Foodies rejoice when Christmas rolls around

Now that we have all cracked into door two of our advent calendars, I thought I would make you aware of some of the fantastic food events taking place this month. Not only will these give you a chance to partake in some festive frivolities, they will also be a source of gift ideas for the foodie in your life.

On Sunday 4 Brewdog in Brighton are hosting a Christmas arts and crafts market between 12-6pm. Local creatives and Brewdog’s artsy and crafty customers will be peddling their wares inside the Brighton pub. There will be an eclectic mix of clothing, cosmetics, food and jewellery on offer. Best of all the bar will be open which means all stalls can be perused with a glass of your favourite craft beer in hand to assist with the decision making process.

Brighton’s favourite gin pop up purveyors, Gin and Bear It, will be holding their own Boozy Xmas Market on Saturday the 10th at the Exeter Street Hall from 12-6pm. Not only will be guys be selling their wonderful gin based festive stockings and gifts, they will also be selling mulled sloe gin to keep the cold away. Other boozy stalls will include beers and ales from Kiln Brewery and Arundel Brewery; and Hebridean Sprits will be on hand to keep the festive spirits high. There will also be cakes from Lavender Bazaar and food courtesy of Forgotten Cuts. Other stalls will include vintage jewellery and furniture, antiques, hats, flowers, preserves, gifts and more.

If you are looking for a great festive get together, The Watchmakers Arms in Hove will be hosting a Christmas pop up with Gin and Bear It on Monday 12. Brighton’s friendliest pub, and sellers of the best ale in town, will be having a little get together with the vintage gin men from 6pm. Ales, ciders and cocktails will be available to make for a totally joyful and triumphant time.

Throughout the month of December Brighton Food Tours will be holding their Christmas special food and drink walking tours. Taking place every Friday and Saturday, and then daily from December 20-22, you can join them and get all your festive foodie shopping done in one fell swoop. Not only will you get to take advantage of exclusive discount offers, you get the bonus of discovering new independent food spots as you nibble and sip your way around the city.

Having been on their V.I.B food tour I can vouch for their excellent knowledge of Brighton’s best food spots. Co-founders Angela Brightwell and Catriona Lane are fantastic hosts who will be able to make your Christmas shopping experience a fun and painless one. Advance booking is essential and tours cost £40. Visit www.BrightonFoodTours.com. If you are looking for something a little different to the usual restaurant Christmas menu for your December get together; Etch. will be holding a four day pop up at Tom Foolery café in Shoreham. Chef/director Steve Edwards will be taking over the kitchen between December 6-9 showcasing his Sussex-inspired six course tasting menu. This is a fantastic opportunity to experience Steve’s interactive dining experience before the Etch. restaurant opens in Hove next spring. For further information and to book your seat head over to www.etchfood.co.uk.

These events represent just a small slice of the festive fun that can be had in Brighton this month. There are some fantastic Christmas menu’s available, from cosy traditional home cooked food through to the slightly more exotic or contemporary. It is important to remember that, in amongst all this fun and excitement, we all have a responsibility to stay safe and keep each other safe. Let us also remember those that are less fortunate.

Whilst that thought is in your head, Polygon Pop up are holding a fundraising event for Shelter Box which is being held at The Skiff 30 Blackman Street BN1 4GD this evening. Come and sample superb street food from 64 Degrees and The Set, plus drinks from The Cocktail Shack and the Polygon bar. There will also be a YeYe Fever DJ set and an exhibition of local art for sale. This is part of a national fundraising event for Shelter Box who make aid boxes for families who have been affected by natural disasters. Doors open at 6pm and entrance is just £3 with 10% of all proceeds going to the charity.