NG2 December/January 2020

Tanya About Town
C
hristmas is the most wonderful
time of the year for us foodies.
From a unique way to eat on the
move to traditional festive fayre, there's
something to tempt the tastebuds
of everyone in Nottinghamshire this
season, so I've come up with some
tasty experiences yule love!
For something really family friendly,
or for big kids (like me), Ruddington
Heritage Centre is offering the closest
thing locally to the Polar Express.
I don't know if you'll get 'hot, hot,
hot chocolate' on your journey, but
seasonal refreshments are promised
on the magical Santa train which
runs every weekend from the end of
November. You'll even get a visit from
the big fella himself!
In the heart of Nottingham is the
beautiful Winter Wonderland in the
Market Square (14 Nov - 31 Dec).
Search for the perfect gift from the
traditional, Bavarian-style stalls, pick
up delicious homemade and artisan
cheeses, chutneys and chocolates. I
have a tradition now of taking a break
from shopping to enjoy a mulled wine
or hot chocolate with Baileys at the
unique Helter Skelter Bar but you can
also make a full evening of it at the
Sur le Piste, the UK’s biggest mobile
ice bar.
Relax and be entertained as you
enjoy a mince pie and chocolates at a
different experience at The Malt Cross
(7/8 Dec). Come along to an evening
of tales and stories that capture the
imagination and the pure spirit of
Christmas.
Expect a spectacular evening of
delights, fine dining, dancing and
entertainment at the Jerry Green
Christmas Ball at the Portland College
(6 Dec). What's more you can party
the night away knowing that the profits
raised on the evening will be going to
help rescue dogs, who are currently
waiting for their forever homes.
Enjoy a festive evening of Jazz with
Campbell Bass and a 3-course set
Christmas dinner at Harts Restaurant
(11 Dec). The venue is also open for
a 5 course Christmas luncheon on
Christmas Day if you fancy taking the
hassle out of Christmas dinner, or for
Christmas dinner with a difference you
could try the All You Can Eat Jamaican
& European Food Buffet on Christmas
Day at The Cricketers in Beeston.
Having visitors over the festive
season? Point them in the direction
of the Holiday Inn at Castle Marina.
From 18th November they will be
offering their festive menu or tuck into
a slice of Christmas cheer with their
Afternoon Tea with a festive twist.
Another festive Afternoon Tea that
looks tempting is at The Lace Market
Hotel with their indulgent offering. I
love pouring through Christmas menus
and most restaurants in the city will
be offering one, some definitely worth
checking out are Rev De Cuba, All
Bar One, Bistrot Pierre, Pieminister,
Memsaab, World Service, Oaks and
if you're fed up of trying to please
everyone then take them to Cosmo
World Buffet with over 150 different
dishes on the menu.
Of course there are always plenty of
Christmas fairs to visit in the region
where you can pick up some artisan
goodies and sample some seasonal
favourites.
The Tailors Arms in Wilford has a
Christmas Market (30 Nov). Expect
pop-up stalls, Christmas carols,
mince pies, mulled wine and plenty
of Christmas sparkle. Sherwood
Christmas Market is also worth a visit
(Dec 14).
*Always check with the venue ahead and
book if necessary. There may be a cost or
entrance fee unless stated otherwise'