Week Starting 21 December 2009

Christmas Week, Oh Christmas Week!

Obviously the snow dance worked! Can you believe it? It might get slippery, you might end up sprawled embarrassingly on the High Street, but who doesn’t appreciate a countryside scene blanketed with snow. If you happen to live in an urban environment and the snow just makes the traffic awful, perhaps it isn’t so great but hey ho ho ho. Fingers crossed that the white fluffy stuff holds on for Christmas day – a muddy grey Christmas is not quite so romantic, but probably more traditional. Sometimes the best of times are the traditional ones, so the Good Time Guide has got your festive week all wrapped up!

There are three important factors to consider when organising a classic Christmas. One. Food and drink. We have the best in abundance for you to enjoy. Two. Family films. Check. Three. Llamas. Pardon? Yes, you read right. Llamas. Have a look at our Christmas Day selection to find out how llama trekking could become your new best tradition. After all, traditions have to begin somewhere - why not on the Surrey Hills with a llama by your side?

Monday - THE FOUR SEASONS, CHOBHAM

Without fabulous food, Christmas would be a very dull affair. So give your tummy a treat and welcome the winter snow by indulging this week at The Four Seasons in Chobham. Step off the high street into the 15th century building and you'll come over all Dickensian. Seated amongst all the nooks and crannies, you'll enjoy a festive feast in the most atmospheric of surroundings. Take your friends, spoil your family.

To get a flavour of The Four Seasons click HERE or telephone 01276 857238 to make a booking.

Tuesday - PALETTE BISTRO, WOKING

If all that Christmas shopping is getting you down, take a break and enjoy the fresh, seasonal offerings at Palette Bistro in Woking. Housed in Woking's contemporary art gallery and museum, The Lightbox, Palette Bistro offers relaxed, informal dining in a family friendly atmosphere. Choose from Fairtrade coffees, Teapigs teas and an array of delicious cakes baked fresh on the premises. Take a look at their mouth-watering Christmas menu HERE. Perhaps you’re still stuck in the office before the Christmas break - why not take advantage of the free WIFI to stretch that lunch hour just a little longer.

Need to get granny a present but your wallet is empty? Use your Good Time Guide Offer Card to claim 20% off food when you spend £10 or more. Offer is valid until 28th February 2010.

For more information click HERE or give them a call on 01483 737829.

Wednesday - LUMIERE @ RHS WISLEY

Fairy lights are very festive. Enormous inflatable snowman and epilepsy-inducing house displays are cute but very kitch. Find the middle ground at RHS Wisley this Christmas with spectacular light installations in their beautiful gardens. Lumiere brings a burst of colour to the gardens at night and bathes Wisley in an incredible glow. If you follow the garden trail you'll find 18 artistic installations that will dazzle and delight you. Why not walk off some pre-Christmas indulgence and get some bracing fresh air at the same time.

Lumiere is free with normal garden entry. For ticket prices, times and more information click HERE.

Thursday - “IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE” @ SCREEN, REIGATE

Ok, so the Sound of Music will definitely be on the telly at some point. You can hum along as the Snowman goes walking in the air. But to really feel the spirit of Christmas don't miss this seasonal cracker gloriously projected onto the big screen. The Screen at Reigate will be showing "It's a Wonderful Life" this Christmas Eve @ 5.30pm. Never seen it? Well, if the tale of a suicidal James Stewart doesn't sound immediately festive, don't be fooled. This is an absolute classic and not just at Christmas. Come and see if Clarence gets his wings and whether you can make it to the end without blubbing. Dare you.

To book tickets call 0870 066 4777 or click HERE for more information.

Friday - LLAMA TREKKING AND TURKEY

Merry Christmas! Bored with baubles? Tired of tinsel? Then why not inject something new into your traditional Christmas week. Each year the jolly folk at Surrey Hills Llamas enjoy a Christmas morning trek with some beautiful four-legged friends. Gone are the days of scampering across a hillside with just the family dog in tow - this Christmas you could lead a llama instead. It's a real treat – starting at the 16th century Merry Harriers in Hambledon you can warm up with mulled wine and mince pies before enjoying the countryside as never before. After all that exertion, revive yourself with a delicious Christmas lunch at the Merry Harriers. A trek with llamas and no washing up on Christmas Day? Whatever next. Snow at Christmas. Hang on...

Spaces are limited so do book your tickets by calling 0845 600 9484. For more information and to find out what a llama looks like click HERE.

Saturday - WINDLESHAM PRAM RACE

You've over indulged. You ate too much, brought too many presents and the sofa has a permanent imprint of your behind. Turn it all around and do something good. Really good. This year the Windlesham Boxing Day Pram Race is set to build on the tradition of previous years and offer a fantastic day out. Fancy dressed racers encourage the cheering crowds to donate to charitable good causes and the event is overseen by the Surrey Border Lions Club.

If you want to take part it's a good idea to pre-register. To do that and see what all the fuss is about, click HERE.

Sunday - THE JOLLY FARMER, GUILDFORD

Another Christmas is winding down and you've really worn yourself out. Why not take advantage of the quiet time before all the nonsense of New Year and enjoy some great food in a beautiful countryside location at The Jolly Farmer in Guildford. If you need to make your visit more virtuous, combine it with a quick ramble in some stunning National Trust territory. Maybe just skip right to one of their famous Sunday roasts (served 12 – 8pm) or pick something delicious from an ever-changing menu featuring wild game and British beef.

For more information give them a call on 01483 234658.

Tip of The Week

The Old Plough, Cobham

Absolutely, if you want to, sweat over a hot stove all day, burn the parsnips and dry out the turkey. That's one option. Here's another altogether more appetising one. Book your table at The Old Plough in Cobham for their delicious Christmas Day Lunch and take the strain out of the day. Leave the hassle at home. This Christmas you can enjoy four fabulous courses, including a FREE large glass of wine or pint of beer, plus Christmas crackers and mince pies after your meal, all for £42.95 per person. All of this in the wonderful surroundings of a classic country pub, stocked with traditional real ales and a wide range of wines.

There's no need to wait for the big day though - you can always enjoy fantastic food at The Old Plough's restaurant, The Glasshouse. It serves quintessentially British pub fare and takes advantage of local produce in their seasonal specials. And of course, the Good Time Guide wouldn't give you a tip that didn't leave a smile on your face – so take advantage of the current Offer Card offer of 25% off your food bill (excluding specials board) up until the 31st December 2009. Offer not valid on Sundays.

To book your Christmas Day Lunch call 01932 862244 or click HERE for more information.