With the festivities in full swing, the region’s leading venue for Christmas celebrations has had to draw up its biggest shopping list of the year in order to cater for the 5,000 plus guests who will make their way up the impressive tree-lined driveway at Cadbury House in Congresbury.

The team at the four-star hotel are now looking forward to welcoming revellers to the venue which is renowned across the South-West for celebrating the festivities in style.

The ingredients needed for December includes no less than two tons of turkey, three tons of potatoes, half a ton of Brussel Sprouts and half a ton of stuffing.

In addition, chefs at the popular venue will take delivery of around 500 litres of double cream, while they’ll be making 500 gallons of gravy and 10,000 pigs-in-blankets. There is also an order for the equivalent of 70,000 cranberries which will make up the popular accompaniment served with Turkey dinners.

Gareth Ireland, general manager said: “It certainly is quite the shopping list but we’re pulling out all the stops again this year and have a number of fantastic options for a range of budget.

“We’ve got some brilliant party nights in the Great Room, which are always good fun, or for those wanting to experience a little more ‘affordable glamour’ the Marco Pierre White Steakhouse Bar & Grill is the ideal venue.

“Interestingly around 50 per cent of all Christmas bookings have come from the corporate sector, which, since the pandemic has slowly returned to what we would call more normal levels.

“We’ve also moved away from offering the traditional crackers and party boxes and instead have decided to use that money to support some great causes including Help the Homeless and The South & East Bristol Foodbank. You could call it a crackerless Christmas!”

Having seen an increase in corporate conferences and events and weddings – the venue hosted over 60 in 2023 – Gareth believes that, despite the tough economic conditions, venues like Cadbury House will consolidate their position not only as key facility in the area, but remain a major employer for local people and suppliers.

He added: “There is still an element of caution on the back of the pandemic plus the uncertainty with regard to the economy however 2023 for us shows that there is definitely an appetite to get back to where things were pre-2020 and includes all elements such as weddings, conferences and events.

“We’re now looking forward to 2024 with increased optimism and vigour and have in place a programme that will maintain Cadbury House’s reptation as the number one venue in the South-West.”

For further information please visit https://www.cadburyhotelbristol.co.uk/