The Clissold Arms pub in East Finchley initially gained repute for being the first place to host a gig by famous rock band The Kinks, but is now better known for its ‘Food First’ philosophy which has earned the local its gastropub title. The venue boasts a number of private dining spaces ranging from the wacky ‘Kinks Room’ adorned with memorabilia, to ‘The Shed’ - a cosy and intimate room situated in the large patio garden. The family-run pub welcomes festive celebrations and their highly-skilled and friendly events team will ensure that whether it’s a low-key family lunch, smart corporate dinner or wild Christmas party, all your needs will be taken care of.
The in-house caterers have drawn up a selection of Christmas menus of modern British cuisine that celebrate seasonal ingredients. The Sharing Boards are a fantastic option for larger standing parties with two choices of buffets comprising an array of finger food classics; pigs in blankets, tempura prawns, vegetable spring rolls and mini fishcakes to name just a few.
The Christmas set menu is more suited to seated events which can be held in all of the private dining spaces with seated capacity for up to 40 people inside (split across multiple tables). Guests can choose three courses from the menu that includes a traditional Christmas dinner as well as other wintery classics such as confit duck leg with mustard mash potato, braised red cabbage and gravy. The pub’s relaxed vibe makes it a great place to take kids too, and the venue offers a special Chritsmas kids menu for littles ones under the age of 12. If they’re not keen on turkey with all the trimmings then the breaded fish goujons or tomato penne pasta might be more appealing options.
On Christmas Day itself, the pub welcomes guests to make full use of their private dining rooms –however it’s worth noting that the day will be split into three separate 3.5 hour sittings.