The ultimate guide to Christmas dinner at Hungry Horse!
Christmas dinner – the culinary crown jewel of the festive season! Picture this: golden, juicy roast turkey with all the trimmings, crispy roast potatoes, honey-glazed parsnips, sage and onion stuffing, pigs in blankets, and a generous pour of rich gravy. Finish it off with a boozy Christmas pudding, and you’ve got a feast fit for kings, queens… and anyone who loves a full plate.
But Christmas dinner isn’t just about the food - it’s about sharing laughter, clinking glasses, and soaking up that magical festive atmosphere. And that’s exactly what we do best at Hungry Horse.
Why join us for Christmas?
We don’t just do Christmas; we go all out. Our pubs are transformed into cosy festive havens, with twinkling lights, cheerful music, and a buzzing atmosphere that’s perfect for families, friends, and anyone who loves a proper celebration.
- There’s no stress, all joy – we handle the cooking, the plating, and yes, even the washing up.
- Something for everyone - our Christmas menu caters to traditionalists and adventurous eaters alike.
- We go beyond Christmas Day. Enjoy our Festive Menu, Breakfast with Santa, or Dine with Santa events, so the Christmas magic can last even longer.
The fun facts of Christmas dinner
Christmas dinner hasn’t always been turkey and trimmings. In fact, it’s a dish with a fascinating history:
- Feasting at winter festivals dates back to Roman times, with Saturnalia celebrations inspiring the idea of indulgence during the cold season.
- Monks and nuns enjoyed their week of festive indulgence with pies, roast meats, and spiced dishes.
- Before turkey became king, families often served goose, boar’s head, or even peacock!
- King Henry VIII swapped his usual goose for turkey, and King Edward VII later made it fashionable for the wealthy.
- Christmas became more family-focused, with roast beef, venison, and plum pudding taking centre stage.
Fun fact: Did you know that Christmas pudding was originally called “plum pottage” and sometimes contained up to 13 ingredients, one for each of Jesus’ apostles?!
What you’ll find on our Christmas menu
Get ready to feast like a festive legend! Our Christmas dinner lineup has all the classics and a few cheeky twists: think golden roast turkey with all the trimmings, succulent roast beef, tender goose, or a glazed ham so shiny it could guide Santa’s sleigh.
Veggie fans, don’t worry - our Mushroom & Camembert tart is full of festive flair. On the side, you’ll find crispy roasties, two Yorskhire puddings, honey-roasted parsnips, sage & onion stuffing, red cabbage, and colourful winter veg! Plus, let’s not forget the jug of gravy that ties the whole shebang together.
Top it all off with a rich Christmas pudding, chocolate tortes, festive tarts, or creamy cheesecakes. For the little elves, the big man in red stops by every year to feast and decide whether you’ve made the naughty or nice list (spoiler: it’s always nice).
As you can tell, we keep the Christmas magic alive at our pubs!
Switch up your Christmas dinner this year
Want to shake things up this year? Here are some fun twists and ideas for your Christmas dinner, whether you’re at home or joining us at Hungry Horse:
- Stuffing swaps: Try chorizo and apple, cranberry and walnut, or even a cheesy herb version.
- Veggie upgrades: Roasted sweet potato wedges with maple glaze, or a colourful beetroot and orange salad.
- Go international: Moroccan tagine, spiced pumpkin curry, or even a festive seafood paella.
- Dessert reinventions: Chocolate yule logs, tiramisu, or a spiced winter pudding ice cream.
- Personalised plates: Mini festive pies or individual roast dinners for each guest - perfect for impressing family or friends.
Even classic elements like pigs in blankets or roasted sprouts can be jazzed up with flavoured butters, glazes, or crispy toppings. The sky’s the limit!
When should you eat Christmas dinner?
Traditionally, Christmas dinner is served in the afternoon, usually between 1pm and 5pm, giving you plenty of time to open presents, relax, and enjoy festive drinks.But here’s the best bit: at Hungry Horse, you don’t have to rush - we’ll serve it whenever you’re ready to dive in.
Quick-fire trivia
Q: Why do we eat turkey at Christmas?
A: Thanks to King Henry VIII and Edward VII, turkey became a festive favourite - big enough to feed a crowd and perfect with all the trimmings.
Q: What did Victorians eat at Christmas?
A: Roast beef, goose, venison, plum pudding, mince pies, and plenty of game birds - all enjoyed as family feasts.
Q: What’s the best way to host Christmas dinner?
A: Keep it simple, share it with loved ones, and don’t forget - Hungry Horse can handle all the hard work for you!
Make Christmas memories at Hungry Horse
Whether you’re popping in for our Festive Menu, joining us for Breakfast with Santa, or celebrating Christmas Day itself, Hungry Horse is the perfect place to make the season magical. From hearty dinners to indulgent desserts, festive drinks, and a lively atmosphere, we’ve got everything you need to make this Christmas one to remember.