Christmas_GK_UC_People_Lifestyle_Friends-Cheers_2024_002.JPG

How to plan the best Christmas party

The festive season is fast approaching and that means it’s time to eat, drink and be merry. But if you’ve been given the task of organising a party, the pressure to pull off a good event can be enough to turn you into a Scrooge. 

At Greene King, our pubs offer the perfect spot for some seasonal celebrations. From our exciting festive food and drinks menu to our spacious function rooms and warm hospitality. We can even offer a place to rest your head at night in our hotels and inns this Christmas. 

So if you're the chief party planner, read our handy guide to ensure your festive shindig is one to remember and not one you’d rather forget! 
a group of people drinking at a table

Get organised early

Don’t leave planning your Christmas party until the last minute. As the old saying goes, failure to prepare is preparing to fail. A good event takes time to come together and as far as we’re concerned, it’s never too soon to get into the Christmas spirit. From the moment autumn is upon us, we’re ready to don our festive knit, sip on mulled wine and blast out some Mariah Carey. 

Plus, if the early bird catches the worm then the early booker catches the reward. At Greene King, booking a table early with us can open you up to a whole host of generous treats, including possible cash back to spend in the new year. Don't say we don't know how to spoil you.  

Also, we’re the perfect spot if your Christmas party is on a tight budget. Our well-stocked bars are sure to have a little of what you fancy and our menus are packed with Christmas treats as well as our year-round offerings. But we always guarantee quality and quantity at prices you’ll love. 

Christmas_GK_HT_Product-Lifestyle_Xmas-Turkey-Dinner_2024_005.jpg

Ensure the menu caters for everyone

Organising a festive meal can feel like a mammoth task when you’re in a large group. With so many different mouths to feed and tastes to satisfy, it’s vital you find a spot with delicious dining and plenty of food & festive drinks options.  

At Greene King, we’re big on choice. Our festive menu boasts seasonal sensations with all the tasty trimmings, as well as unique twists on traditional classics and plenty of vegan and veggie options.  

But our year-round menu is still available to order from should someone crave something different. So whether someone is desperate for their festive food fix or turns their nose up to turkey, no one is left hungry. And who says Fish and Chips can’t be festive? 

 

Find a large space for a large crowd 

Christmas party season is a busy time of year, so if your festive function looks like it’s going to attract a big crowd, avoid the queues and chaos and find a space big enough to host. 

At Greene King, we have plenty of pubs with function rooms that ensure the festivities run smoothly. Like The Malt House pub in Birmingham, which offers a picturesque canal-side setting, or The Commodore in Bournemouth which sits on the cliff tops and overlooks the white sands of Bournemouth Beach. 

Fancy a festive eve in London? We’ve got plenty of options around the capital. The Greyhound pub sits in the exclusive Kensington Square and is dog-friendly if the office pooch wants to join.  

If you want something with the wow factor, The Rutland Arms pub in Hammersmith offers incredible views of the River Thames. 
7245_GK_HT_Rutland-Arms_Hammersmith_Venue_2024_028.jpg

Offer the chance for a restful night’s stay 

One of the signs of a good Christmas party is when no one wants to call it a night. And if the celebrations do go a little later than expected, there’s nothing like an arduous journey home or a hefty taxi bill to ruin the festivities. 

At Greene King, we have a generous choice of pubs with hotels and inns, so if you spend your Christmas party with us, you can head from the bar to your bedroom in mere minutes. 

The Bell Hotel in Tewkesbury is situated on the doorstep of The Cotswolds and the striking Tudor building was built in 1696. It boasts 24 bedrooms which all have a vintage charm but there are plenty of modern amenities, such as free-wifi and free parking, to keep your stay stress-free.  
4316_GK_VH_BellHotel&Inn_Woburn_Venue_2023_28.jpg
The Rothley Court Hotel in Ross-on-Wye is just as regal as it sounds. Enjoy stunning views of the countryside from one of the 42 en-suite bedrooms. Plus, if you book you can enjoy 20% off lunch and dinner during your stay. Ideal if you want to turn your Christmas party into a weekend getaway. 
A hotel room inside The Rothley Court Hotel.
The Cock Hotel in Stony Stratford, North Buckinghamshire is something of a local landmark. It was first built back in the 15th century as a coaching inn and stands on the famous Roman road, Watling Street. The hotel has 30 bedrooms, which are all en-suite and have comfy beds and flat-screen TVs.  
6432_GK_VH_COckInn_MiltonKeynes_Venue_2023_48.jpg

Ready to start planning your festive party?  

Rest assured that whether it’s a small soiree or a big bash, we always guarantee warm hospitality, delicious food, flowing drinks and a great ambience.  

View our venues for Festive Parties