SBT’s Top Fine Dining Venues for Christmas 2016

Sussex Business Times lists its top locations for the perfect Christmas party

“It’s the most wonderful time of the year…” and it’s never too early to start planning your Christmas work parties. Planning and finding the perfect location for this kind of occasion can be difficult and there’s a lot to get right – the food, interior and overall atmosphere included. Your aim is to bring together your staff to thank them for their year of hard work, so what better way than to provide them with top-rated fine dining at the most beautiful of venues?

Whether you’re planning for a large corporate business or looking for something a little more low-key and intimate, Sussex Business Times has plenty of recommendations for the perfect festive feast. One thing we would recommend though, is early booking if you want to secure your preferred winter wonderland location.

5. Deans Place Hotel, Alfriston

Situated right in the centre of the beautiful Sussex countryside, Deans Place Hotel makes for the perfect place for a Christmas spread. The medieval village of Alfriston provides visitors with a breathtaking backdrop and interesting history. If drinking mulled wine next to an open log fire sounds appealing then this is the place for you! Not only do the grounds of the hotel set a flawless scene, but also the range of available hotel packages will suit the needs and desires of every business-goer. Deans Place Hotel is the host of four function suites that sit between 10 and 130 people – again, perfect for both large and small businesses. Additionally, along with the cosy bar comes a palatable fine-dining menu, set to wet the mouths of all of your colleagues. Furthermore, Deans Place also caters for informal and intimate lunches as well as poolside barbeques – not exactly very festive but it’s nice to have a choice! For more information call 01323 870248 or email mail@deansplacehotel.co.uk.

4. Cottesmore Hotel Golf & Country Club, Crawley

Tucked away from the street hustle and bustle of Crawley town, Cottesmore Hotel is a glamorously themed venue just waiting for you to book your group bash. Although the main attraction of this location is its golf club and spa treatments, Cottesmore Hotel also hosts beautiful function rooms and, lucky for you, Christmas party nights. Offering comfortable and fascinating seating at Martini-style tables and dimmed, intimate lighting, Cottesmore Hotel promises to incorporate a stylish and festive interior to your Christmas do. However, the main attraction for this festive season is the Christmas Cocktail Nights. Cottesmore staff will serve up a range of cocktails to try, allowing colleagues to let off some steam before and after devouring a beautiful three-course meal, prepared by their experienced team of chefs. Guests will also get the chance to dance the night away to old classics and modern hits during a disco. Cottesmore Hotel is able to cater for groups of up to 100 people and prices for Christmas Cocktail Nights start at £33 per head. However low-key lunches are also available from £21.95. For more information, contact Cottesmore’s Function and Events Manager on 01293 861791 or email events@cottesmoregolf.co.uk.

3. Ashdown Park Hotel & Country Club, East Grinstead

Surrounded by the tranquility of Ashdown Forest, Ashdown Park Hotel offers complete bliss and luxury right in the heart of East Sussex. Not only does the hotel present guests with elegance and style, it is also the host of outstanding business and leisure facilities, making for a great venue for more lavish Christmas parties. Last year, Ashdown Park Hotel won two Prestegious Star Awards; Most Prestigious Training Venue and Most Prestigious Wedding Venue, proving to be a great location for all kinds of functions and celebrations, as well as being incredibly popular amongst guests, with many returning. Ashdown Park’s Anderida Restaurant will be serving guests daily with delicious Christmas banquets throughout December, making it an ideal dining venue for colleagues to celebrate the festive season. In addition to this, their Christmas Dinner Dance is also on offer, accompanied by a live band and four-course festive meal with a selection of house wines, all for £69.50 per person. Spaces are becoming increasingly limited so we would advise you to book as early as possible. Contact Ashdown Park Hotel via 01342 824988 or email events@ashdownpark.com.

2. AMEX, Brighton

Although not your typical dinner destination, this year Brighton & Hove Albion’s grounds are offering up the ultimate Christmas night to remember – something a bit different to try. You and your colleagues can enjoy a delicious and festive four-course menu – including a rustic bread roll selection on arrival – as well as watching a range of talented tributes as they perform their dazzling acts, adding a splash of entertainment to your evening. This range of enjoyable acts include tributes to Tina Turner, Freddy Mercury, Madness, Elvis Presley, Dolly Parton and more – something to suit anyone’s desires. The mouth-watering menu includes a goat’s cheese winter salad to start, festive roast turkey and seasonal vegetables, and sticky toffee or fudge pudding with custard for desert, as well as a vegetarian option of stuffed, roasted courgette.

Colleagues looking for a more relaxing and informal night can enjoy a disco at the end of the evening, allowing people in attendance to completely let their hair down. 4500 satisfied guests enjoyed a party at the AMEX last year, and all came out with nothing but great vibes and complimentary comments. However, why listen to others when you can try it out for yourselves? At prices starting at £39.99 a head, you can’t really go wrong with a Chirstmas party at the AMEX. Party nights start from Friday 2^nd until Saturday 17^th December, meaning there are limited spaces, so early booking is advised. Also, try out their Christmas party offer and receive two free bottles of wine per table if you book 20 places before September 30^th.

For more information or to book your place at one of these events, please call 01273 878272 or email events@bhafc.co.uk.

1. Blanch House, Brighton

Private dining at Brighton’s very own Blanch House could well be the missing ingredient to your festive celebration plans. Located directly in the centre of the hustle and bustle of Brighton’s historic lanes, Kemptown, Blanch House is the perfect location for a luxury fine dining Christmas experience. Co-owner, Kerry Turner, promises, “From the moment you arrive at Blanch House for your Christmas party, you know that you are going to have a magical experience.” The staff at Blanch House are on hand to make your Christmas party planning and experience as easy and stress-free as possible and with the help of intimate lighting and table decorations, guests are made to feel cosy and relaxed from their arrival. A warm welcome awaits you with a sparkling Christmas tree, drinks are served in the lounge and Champagne Cocktail bar where you can circulate with colleagues and friends between the twinkling tea lights.

If modest elegance and classic, stylish space are elements you seek for your Christmas event, then Blanch House’s private dining room, the Belle Époque Suite, will fulfil all of your needs – it is the perfect, soothing backdrop for hosting a personal banquet. Kerry’s team is expert in creating a festive atmosphere: “The Belle Époque Suite is an elegant room, decorated with a traditional Christmas tree where dinner is served. Here you can organise your own Secret Santa to add to the merriment and enjoyment of your private party. Blanch House is also delighted to assist with your music choice throughout your party.”

Blanch House offers private dining for up to 40 people and the attentive and helpful staff are on hand and available to suggest a range of different table plans to best suit your private dinner party and number of people in attendance. Kerry’s team is passionate about food, “The varied menu featuring traditional roast turkey is prepared using fresh ingredients many of which are locally sourced. Should you have any specific dietary requirements, Blanch House will be delighted to assist.”

Before starting your impeccable feast, why not begin your evening with a glass of premium Champagne or an exotic cocktail in Blanch House’s Champagne and Cocktail bar, as well as sampling a range of different canapés? The team has also created a special wine list which offers quality, yet an uncomplicated choice to accompany your menu.

Blanch House also regularly hosts two menu choices – a summer and winter menu, but the winter menu is definitely suited to your desired festive celebrations. This menu has been designed using seasonal and locally-sourced ingredients, however the staff also give guests the option to discuss or suggest special requests or dishes, proving that the happiness of their visitors is their main concern. The delectable menu offers a range of starters, mains and deserts, including the traditional roasted turkey breast with stuffing, spiced baked ricotta and a vegetarian option of winter vegetable fritters with char grilled halloumi. This delightful menu is also accompanied by a selection of fine white, red and rosé wines to choose from.

What’s not to like? For an early bird booking including complimentary room hire, book by 31st October, contact Kerry Turner on 01273 603504 or email kerry@blanchhouse.co.uk for a truly memorable occasion.