QUEUING for our oversized turkey, pre prepared vegetables, and a box of tacky crackers is the usual Christmas routine for us!Every year my mum and I serve the roast potatoes and honey glazed parsnips with sesame seed dressing, attempting to keep it all hot, whilst the children sit propped up upon garden chairs.

QUEUING for our oversized turkey, pre prepared vegetables, and a box of tacky crackers is the usual Christmas routine for us!

Every year my mum and I serve the roast potatoes and honey glazed parsnips with sesame seed dressing, attempting to keep it all hot, whilst the children sit propped up upon garden chairs.

When it comes to the mammoth task of washing up most of the family appear to escape the kitchen and we always comment that perhaps we will 'go out for Christmas Lunch next year'!

For Christmas 2009 we decided to book our Christmas Lunch at the Hatfield Hotel. We paid our deposit as requested and waited for the big day, safe in the knowledge that we would not have to spend Christmas morning trying to fit an industrial sized turkey into our domestic sized cooker.

All was well until mid December we heard the news that the Hatfield Hotel was to go into administration, the news concerned as we anticipated a less than positive experience. We telephoned and commented that we would like to cancel our booking in order to find another venue. We were keenly advised however that it would be 'business as usual', on Christmas Day and so we reconfirmed our booking.

It was explained to us that full payment would not be required until the day. We felt that we should try to support our local venue and therefore we would attend for Christmas Lunch in good faith.

On Christmas Day we arrived at the Hatfield Hotel with some trepidation - we were however greeted positively by the reception staff and ushered into the bar for pre-lunch drinks. The atmosphere was warm and welcoming.

On arrival into the dining room we were shown to our table which was well presented and festive with quality crackers and table decorations. The menu promised 'Christmas Sparkle!' - with crayfish and prawn tian, champagne sorbet, a choice of main course meats with seasonal vegetables and a selection of festive desserts, cheeses, coffee warm mince pies and petit fours. We hoped that the 'sparkle' would shine through.

The meal was well presented and reflected the menu admirably. Starters were full of taste as promised, champagne sorbet helped to keep the children interested before arrival of the main course. The selections of meats were cooked to perfection and the vegetables were roasted and crisp. The desserts were enjoyed by all. We were more than impressed by the positive attitude of the staff, all of whom were polite and professional.

Thanks to the staff at the Hatfield Hotel our Christmas Day Lunch was a complete success.

We hope as a family to show our continued support to the Hatfield Hotel and their loyal workforce in this difficult financial climate, we also hope to return for our Christmas celebrations in 2010.

THE BAKER FAMILY

Via email