Christmas is all about food, whether its eating in or out, so we have come up with some failsafe suggestions about where to go over the festive season, which tick all the boxes.

CHRISTMAS MARKET
Killingworth Castle is hosting a special Christmas market on Saturday from 10am-2pm. Held in the grounds of the award-winning pub, there’ll be a variety of handmade crafts and a broad selection of produce on offer, with the added bonus that the Killy is the perfect place to have lunch before or after you’ve shopped.

Try the Christmas specials while you are there such as the chestnut veloute with shredded duck and hazelnuts or the winter vegetable and brie galette with walnut and sage pesto and for dessert the Christmas crumble tart with brown sugar ice cream and vanilla sauce. Having tried it all last week I can safely say, it was up to its usual impeccable standards.

Call 01993 811 401 or see www.thekillingworthcastle.com

CURRY NIGHTS
The Ovisher is hosting a 'Festive Feast' until January 4, five courses for £14.95 which includes any starter, any main course, any side dish, any nan or rice and a festive dessert.

The Ovisher is in Oxford Road, Kidlington. OX52BP. Call 01865 372 827.

ROOM WITH A VIEW
Cherwell Boathouse has a very reasonable Christmas Menu until December 24 of 2 courses for £23.25 or 3 for £29.50. Starters include hot smoked pavé of salmon, fennel purée and clementine foam, terrine of duck, rabbit, partridge, chestnuts and pomegranate dressing or walnut and parsley gnocchi, celeriac and parmesan crisps.

For mains try oven roasted loin of venison, parmentier potatoes, red cabbage, honey parsnip purée, espresso syrup and chocolate oil or vegetable Wellington and then an apple tarte tatin, Calvados purée and cinnamon ice cream.

On New Year's Eve 2015 enjoy a proper party with canapes, a seven course sit down dinner and fireworks. £95 with recommended wines, £68 without.

See www.cherwellboathouse.co.uk

PARTY PARTY
Fallowfields is the ideal venue for your Christmas party with great food, great atmosphere, and a fabulous location both at lunchtimes and in the evenings.

This year, there are three fabulous party menus to help you plan your perfect Christmas party. To whet your appetite, they include the following delicious dishes: langoustine and vanilla bisque with pear and brown shrimps, pan-fried salmon, braised lentils, caramelised cauliflower, potato gnocchi, veal jus and caramelised apple with warm egg fried brioche, caramel ice-cream, blackberry gel, caramel sauce for between £30-£40 a head.

01865 820416 or email: stay@fallowfields.com

JAILHOUSE ROCK
Ever been to a great party and ended the night in a cell? If it’s going to happen, you might as well enjoy that party from the start…This year Malmaison Oxford is pleased to announce a special black tie New Year gala dinner in the A-Wing.

Whether you choose to spend the night locked in a cell or not, you can still enjoy a champagne and canapé reception in the Visitors room, a five-course meal in the A-Wing, entertainment including a traditional piper and live band as well as a little magic along the way.

Call 0844 693 0659 or see www.malmaison.com

Oxford Mail:
The Malmaison Brasserie

HOME HELP
M&S is offering an alternative Christmas dinner with a variety of dishes to choose from including a 12 Piece Hot Seafood Platter to start – with four Orkney crab gratin in scallop shells; four chargrilled Madagascan crevettes and four lobster halves with thyme butter, an easy carve goose with pork, pear and sage stuffing, roasted butternut, almond and pecan nut roast for the vegetarians in your life, as well as the more traditional offerings. Order online and pick up from your local store.

See www.marksandspencer.com

CHRISTMAS LUNCH
Not many restaurants are offering a Christmas Day Menu but there is a splendid feast being laid on at The Black Boy in Old Headington for £65.95 per person which includes all the trimmings as well as some great options for those who fancy something a bit different, from pan-fried scallops, Clonakilty black pudding, cauliflower purée finished with crispy prosciutto, truffle oil and micro herbs for starter, whole roasted sea bass, finished with lemon and herb beurre noisette and watercress garnish for mains and an iced raspberry parfait, with seasonal compote finished with chocolate soil for pud. Bliss.

See www.theblackboy.uk.com

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