How to Make a Late Booking for Christmas Dinner at a Pub, Restaurant, or Hotel

Sometimes, the best-laid plans for a cosy Christmas dinner at home can go awry. 

Whether it’s due to an unexpected bout of poor health, a last-minute kitchen disaster, or simply a change of heart, finding yourself without a festive meal on Christmas Day can be stressful. 

But fear not! Many pubs, restaurants, and hotels are prepared to cater for last-minute bookings.

 Here’s how to secure your spot and enjoy a delicious Christmas feast without the hassle of cooking at home.

1. Act Quickly

Time is of the essence when it comes to last-minute Christmas bookings. Venues often fill up weeks in advance, but cancellations do happen. As soon as you realise your plans have changed, start your search. The earlier you act, the better your chances of finding availability.

2. Be Flexible with Timing

Prime dining slots, such as midday or early afternoon, are likely to be fully booked. However, some venues may have availability for later sittings. If you’re willing to dine a little earlier or later than usual, you’ll have a better chance of securing a table.

3. Use Online Booking Platforms

Websites like OpenTable, ResDiary, or Bookatable can be invaluable for checking real-time availability at multiple venues. Some platforms even allow you to join waitlists for fully booked restaurants, so you’ll be notified if a table becomes available.

4. Call Venues Directly

Not all establishments update their online booking systems immediately. Calling pubs, restaurants, and hotels directly can give you a clearer picture of their availability. Be polite and explain your situation; some venues may go out of their way to accommodate you.

5. Consider Smaller or Lesser-Known Venues

While popular spots may be fully booked, smaller or less well-known establishments might still have space. Local pubs or family-run restaurants can offer a warm and welcoming atmosphere, often with more flexibility for last-minute bookings.

6. Look for Cancellations

Keep an eye out for last-minute cancellations. Many venues experience no-shows or cancellations in the days leading up to Christmas. Follow your chosen venues on social media, as they often post about sudden availability there.

7. Be Prepared to Travel

If local options are fully booked, consider broadening your search to nearby towns or villages. A short drive or train journey could open up a range of possibilities, and you might discover a hidden gem in the process.

8. Consider Hotel Restaurants

Hotels often cater to both guests and non-guests on Christmas Day and may have more extensive dining facilities than standalone restaurants. Even if their main dining room is fully booked, they might have alternative spaces available for festive meals.

9. Check for Special Menus and Pricing

Before booking, confirm the details of the Christmas menu, including pricing and what’s included. Many venues offer set menus with multiple courses, but it’s always good to double-check to ensure it fits your preferences and budget.

10. Be Ready to Pay a Deposit

Most venues require a deposit to secure a Christmas booking, especially for last-minute reservations. Have your payment details ready and be prepared to confirm your booking promptly.

11. Plan Your Transport

Ensure you have a reliable way to get to and from the venue, especially if you’re dining in the evening or travelling to a rural location. Book taxis or check public transport schedules in advance, as services may be limited on Christmas Day.

12. Enjoy the Experience

Once you’ve secured your booking, focus on enjoying the day. Dining out on Christmas can be a delightful change of pace, with festive decorations, professional service, and a stress-free atmosphere. Embrace the opportunity to relax and savour a meal prepared by skilled chefs.

By following these tips, you can turn a potential Christmas Day disaster into a memorable dining experience. With a bit of flexibility and quick thinking, you’ll soon be tucking into turkey and all the trimmings without lifting a finger in the kitchen. Cheers to a stress-free Christmas!

How to Organise and Host a Brilliant Christmas Quiz

The festive season is upon us, and what better way to celebrate than by hosting a Christmas quiz? 

Whether it's at your local pub, for your club, your workmates, or just for family and friends, a quiz night is the perfect way to bring people together. 

It’s fun, festive, and filled with friendly competition. Here’s how to organise and host a Christmas quiz everyone will remember.

1. Choose Your Venue and Audience

The setting of your quiz will dictate a lot of your decisions. Are you hosting at a pub, your club, the office, or at home? 

For larger groups, a spacious venue with enough seating and a microphone might be necessary. For smaller, intimate gatherings, your living room or a cosy corner of a pub will do just fine.

Make sure the environment fits the tone of your quiz – fun and relaxed, with a touch of festive cheer.

2. Set the Date and Spread the Word

Pick a date that works for your audience, ideally a week or two before Christmas when the festive spirit is in full swing. Avoid overly busy dates like Christmas Eve or weekends when people may have other plans.

Send out invites via email, social media, or old-fashioned Christmas cards for a personal touch. Include details like the time, venue, and whether there’s a prize for the winners.

3. Create Festive Quiz Rounds

The heart of any quiz is its questions, so make them engaging and Christmassy. Here are some ideas for festive quiz rounds:

Christmas Films: Name the movie based on a quote or describe a plot in a few words.

Music Round: Play snippets of Christmas songs for teams to identify, or go for a “finish the lyrics” challenge.

General Knowledge: Mix in some Christmas-related trivia (e.g., What’s the best-selling Christmas single of all time?).

Picture Round: Show pictures of famous Christmas traditions, celebrities dressed as Santa, or festive foods.

History & Traditions: Questions about Christmas customs from around the world.

Keep the rounds balanced to suit everyone – not just the trivia buffs!

4. Equip Yourself With the Right Tools

You’ll need some essentials to keep the quiz running smoothly:

Answer Sheets: Provide sheets for teams to write down their answers.

A Timer: Keep rounds on schedule with a timer or stopwatch.

Speaker System: If it’s a large crowd, a microphone and speakers will ensure you’re heard.

Projector or Screen: Great for picture or video rounds.

You can also use online platforms like Kahoot or Google Forms for a tech-savvy quiz night.

5. Add Festive Decorations and Extras

Set the mood with Christmas decorations. Hang fairy lights, garlands, and maybe a mistletoe or two. A festive dress code, like Christmas jumpers or Santa hats, adds to the fun.

Consider offering mulled wine, mince pies, or other festive treats to keep everyone in high spirits.

6. Decide on Prizes

People love a bit of competition, especially when there’s a prize involved. Keep it light-hearted with festive-themed prizes like:

A bottle of wine or bubbly

A hamper of Christmas goodies

Gift cards

A humorous trophy, like a "Christmas Quizmaster Crown"

Have a small consolation prize for the team in last place to keep it fun for everyone.

7. Be a Great Host

As the quizmaster, it’s your job to keep the energy high and the atmosphere lively. Inject some humour, don’t be afraid to banter with teams, and keep the quiz moving along at a good pace.

8. Add a Twist

Spice things up with a few unique twists:

Bonus Points: Offer extra points for best team name or best festive attire.

Speed Round: Include a rapid-fire round where teams shout out answers.

Secret Santa Round: Hide bonus prizes under chairs or have a random “lucky team” winner.

9. End on a High Note

Finish the evening with a heartfelt thank-you to everyone for participating. Announce the winners with a bit of fanfare, hand out the prizes, and maybe have a festive singalong to close the night.

10. Follow Up

If it’s a regular event, get feedback on what people enjoyed or what could improve. Sharing photos or funny moments from the quiz on social media can help keep the festive spirit alive and encourage attendance next year.

With a little planning and a lot of Christmas cheer, your quiz night is sure to be a hit. So, put on your Santa hat, brush up on your trivia, and get ready to host a fabulous Christmas quiz!

Why You Might Need to "Ask for Angela" in a Pub, Café, or Restaurant Over the Christmas Period

The festive season is one of joy, laughter, and celebration, but it's also a time when many of us find ourselves socialising more than usual—whether that's catching up with friends at a local pub, enjoying a cosy coffee date at a café, or indulging in a festive meal at a restaurant, or a work Christmas do.

However, not every social situation goes as planned, and sometimes, things can take an uncomfortable or even dangerous turn. 

That's where the "Ask for Angela" initiative comes in—a discreet code phrase that can offer an essential lifeline to anyone feeling unsafe.

What is "Ask for Angela"?

"Ask for Angela" is a safety campaign that was introduced in the UK in 2016 to help individuals discreetly signal that they need help if they are feeling threatened or unsafe. 

The idea is simple: if you're in a pub, café, or restaurant and feel uncomfortable—whether that's because of a bad date, a stranger’s unwanted attention, or just a situation that doesn’t feel right—you can go up to a member of staff and "Ask for Angela". Staff members will understand that this is a code for needing assistance and will then help you to leave the situation safely, either by arranging a taxi, offering a safe space, or even calling the authorities if necessary.

Why the Festive Season Can Be Riskier

Christmas is a time for celebration, and many of us use it as an opportunity to unwind and socialise. Unfortunately, the festive season also comes with increased risks:

Alcohol and lowered inhibitions: Many people drink more over the Christmas period, which can lead to poorer judgement and, in some cases, unwanted advances or inappropriate behaviour.

Busy venues: Pubs and restaurants are often packed during the festive season, making it easier for uncomfortable situations to escalate unnoticed by others. It's harder for friends to keep an eye on each other when crowds are large, and staff are often rushed off their feet.

Meeting new people: The Christmas season is a popular time for online dating, blind dates, and social gatherings with strangers. While most encounters go smoothly, the reality is that not everyone you meet will have good intentions. "Ask for Angela" offers a way out if your date takes an unexpected or unsettling turn.

Increased loneliness and vulnerability: Not everyone feels festive cheer during Christmas. Some people may feel lonely or vulnerable and, as a result, might end up in situations they’re not entirely comfortable with. Whether it's being pressured into staying longer than you’d like or dealing with someone who won't take "no" for an answer, it's important to have an exit strategy.

How "Ask for Angela" Works

If you ever feel uncomfortable or unsafe, the process of using "Ask for Angela" is straightforward:

Approach a staff member: Find a member of staff behind the bar, counter, or at the reception area. It’s best to do this away from the person causing the discomfort if possible.

Use the phrase discreetly: Simply say, "Can I speak to Angela, please?" The staff should recognise this as a request for help and will take you aside to assess the situation discreetly.

Receive assistance: Depending on the circumstances, staff may offer to call a taxi, escort you to a safe area, or alert security or the police. They are trained to help you leave the situation without drawing attention to the fact that you're seeking help.

How Venues Can Support the Initiative

For "Ask for Angela" to be truly effective, venues need to actively participate. Here are some ways that pubs, cafés, and restaurants can make sure the initiative works:

Display posters: Visible signs in bathrooms, near the bar, or in seating areas can help remind patrons that this service is available.

Train staff: Employees should be trained on how to respond quickly and discreetly if someone uses the "Ask for Angela" phrase.

Create a supportive atmosphere: Encouraging a safe environment and zero tolerance for harassment can go a long way in preventing uncomfortable situations from arising in the first place.

Final Thoughts

The "Ask for Angela" initiative is an empowering tool that can help ensure everyone feels safe while socialising, especially during the Christmas period when people are more likely to be out celebrating. Whether you're meeting friends, family, or even new acquaintances, it's comforting to know that help is just a discreet question away.

So, this festive season, while you're out enjoying yourself, keep "Ask for Angela" in mind—not just for yourself, but for others who may need support. By raising awareness and using it when necessary, we can help make the holiday season safer and more enjoyable for everyone.

Stay safe, and happy Christmas!