It’s a fact: there’s no better Christmas party venue than a classic British pub with cosy interiors, properly friendly service and hearty festive menus. Set in the village of Colston Basset, within the Vale of Belvoir, The Martin’s Arms stands as a warm and intimate Christmas party venue, catering to all groups from small family meet-ups to larger corporate dos and work parties.
Dating back to the 17th century, interiors at this Grade II listed pub come with armfuls of character. There’s a beautiful carved Jacobean fireplace, antique furnishings, and a 12-seater Snug space for more intimate occasions. Larger parties, of up to 70 seated guests, can take over the main dining room, which can also host standing celebrations with up to 100.
At the helm is Laurence Henry (MasterChef: The Professionals champion) and his wife, Sera. Together, the pair have transformed this country inn into a popular, award-winning pub and dining room with a small set of rooms upstairs for overnight stays. At Christmas, it comes into its own, complete with set menus and a tasting menu option for festive celebrations that deserve to feel extra special.
The Martin’s Arms’ festive menus adapt year on year, though previous festive dishes have included starters like the signature Colston Basset Stilton soufflé served with red wine poached quince and walnut; chicken liver mille-feuille with clementine and pickled cranberry; venison tartare with pickled mushrooms and a charcoal emulsion, and duck and rabbit terrine with walnut ketchup.
Mains, meanwhile, might stretch from butter-poached cod with lobster ravioli and a lobster bisque, or an assiette of Vale of Belvoir venison with Jerusalem artichoke and peppercorn sauce, to beef filled with XO, pot roast roscoff onion and beef cheek. For dessert, conclude your festive dinner party at The Martin’s Arms with the likes of spiced apple parfait with cinnamon ice cream, sticky toffee pudding with miso caramel, or truffled baron bigod with quince and crackers.