CADBURY House has drawn up its biggest shopping list for the year in preparation for the upcoming festivities.

The four-star Congresbury hotel, which features a state-of-the art gym, spa and award-winning restaurants, is expecting to welcome over 5,000 guests this December.

Two tons of turkey, three tons of potatoes, half a ton of Brussel Sprouts and half a ton of stuffing are needed to cater to the hungry guests.

Chefs at the popular venue will take delivery of around 500 litres of double cream, while they’ll be making 500 gallons of gravy and 10,000 pigs-in-blankets. There is also an order for the equivalent of 70,000 cranberries which will make up the popular accompaniment served with turkey dinners.

Gareth Ireland, general manager, said: “It certainly is quite the shopping list but we’re pulling out all the stops again this year and have a number of fantastic options for a range of budget.

“We’ve got some brilliant party nights in the Great Room, which are always good fun, or for those wanting to experience a little more ‘affordable glamour’ the Marco Pierre White Steakhouse Bar & Grill is the ideal venue.

“Interestingly around 50 per cent of all Christmas bookings have come from the corporate sector, which, since the pandemic has slowly returned to what we would call more normal levels.

“We’ve also moved away from offering the traditional crackers and party boxes and instead have decided to use that money to support some great causes including Help the Homeless and The South & East Bristol Foodbank. You could call it a crackerless Christmas!”

The staff at Cadbury House are hopeful that people will continue to use the venue for conferences, events and weddings. 60 of these were hosted throughout 2023.

Gareth added: “There is still an element of caution on the back of the pandemic plus the uncertainty with regard to the economy however 2023 for us shows that there is definitely an appetite to get back to where things were pre-2020 and includes all elements such as weddings, conferences and events.

“We’re now looking forward to 2024 with increased optimism and vigour and have in place a programme that will maintain Cadbury House’s reputation as the number one venue in the South-West.”