.png "Cosy traditional pub with brown wood seating and a carpeted floor. In the middle, a black metal fireplace hood anchors the room, with two tall stools at a small counter. Soft red lights cast a warm glow on picture-filled walls and handwritten specials boards. Several guests dine quietly in booths and at small round tables. Overall mood is calm and intimate.")
When it comes to getting into the spirit of Christmas in 1066 Country, you’re spoilt for choice for spots to tuck into a hearty snack, a show-stopping supper or a cosy Sunday lunch drenched in festive cheer.
As pubs, cafes and restaurants deck their halls and menus alike, there’s a sleigh-load of seasonal flavours to choose from. Whether you’re craving a fireside feast with friends, a luxurious lunch with all the trimmings, or something delicious to keep your energy levels up while Christmas shopping, we’ve served up a merry medley of our favourite yuletide dining destinations.
Simply don your finest festive jumper and activate feast mode!
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On 3 December, The Wild Mushroom (Westfield, near Hastings) will unveil the farmhouse restaurant’s dedicated Christmas lunch and dinner menus, inspired by the owners’ love of foraging, sustainable fishing and natural ingredients. An elegant choice for great-value country cooking with a seasonal twist.
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If you can’t hold out until the big day, The Bull Inn (Battle) has a choice of three different Christmas dinners on its festive menu, and provides a historic backdrop to a mealtime classic.
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For quintessential British charm, a wry wink to Christmas and a big nod to Rye Bay’s finest, the festive lunchtime menu in the iconic Mermaid Inn (Rye) will be available to enjoy amidst 600 years of history throughout December.
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Tucked away in the heart of Hastings Old Town, the family-owned First Inn Last Out (FILO) - described as the county’s best pub by The Telegraph earlier this year - has a mouth-watering range of light bites and main delights on its Christmas-themed December menu.
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Celebrate the festive season at the Flackley Ash Hotel (Peasmarsh). It is the perfect place to wave hello to the festive season, with its indulgent Christmas-themed menu available from 1-December.
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Harry’s at The Gallivant (Camber) will be putting its culinary flair into its pre-Christmas menu, offering a choice of two and three courses from the mouth-watering festive menu brimming with traditional festive flavours.
Festive menus not your thing? Don't worry, there's plenty more to be enjoyed...
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Nestled at the foot of Hastings Country Park and just steps from the beach, The Crown (Hastings) champions local produce. Expect seasonal dishes that change throughout the year, offering you a cosy, hearty meal without having to get a Roast Dinner. Drinks are just as local, with wines, beers, ciders and more from nearby suppliers. A true taste of Hastings in a relaxed, welcoming setting.
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The George Grill (Rye) offers a gorgeous Sunday Roast with all the trimmings (we're talking Sussex Beef, Yorkshire pudding, crispy roasties, cauliflower cheese…). You can expect incredible quality, locally sources food that is cooked to perfection.
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If you’re in Hastings and craving a hearty Sunday lunch, The Albion is a local favourite. Known for its signature pies, all crafted in-house using locally sourced ingredients wherever possible. Expect a tempting choice including options for meat lovers, fish fans, vegetarians and vegans alike. For the full experience, settle into the cosy, oak-panelled Scottish Room - the perfect setting for a relaxed Sunday feast.
For more tinsel-tastic places to eat over the next few weeks and cosy spots for winter, visit our Food & Drink page.
Related
Under the umbrella of Webbes Restaurants, the Wild Mushroom Restaurant is located on the outskirts of Westfield village, just outside Hastings.
Welcome to the unique Mermaid Inn, rich in history and a reputation for being haunted, 600 years of history and there are so many stories. Cellars dating from 1156 and rebuilt in 1420 with 31 unique rooms to choose from.
A cosy pub with its own microbrewery, excellent locally sourced food, live music sessions and an impressive middle-of-the-room fireplace.
Voted Small Hotel of the Year 2024 by Visit England, and one of the first hotels in the UK to be awarded a Michelin Key, The Gallivant behind Camber Sands lives up to the hype.
The Crown is an independent, family run freehouse, situated in the heart of Hastings Old Town at the foot of the clifftop country park, and a stone's throw away from the beach. Reopened by Tess and Andrew Swan in July 2014, The Crown is a welcoming hub for the community and visitors, dogs and kids, open seven days a week.
The George in Rye was recently renovated to create one of the most stunning hideaways on the South Coast.
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