With a week to go before Global Champagne Day on Friday, 21 October, and with the winter party months approaching, why not pop a cork and start planning those special celebrations in the run up to the festive season?
If you’re visiting the area, there are plenty of wonderful venues in and around Ross-on-Wye where you can find the perfect place to meet up with friends and family – whether it’s a small drinks reception or a larger dinner for a milestone celebration. And if you’re searching for the perfect Christmas party venue, you’ll be spoiled for choice.
The King’s Head Hotel launched Ross’s latest venue this summer – the Corn Exchange – in the heart of the High Street. With its industrial themed décor, vaulted ceiling, long wooden tables and benches, this renovated space is the ideal venue for large gatherings and celebrations. Currently open as a bar and serving pizzas on Fridays and Saturdays from 4pm-11pm, the venue hosts comedy nights and live music and is also available for private hire. Check out their events page or get in the festive spirit and book tickets for one of their Festive Party Nights on Thursday 8 or Wednesday 12 December. Tel 01989 763174 or email cornexchange@kingshead.co.uk.
Just around the corner from the High Street is the iconic Royal Hotel located at the end of Palace Pound with its stunning views over the River Wye and beyond. Its four function rooms are available to hire and can accommodate small meetings for 10 people up to larger cocktail parties for 125 people. The cozy bar at the front of the hotel has a real log fire which is perfect for unwinding with a glass of fizz or a cocktail. If you’re planning a Christmas party or dinner, The Royal’s Festive Fayre Menu includes two or three courses which are available to book from 23 November to 31 December or you can eat from the regular menu in the bar and restaurant. Tel 01989 565105 or email 6504@greeneking.co.uk.
The Pavilion, adjacent to the Hope & Anchor, is a stylish venue overlooking the riverside and offers brunch, afternoon teas, fine dining plus a great range of wines and cocktails. This recently renovated space is offering Christmas Party Nights on Friday 2 and Friday 16 December to include a traditional Christmas three course meal with a glass of prosecco and live music. You can hire out The Pavilion for private functions and make use of both the downstairs and upstairs mezzanine floor to seat up to 80 diners. They also have a fantastic wine and champagne list featuring a range of fizz from Laurent-Perrier as well as Prosecco and sparkling rosé – everything you need to celebrate in style. To book, call 01989 477100 or email info@thehopeandanchor.co.uk.
For something different, The Mint House, one of Ross-on-Wye’s favourite Indian restaurants, will be celebrating its one year anniversary at The Larruperz Centre this Christmas at their party night on Friday 16 December. For £29.95 you can expect an unlimited buffet, live Indian music, DJ plus a charity raffle to raise funds for the Hereford & Worcester Community First Responders. To book, contact 07421 044711 or click here for details.
Also hosting a festive Curry Night, will be The Mill Race in Walford. Join them on Friday 23 December from 6pm – tickets must be booked in advance and are just £20 which includes a delicious sit down dinner plus live music from Andrew Marc. Tel 01989 562891 or email info@themillracepub.com.
Firm favourite, No 3, on Gloucester Road has also announced its new Christmas Menu for the festive season. Starters include roasted celeriac & thyme soup and smoked salmon paté and you’ll find a wonderful selection of mains such as grilled turkey steak, hake and venison cottage pie. If you’ve got room to squeeze in a dessert, there is traditional Christmas pudding on offer as well as salted caramel, chocolate & pecan slice or their signature cheese board. To book telephone 01989 564997 or reserve online here.
If you’re looking for something a little outside of the town centre, a few minutes’ drive will take you to Glewstone Court Country House, a stunning 17th century manor house on the outskirts of Ross, set in the pretty Herefordshire countryside. Recently achieving the AA Inspectors’ Choice Red Star Award for 2022-2023 – an impressive accolade for a small family-run business – Glewstone Court can be hired out exclusively for events, weddings and private functions. The venue is perfect for Christmas celebrations with its traditional decorations, open fires and cosy, relaxing lounge and dining room where they organise wine tasting dinners during the year. The next one will be held on Friday 16 December in conjunction with Tanners Wines of Hereford where you can enjoy a six course tasting menu created by Head Chef, Richard Kaye, with a set of perfectly matched wines. Book your place by telephoning them on 01989 770367.
Further out of Ross-on-Wye, The Old Court Hotel, located in Whitchurch near Symonds Yat, is a beautiful 16th century hotel and venue, perfect for all types of celebrations. Their Elizabethan Suite can host up to 110 guests or for smaller private parties, the Tudor Dining Room can accommodate up to 40 guests. Their Christmas and New Year 2022 menus offer a wide range of options to celebrate in private or in the main dining areas – from their ‘Bottomless Prosecco‘ menu to ‘Christmas Party Nights‘, you’ll find something to suit all tastes. Tel 01600 890367 to book or email reception@oldcourthotel.co.uk.
Five miles outside of Ross-on-Wye is the Inn on the Wye, located in a picturesque spot close to Kerne Bridge. This traditional dog and family friendly pub, restaurant, coffee shop, wedding and events venue holds larger events, drinks and dining parties in their Goodrich Suite and they will be hosting Christmas Party Nights on Friday 9 and 16 December to include dinner and a live DJ to get you in the festive spirit. Tel 01600 890872 or email info@innonthewye.co.uk for details or to book.
