So, it’s time to pack away the sun cream and unpack the electric throw ready for wind, rain and dark winter nights.

I am pleased to advise you that the Christmas Lunch is again being held at the East Sussex National Hotel, Little Horsted, Uckfield, East Sussex TN22 5ES. Telephone No: 01825 880088.

Please arrive from 11.30 a.m. onwards when complimentary tea and coffee will be available. However, if anyone would enjoy something stronger the bar will be open from 11.30 a.m. on a cash or card basis.

Lunch will be served promptly at 1 p.m. and, if you wish to purchase wine for your table, please order this from the Bar immediately after you arrive, as this will ensure that your order will be on your table before the lunch is served. We will start calling you through to the National Suite at 12.30 p.m.

Please make your choices from the menu below:-

N.B. Please notify us, on your reply slip, if you have any special dietary requirements as the Chef is unable to make any changes to food requests on the day of the event.

STARTERS:

• Cauliflower & Chestnut Velouté, sage crème fraîche (V, D, CE) Vegan option available. [SOUP]

• Sun-Dried Tomato and Herb Arancini, artichoke fondue, olive emulsion (V, G, D, E) Vegan option available. [ARANCINI]

• Smoked Salmon Parfait, crème fraîche, pumpkin seeds, beetroot, rye toast and watercress (F, D, G) [SALMON]

• Duck Parfait, red onion jam, watercress, brioche toast (G, E, D) [DUCK]

MAINS:

• Crown of Turkey, smoked bacon sage and onion stuffing, pigs in blankets, garlic roast potatoes, sautéed sprouts with chestnuts, roast carrot and parsnip, pan gravy (G, D CE, MU) [TURKEY]

• Pan Fried Seabass Fillet with crayfish persillade, samphire potato rösti (D, CR, F) [SEABASS]

• Baked Aubergine, spinach, lentils, hummus, roasted root vegetables, poppyseed pastry (VE, G, SE) [AUBERGINE]

• Braised Feather Blade Steak, garlic mash potato, braised red cabbage, roast parsnip and red wine jus (D, CE) [STEAK]

DESSERTS:

• Classic Christmas pudding with brandy custard (V, G, D, E) [PUDDING]

• Vegan and Gluten-Free Chocolate Brownie with vegan ice cream (VE, GF, SO) [BROWNIE]

• Baked Cheesecake Clementine (V, G, D, E) [CHEESECAKE]

• Selection of British and European Cheese with spiced apple chutney and crackers (D, G) [CHEESE]

Coffee, Tea and Mince pies (G, D, E)

If you wish to be seated with friends, please arrange your own table (maximum 10 people) or indicate on the application form who you would like to sit with, and I will do my best to seat everyone in the group you would like to be with.

We have given a 42.1% subsidy to Members for this event, so the cost for Members is £32.00 with Guests at £56.00, which includes a three-course meal, tea/coffee and tips. The Committee has again agreed that for the CHRISTMAS LUNCH ONLY, the first guest of a sole member will be afforded the Member rate of £32.00.

The timescale is very tight this year and if you wish to attend, please apply as soon as possible and by Friday 23rd October at the very latest.

PAYMENT BY ONLINE BANKING – email your menu choices, including any special dietary requirements, seating choices and any mobility restrictions to sussexshaws2@gmail.com.and make a BACS payment to:-

Account Name: Barclays Group Retirement Club Mid Sussex Spread Eagles
Sort Code: 20-49-76
Account Number: 93171302
Reference: XMAS LUNCH 8/12.

PAYMENT BY CHEQUE – complete the reply slip with your menu choices, including any special dietary requirements, seating choices and any mobility restrictions, and send with your cheque to the address quoted on the slip.

If you require an acknowledgement, please enclose a SAE or email address together with a contact telephone number in case I have any queries.

NB - FINAL NUMBERS will be provided to the Hotel on the Friday 30th October, after which time we will be unable to issue any refunds. Cheques will be presented on or around this date.