12 Christmassy Reasons to Book a Festive Celebration

Why wait for a partridge in a pear tree? Here are 12 top reasons to book a traditional Christmas at Holdsworth House.

1. Stepping in the footsteps of Last Tango in Halifax actors around the beautiful tranquil gardens after an exquisite lunch, breathing in the crisp air, drinking in the historic facade and discovering what the winter borders have in store.

2. Watching the robins dance across the frosted lawns. Feeding carrots to the shires in our paddocks and hearing the winter birdsong fill the courtyard.

3. Enjoying a hot toddy beside the outdoor fireplace in the Colonnade Courtyard. Warming legs, hands or bottoms to the good cheer and banter of friends.

4. Stepping in from the wintery scene to welcoming, warming open fires and smelling the scent of Christmas logs burning

5. Having a 'this is the life' moment and enjoying being looked after. Raising a glass to good company without having to lift a finger. Relaxing as you see everyone around the table enjoying themselves.

6. Discovering new flavours together as your table tucks into a fit-for-a-king Host a Festive Feast dinners, passionately prepared by chefs who love food and winning awards

7. Browsing down the gin menu in the Long Bar or choosing your favourite from our incredible wine list, carefully crafted by our Master of Wine 

8. Reminiscing of Christmases past as the Friendly Brass Band's nostalgic music drifts in and out of your consciousness. Call us to find out what December dates they are playing.

9. Watching the night draw in through the ancient mullioned windows as we soften the lights and serve you the most divine desserts, coffees and liqueurs.

10. Being part of young loves' dream if you're lucky enough to witness a Christmas or New Year marriage proposal, as we have before.

11. Hearing the laughter of like-minded revellers fill the halls as merriment reigns with quality local food and fine wines.

12. Sloping off to your uber-comfy bed for what could be the most wonderful night's sleep you've had in a long time. It's a big statement but so often the case with our beds.

If you want to celebrate a special Christmas and New Year somewhere unique download our Christmas brochure today. Or call 01422 240024 or visit www.holdsworthhouse.co.uk

Nothing So British As Afternoon Tea

"If your are cold, tea will warm you;
If you are too heated, it will cool you;
If you are depressed, it will cheer you;
If you are exhausted,it will calm you."

Here's a man who liked his tea. We're sure 19th Century Prime Minister William Gladstone, who quoted the above, would have given his approval of the afternoon tea served at Holdsworth House. For 50 years the historic hotel in Halifax has been serving up traditional afternoon tea on a collection of silver tiered cake stands. 

Afternoon tea is one of those things that never really goes out of fashion, but more recently the platters are an increasingly regular sighting and have even made it onto the wedding menus of many Yorkshire brides.

Not to be confused with cream tea, afternoon tea is a filling selection of sandwiches, elegantly cut into slender fingers, homemade cakes, pastries and fancies and the best homemade scones, jam and clotted cream that you can muster up.

Introduced in Britain in the 1840s afternoon tea was the meal that bridged the gap between lunch and dinner, which might not be eaten until 8pm onwards. It became popular amongst society ladies especially, as a way of gathering socially and entertaining guests.

Since 1963 Holdsworth House has been rocking the afternoon world with its stunning version, using an eclectic collection of vintage crockery to add a wonderful charm and elegance to this grand affair. Everything is home baked and created with precision and attention to detail - just as the Victorians would have wanted.

Today you don't need to don a dinner jacket or gloves. Smart casual is the attire of choice.

We have a choice of two afternoon teas - the traditional afternoon tea and the new 3 Kings Christmas Afternoon Tea with some delicious seasonal spices and fruits hitting all the right notes.

If you're wondering about what to buy friends and relations for Christmas, then afternoon tea really is the classy gift to give this year. At Holdsworth House tea for two is from £25.50.

You can buy the afternoon tea for two experience as a gift voucher. Valid for 1 year from the date of purchase.