It doesn’t seem so long ago that we were basking in the sizzle of September and clinging on to the glorious sunshine, the trees holding their leaves and it still being acceptable to wear shorts.

Then all of a sudden the festive season is fast approaching and the big day itself isn’t far away at all. With the clocks soon going back, cosy autumnal days and nights will be here and it’s time to start planning for Christmas.

LEAF’s three venues are set to be popular choices for festive get togethers. And now the independent venues across the city region have just announced their Christmas plans – West Kirby and the flagship Bold Street destination will feature a delicious three-course set menu and Smithdown Road will feature lovely festive specials.

The three-course feast features lots of traditional touches and some mouth-watering flourishes with the option of a mince pie and filter coffee at the end. It’s £29.99 per person and the service will run from 28^th Nov–20^th Dec. Bookings are open now.

LEAF’s 3-course Christmas menu – £29.99 per person

STARTER

Caramelised parsnip and pear soup

Ham hock, pork belly and tarragon terrine, spiced pineapple chutney, toasted focaccia

Cured torched mackerel, kohlrabi and pickled cucumber salad,

cream cheese and chive emulsion

MAIN COURSE

Roast cod with warm potato salad and coconut curry sauce

Traditional turkey with all the trimmings

Braised daube of beef with burnt onion purée, beef dripping fondant

Chestnut and mushroom strudel, miso ketchup, pickled golden beets

All mains served with a medley of vegetables and sea salted roast new potatoes

DESSERT

White chocolate and cranberry bread and butter pudding, crème Anglaise

Ray’s of Prescot Christmas pudding with brandy sauce

Pear and chocolate brownie cake, mulled berries

Mascarpone and tonka bean panna cotta, satsuma suzette

EXTRAS

Add a mince pie and freshly brewed filter coffee for £3.95pp

And after last year’s successful debut, LEAF’s Christmas At Home feasting boxes are also making a very welcome return. Created to simply take all of the hassle out of cooking on December 25^th, LEAF’s approach is to have everything covered for a sumptuous service with all the trimmings. Collection is from LEAF’s three venues.

LEAF’s Christmas At Home Feasting Boxes

THE FEAST: Turkey wrapped in streaky bacon / Pigs in blankets

Homemade stuffing

SIDES: Roast goose fat potatoes / Cooked Chantenay carrots / Maple glazed piccolo parsnips / Sprouts with chestnuts / Mashed carrot and swede / Cauliflower cheese / Homemade gravy and cranberry sauce

Christmas Feast Box x 4 people – £80

Christmas Feast Box x 6 people – £100

Christmas Feast Box x 8 people – £120

ADDITIONAL SIDES: Seitan Nut roast – £10.95 / Veggie gravy – £3.95 / Potatoes without goose fat – £4.95 Pigs in blankets – half a dozen £3.95 / dozen £7.50

To book the Christmas set menu or Christmas At Home, contact info@thisisleaf.co.uk or call 0151 707 7747 

LEAF – 65-67 Bold St, Liverpool, L1 4EZ – 0151 707 7747
LEAF – 19 Black Horse Hill, Newton, West Kirby, Wirral, CH48 6DS – 0151 558 0521
LEAF – 364-368, Smithdown Rd, Liverpool L15 5AN – 0151 558 1716

From the archives: Savouring ‘Brunch and an Afternoon Market’ at Leaf.