookings please contact: info@suckerpunchbar.co.uk / www.suckerpunchbar.co.uk
Good for: cocktails, formal, popcorn, private function room, own bar tender, wow factor, hire charge, special occasion,
Hare and Hounds
This beautiful local award-winning pub is a hidden gem located on Sopwell lane. A cosy fire and the smell of Mulled wine and mince pies welcomes you on arrival. Christmas wreaths, all the decorations and a wonderful festive atmosphere will get you wishing it was Christmas every day. Bring the whole family and the dogs and invite all your friends too, because you will feel at home here. The tapas buffet spread is only £12 per person and there is also a very tempting three-course traditional Christmas menu available if you prefer something a little more formal. Still looking for that work Christmas party venue? Hare and Hounds can cater for up to 80 people! It truly is the pub that keeps on giving.
For bookings please contact: 01727 762041 or bookings@hareandhoundssopwell.co.uk
Good for: Family, informal, sharing tapas, three course meal, mulled wine, festive atmosphere, kids welcome, dog friendly, open fire, gin, ale, wine, festive
Ye Olde Fighting Cocks
Is it your turn to host Christmas this year? Then take a night off and impress your family or friends by booking into the oldest pub in England, built in the 11th Century. Greeted by an open fire and a festive atmosphere that is difficult to beat, this cosy and historic pub serves an impressive range of ales as well as award-winning food. Ask the staff about the incredible history of the building and take a seat where many generations have sat over many centuries whilst creating your own memories in this perfect festive setting.
For bookings please contact: reservations@yofcltd.com 01727 869152
Dylans
Big news! This year, business owners Sean Hughes and chef Drew Knight and team will be offering a seasonal menu which changes daily throughout December. Available to order on the day of your booking, the food here is a gastronomic treat, worthy of a special celebration. Attentive and professional staff will guide you through their fine wines, champagnes, gins, and extensive beer wall. Check out their Instagram page for the big reveal coming very soon to see what this year’s Christmas advent calendar will showcase. Without a doubt this is a special place for a special occasion; you’ll want to make a night of it and treat yourself… and maybe everyone else.
For bookings please contact: www.dylanskingsarms.com 01727 530332
Good for: special occasions, formal, Gin, Champagne, friends, family, dog friendly in front bar, bookings taken for up to 8, bookings available only for dining,
The Yard
Do you hate standing at the bar and waiting to be served? Ever wish that you and your friends could just have your own little perfect venue for the night with your own bartender? Yes please! Then book the sitter, get dressed to the nines, call 30 of your closest friends and head over to The Yard. This gorgeous little venue can be all yours with no hire charge! Create your own charcuterie boards with a selection of hand-picked fine meats and wonderful cheeses to complete the perfect cocktail party atmosphere. Christmas only comes once a year so try out the many cocktails that might just add you to the naughty list – but hey, after missing out last year, I think Santa might just let you off this time.
For bookings please contact: theyardbookings@gmail.com www.theyardstalbans.co.uk
Good for: small gatherings, charcuterie boards, cheese, gin and tonics, cocktails, formal, friends, special occasion, no hire charge, capacity of 30
The Peahen
A great place to meet any time of day, month or year, the Peahen truly comes into its own in December. While the traffic builds at the junction outside, the staff keep the drinks flowing inside. Cocktails, lagers, and a wide range of spirits are perfectly served by a team of well-trained and friendly staff.
Buffets and sit-down Christmas parties are both available whether you’re booking a small or large party. Stand up and share, sit down and make it formal; there are numerous areas to suit your every need. Instead of driving home for Christmas you’ll want to stay here another day. The Peahen has all your festive needs covered!
For bookings please contact: 01727 853669 / www.peahenstalbans.co.uk
Good for: Sit down, stand up, work party, friends, formal, large groups, small groups, buffet menu, two course menu, three course menu, cocktails, lagers, wine, patio.
St Albans is packed with fantastic places to eat, drink, and enjoy. Find full listings here https://www.enjoystalbans.com/eat-drink/