Christmas Dinners

'Tis the season to be jolly—and tuck into copious portions of sprouts and spuds…

- Anna Walker

The Clink CARDIFF

Why not enter the spirit of generosity as you enjoy Christmas dinner this year by dining at The Clink? Staffed by prisoners working towards qualifications in food preparation and customer service, The Clink has shown a 49 per cent reduction in reoffending since it opened.

For Christmas, the prisoner cooks-in-training have worked closely with the chefs to create a special traditional menu with several modern twists, including pulled pork rillettes with apple gel, julienne of apple, crackling and homemade sage focaccia and pan-fried fillet of Scottish salmon served on champ mash and rustic ratatouille.

Not only will you come away with a belly full of good food, but a full heart too. theclinkcharity.org

Alma de Cuba LIVERPOOL

If you’re looking to escape from the cold weather outside, this unique Cuban restaurant—located in a spectacular conversion of the former St Peter's Catholic Church—is just the ticket. Friendly staff and a warm, buzzing atmosphere mean plans for that traditional post-Christmas-lunch nap might just go straight out the window.

The first church in Liverpool to be turned into a social venue, enjoy the festive surroundings of beautiful stained-glass windows, high ceilings and classical artwork, without the midnight mass.

When it comes to food, Alma de Cuba don’t do things by halves, with a Christmas Day menu that includes lobster roulade, turkey with all the trimmings and a delicious winter berry crème brûlée alongside a host of other options. alma-de-cuba.com

Ye Olde Bell RETFORD

The picture-perfect setting for a traditional Christmas, Retford’s Ye Olde Bell boasts roaring fires, deep rich wood panelling, sparkling decorations and a relaxing, five-star Alpine spa to take its guests through the festive season.