Dare it yet be said? But yes, whisper it quietly – Christmas is coming (eeeek) And now two of Liverpool’s finest food and drink destinations – the iconic Ma Boyle’s Alehouse and Eatery and new kid on the block, Tempest on Tithebarn – have just announced their delicious festive offerings for the imminent festive season.

From mid Nov to Xmas eve, Ma Boyle’s is focused around a traditional 3-course festive feast whilst Tempest is offering a range of sumptuous small plates infused with the taste of Xmas from mid-Nov to Dec 23rd. For those who want to go all in and make an ever bigger occasion of it, there is also one of the city’s only bottomless Christmas dinners on offer at Ma’s.

Tempest’s mouth-watering small plates will include pigs in blankets, beef brisket croquette, roasted root vegetables, rosemary and garlic new potatoes and breaded brie.

Over at Ma Boyle’s, starters are home-made carrot and parsnip soup, chicken, bacon, leek and apricot terrine and classic prawn cocktail; mains feature slow roasted beef, roast turkey, pan-fried salmon or halloumi or Mediterranean vegetable stacks; and for puddings home-made sticky toffee pudding, fruit sorbet, a silky-smooth lemon posset and a gooey chocolate and orange brownie. Plus lots of extra trimmings are available if so desired.

Iain Hoskins, owner of Ma Pub Group, says:

“We are ramping everything up for Xmas at both our venues and going to be making a big deal out of it. Ma’s is of course such a festive spot anyway, it really has that cosy feel in the winter and it looks magical dressed up, then over at Tempest we are going with a modern approach for the small plates. I know it’s been such a challenging year for everyone so we want to make this Christmas as special occasion for all.”

Tucked away off Water Street and nestled by the beautiful St Nick’s church gardens, Ma Boyle’s is a historic maritime Liverpool institution. The beautiful setting features a cosy ground floor and intimate basement, as much for its atmosphere as its cocktails.

And just around the corner, Tempest on Tithebarn harks to New York’s meatpacking district; stone walls and bare wood with lots of natural lighting feature in the ground-floor open plan restaurant and bar, to the intimate subterranean club space with huge potential for parties, to one of the city’s best roof-top views.

Christmas Menu’s:

→ Tempest’s Small Plates – Big Christmas Menu

Available from Monday 15 November to Thursday 23 December – 3 small plates for £18 / extras £7

View the menu here / For info and booking: Tempest on Tithebarn

→ Ma’s Christmas

Available from Monday 15 November to Christmas Eve – 3 courses £27 or go bottomless for £55 per person

View the menu here / For info and booking: Ma Boyles | Alehouse & Eatery