East Shropshire — from historic Shrewsbury to the rolling countryside around Telford and Market Drayton — combines rich local food culture with welcoming pubs and restaurants that embrace the festive season. In the run‑up to Christmas, many venues in the area offer special festive lunch menus, cosy seasonal interiors and family‑friendly environments that make celebrating with friends, work colleagues, or the whole family incredibly enjoyable.

During December, you’ll find three‑course festive lunches, classic Sunday roasts with Christmas touches, and even Christmas Day or special seasonal lunches at select venues. Many places take bookings well ahead of time — and often require pre‑orders or deposits for peak dates — so planning early ensures you secure a table that suits your group’s size and preferences. A number of pubs and restaurants also provide children’s options, making the season’s menus suitable for all ages.

1. Hawkstone Hall & Gardens – Country House Festive Dining

Where: Weston, near Shrewsbury
Why It’s Festive: A beautifully restored historic estate with elegant dining rooms that host seasonal lunch menus and festive feasts throughout December. Think traditional roasts with complementary sides and local produce.
What to Expect: A refined dining experience with seasonal ingredients and cosy interiors — ideal for family celebrations, friends’ gatherings or special occasions.
Kid‑Friendly: Yes — family‑friendly environment with space for younger guests.
Booking: Advance reservations advised for December weekend dates and group tables.

2. Hadley Park House Hotel – Festive Lunch & Dinner All December

Where: Telford
Why It’s Festive: The Georgian Hadley Park House is transformed for Christmas with twinkling decorations and a menu of festive lunches served from early December through to Christmas Eve.
What to Expect: Seasonal starters (e.g., squash soup), traditional roast turkey with all the trimmings, alternative mains like braised beef or vegetarian roulade, and classic desserts.
Kid‑Friendly: Yes — vegetarian and dairy‑free options available; check when booking.
Booking: Pre‑booking essential as spaces fill quickly.

3. Feathers Hotel & Restaurant – Festive Lunches in Ludlow

Where: Ludlow (great for East Shropshire day trips)
Why It’s Festive: A historic inn offering festive lunch menus throughout much of December, with pre‑booked set lunches featuring traditional turkey roasts and seasonal starters and desserts. 
What to Expect: A three‑course festive lunch (about £30pp) with Christmas vegetables and classic mains — perfect for family or friend gatherings before Christmas.
Kid‑Friendly: Yes — classic roasted mains appeal to younger diners.
Booking: Pre‑booking required, especially for larger groups.

4. The Bear Inn Hodnet – Classic Pub Christmas Lunch

Where: Hodnet, Market Drayton
Why It’s Festive: A highly rated inn and restaurant that combines traditional pub charm with seasonal cooking, perfect for a hearty Christmas or festive lunch.
What to Expect: Seasonal roasts, cosy interiors with roaring fires, and classic pub favourites alongside festive sweets.
Kid‑Friendly: Yes — welcoming atmosphere for families with children.
Booking: Recommended for holiday weekends.

5. The Haughmond – Festive Sunday Roast & Seasonal Menus

Where: Upton Magna, Shrewsbury
Why It’s Festive: A well‑reviewed local restaurant known for quality seasonal food — from celebratory Sunday roasts to festive lunch options in December.
What to Expect: Seasonal starters, roast mains with all the trimmings and comforting desserts in a relaxed setting.
Kid‑Friendly: Yes — family‑friendly menus.
Booking: Best to book ahead for weekends and holiday dates.

6. The Armoury – Shrewsbury Pub with Seasonal Specials

Where: Victoria Quay, Shrewsbury
Why It’s Festive: A popular city centre pub with a seasonal twist on classic British dishes — often offering festive menu highlights through December.
What to Expect: Seasonal mains, traditional roasts and classic desserts with festive touches.
Kid‑Friendly: Yes — approachable menu for children.
Booking: Recommended for December lunch sittings.

7. Côte Brasserie – Festive French‑Inspired Lunch

Where: Shrewsbury
Why It’s Festive: Known for consistent quality and seasonal menus with French flair, Côte often introduces festive dishes and set menus throughout December.
What to Expect: Seasonal starters and mains, plus festive puddings.
Kid‑Friendly: Yes — children’s menu available.
Booking: Best to book early for mid‑December weekend lunch slots.

8. The Fox and Hounds – Shawbury Pub Christmas Lunch

Where: Shawbury, Shrewsbury area
Why It’s Festive: Classic gastropub atmosphere with seasonal lunch menus that suit a casual but satisfying Christmas or festive lunch.
What to Expect: Seasonal roasts and traditional mains alongside lighter festive options.
Kid‑Friendly: Yes — friendly and relaxed environment.
Booking: Recommended, especially for Sundays in December.

9. Coleham Tap – Festive Pub Lunch in Shrewsbury

Where: Coleham, Shrewsbury
Why It’s Festive: A lively pub with seasonal menus and a strong reputation for approachable festive dining — great for family lunches or meet‑ups with friends.
What to Expect: Festive mains, seasonal sides and comfort classics with a seasonal twist.
Kid‑Friendly: Yes — broad menu appeals to all ages.
Booking: Advised for December dates.

10. Sutherland Arms – Newport Pub with Seasonal Comfort

Where: Tibberton, Newport
Why It’s Festive: A much‑loved local pub with seasonal menus and hearty festive lunches, ideal for laid‑back family get‑togethers in December.
What to Expect: Classic roast lunches with festive elements, desserts and warming drinks.
Kid‑Friendly: Yes — family‑friendly environment.
Booking: Best to book ahead for December weekends.

What to Expect from Festive Lunching in East Shropshire

Festive Menus & Booking

Across East Shropshire, many venues offer festive lunches from late November through December, ranging from two‑ or three‑course set menus to traditional Sunday roasts with seasonal sides and desserts. Many pubs and restaurants request advance bookings and sometimes pre‑orders, particularly for larger groups or peak weekend slots.

Kid‑Friendly Dining

Most of the listed pubs and restaurants provide family‑friendly menus or options that appeal to children, whether through smaller portions, classic roast mains or seasonal desserts.

Christmas Day Availability

A few venues, such as The Appleby Inn (outside strict East Shropshire but nearby), promote dedicated Christmas Day lunches with pre‑orders and deposits — including visits from Santa and festive extras.

FAQs

Q: Do restaurants in East Shropshire serve Christmas Day lunch?
Some do offer Christmas Day lunch menus (with deposits and pre‑orders), though availability is limited and bookings fill up quickly.

Q: How far in advance should I book?
For December weekends and festive menus, book as early as possible (weeks ahead) — popular dates fill up fast.

Q: Are vegetarian or vegan options available?
Many venues offer vegetarian or vegan alternatives. When you book, ask about dietary options so the kitchen can cater accordingly.

Q: Can I take children to festive lunches?
Yes — most pubs and family‑oriented restaurants are kid‑friendly and provide children’s portions or adjusted menus.

Conclusion — Celebrate Festive Lunch in East Shropshire

East Shropshire offers a wonderfully varied festive dining scene — from elegant country house lunches to classic pub roasts and family‑friendly seasonal menus. Whether you’re planning a pre‑Christmas catch‑up, a Sunday roast with friends and family, or a Christmas Day feast, the venues above deliver quality food and warm hospitality that bring the season to life.

If you’re welcoming guests to your East Shropshire property over the festive period and want a stress‑free hosting experience, Pass the Keys East Shropshire can manage your bookings, guest communications and turnover — letting you enjoy the festive season without the hosting hassle.