Why East Berkshire Is Special for Festive Lunches

East Berkshire — stretching from Windsor’s historic riverside through Ascot’s leafy villages to Wokingham and Bracknell’s market towns — has a charming festive dining scene that blends traditional pub warmth with refined restaurant experiences. During December, many venues introduce special Christmas and festive lunch menus, perfect for family gatherings, pre‑Christmas work lunches, friends’ get‑togethers, and even Christmas Day lunch itself. Menus typically include seasonal starters, classic roasts (including turkey with all the trimmings), vegetarian alternatives and seasonal desserts, and advance bookings (often with deposits or pre‑orders) are recommended as slots fill quickly at this time of year.

Below you’ll find 10 of the best restaurants and pubs in East Berkshire ideal for Christmas and festive lunches — all of which take bookings and most of which are welcoming to children.

1. Easthampstead Park Wokingham — Festive Lunchtime in a Historic Mansion

Where: Wokingham / Bracknell border

Why It’s Festive: Easthampstead Park, a beautifully restored mansion house, hosts a festive lunch and dinner menu throughout December (excluding Christmas Day and Boxing Day), with traditional roast turkey, seasonal mains and decorative surrounds perfect for seasonal gatherings.

What to Expect: A festive three‑course lunch in elegant surroundings with classic seasonal cooking. Rooms are usually booked in advance for families and larger groups.

Kid‑Friendly: Yes — family‑friendly space and menus.

Booking Tip: Call or book online early, especially for December weekends.

2. The Greene Oak — Classic Country Pub Festive Menu

Where: Oakley Green, Windsor

Why It’s Festive: The Greene Oak runs a festive three‑course menu from late November through much of December, with Christmas classics and cosy pub atmosphere.

What to Expect: Traditional roast mains, seasonal desserts and a welcoming décor. It also offers a Christmas Day lunch (priced per person with kids’ pricing available).

Kid‑Friendly: Yes — children under 12 welcome with special pricing.

Booking Tip: A deposit and pre‑order may be required for larger groups.

3. The Boatman — Windsor Riverside Festive Lunch

Where: Windsor

Why It’s Festive: A well‑loved gastropub overlooking the Thames offering seasonal menus and often a dedicated festive lunch over December.

What to Expect: Seasonal starters and hearty mains with a festive twist — ideal for families or friends after visiting Windsor’s markets.
Kid‑Friendly: Yes — relaxed and suitable for children.

Booking Tip: Call or book online in advance, particularly for weekend lunches.

4. The Loch & The Tyne by Adam Handling Old Windsor — Refined Seasonal Lunch

Where: Old Windsor

Why It’s Festive: A high‑end choice for a special festive lunch — impressive service and beautifully presented seasonal dishes make this a great choice for celebrations.

What to Expect: Chef‑led seasonal mains with festive ingredients and flavour combinations.

Kid‑Friendly: Yes — but best for older children who appreciate refined menus.

Booking Tip: Book ahead to secure midday or weekend tables.

5. Belvedere Arms — Stylish Seasonal Pub Lunch

Where: Ascot

Why It’s Festive: A stylish pub near Ascot racecourse with a reputation for quality seasonal menus and classic roast lunches — particularly popular throughout December.

What to Expect: Seasonal three courses with festive flavours and cosy interiors.

Kid‑Friendly: Yes — classic dishes that appeal to younger diners.

Booking Tip: Reserving early is advised for weekends and holiday dates.

6. The Duke of Edinburgh, Winkfield — Traditional Pub Christmas Fare

Where: Winkfield, Windsor area

Why It’s Festive: A highly‑rated gastropub with hearty seasonal dishes and a warm, welcoming vibe — perfect for festive lunches with family and friends.

What to Expect: Turkey roasts, vegetarian mains and classic Christmas puddings.

Kid‑Friendly: Yes — relaxed and family‑oriented.

Booking Tip: Weekend slots in December can fill early — book soon.

7. Winning Post Pub & Dining — Pub & Dining Experience for Festive Meals

Where: Winkfield, Windsor

Why It’s Festive: A pub and dining fusion venue serving seasonal menus in a relaxed but warm setting — perfect for a casual festive lunch.

What to Expect: Seasonal starters, mains and classic desserts, ideal for gatherings.

Kid‑Friendly: Yes — approachable menu for younger guests.

Booking Tip: Book ahead for December and Christmas week.

8. The Warren — Wokingham Gastropub Christmas Lunch

Where: Wokingham

Why It’s Festive: A popular gastropub serving seasonal lunches with a focus on quality British pub classics — great for family festive dining.

What to Expect: Seasonal roasts, rich sides and festive desserts.

Kid‑Friendly: Yes — family‑friendly environment.

Booking Tip: Reserve early for popular lunchtime sits.

9. The White Horse — Classic Local Lunch Spot

Where: Wokingham

Why It’s Festive: A well‑reviewed local pub that offers hearty seasonal mains and festive sides — perfect for relaxed Christmas lunches.

What to Expect: Sunday roasts and set festive menus through December.

Kid‑Friendly: Yes — classic pub dishes for all ages.

Booking Tip: Book lunchtime slots in advance.

10. The Golden Retriever — Crowthorne Pub Lunchs with Festive Flair

Where: Crowthorne, Bracknell

Why It’s Festive: A popular Vintage Inn pub that often offers seasonal or Christmas‑inspired lunch menus in a cosy and welcoming setting.

What to Expect: Festive tackles on pub classics with warm interiors and generous portions.

Kid‑Friendly: Yes — family‑oriented space and menu.

Booking Tip: Reserve online early for December weekends.

What to Expect from the Festive Season in East Berkshire

Festive Menus & Booking Requirements

Across East Berkshire, many pubs and restaurants introduce festive lunch menus from late November through December — these range from three‑course set lunches to classic roasts and seasonal desserts. Some venues may require deposits or pre‑orders for larger groups, especially for Saturdays and December lunchtime slots.

Kid‑Friendly Dining

Most pubs and family‑oriented restaurants on this list offer children’s portions or menus, meaning the whole family can enjoy a festive lunch together. When booking, let the restaurant know if you’ll have younger diners so they can prepare suitable options.

Christmas Day Options

Some Berkshire venues like The Greene Oak also offer Christmas Day lunch menus, which are special fixed menus available with advance bookings — often with children’s pricing at reduced rates.

FAQs

Q: Should I book Christmas lunch early in East Berkshire?
Yes — festive lunches are extremely popular and most venues recommend booking as early as possible, especially for December weekends and Christmas Day.

Q: Do these places offer vegetarian or vegan festive options?
Yes — most restaurants now include vegetarian alternatives, and many can cater to vegan or dietary needs with advance notice.

Q: Are children welcome at festive lunches?
Yes — pubs and family‑friendly restaurants typically offer children’s portions or menus. Always ask when booking.

Q: Do I need to pay a deposit?
Some venues, especially for larger groups or peak times, may ask for a small non‑refundable deposit or pre‑order to secure your booking.

Conclusion — Celebrate Festive Lunch in East Berkshire

East Berkshire offers a wonderfully diverse festive dining experience — from cosy village pubs with comforting roasts to refined restaurant lunches near Windsor and Ascot. Whether you’re celebrating early December with work colleagues, gathering friends for a party, or booking a special Christmas Day lunch, there’s a venue here to suit your style and budget.

If you’re hosting guests in East Berkshire over the festive period and want a stress‑free hosting experience, Pass the Keys East Berkshire can help manage bookings, guest communication and turnover — so you can enjoy the festive season without the hospitality hassle.