The Oakman Inns’ Collection of 13 historic Home County pubs has launched its Christmas Party portfolio under the banner ‘100% Christmas’, together with their ‘House Rules’, dedicated website and booking system.
This is the first menu devised entirely by Oakman’s new Chef Director, Ross Pike (pictured above), former co-owner of the multi award-winning British Larder in Suffolk. In line with Oakman’s Mediterranean-inspired menus and reflecting Ross’ affection for the spirit of Christmas, he has incorporated elements from around Southern Europe and Great Britain to produce a range of festive menus and party packages to suit an all-encompassing range of budgets and tastes.
Bites at the Bar
Businesses and small groups looking for an informal Christmas get together can book ‘ChristmasBites at the Bar’ for £18 per person. Based on the Venetian concept of Cicchetti, the feast of snack-sized dishes features Anti Pasto Misto, a Piatto di Pesce and a range of vegetarian options all served with Sour Dough bread, Olive Oil and Balsamic Vinegar followed by Mince Pies, Chocolate Brownies and the intriguingly named Italian Mess.
Christmas Menus
For companies looking for a more formal festive celebration there are two three-course Christmas Menus (£27 and £35), both offering a choice of four main dishes, including a seasonal fish dish baked over charcoal and a home-made Vegetarian Portobello and Porcini Ravioli garnished with Truffled Oats. One of the dessert options created by Ross, is a giant Christmas Panettone Bombe soaked in Brandy with Morello cherries and ice cream covered with dark chocolate sauce – for sharing.
Sharing parties
Oakman is also catering for smaller businesses looking for a bigger party atmosphere with their ‘Sharing Parties’ concept where tables can be booked or shared in one of their stylishly decorated private rooms where the resident DJ will entertain guests into the night.
100% Christmas Day menu
From his own experience in Suffolk, Ross is aware of the growing trend for friends and family to dine out on Christmas Day. Indeed last year, according to a CGA Strategy survey, Christmas Eve saw almost 10m visits made to pubs and inns and Christmas Day attracted the highest totals for food and drink sales.
With a choice of three starters, four mains accompanied by traditional side dishes and a selection of desserts, followed by mince pies and coffee, Oakman’s 100% Christmas Day menu includes champagne on arrival and plenty of fun and games after lunch.
Bottomless Boxing Day Brunch
For Boxing Day, Ross has created a ‘Bottomless Boxing Day Brunch’ serving endless Bloody Marys and Prosecco from 9am to 2pm with a choice of Eggs Royale with Smoked Salmon or a French Toast Stack covered in Maple Syrup and other recovery comfort dishes for £20 per head.
For those wishing to escape for the Christmas weekend, Oakman’s four traditional coaching inns are offering a limited number of two and three night exclusive ‘Run Away, Eat, Sleep & Recover’ packages from £375 per head.
Ross Pike said: “Christmas is a great opportunity for my brigades to really show off and to present their food as if they were cooking for their own family – with real heart and love.”
Dedicated Christmas co-ordinator at each pub
Oakman Inns Founder and CEO, Peter Borg-Neal, is keen to build on last year’s successful Christmas. He said: “We have already had enquiries at all 13 of our sites and with a dedicated Christmas co-ordinator at each pub we can ensure that we deliver the best experience for businesses, friends and families alike. Ross and I share so many of the same values and his creativity is already inspiring our brigades at every level. You always know when a menu is right when you are excited by the various permutations of starters, mains and puddings. I think I’ve already had my first Christmas present with Ross joining us.”
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