Bar talk: How do you make the most of Christmas at the pub

Robin Carey from the the Jolly Crispin in Dudley, West Midlands transforms his outside area into a winter wonderland.

He said: "The garden will be closed for a Christmas fair with market stalls and a lights switch on.

"On the first weekend of December, we will have mulled wine and cider, which will be available during the month."

Going crackers

The Royal Pier in Aberystwyth gives traditional crackers a twist and licensee Lee Price said: "Instead of giving the customer a joke in a cracker, we are giving them a bounceback voucher such as two-for-one or buy one, get one free, etc., for January.

"We are also producing a mocktail and cocktail menu for the festive period."

Changing a pub's decor around Christmas can add to the atmosphere​ and Kevin Abbott from the Anchor in Wingham, Kent said he goes to town on decorations.

He said: "We include lots of holly and twinkly lights. We also give copies of our menu to regulars to pass on to their bosses so they will have their Christmas party here and that has really worked for us."

Festive menus​

Getting involved in Christmas early can also impact the pub into the new year.

Licensee of the Cutter Inn, Ely, Cambridgeshire Steve Haslam said: "We run festive menus from the end of November and have Christmas marketing on social media and radio. We try and boost everything because Christmas is your big chance before the January lull."