Christmas is a time for indulgence, so why should a turkey feast be restricted to December 25th? If you’re like me and enjoy a prequel to the big day, there are stacks of festive menus doing the rounds in Nottingham, from upmarket restaurants to local pubs.
Despite being a big fan of garden centre cafes for breakfast, scones and cakes, it never crossed my mind that they would be a place for a Christmas blow-out.
I spotted a festive lunch at Trowell Garden Centre, served on Wednesdays and Fridays until December 19 and booked a table for one. Sad, I know.
As I arrive for my 12pm slot, the shop is buzzing, just as busy, if not more so, than some city centre stores. With Christmas decorations, toys, a food & drink section and plenty of present ideas, plus the bonus of free parking, it’s an attractive destination.
I arrive hungry, excited and a little uncomfortable on my lonesome as everyone else sitting down for Christmas lunch was in couples or groups.
I explained to the lady who brought my drink over that my family or friends were all at work. “We’ll look after you,” she said, which made me feel a lot better.
The festive menu, which must be booked in advance online, is served in a dedicated section at the Digg Cafe, where a towering Christmas tree, decorated with candy canes, red bows, and teddy bears, dominates the main cafe area.
Christmas dinner at Trowell Garden Centre
In our cordoned-off area, the tables are set with Christmas napkins, decorations, and crackers befitting the occasion.
The menu offers two courses for £22.99 or three for £26.99 for adults. For children, it’s one course for £8.99 or two for £12.99.
I skip starters of parsnip and sweet potato soup, ham hock terrine and prawn cocktail to dive straight into a traditional turkey dinner.
The sea bass option with new potatoes and greens feels like a midweek dinner at home, but if I were a vegetarian, I would happily have scoffed the mushroom, cranberry and brie wellington.
At first glance, my plate is everything a Christmas dinner should be — laden with food. The festivities aren’t a time for restraint.
Turkey can be notoriously dry, but after one bite, I knew I was in for a great ride as the meat is succulent and flavourful. With gravy that’s thick, rich and glossy and cranberry sauce with whole berries, it’s even better.
Onto the trimmings, there’s no skimping on the roast potatoes, which are crispy, golden, and well seasoned with a hint of rosemary. The dome of mash is just as generous and indulgently creamy.
The honey-roasted carrots and parsnips are sweet and moreish. Brussels sprouts are the most controversial element of Christmas dinner, although I personally love them, and these, cooked with maple syrup and bacon bits, are particularly enjoyable.
Sticky toffee Christmas pudding
No festive lunch is complete without pigs in blankets, and I’m happy to find two on the plate. There’s a Yorkshire pudding too… do they belong on a Christmas dinner? I’ll say. The only thing missing is stuffing. I’d have exchanged some of the potatoes for some.
The pacing is spot-on, there’s no rushing me onto pudding, and the waitress helps me, Billy No-Mates, to pull my cracker. After a decent interval, dessert arrives.
You can choose from chocolate orange roulade, Sicilian lemon tiramisu, and blackberry and apple crumble, but I’ve gone for sticky toffee Christmas pudding topped off with blueberries and raspberries and accompanied by a jug of cream.
After a heavy meal, it’s spongy and lighter than a traditional dried fruit-laden pudding, so it goes down a treat. I’m secretly thankful I didn’t have a starter because I am bursting at the seams by now.
Sometimes Christmas dinners out can be hit and miss, but this one is definitely a hit. Although there is one complaint… I want to retire to the sofa now and have a nap before the King’s Speech and Christmas Top of the Pops.
Dining and Cooking