Traditional to tapas to wood-grilled small plates, eleven ideas for your festive do

We know it’s not even Halloween yet, and we’re still debating whether or not it’s acceptable to break out your Opening Ceremony scarf too, but yes, I’m afraid it’s not too early to start talking Christmas Do’s.

Whether booking for friends, family, or work colleagues, it’s important to judge it right, because your picky sister will never forgive you if you didn’t consider her gluten intolerance and the hot girl in Accounts won’t be happy if she gets herself glammed up only to end up at a carvery. Here’s our pick of the 11 best Christmas Party restaurants in Leeds…

Pintura

Pintura is fancy enough not to make you feel overdressed when you turn up to your ‘do’ covered in sequins and velvet, so if you’re a dressy group, this is the place to book.

Their basement bar stocks over 100 types of gin, so you won’t get bored waiting for that high maintenance group member who is still doing their contour by the time everybody else it ready to get on it.

Their Christmas banquet with a basque twist, ‘Banquete de Navidad’ takes the stress out of trying to pre order for everyone by catering for all diets. It starts with a selection of house favourites followed by a platter of cured meats and Spanish cheese. The table then shares a selection of tapas, ranging from classics to more festive dishes, and choice of three desserts to finish all for £31.95 per person. (We also recommend trying the ‘secret recipe’ eggnog made in house - you won’t be disappointed).

1 Trinity St, Leeds LS1 6AP. Website

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The Cross Keys

The crackling log fire, wooden beams and fairy-lit alcoves of The Cross Keys makes a warm, welcoming venue for your Christmas Party. Being part of the North Bar group makes this an obvious choice for beer enthusiasts, where they can bond over smoked porter and double dry hopped pale ale.

They use ethically produced and locally sourced ingredients where possible and the menu caters for all dietary requirements (that vegan warrior from the IT department will be your friend for life, good person to have on-side). The menu is simple and sticks to the British vibe, with dishes such as pan roast venison steak and a selection of Yorkshire cheese for dessert, priced at £27.95 for three courses.

107 Water Ln, Leeds LS11 5WD. Website.

Ox Club

The cool, contemporary restaurant is the perfect place for your Christmas do if your group features at least one hipster and you’re wanting something more than predictable classics.

Ox Club have come up with an interesting set menu of small plates, wood grill dishes, and sweets  for £29.95.

Dishes such as scallop cocktail and ox cheek, smoked mash and walnut gremolata are innovative but remain festive, and there’s not a turkey in sight.

Better yet, you can continue the party in style by heading upstairs to Redondo Beach and sample every Christmas cocktail on the menu, convenient...

19a The Headrow, Leeds LS1 6PU. Website.

It's almost that time of year... ☃️ We're extremely excited to present our Festive Set Menu which will be available, via pre order only, from November 27th - head over to the website to check it out! Our kitchen team have been working hard to create a selection of dishes to pique your interest and satisfy your festive appetite. The restaurant will also be available for private hire, Monday-Friday, with the last sitting being 15:30 on Friday afternoon - open as normal on the weekend. We'd love it if you chose us for your Christmas get-together this year, whether it be for your family, friends or the office party! To make an enquiry or for any other questions, please drop us an e-mail to info@oxclub.co.uk.... 🥂🍽🎄
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Blackhouse

Drenched in twinkly fairy lights and garlands, you can’t help feel as if you have entered a magical grotto at Blackhouse. They provide a bespoke package to your Christmas, allowing you to tailor every detail so you can celebrate your own way.

There’s a festive canapes menu, meaning you really make a day of it and an option to upgrade to the ‘premium’ menu for £48, which is all about the luxury steaks and corn fed chicken.

Groups of thirty or more are able to book the private heated conservatory free of charge, which features a next level mechanical roof that reveals the sky (providing it’s not raining!) and views of the glowing trees on Bond Court.

31-33 East Parade, Leeds LS1 5PS Website: Website.

The Deer Park

The Deer Park have thought of every detail when it comes to Christmas, offering five whole 3 course set menus, specifically chosen to fit the festive day you’re celebrating, with a range of drinks packages priced from £30 to £70 means the booze is already waiting for you upon arrival.

The cosy, family friendly pub have created extra indulgent dishes including beef wellington and a full classic turkey dinner, with enough choices to keep even the fussiest eaters happy.

68 Street Ln, Leeds LS8 2DQ. Website.

Kendells

The warm and intimate ambience of Kendells is particularly good if you’re booking for a fairly small group, with candles dominating the tables and rouge walls scattered with fairy lights.

Their Christmas menu features classic festive dishes with a French twist at three courses for lunch at £26.90 or dinner at £32.90. Options include French black pudding and slow cooked duck leg, and they haven’t forgotten the vital homemade Christmas pudding, served with rum sauce.

3 St Peter's Square, Leeds LS9 8AH. Website.

Whitelocks

What could be more cosy than Christmas in the oldest pub in Leeds? Whitelocks are set to release their menu at the end of the month, but you can guarantee it will be the food equivalent of a big warm, loving hug if their Sunday roasts are anything to go by.

The relaxed and informal atmosphere means you won’t be judged for turning up in your fluffy penguin jumper and jeans if that’s your thing, and central location means you’re only a drunken stumble away from the next pub.

Turks Head Yard, Briggate, Leeds, LS1 6HB. Website.

Slap up Christmas feasts for you regardless of whether you've been naughty or nice 🍽🎄🎁🎉 #whitelocks #christmasinleeds
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Lamb and Flag

The Lamb and Flag are a winner for one of the best value Christmas menu’s, offering a choice of buffet menu at £12.95, 2 courses at £24.95 or 3 courses at £26.95.

Not forgetting the importance of booze, there’s a £3 per head beverage add-on, and if that’s not enough, you can request a whole personal 72 pint cask of Leeds Pale Ale and they will even customise the pump clip for you.

You can enjoy it all within a country pub atmosphere, and there’s plenty of room for private dining.

1 Church Row, Leeds LS2 7HD. Website.

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Salvo's

Much loved Salvos is offering a three course lunch £23 or dinner £27.50, ensuring you don’t miss out on your Italian favourites by putting a festive twist into your pizza and pasta.

It doesn’t get more comforting than confit duck leg pizza and ox cheek ragu pasta; add in a drinks package full of wine and gin and you’re set. The vibe in Salvo’s is always buzzing and whether you’re dolled up to the max or wearing your ‘uniform’ stripes, you can feel always comfortable in their homely surroundings, but if you’re after a bit more privacy, you can book out the Salumeria for up to 40 guests.

115 & 107 Otley Rd, Leeds LS6 3PX. Website.

Gaucho

One for the meat lovers, Gaucho offer a £55 Christmas sharing menu featuring three different cuts of steak served with all the trimmings, or a signature menu at £65 which offers up some tempting mains.

Add in specially created cocktails such as a port and cranberry martini and gingerbread sour for ultimate indulgence. The boutiquey, glamorous feel to the restaurant is an excellent excuse to get dressed up and dig out last year’s glittery red nail polish...

21-22 Park Row, Leeds LS1 5JF. Website.

Ham & Friends

For their first ever Christmas, Ham & Friends are sticking to what they do best; small plates and fine wines. For groups of up to 12, the two beautiful private dining rooms (fitted out with plenty of plants) are available to hire.

Their set menu of small plates and desserts is a reasonable £30 per head as well as offering a no doubt exceptional wine pairing for an extra £30. The festive set menu, available throughout December, presents dishes such as grilled black fig with truffle honey, octopus with chickpea broth and a rich sounding bread and butter pudding with caramelised apricot, orange syrup and walnuts for extra festivity.

There’s a big focus on wine here, stocking carefully chosen bottles that are perfect for the season, but if that’s not your thing, you can enjoy something different from the likes of Wild Beer Co or sip on a Vintage Port that coincidentally leads you into the cheese room…

7 Merrion St, Leeds LS1 6PQ. Website.