CHRISTMAS AT DODDINGTON BIGGER THIS YEAR
This year Doddington Hall will be busier than ever as it looks forward to its first Christmas with the new farm shop and café. Famous for its freshly cut home-grown Christmas trees, the Hall hopes that its home-made Christmas puddings will gain an equal place in the traditions of the many local people who each years have a tree from Doddington. Here is a summary of what people can expect from Doddington Hall Farm Shop & Café this year:
From 24 November to 23 December daily 10am to 6pm, Christmas Trees & the Bauble Shop will be open in the Stable Yard. Why not choose a freshly-cut home grown Christmas tree from hundreds on display on the charming Georgian Stable Yard. The popular Baubles Shop has a wide selection of unusual and beautiful Christmas decorations and lights. At weekends, enjoy sipping mulled wine or home-made soup, nibbling on a delicious mince pie or tucking into a hot BBQ treat whilst you make your choice.
In Doddington Hall itself, The Great Hall & Brown Parlour will be decorated for Christmas on the weekends of 8 & 9 and15 & 16 December, 10am to 4pm. Come and enjoy the Hall looking magical as she patiently awaits the arrival of Father Christmas and his Reindeers on Christmas Day. The log fire will be roaring, the tree huge and the family decorations so pretty. Entry £3 for adults and children under 16 are half price. No need to book.
In the Farm Shop, shelves and baskets will be full of delicious choices of veg, deli, wines, beer, preserves, cakes & gifts not to mention excellent meat, poultry and game from award-winning butcher FC Phipps. (You can pre-order your turkey and meat by popping in or calling 0845 258 5086.) For convenience, during December opening hours are extended to 7 days a week. (1 to 23 December OPEN 9am to 6pm and Sun 10-6; 24 December 8am to 2pm; 25 to 27 December CLOSED; 28 to 30 December OPEN 10am to 4pm; 31 December to 2 January CLOSED; 3 January - OPEN as normal, back to Tues to Sun.)
Why not spoil yourself with the Cafe¹s Christmas Menu, which includes Estate game and is available from 4 December. £17.95 pp for two courses or £21.95 pp for three courses. Table reservations: 01522 688581. Delicious starters include breast of wood pigeon in a mushroom and red onion tartlet with a port and game sauce and spiced butternut squash soup with fresh bread. Traditional roasted local turkey with stuffing and bacon chipolatas will of course be a main course as will Doddington Estate game pie with roasted root vegetables. It is Christmas, so why not finish with a dessert? The choice includes vanilla pannacotta with white chocolate sauce, warm mince meat and ricotta tart with Chantilly cream and of course Christmas Pudding with brandy sauce. For customer convenience during December, the café is open 7 days a week. (1 to 23 December OPEN 9am to 6pm and Sun 10-6 but on Mondays drinks and cakes only; 24 December 8am to 2pm BUT drinks and cakes only; 25 December to 2 January CLOSED;3 January - OPEN as normal, back to Tues to Sun.)
The Doddington Hall Farm Shop & Café Christmas Pudding is hand-made in the kitchens by Head Chef Tom Doran and his team. So good, you could pretend you made it! Available in the shop but to avoid disappointment, why not pre-order? An 8oz pudding (ideal for one pud lover) is £2.95; a 1lb pudding (ideal for 2-4 pud lovers) is £5.95 and a 2lb pudding (ideal for 5-8 pud lovers) is £8.95.
To avoid that popular festive game of Hunt the Last Available Sprout, shoppers are welcome to pre-order a veg box! (Vegetables will still be for sale as normal.) All contents will be excellent quality and perfect for Christmas cooking, just what the doctor ordered to make life easier.
During November & December there will be some super tastings, demos and even a book signing! All at 11am - 4pm, with no need to book. Producers present.
3 NOVEMBER. Award-winning Bracken Hill's preserves, jams, curds etc.
8 NOVEMBER. Tastings, demos and a special Thai dish in the Café with Tukata Bird, a Thai lady from Stamford known for her Thai sauces. (Book lunch please.)
24 NOVEMBER. Jules and Sharpie's spicy jellies are extremely popular with those who love exciting tastes!
*postponed* 24 NOVEMBER. TV cook Rachel Green will be with us signing copies of her book, The Chatsworth Cookery Book! Come and meet Rachel.
1 DECEMBER. Why not consider Inverawe's smoked salmon as a great Christmas Day Lunch first course?)
1 DECEMBER. Each Adnams Beer has its own fresh, unique and vibrant character that will appeal to the most discerning drinkers. Wines, too!
8 DECEMBER. Oldershaw Brewery¹s real ale is brewed with Maris Otter malt and whole hops.
8 DECEMBER. Melton Mowbray Sloe Gin is really popular. Come and enjoy a taste of this wonderful tipple - and perhaps give a bottle or two as gifts!
15 DECEMBER. Ponts Honey comes from bees that are kept on the Doddington Estate, and judging by how quickly it buzzes into our shop and out again you all love it very much!
15 DECEMBER. Milestone Brewery is a local brewer offering beers for all seasons and tastes.
ENDS
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