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Minimum 10 people
Christmas Party : St Albans Christmas Party – STA313
Come and spend Christmas with us in The City that never sleeps at Willows Farm, St Albans!
As you make your way down the drive, marvel at the grandeur of the beautifully decorated trees and savour the smell of chestnuts roasting on open fires. Enter the sophisticated lobby, where attentive bellhops greet you warmly with all the charm and elegance you’d expect from New York’s finest hotels. Dust the snow from your coat and step into the fun and revelry of New York in the roaring twenties. Sip on ice-cold cocktails as platters of canapés are circulated offering a taste of what’s to come. The magic of Central Park and the glitz of the Big City awaits.
Next comes the big reveal and dinner is served. The stunning dining room shimmers and shines with chandeliers, and all the opulence of New York’s greatest ballrooms. As you and your guests dine on the finest food and wines, a central circular stage is the focus of the room, featuring jaw-dropping acts that will bring you to your feet shouting for more. Breathtaking numbers straight from Broadway’s greatest stage productions are then performed right before you. As dinner and the entertainment draws to a close, the dance floor opens and the DJ invites you to start the party!
Willows Farm Shared Christmas Party Menu
CANAPÉS
Vegetable Gyoza
Asian dumplings served with ponzu dipping sauce (v)
Barbeque Empanadas
BBQ chicken and coriander empanadas
Haddock & Cheese Tart
Smoked haddock and cheese tartlets with roasted cherry tomatoes
Crostini Romesco
Grilled peppers Romesco on wafer-thin crostini (v)
New York Hot Dogs
Mini hot dogs with caramelised onions and American mustard
Truffle Cheese Sables
Melted cheddar cheese and truffle sables (v)
STARTER
Double Baked Cheddar Cheese Soufflé
Cheddar cheese soufflé with caramelised fig, red onion jam, rocket and pumpkin seed salad, and an apple cider vinaigrette (v)
MAIN
Breast of Cotswold Chicken
Rosemary butter roasted breast of Cotswold chicken with caramelised white onion and sage purée, potato gratin, roast winter greens, and a thyme and red wine sauce
Beetroot Risotto
Risotto of roast Lancashire beetroot with caramelised onion and a red chicory salad (v)
DESSERT
Sticky Toffee Pudding
Sticky toffee, orange and date pudding with dark chocolate ice cream and salted caramel fudge sauce
SAMPLE EXCLUSIVE PARTY MENU
CANAPÉS
Bangers and mash served in Yorkshire pudding
Potted shrimps and mussels
Beetroot bilini with chive sour cream topped with caviar
Devilled Quail eggs on toast
Cheese sable with cheddar and truffle filling (v)
BOWL FOOD
HOT
Roast Norfolk turkey, roasted potato and parsnips, cranberry stuffing and crispy Brussel sprouts
Red Thai chicken curry, baby aubergines, roast pumpkin and jasmine rice
Creamy fish pie, with cod, scallops and prawns in a creamy parsley sauce topped with Dijon mustard mash
Chestnut mushroom pearl barley risotto with tarragon and rocket salad (v)
COLD
Aged Yorkshire feta, charred fatoush, watermelon salad with toasted pumpkin seeds and mint chilli dressing (v)
Grilled courgette and feta tart with hazelnut gremolata (v)
Heirloom Tomato and Red onion salad with Boccocini Mozzarella and Basil Vinaigrette (v)
SWEET
Salted caramel chocolate pots
Apricot and hazelnut Bakewell tart
Yuzu and lemon meringue tart Spiced pear and chocolate torte
Salted caramel and apple trifle
Spiced pear and chocolate torte
SAMPLE SEATED DINNER MENU
STARTER
Seared Tuna Nicoise, potato and bean salad, roast tomato sauce, black olive granola
OR
White onion, feta and rocket tart served with a roast squash, spinach salad toasted superfood seed crunch (v)
MAIN
Lemon and thyme roast breast of chicken, kale and sprouts, old fashioned roast potatoes, Pumpkin puree and red wine sauce
OR
Pumpkin filled gnocchi with Barkham Blue velouté, walnut and spinach pesto, watercress (v)
DESSERT
Dark chocolate and cream cheese delice topped with dark chocolate shavings with black forest cherries, cherry gel and pistachio tuille
COFFEE
Please kindly advise of any food allergies at least 4 weeks prior to your party.
2020 Dates and prices
Mixed Group Party Nights
Minimum group size is 10
Dates | Business price (ex VAT) | Consumer price (inc VAT) |
FRI 27 November | £66.50 | £79.80 |
SAT 28 November | £66.50 | £79.80 |
FRI 4 December | £66.50 | £79.80 |
SAT 5 December | £66.00 | £79.20 |
THURS 10 December | £62.00 | £74.40 |
SAT 12 December | £66.50 | £79.80 |
THURS 17 December | £62.00 | £74.40 |
FRI 18 December | £66.50 | £79.80 |
SAT 19 December | £66.50 | £79.80 |
All prices are per person. Dates are subject to availability at time of booking.
If you are a private individual you will pay the prices listed under the "Consumer Price" (including VAT) column.
If you are a business (VAT registered), you will initially pay the consumer price higher price but will then the company may be able to re-claim the VAT, therefore it is the price listed under the "Business Price" (excluding VAT) column that your company will end up having paid. (*please ask the accounts department to clarify your VAT position).
Please contact the office with your preferred dates, please choose at least 2 different dates if possible.
EXCLUSIVE GROUP PARTY NIGHTS
From £43 + VAT per person, based on a minimum of 1,800 guests.
Please contact the office with your preferred dates for prices and availability, please choose at least 2 different dates if possible.
DRINKS PACKAGES FOR SHARED PARTIES TBC
Exclusive Group Party Nights
Prices start from £43 + VAT per person, based on a minimum of 1,800 guests.
Please contact the office on 01273 858206 with your preferred dates for availability, please choose at least 2 different dates if possible.
Where is Willows Farm, St Albans?
Where's the Christmas Party at St Albans?
- The Christmas Village
- Willows Farm Village
- Coursers Road
- London Colney
- St Albans
- Hertfordshire
- AL40PF
By Taxi
Ask for Willows Farm Village, St Albans
By Car
From the M25 West towards Heathrow, exit the M25 at Junction 22. At the end of the slip road take the third exit off the roundabout. This will take you over the M25. At the next roundabout take the fourth exit onto Coursers Road. Willows Farm Village is located 300m along here on the left hand side.
By Coach
With extensive space in front of the venue, it is possible park coaches to the rear of the venue.
Parking
100 spaces on a first come first served basis. We cannot be held responsible for the loss of or any damage to your vehicle whilst on Knowsley Park premises. Gates re-open at 8am the following morning for vehicles to be collected. If you end up having a few drinks, please be safe and take a taxi.
FAQ
Whats the minimum number of people I can book for?
As we always seat groups on their own tables, the minimum number of people you can book for is 10.
What size are the tables?
We have several sizes of tables available from 10 to 12, please do call us if you wish to discuss arrangements for the number in your party.
Please note the largest of our tables seats 12, and so any groups of 14 and above will be split between tables although these will of course be next to each other.
Whats on the menu?
There is a set menu for each, please select the menu tab above.
The starter, main course and dessert are served to your table with tea, coffee and cheese being served from an ongoing station.
This allows everyone to get on with enjoying the party, and those who wish to have cheese or tea & coffee to do so from the end of dinner service until 11pm. The DJ will announce where and when these stations are available, so make sure you listen out!
Dietary requirements
We have designed delicious menus alongside our main menu for those guests who are vegetarian, vegan or have an allergy to dairy, gluten or nuts. We can also cater for Halal meals.
Please note that these alternative meals must be ordered in advance of the party.
Please note that we are not unable to provide Kosher meals, however, you are welcome to arrange for the venue to receive a Kosher Meal on the day of your party and they will cook this in their ovens and serve (still in the tray) to your guests at their tables. There is no additional charge for this service; however neither does the guest receive any discount for not having one of our own meals.
Can I change my booking?
Please note that should you wish to add guests to your booking, this is subject to our availability. If you wish to reduce the number of people in your party, any deposits already paid are non-refundable and non-transferrable. Any final balances are non-refundable and non-transferrable.
How and when do I pay for my party?
The initial deposit of £15 per person is due upon booking The rest of the balance for your booking is due no later than 8 weeks before the date of the party.
Any additional items such as drinks packages and dodgems tokens must be paid for on your final balance date
The balance of your booking can be paid on our website, by bank transfer, or debit / credit card. All details can be found on your booking confirmation email.
Business / Consumer Price claiming back VAT
All customers pay the Consumer Price to book their party.
If you are a VAT registered business you may be able claim back the VAT through your business like any other business expense, so you end up paying the advertised Business Price. *if applicable, your accountants will advise you on this and we will not be held responsible for any errors caused.
How do I pre-order drinks?
We have several drinks packages available, complete your drinks order form you received upon booking and pay for your whole package including your drinks on your final balance date.
In addition to drinks packages, you can also pre-order wine and water by the bottle and individual drinks tokens.
Should your group not wish to pre-order drinks, you can of course use cash and debit/credit cards to pay for drinks at the party.
Drinks packages
Please note that our packages are special offers, and as such you must order the same package for everyone in the group.
Should not everyone in your group wish to select a drinks package, you can order drinks tokens, wine and water by the bottle and our bars accept cash and card payments on the night.
There are alternative packages available for those guests who do not wish to drink alcohol, these are the same price as the package however these guests receive extra value in casino vouchers, professional portraits, sweet treats and complimentary dodgem rides.
Please note that the packages without alcohol vary between venues, and according to the main packages selected by your group.
Wristbands
We offer two types of wristbands one which includes bottled and draught beer, cider, house wine (white, red and rosé) and soft drinks, and a second which also includes single spirit & mixers.
The price of the wristband includes unlimited drinks of the above for the duration of the evening, and access to bar(s) set aside at the venue purely for those with wristbands or drinks tokens to use. We will also place some wine and water on your table ready for the start of the meal.
Please also note that wristbands entitle each guest to 1 drinks per visit to the bar, in accordance with our responsible drinking policies and licencing objectives. There are alternative packages available for those guests who do not wish to drink alcohol, these are the same price as the main package however these guests receive extra value in casino vouchers, professional portraits, sweet treats and complimentary dodgem rides.
Please note that the packages without alcohol vary between venues, and according to the main packages selected by your group.
Drinks tokens
You can purchase drinks tokens, in any number, in advance of the party. Each drinks token can be exchanged at the bar for 1 of the following:
- A bottle or pint of beer or cider
- A glass of house wine
- A single spirit & mixer
- A can of energy drink
- Two soft drinks
The price of drinks tokens is the same as the price of the above drinks on the evening, however the tokens mean you do not have to worry about cash while enjoying the party, and give you access to bar(s) set aside at the venue purely for those with wristbands or drinks tokens to use.
Bar tabs
Please note that we cannot run bar tabs at any of our events, however should you wish to provide some drinks for your group you can pre-order drinks packages, wine by the bottle or drink tokens.
Questions about our venues?
What is a marquee?
Our marquees are semi-permanent structures with a spirit-level, carpeted, fully-suspended floor. The Marquee would be unaffected by even a severe storm. Please note that the venues in Maidstone, Leicester, Farnborough, Bristol, Leeds and Tobacco Dock in London are permanent buildings.
Is there an age limit?
Our parties can only be attended by guests who are over 18 years old.
Are the venues all accessible?
All of our venues are accessible to wheelchair users, or with limited mobility. Should any of your guests have such please do call us on 01273 858206 so we can do our best to ensure their requirements are looked after during the event.
Dance floor
Please note that some of our venues have a raised dance floor, which is not always accessible to those people in wheelchairs.
Is there a cloakroom?
All of our venues have a complimentary cloakroom for guests, please note that there is no charge and that all items are left at the owners risk.
Are the venues heated?
Yes, we have Multi-Thermostatic Heaters throughout the venue, including cloakrooms, reception areas and toilets -these are more than capable of making the marquee really toasty on even the coldest December night.
Questions about the party night?
How do I get there?
Each of the guests in your party will receive an E-ticket, which they can view on any mobile device or print it which details the venues locations as well as directions to the venue.
Is there parking at the venue?
Most of our venues do have car parks adjacent to them, we are not responsible for any parking on the night.
What time do the parties start?
The parties all open at 7pm, and so we recommend arriving at this time. Please note that our parties in Cardiff open at 6pm between Sunday and Thursday.
What is the dress code?
We have a strict smart dress code, and as such do not allow guests to wear jeans or trainers to our events.
Can I dress up to match the theme?
You can of course get into the spirit of the party, as long as your outfit fits within our smart dress code.
Is there a table plan?
When you enter the venue you will see several table plans displayed around the bar area, which detail which tables have been allocated to your group. We do not set out tables plans or names within groups, however should you wish to compile your own you are welcome to pop name places etc on your tables from 6.30pm on the night of your party.
Are there photographs taken?
We have photographers at all of our venues, you can purchase and take home your photos on the night. Unfortunately, photographs will not be available to order after your event.
How do I purchase chips for the casino?
Each of our venues has a Charity Casino, which supports a nominated local charity each year. A member of our team will circulate during dinner giving you the option of purchasing a voucher which can be exchanged at the casino tables for chips. You can also purchase these from the bar following dinner. Please note that the profits from our casino is all donated to the local charity, and as such guests play to win prizes, there are no monetary prizes.
Are there strobe lights used?
Yes, at some of our venues, the disco and entertainment may have bursts of flashing lights.
Where is the tea, coffee and cheese served?
The tea & coffee and cheese courses are served from 10pm from an ongoing station at the side of the dining room.
This allows everyone to get up and dance, have a ride on the dodgems or try their hand at the casino. Those who wish to have cheese or tea & coffee to do so from the end of dinner service until 11pm. The DJ will announce where the station this on the evening, as well as when it is opening so please listen for this or ask a member of our team if you have any questions.
Where are the dodgems and when do they open?
The dodgems are located at the side of our venues, and they open around 10pm each evening. The dodgems close towards the end of the party, please do listen out for announcement from our DJ when we are taking our last dodgems rides, or ask a member of our team if you have any questions.
Questions after your party?
How do I send my feedback to you?
We always love to hear how much you have enjoyed our parties, and of course if you have ideas which may help us improve please do email us and remember to include your party reference, all complaints will be dealt with directly with the venue. Any decision will be at their sole discretion.
What's included at Willows Farm, St Albans?
SHARED PARTIES
- Delicious hot & cold canapé reception
- Exceptional three course
- Stunning pan-global theming
- Exhilarating entertainment show
- Adrenaline-pumping dodgems
- State-of-the-art light show, dance floor & DJ
- Use of your table(s) for the duration of the night
- After dinner fun casino tables*
- Photo experience*
- Free cloakroom facilities
- Free car parking
- Dedicated black taxi rank
- Full disabled access
(*Additional Charges May Apply)
ITINERARY
- 6.45pm Doors open and Canapés served
- 8.00pm Dinner is served
- 10.00pm Disco and funfair begin
- 12.30am Bar closes
- 1.00am Carriages
EXCLUSIVE PARTIES
- Standing Max: 1800 | Seated Max: 1350
- Stunning après theming throughout the venue
- Sparkling drinks reception on arrival (1.5 glasses per person)
- Delicious canapés during the reception (4 bites per person)
- Exceptional 3 course seated dinner or 2 course bowl food menu (5 bowls per person)
- All-inclusive house beer, house wine and soft drinks package
- Large specification of av – including stage, dancefloor and intelligent sound and lighting package
- Free cloakroom facilities
- Security
- Paramedic
- Dedicated account manager
- DJ and disco
- Exclusive pre-event menu tasting