North Shore eaterys trading on Christmas Day ... get in fast for bookings
Chef Brett Grimley at Hornsby RSL promoting the fact they are open Christmas Day. Picture: Virginia Young
Don’t fancy cooking this Christmas? North shore venues are bucking the trend by opening on Christmas Day — but you’d better be quick.
A handful of clubs and restaurants are open on December 25, with some sold out already.
Spots that are open include Hornsby RSL, which still has room at its huge festive lunch.
About half the 400 tickets have been sold already for its international seafood buffet, according to functions manager Jo Gilbert.
“It’s always popular and we have 10 tables for people on their own too so they can spend Christmas Day together,” she said.
“It has a community feel. Some people can’t cook or don’t want to cook, and just want to be wined and dined.”
Asquith Leagues Club is also offering a traditional three-course lunch at $65.Mooney Mooney Workers Club’s $100 Christmas buffet has been booked up practically all year.
Greg Willmette from the club said: “Some people come every year and book on the day for next year. We haven’t even advertised.
“I think a lot of people say they haven’t got to wash up and clean up their own home. They can just come here.”
Meanwhile, the exclusive Berowra Waters Inn on the Hawkesbury River is open, with limited spaces left to enjoy a seven-course degustation menu including a glass of champagne for $205.
Restaurant manager Victoria Zwierzynski said it’s one of their busiest days of the year.
“At the moment we have 60 bookings. We are almost fully booked. People are coming back every year. They come from Sydney and the northern beaches as well as local, ”she said.
While other venues report they do have bookings for parties in the lead-up to Christmas, they say once the Melbourne Cup is over on November 4, they expect people to start thinking about getting something in their diary to celebrate.
The Hornsby Inn is closed on Christmas Day while the award-winning Pennant Hills Hotel’s manager Roman Nalywajko said they will be getting into the Christmas party spirit ahead of the big day with parties and functions.
View from the Berowra Waters Inn on the Hawkesbury River
■ Hornsby RSL $95 for members, $100 for non members, $45 for children
■ Asquith Leagues Club traditional three-course lunch $65
■ Berowra Waters Inn seven course degustation menu including a glass of champagne $205
