Large Manchester

Large’s Alternative Christmas Venue Guide 2011

For many, part of the Christmas spirit involves a good festive party. Whether it’s with family, co-workers or friends, you are going to find plenty of places out there dying to get your bookings with their bright adverts and promises of a good time – but let’s face it; the market can get a bit repetitive.

Here at Large Manchester we believe that the Christmas Party should definitely be something to remember, so we’ve collected together a few places (in no particular order) that have caught our eye – welcome to our Alternative Christmas Venue Guide.

To Russia with Love

Old Trafford has set its sights high this year as it hosts a Russian themed Christmas extravaganza. Welcomed into an authentic Cossack encampment complete with snow-clad pines, you can expect a night of top entertainment: You will be treated to a five-course dinner whilst watching entertainment from the event’s Bond Girls, Cossack sword dancers, fire jugglers, acrobats and ending with a famous Cossack dance finale. To Russia with Love will also have its own Ice Bar, dance floor, Casino Royale and event dodgems! To book for this popular event, go to: www.bestpartiesever.com.

Dry Barge Party Boat

The Bohemia function barge (a.k.a. the Party Boat) is set at Dry Bar in Manchester city centre, Castlefield, and cruises along the famous Bridgewater canal. Whilst open all year round to book for whatever you wish this sixty capacity boat provides plenty of space to wine and dine as you look out onto the evening lights of winter in Manchester. The ride goes smoothly via Manchester United’s Old Trafford Stadium and onto either Dunham Massey or Worsley, and is sure to provide a venue with a difference! For more information check out : www.drybarge.com.

Tiger Tiger

Manchester’s very own Tiger Tiger is another fantastic venue for your Christmas do. Popular for its sense of style (imagine slick leather sofas, ambient lighting – there’s even a multi-coloured disco floor!) Tiger Tiger offers food as well as a wide selection of drinks including some mouth watering cocktails. This venue is live and loud and ready to give you the best time possible. Prices for food bookings do vary depending on dates so be sure to check out their site for more information: www.tigertiger-manch.co.uk  - it’s easy to navigate and even easier to book!

Manchester’s Museums and Galleries

If you like a dollop of culture on your Christmas pudding then Manchester Art Gallery may be the place for you. Nights include wine and canapés in the stunning Pre-Raphaelite Galleries, three course festival banquets in the glass Atrium and dancing in the beautiful restaurant area. With a selection of more modern and traditional spaces there is plenty to choose from! For more information, check out www.manchestergalleries.org.

If you prefer a meatier, animalistic experience with history then Manchester Museum is also open for Christmas bookings. You can dine with Stan the T-Rex with up to 80 people, have drinks with the stuffed mammals and even arrange tours of the museum. Each gallery space holds between 40-200 people and there is also room for lighting, musicians and whatever else you want! Check out www.museum.manchester.ac.uk to find out more.

Lastly, the Imperial War Museum is also looking forward to Christmas; with on-site parking, space for up to 300 guests for a dancing party and areas for more intimate gatherings, you can enjoy delicious food, drink and music all night long: north.iwm.org.uk/server/show/nav.21872.

Papa G’s Grill and Bar

Set in the Printworks, Papa G’s offers high quality traditional Greek and Mediterranean food produced from hand me down recipes for a real alternative feast. This independent, family run business boasts a powerful passion for food so expect only the best! Using special cooking techniques, you can feast in dishes such as Kleftiko (Greek lamb shank), The Big Greek Burger (with additional houmous, halloumi and smoked ham), Greek Village Salad and a choice of Souvlaki Skewers cooked on a coal fire BBQ. To top off a friendly or work related night out Papa G’s offers a selection of tempting drinks at the bar, and for family events parents can even entertain kids with a trip to their personal children’s library! Dishes range from £4-£18 (with additional children’s menu) so there’s something for everyone. Book now at www.papags.co.uk.

Crazy Wendy’s Thai Restaurant and Bar

Crazy Wendy’s in Didsbury offers a dining experience with a colourful twist. The energetic lady herself promises to entertain with a list of her favourite renditions from artists such as Elvis Presley and Shirley Bassey! Crazy Wendy promises to get diners singing along and has already made quite a name for herself. After a complete renovation, the restaurant itself has a polished and snazzy atmosphere with a wide range of Thai choices on the menu. This place has proved very popular, so book as soon as possible! www.crazywendy.com

It’s best to book as soon as possible as the events listed have proved themselves popular in the past. But whatever you decide to do, make sure to give yourself a night to remember!

Natalia Fedoruk