Yahoo News I visited a Surrey garden centre serving a 3 course Christmas dinner and I was not disappointed
It's the first Christmas dinner I have had of 2024 and I have to say I was not left disappointed after visiting Squires garden centre in Badshot Lea. The huge garden centre really does have everything you need under one roof, with friendly staff, fun activities and great food.
I'd never visited this garden centre, and what better time to visit than Christmas. While winter doesn't entice me into the world of gardening, I still enjoy looking at all the festive decorations.
Inside, the garden centre is deceptively huge, it's like a department store with plants. Squires is also complete with a cosy coffee shop and a restaurant with full dining service. Squires is celebrating it's new Christmas menu, launching on Monday, November 25. You'll find an array of mouth watering dishes, from sumptuous roasts to vegan dishes.
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Highlights include arancini starters with truffle, Christmas dinner with all the trimmings and vegan Lincolnshire sausage. Desserts include Christmas pudding, rum and raisin tart and chocolate and vanilla torte.
The table was gorgeously decorated with greens and reds with a floral display and snow globe. My friend, Hannah, and I pulled crackers and wore our Christmas hats while we enjoyed our feast.
To start, Hannah had the roasted parsnip and thyme soup served with croutons and sourdough bread. This was a hearty dish, perfect for a chilly winter's day, it's also vegan which is fabulous.
I opted for the spicy 'Nduja sausage arancini with risotto rice, mozzarella filling and breadcrumb coating. It was absolutely gorgeous and I really enjoyed this delicious dish.
Moving on to the mains, we both opted for traditional Christmas roast dinners. Hannah had turkey and I chose maple glazed gammon. We were both served mountains of food, with fluffy roast potatoes, pigs in blankets and seasonal vegetables. I ended up taking half the dinner home with me, there was so much left over.
While there wasn't much room left for desserts, we couldn't pass up the opportunity to try the tasty dishes. I had a rich Christmas pudding which was served warm with boozy brandy sauce, and Hannah polished off a rum and raisin custard tart with caramelised biscuit crumb and vanilla bean ice cream.
After our food, sous chef Laura popped out the kitchen to say hello, and it is clear that Laura and her colleagues put a lot of love into their work. Laura has been at Squires since 2012, and worked her way up.
The venue prides itself on having something for everyone, and diligently caring for customers needs, whether that be a vegan diet, allergies or intolerances. It's also a lovely calming environment for families, older people with disabilities and children.
There are plenty of activities here, including pottery painting in a room at the back. There's also a children's play area and craft room.
Prices and how to book
Prices: Adults: 2 courses £22.99, 3 courses £24.99. Children: 2 course £17.99 or 3 courses for £19.99.
To book a table for Christmas dinner: call 01252 333666. You can see the full menu and book online here.
Address: Squires, Badshot Lea Road, Farnham
