What are you doing this Christmas?

London

Christmas Festival 2009, The Royal Albert Hall, London

December 2009
For more info click here

Anglesea Arms
South Kensington, London
Busy Victorian pub with good range of beers, enjoyably chatty atmosphere in the evenings (when it can get packed)

Churchill Arms
Kensington, London
Cheery Irish landlord at bustling old friendly local, with very well kept beers and excellent Thai food; even at its most crowded, it stays relaxed and welcoming

Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland – Christmas Market, Hyde Park

21 November 2009 to 03 January 2010
For more info click here

Chapel
Marylebone, London
Very good food in bustling modern gastropub; it does get busy and sometimes noisy - all part of the atmosphere

Windsor Castle
Kensington, London
Genuinely unspoilt, with lots of atmosphere in the tiny, dark rooms, and a bustling summer garden; good beers, and reliable food

Tower of London Ice Rink

21 November 2009 to 10 January 2010
For more info click here

Market Porter
Southwark, London
Up to ten unusual real ales in very popular, properly pubby place opening at 6am for workers at neighbouring market.

George
Bermondsey, London
Beautifully preserved 16th-c coaching inn, with lots of tables in bustling courtyard to take in the galleried exterior.

Glasgow

Glasgow Traditional Christmas Market, St. Enoch's Square

27 November 2009 to 24 December 09
For more info click here

Counting House
2 St. Vincent Place
Impressive Wetherspoons conversion of former bank with impressive range of mostly Scottish beers, and good value food all day

Babbity Bowster
16-18 Blackfriars Street
A Glasgow institution: friendly, comfortable and sometimes lively mix of traditional and modern, with almost continental feel, and good food

Manchester

Manchester Christmas Markets

From 18th November
For more info click here

Britons Protection
50 Great Bridgewater Street
Lively city pub with maze of unspoilt rooms, huge range of whiskies, five real ales, inexpensive lunchtime snacks, and garden

Dukes 92
18 Castle Street
Modern waterside conversion with spacious interior, great range of cheeses and pizzas all day.

Norwich

Norwich Christmas – Your Perfect Christmas: Christmas lights, shopping, Medieval Market, Advent Carol Service + much more!

Throughout November and December
For more info click here

Adam & Eve
17 Bishopgate, Norwich
Ancient place with a good mix of customers, real ales and fair value food, and seats by fantastic array of hanging baskets and tubs.

Eagle
33 Newmarket Road, Norwich
Well run, plenty of differing seating areas for both drinking and dining, several real ales, lots of coffees, wines by the glass, and quite a choice of fairly priced food.

Birmingham

Birmingham’s Frankfurt Christmas Market and Craft Fair 2009, Victoria Square and New Street

Thursday 12 November – Wednesday 23 December (Craft Fair from 19 November)
For more info click here

Old Joint Stock
4 Temple Row West, Birmingham

Bristol

Christmas in the city: Father Christmas, Christmas shopping

Throughout November and December
For more info click here

Highbury Vaults
164 St. Michaels Hill, Bristol
Unpretentious and cheerful town pub with eight real ales, good value tasty bar food and friendly atmosphere.

Albion
Boyces Avenue, Bristol
Chatty and cheerful local close to boutiquey shops with modern food and a good choice of drinks.

Swansea

Swansea Winterland

15 November - 3 January
For more info click here

Bank Statement
57-58 Wind Street, Swansea
Wetherspoons in town's oldest street, huge converted bank, very grand, with marble and stained glass, interesting little booths, smart plusher and quieter panelled lower-ceilinged eating area behind, their usual value; large back terrace, open all day.

Bay View
400 Oystermouth Road, Swansea
Large rambling place on seafront, light and airy with old wooden furniture and leather sofas, open fire, enjoyable thai food, good service, one changing real ale.

Southampton

Southampton German Christmas Market 2009

Saturday 21st November – Wednesday 23rd December 2009
For more info click here

Rising Sun
Hill Pound, Swanmore
Friendly licensees make this proper country pub a warmly welcoming all-rounder; well kept beers and popular food.

Hampshire Bowman
Dundridge Lane, Dundridge
Friendly country pub with quickly changing real ales, homely food and peaceful garden with children's play equipment.

Newcastle

Newcastle Christmas and Continental Markets

Continental Market: Monday 23 November - Saturday 5 December 2009 around Grey's Monument

Christmas Market: Wednesday 9 December - Sunday 13 December 2009 around Grey's Monument and Old Eldon Square.

Crown Posada
31 Side, Newcastle upon Tyne
Busy city-centre pub with grand architecture, lots of locals in long narrow bar, tip-top beers and a warm welcome.

Keelman
Grange Road, Newburn
Impressive range of own-brewed beers in converted pumping station, easy-going atmosphere, excellent service, straightforward food, bedroom block.