Christmas meals in Nottingham — 8 places to go for festive dining
Show-stopping dinners, festive afternoon teas, party buffets, and more...
The festive period is all about sharing food and great times with friends and family — and there are plenty of places to go for Christmas meals in Nottingham.
I’ve rounded up a range of places you can go to unwind, indulge, and create memories. Whether you’re looking for a relaxed gathering or a refined treat, there’s something for everyone. I have narrowed these down based on the uniqueness of menus, the atmosphere provided, and how accommodating they are to different dietary requirements.
If you’re looking for Christmassy things to do in Nottingham and want to dive into festive fare, these places are all worth checking out. For more seasonal activities and events, make sure to subscribe to The Notts Edit.
8 of the best places to go for Christmas meals in Nottingham
By Eve Smallman
1. Cosy Club
Where: Victoria Street
Step into the magic of Christmas at Cosy Club Nottingham, where rich history meets festive decadence. Once the gathering spot for Nottingham’s elite, the beautifully restored former Victoria Club invites you to celebrate the season in style. From November 20 to December 24, enjoy their lavish Christmas dining menu, with heartwarming dishes such as the signature cosy Christmas pie or slow-roasted pork belly, and treat yourself to indulgent desserts like an orange and Cointreau crème brûlée or keep it traditional with Christmas pudding.
From indulgent festive feasts to grand three-course banquets, it has the perfect spread for every celebration, be it an office party or a family gathering!
Visit if: You are looking for the perfect festive celebration spot for any party size.
2. Hart’s Hotel
Where: Park Row
Even if you’re not staying at Hart’s, that doesn’t mean you can’t walk up the hill to it to indulge in Christmas food. It has both a December a la carte set menu and a December set party menu, so you can choose whichever suits your occasion best. The a la carte is filled with traditional treats, like gravlax with dill and capers, ballotine of turkey with wild mushroom sauce, and (of course) Christmas pudding with orange and brandy. There are numerous veggie options per course, gluten-free ones, and dishes that can be made gluten-free on request. For those looking for a lighter bite, Hart’s also is serving a Christmas afternoon tea from November 25, with finger sandwiches, home-baked scones, mince pies, and more.
Visit if: You’d love a luxe treat at an award-winning venue.
3. Manahatta
Where: Queen Street
Nottingham’s hottest new bar has a dazzling NYC theme, making it the perfect spot for dancing the day or the night away (see our TikTok!). You can choose between festive bottomless brunch or the festive bottomless party — both come with two hours of unlimited drinks, so you can’t go wrong with either. Or, if you’re more about the food than the drinks, you can either tuck into a three-course banquet or pull out all the stops with the festive feast. The venue itself is also super Instagrammable, with so many photo opp spots inside (including in the bathroom).
Visit if: You’re all about partying over the festive period.
4. 31K
Where: Goose Gate
Nestled away on the streets of Hockley is this relaxed bar with amazing cocktails and a delicious seasonal food menu. The build-your-own format makes it easy to pick exactly what you want, with the choice between four different foods across four sections — main, sauce, spud, and green. Whether you want turkey or salmon, gravy or brandy cream sauce, mash or roasties, or are team cabbage or Brussels, you’re totally covered. The menu also caters for vegan and gluten-free diners, with numerous vegan and gluten-free dishes, as well as dishes that can be made specially gluten-free.
Visit if: You’d like a breezy Christmas meal that feels intimate and relaxed (we’re thinking major date vibes!).
5. Carolina’s Chilli
Where: Eyre Street
Located right at the top of the historic King Billy pub is Carolina’s Chilli, which serves up hearty Mexican food that’s completely vegan and gluten-free. There are two different platters that you can enjoy with friends. Firstly, there’s the tradish platter comes with roast potatoes and spiced cranberry, cranberry and stuffing mini sausage rolls, and onion rings. Or, if you want to fully embrace the cuisine, the feliz navidad menu has n’duja empanadas, roast pepper and sweet potato quesadillas, and croquettes. Both of these are served with nachos and fries. Dive into either of these while wrapping up warm and sitting on the terrace or nestling inside with a pint or two.
Visit if: Your idea of a good time is having laid-back vibes in a snug pub.
6. Browns
Where: Park Row
A few minutes’ walk away from Old Market Square is this beautiful venue that’s light, spacious, and opulent. The festive menu, which is available from November 22, is filled with traditional favourites with luxe twists. Think oak-smoked salmon with a clementine and honey vinaigrette, braised blade of beef with all the trimmings and black garlic sauce, and salted caramel profiteroles with fresh berries. Want to keep the festive feeling going into the New Year? The champagne brunch is definitely a decadent way to ring in 2025.
Visit if: You’re searching for a refined venue that’s still super flexible — it has a bespoke gluten-free festive set menu and is even open on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and Boxing Day.
7. Baresca
Where: Byard Lane
Spice up your Christmas dining this year by going down the tapas route at Baresca. Begin by sharing out chorizo, Catalan bread made with Welbeck ciabatta, halloumi fritters, before delving into pork belly tacos, mushroom risoni, garlic and chilli prawns, and more. You can also add cheese boards and churros for an additional cost. It’s worth noting that the Christmas party menu can only be booked with a minimum of eight people and has to be pre-booked, so make sure to get organised if you want to go here. Also, if you want to dine outside the city centre, its sister restaurant Escabeche in West Bridgford has the same menu.
Visit if: You like sharing with people and enjoying twists on regular Christmas food.
8. Binks Yard
Where: The Island Quarter
Love chic dining, but still looking for a relaxed atmosphere? Binks Yard’s Christmas lunch menu has a range of set starter, main, and dessert options, and you can choose between having two courses and all three. To begin with, you can choose bold dishes such as Korean-style chicken or cauliflower, Indian-style hummus, or festive tacos. From here, you can go for a traditional roast, salmon, or choose between Christmas burgers. Then, sink your sweet tooth into the likes of sticky toffee pudding or poached pear. If you don’t want a whole festive fare but still want seasonal delights, it also has additions to its regular menu like pizza with all the trimmings, a full Christmas roast, and a baked camembert for sharing (if you’re feeling generous!).
Visit if: You’re looking for a classy, convenient option for all — it’s right by the station, making it easily accessible.
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