It’s really that time already… Christmas 2026 upon us! Somehow, yet another year has flown by and we’re all ready to indulge in some delicious mince pies, cosy warm fireplaces and perhaps even beer or two.
We’ve had a cheerfully sunny start to October, and December seems fairly far off. But it’s a great time to start to making plans. From Christmas meals with the family to work parties people actually want to attend, we’ve got some amazing options across our pubs. We can do all-out Christmas celebrations. We can cater for small to super-massive groups. And we do simple, cosy, and affordable winter-warming food & drink really well, too.
Scroll down to find our lovingly-curated Christmas menus, check the opening times of your Castle Rock local, or see what else we have to offer this Christmas. Don’t forget to book your table early to avoid disappointment!
For information on specific pubs’ opening times over the festive period, please visit the relevant pub’s page here.
Barley Twist • Festive Buffet Menu • Don’t forget their versatile downstairs space is available to hire with a full buffet menu. Warm, cosy and located on Carrington St., so close to Nottingham Train Station you can almost touch it. (And you can see the live train times from the TV in the pub.)
Bread and Bitter • Festive Menu • Head to the Bread for a festive feast! Their classic festive menu has loads of great options for all tastes, perfect for getting Christmassy with friends and family.
Canalhouse • Festive Sit Down Menu • Festive Buffet Menu • Festive Function Room Menu • This city centre gem could be the perfect buzz for your work party or family get-together. There’s a spacious first-floor function room available for larger groups as well as plenty of room in the main bar.
Cricketers Rest • The Cricketers at Christmas just feels right, even when it doesn’t snow. Warm, welcoming and situated in the heart of Kimberly – plus they serve amazing pizzas all-year round. Check their menu here!
The Embankment • Festive Brochure • If you’re heading out toward the river, the Embankment is a great spot for all your Christmas wants and desires. Boasting lots of delicious menu options, they also have a special Christmas Day menu on offer. (Prosecco on arrival, and we’ll do the washing up!) For larger groups, there’s also a number of function room options, perfect for Christmas parties.
The Fox and Crown • Take a break from the turkey with the Fox and Crown’s permanent food residents, Holy Moly! Cooking up their usual mix of Mexican food and pizza, they are perfect if you’re looking for something a bit different. Check out their full menu here.
Fox & Grapes • Festive menu coming soon! • The lovely Fox & Grapes is the perfect place to take in the Avenues by Sneinton market, watch the festive goings-on with a pint of great beer, and indulge with an absolute feast from Jake’s special festive menu.
Horse & Plough • Check out the Horse & Plough’s brand-new festive tapas menu – coming soon! Take a break from turkey and dig into a delicious Spanish extravaganza.
Kean’s Head • Are you crazy about curry? Paaji’s offer delicious Indian cuisine all year round!
Lincolnshire Poacher • Another pub that feels special at Christmas. Warm, cosy and cheerful – no tinsel required. Seasonal homemade, hearty food available as always on the specials boards, alongside a cracking selection of beer and whisky. See their menu here!
Newshouse • The Newshouse is cult favourite for reason. A more traditional pub known for it’s amazing range of real ale – the perfect spot to escape the cold this winter. And if you’ve got a large family or bunch of friends coming to stay, there’s plenty of room upstairs for everyone in their Air BNB.
Poppy and Pint • Festive Menu • Nothing says Christmas like the Poppy (and a pint!). Come and celebrate in this friendly, community hub with their mouth-watering new festive menu.
Stratford Haven • Celebrate the festive season in the cosy Strat, and treat yourself to a pint and curry from their Bauji’s menu!
Vat and Fiddle • Festive Buffet Menu • Festive Hot Buffet Menu • Sample the selection of fine beers from our brewery tap, watching the passers-by from the cosy bar! Looking for the perfect venue for your Christmas party? Check out the Vat and Fiddle’s function room The Old Cold Store, perfect for your Christmas bash!
Willowbrook • Festive Menu • Children’s Festive Menu • Well worth the trip to Gedling, the Willowbrook offers a homely atmosphere and large selection of beer. Plus, their delicious festive menu is filled with all your favourite Christmas classics.
Yarn • Dine inside and watch the street-side Christmas hustle and bustle, or escape to the twinkly roof-top terrace to observe panto season from above!
Our online shop is stocked up with a the perfect goodies to wrap up and gift your loved ones!
We have a small but sweet selection ranging from some of our award winning beers, cosy hoodies and t-shirts, gift cards and more.
Browse our selection here.
This December, we’re bringing some festive fun to our Castle Rock App users.
Simply use the Castle Rock App this December to earn points in our pubs, and unlock perks to redeem all year long!
Not part of the Castle Rock Collective yet? Download the app here and start to check in, earn points and reap the rewards.
If you’re looking for special events or things to do around the Christmas period, check out these events going on in December…
Christmas Tales at the Fox & Grapes
Christmas Tradition History Talk with local historian Bob Massey • Sunday 13th December • 8pm • Conservatory • Free entry
Live Music from Swollen at the Embankment
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