A six-week run of seasonal lunches, two special evening openings and a choice of traditional, vegan and gluten-free dishes give diners a new reason to celebrate at Merriments this Christmas.
Christmas dining is returning to Merriments Café & Gardens, with bookings now open for festive lunches and two limited evening events in the East Sussex countryside.
From Friday 13 November to Wednesday 23 December 2026, guests can gather for a seasonal two- or three-course menu near Hurst Green. For those looking to make a night of it, Merriments will open especially for Christmas dining on just two evenings: Friday 27 November and Friday 11 December.
Bookings are now open, with limited festive dates available. Two courses cost £28 per person and three courses cost £33.50 per person. A £10 deposit per person secures the reservation.
A festive menu with something for everyone where the menu pairs Christmas favourites with inclusive choices for different dietary needs, spanning warming starters, generous mains and indulgent desserts. Vegan dishes and gluten-free options are available across the courses.
To start: warming parsnip soup with warm bread (vegan; gluten-free option available); chicken liver pâté with toasted bread, caramelised onion chutney and dressed leaves (gluten-free option available); or a classic prawn cocktail with Marie Rose sauce, crisp lettuce, cucumber and lemon (gluten-free option available).
For the main event: traditional roast turkey with sage and onion stuffing, Yorkshire pudding, pigs in blankets, roast potatoes, seasonal vegetables, Brussels sprouts and gravy (gluten-free option available); salmon en croûte with spinach and cream cheese, new potatoes, seasonal vegetables and lemon cream sauce; or a vegan mushroom, cranberry and chestnut Wellington with roast potatoes, seasonal vegetables and vegan gravy.
To finish: traditional Christmas pudding with brandy sauce or custard (gluten-free option available); Baileys chocolate cheesecake with chocolate sauce and cream; or apple and cinnamon crumble with custard, with a vegan version served with vegan vanilla ice cream.
Tea or coffee and a mince pie round off the celebration.
Secure a festive table
Families, friends and colleagues can reserve a table or discuss a group booking by emailing merriments@caravantech.co.uk. With only two evening openings and a limited run before Christmas, early booking is recommended for the best choice of dates.
Merriments Gardens is at Hawkhurst Road, Hurst Green, Etchingham, East Sussex, TN19 7RA, just off the A21. There is plenty of free parking. merrimentsgardens.co.uk.
