British families are spending less time with each other and more in the kitchen and supermarket, according to a Christmas survey by the leading online consumer destination for restaurant bookings in the UK, toptable.com.
Despite Christmas being traditionally earmarked as a time to spend with the family, more hours are being spent planning festive celebrations and doing the chores. Over half (51%) of respondents admitted spending up to five hours planning the Christmas dinner, with a further 42% saying they will commit to three or four hours preparing and cooking the meal for the family, rather than spending time with them. In fact, nearly one in two (46%) also owned up to doing the cleaning for two hours instead of sitting down with their loved ones.
Therefore toptable have suggested some top dining spots open on Christmas Day to enjoy your family without the festive stress:
Located inside Bristol’s Harbourside Gala Casino, The Casino restaurant is a buzzy bar and grill that is always filled with a fun crowd. Relaxed in style, the restaurant is the perfect place to celebrate your luck at the roulette table and The Casino also attracts locals who love to pop by for a hearty meal.
Sleek and sexy, this authentic Japanese restaurant in Bristol’s Waterloo Street is resplendent in its caramel colour scheme, woven chairs and traditional red lanterns. Fast attracting a media-centric Bristol crowd, Noa is perfect for sushi-sharing nights out or business lunches and is loved by locals for its healthy and tasty Washoku cuisine and speedy service.
The Bistro restaurant at the Hotel du Vin in Bristol is part of a Grade II listed warehouse building dating back to the 1700s. The traditional style seen in the appearance of the building is also reflected in the Bistro’s menu, although a contemporary edge is also given to array of European cuisine on offer, with simple classic dishes shifting seasonally and head chef Marcus Lang providing his own unique recipes each day.
Glamorous and relaxed, The Botanist is located on Bristol’s Berkeley Square, close to the Brandon Hill Nature Park and Bristol Museum and Art Gallery. This location, with its easy access to Clifton and to the University, gives it an eclectic clientele and vibrant atmosphere. Absolutely alive with light, The Botanist is decorated in beautiful dove grays, bringing the historic features of the building to life, making the parquet flooring shine and making those cosy nooks even more tempting when you’re seeking a slice of intimacy.
In a superb location alongside Bristol Cathedral, the Palm Court restaurant of the Bristol Marriott Royal Hotel is the perfect choice for diners exploring this historic city. Elegantly and richly decorated the hotel lives up to its regal moniker, the AA Rosette sporting restaurant in particular very much fit for a visiting king or queen.
Head of restaurant relations at toptable, Lucy Taylor says: “We know that Christmas can be an extremely busy time for families and sometimes you forget what the holiday is all about – spending time with them. Families can save hours of stress by taking time out and booking a local restaurant over the festive period.”
To book your Christmas fun for all the family, go to www.toptable.com