If you're looking to swap the predictable office Christmas dinner for something with a little more personality, Five Little Pigs in Wallingford is a wonderful choice. This independent neighbourhood restaurant has earned a loyal following for its thoughtful seasonal cooking, warm hospitality and Michelin-recommended menus, while its dedicated events arm, Free Range Pigs, brings the same creativity to private celebrations.
What sets Five Little Pigs apart is its bespoke approach. Rather than offering one-size-fits-all Christmas packages, every event is built around your ideas, from the style of service to the menu itself. Looking for elegant canapés with Champagne? A relaxed festive buffet? Or perhaps a seasonal feast inspired by local produce? The events team will work closely with you to create something that suits your group, your budget and your vision.
The food is firmly rooted in the seasons, showcasing the best ingredients South Oxfordshire has to offer. Winter buffet menus might include homemade pork, quince and sage sausage rolls alongside chestnut mushroom and thyme Scotch eggs, colourful salads of chard, beetroot, Oxford Blue and pearled spelt, plus queen bean and roasted pumpkin dip served with crispbreads. Cured Chalk Stream trout with horseradish sour cream and blood orange brings a fresh festive flourish before rich dark chocolate and sea salt brownies round everything off on a suitably indulgent note.
If you're planning a standing drinks party, the canapés are every bit as impressive. Venison bonbons paired with quince and Witheridge cheese offer a wonderfully seasonal bite, while horseradish and beetroot-cured trout topped with crème fraîche arrives on crisp toast. Vegetarian options are equally thoughtful, from pear with Oxford Blue and sweet-and-salty walnuts to roasted squash finished with chilli and vibrant green salsa, before miniature ginger cakes with cardamom cream and orange provide a festive finale.
The team can also create bespoke cocktail menus inspired by your favourite drinks or even seasonal ingredients, while additional experiences such as vineyard tastings or butchery masterclasses can transform a Christmas party into something guests will still be talking about long after December has passed.