We've found the best places to eat and be merry with family this December 25th across Dorset.
It's the most wonderful time of the year, but there is also a lot of pressure to make it perfect. Getting that turkey moist, the Yorkshire puddings risen, and all the vegetable cooked at the same time can be a huge strain whilst you're also trying to spend time with family.
But fear not... there is an alternative. Many have already chosen to swap the saucepans for serviettes and enjoy dinner at a hotel, restaurant, or pub this Christmas Day. It means you can relax and make memories with loved ones without having to dash off to put the sprouts on.
In no particular order, here are 11 delightful places to go this Christmas for dinner, where the food is plentiful and the drinks flow, but there's no washing up after desert is finished.
The Priory, Wareham
Price: £52pp
Menu: Three courses followed by coffee and mince pies
Set in exquisite, well cared for gardens that are worth a day out in their own right, The Priory was previously a monastery. Now, it offers fine dining and a relaxing place to lay your head. At Christmas, they are the perfect place for a no-fuss and filling dinner.
The Cliff, Poole
Price: £89.95pp
Menu: Four courses
Indulge without a care in the world at this centrally-located pub, bar, and restaurant. For an extra £15pp, you can upgrade to their Extra Special Christmas Day Menu which includes extra treats for your meal.
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Grosvenor Arms, Shaftesbury
Price: £95pp
Menu: Three courses
This ultra-stylish former coaching inn is set within a Georgian property, but the inn itself is thought to date back as the far as the medieval times; as a result, it offers a quirky, character-packed setting for Christmas lunch, but the menu has been given a modern twist. There are 16 beautifully appointed rooms here too, so there's no need to limit your visit to one day only.
The Lamb's Green Inn
Price: £75.95pp
Menu: Three courses
For those who are looking for a cosy, family-friendly atmosphere, The Lambs' Green Inn will tick all the boxes. They have an additional dedicated children's menu so the little ones can regain all that energy lost opening presents.
The Grasshopper, Poole
Price: £85pp
Menu: Three courses
Enjoy Christmas is style at our next venue. If you're not a fan of traditional roast dinners, then this is definitely the spot for you. We particularly like the sound of the Korean-style fried tofu followed by the tropical fruit crumble.
Arbour Restaurant, Bournemouth
Price: £95pp
Menu: Seven courses
This is a mouth watering option that will leave you as stuffed as the turkey this Christmas. Arbour are well-known for their incredible food with a chilled atmosphere. They are also offering a two night package with dinner starting from as little as £290.
Miller and Carter, Poole
Price: £82.95pp, children £39.95
Menu: Five courses followed by coffee and chocolates
Our next venue promise to make this a Christmas to remember with a lovingly created set-menu. There are also dedicated children's menus and a gluten free option to ensure the whole family can enjoy.
The Curlew, Bournemouth
Price: £89.95pp
Menu: Five courses
Spend this Christmas Day doing what truly matters most: spending quality time with family, sharing stories around the dinner table, and creating those special memories together. The Curlew cannot wait to welcome you and promises a host of delicious delights.
La Fleur de Lys Restaurant, Shaftesbury
Price: £135pp
Menu: Four courses followed by coffee and mince pies
The menu at La Fleur sounds truly luxurious with options ranging from a traditional roast to a spiced sirloin of angus beef. This restaurant with rooms is situated in an old girls boarding house and comes highly recommended so think about adding an overnight to your visit.
The Cliff, Poole
Price: £89.95pp
Menu: Four courses
There are several options for each course at our next Christmas Day lunch including a seafood sharing platter to start. They also have a separate menu for children with something to satisfy even the fussiest eater. Upgrade to their extra special menu for just £15pp and receive a glass of champagne on arrival and a cocktail after the meal.
The Cumberland, Bournemouth
Price: £106pp
Menu: Three courses followed by coffee and chocolates
The Cumberland was recently awarded the highest AA 4-star rating in Bournemouth and is located in the iconic Art Deco resort hotel on the East Cliff. This means that not only will the food be delicious, but the view will take your breath away. Their menu is full of tasty treats and can be swapped for a vegan, gluten free, or dairy free options should you need it.
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