For businesses looking to do something a little different for their Christmas party this year, Essendon Country Club offers a setting that has everything you could need. Set within a 450-acre Hertfordshire estate, the venue pairs a modern club atmosphere with a traditional countryside backdrop, ideal for teams wanting something that feels like a proper end-of-year occasion.
The Grand Barn is the main events space and well suited to larger corporate celebrations. This 16th-century, oak-framed building is arranged across two levels, with a private entrance and its own bar, giving groups the chance to totally takeover and make it their own. The upper level works well for arrival drinks, while the lower level opens out into a spacious area for dining and dancing, with room for a DJ or live band.
One of the practical advantages for corporate bookings is the ability to tailor the event. The team works with businesses to shape the evening around their requirements, whether that includes speeches, presentations or simply a later finish. The setting itself, with views across the surrounding countryside and golf courses, adds a sense of occasion without requiring much additional styling.
Food is designed to be adaptable, with menus that can be reworked to suit a festive brief. A Christmas party menu might begin with canapés such as pork belly with apple purée and crackling or smoked salmon blinis, followed by starters like ham hock with apple chutney or duck croquettes. Main courses could include options such as fillet of beef, lamb rump or seasonal fish dishes, before finishing with familiar desserts like sticky toffee pudding or chocolate brownie.
Another bonus is the on-site accomodation. After a long night of dining, dancing and being merry, it's a plus to be able to wander back to a recently refurbished Farmhouse, positioned ideally adjacent to the Grand Barn. The space includes four bedrooms, allowing smaller groups to stay overnight without needing to arrange transport at the end of the evening.