by riaghei

Foodie Festive Feasting in Derby

*Updated post Friday 11th Dec with new eateries added*

Hi all, how are you doing? In a fortnight’s time it will be Christmas Day, quadruple whoop! I’ll be spending my first Christmas with The Dude in Derby and it’s going to be packed with tonnes of foodie fun. How will you be spending Christmas?

Will you be playing host or hanging up your apron having plumped on dining out? Whether you’re venturing outdoors on the big day, or in the run-up, it can be daunting and tedious trawling through all those Christmas venues, each boasting the best menus. I know how busy you’ll be, so I’ve put together a lovely list of cool venues for you to take a peek at. It’s still not too late if you haven’t got anything sorted for the big day.

Whilst I was making contact with various restaurants, I thought how cool it would be, to have a mini-directory at my fingertips, of places that do deliciously hearty Sunday Lunches. Why? Because I love a good carvery and Sunday Lunch. I’m also in the middle of fleshing out a breakfast feature, but more on that later. Here are the eagerly awaited festive menus. You’re welcome.

Christmas

The Wonky Table is nestled in quaint Sadler gate and the restaurant itself oozes with character and charm. It offers an eclectic mix of friendly service, great food and a relaxing quirky environment replete with twinkly fairy-lights, perfect for the festive season. I have dined there before (check out my review here) and loved it. Here’s their Christmas menu, enjoy!

We pride ourselves on delivering the best European- influenced bistro style dishes, freshly prepared on the premises (we do not own a microwave) and utilising as much locally supplied produce as possible.

The European is uniquely housed in one of Derby’s finest and oldest buildings and offers two restaurant areas with different styles, giving clients the option for both formal and informal dining. One of Derby’s finest restaurants, The European Restaurant is focused on delivering superb cuisine and excellent service in a stylish, contemporary and comfortable environment. I love their food and you’re in for a treat if the lovely Giacamo is in the mood for a gently sing-song. Check out their highly recommended festive menu here.

Okra is situated in the popular area of Friar Gate, thus making it an ideal dining venue for those looking for a delicious meal that will not break the bank. I’ve dined here before (review coming soon) and can say Okra serves one of the best curries in Derby. Their menu reflects the creativity of the talented team of chefs, influenced by their individual style and regional backgrounds. To check out their delicious festive menu, click here.

ASK Italian  is a place for great food and warm service (think fresh bread made to tear and share). A glass of fine wine deserving of your time. Delicious main dishes prepared the traditional way. Situated slap bang is Derby city centre, this place is conveniently located for after-work dining. Check out their festive menu here.

Revolución de Cuba Derby is located on The Strand, right in the heart of Derby. Drink, dine, relax and allow yourself to escape into Havana’s heyday. Both cocktail and special Cantina menu will give you a taste of the Cuban life alongside live music and late night partying. But if you need to slow the pace, sneak off to our exclusive Havana Club Bar and enjoy some of the world’s finest rums and table service all night long. Who doesn’t like rum? I love it! Check out their festive menu here.

Littleover Lodge is a former 1850’s picturesque farmhouse, sitting within the heart of the elegant complex that has become the Littleover Lodge Hotel. The ground floor of the original house is home to Bentley’s, a fine dining restaurant boasting a mixture of modern cuisine and attentive service. Standing alongside Bentley’s is the contemporary decorated Lodge Bar which is within a short walking distance of the purpose built Mediterranean styled 15 bed hotel block. I’ve dined at the Lodge Bar and loved it, here’s my review. To check out their festive menu, click here.

Zest is an award-winning restaurant on Sadler Gate serving pan European and British cuisine in a relaxed fine dining environment. For great food, great wine without the pretence, check out their Christmas offerings here.

Seven is a stunning restaurant and café Bar outside the city centre. Contemporary, comfortable and unique, it serves delicious food, whilst service is impeccable. Check out their festive menu here.

Mansion channels relaxed, contemporary fine dining at their cosy restaurant a few moments away from Derby train station. A fusion of high quality food, in a stylish, environment, without the formality you sometimes get at fine dining restaurants, this is the perfect place to tuck into a Christmas brunch. Check out their festive offerings here.

Le Bistrot Pierre is located in Friargate in a gorgeous building dating back to the 1600s. The welcoming team embrace French cuisine and all of their dishes are freshly prepared by expert chefs using a mix of artisan provincial ingredients and carefully selected locally sourced ingredients. I had the pleasure of dining there last week and loved it (this is one of my favourite restaurants in Derby). Here are a selection of their Christmas menus. The kind chefs have included gluten free options too (another reason why I love this place).

Cucina Derby is a quaint Italian restaurant slap bang in the city centre. Serving fresh, tasty dishes, Cucina has bucket-loads of charm and is a wonderfully unique place to be, at any time of the year. By being creative with food, they go the extra mile for you and if Alberto is front-of-house, you’re in for a treat. At time of publishing, I didn’t have a downloadable menu. Some of the dishes (lifted off the word doc which Michele kindly sent me) include Roast Beef Carpaccio, Venison Ragu and velvety rich Butter Basted Turkey Dinner. For more information, give them a call on 01332 346 796 now.

Blacksmith’s Loft Nestled in Blacksmith’s yard just off Sadler Gate, you can enjoy fine rustic dining whilst enjoying the view of 15th century buildings. Check out their festive offerings here.

Exeter Arms is a traditional ale house and Dancing Duck Brewery Free House slap bang in Derby city centre. It’s winner of ‘The Best Pub in Derby’ for four consecutive years (2012 – 2015) and I can personally vouch for their warm welcome. (I’ll be checking out their Sunday Lunch offerings, but more on that later in a standalone post.)

Silk Mill Ale & Cider House is the epitome of relaxed drinking and dining. Their British menus embrace ideas from Victorian London dining to 70s retro steak houses, the great British seaside holiday and remote Derbyshire villages where long lost family recipes were unearthed. Check out their festive offerings here.

Pepitos is minutes away from Derby train station and serve delicious cocktails in a fun, party atmosphere. They have been rustling up authentic Mexican food since 1997, delivering fresh, wholesome and healthy dishes. Check out their Christmas menu here (their Chicken Ole sounds divine).

Made @ No. 18 is that unique and quaint space where you can discover your creativity whilst munching on freshly made breakfast, lunch or tea. View their Christmas menu here.

Zizzi is one of the latest eateries to join the dining stable at Derby’s fabulous Intu Shopping Mall. The Italian restaurant dishes up tasty, authentic dishes, from pizza, pasta and risotto, to salads and indulgent desserts. Scrumptious dishes are all served in a uniquely designed restaurant with vegan and vegetarian options available too. Check out their festive menus here.

Masa is the only restaurant in Derby centre to have two AA rosettes (for a whopping eight consecutive years), and is also listed in the Good Food Guide. The restaurant has been awarded the Enjoy England Excellence Award by the East Midlands Tourism board, whilst also been Top Diner rated since 2008. What’s not to love? Check out their festive offerings here:

I will be adding more restaurants to this list as they become available. In the meantime, I’d love to hear about your Christmas plans. Stay cool and see you soon!

RAxx

*Header image courtesy of CalonPlus.co.uk

 

Categories: Food & Drink
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