This holiday season will be a time for treats and indulgence, bringing some sparkle to those across the UK who are looking for experience-led meals. As discerning diners continue to keep a close eye on disposable income, many want eating out experiences that they couldn’t, or wouldn’t replicate at home.
With value still front and centre of the Christmas equation, this needs to be delivered through clever formats and smart finishing touches that deliver the wow-factor without steep price tags.
With a focus on feasting, operators should be looking to craft ‘tantalising’ menus that extend beyond the run up to Christmas Day, also delivering decadence right through to New Year celebrations too.
Scrumptious starters perfect for sharing
Bitesize, mini-items and finger food on starters menus give a sense of occasion and allow diners to try a smorgasbord of seasonal specials. Perfect for couples right through to large groups, platters can push up spend per head, and if curated carefully, can be simple and cost effective to prepare too, whilst bringing some theatre to the dining experience.
Creed’s Kitchen ’72 BBQ Pork Belly Bites cooked in a deliciously rich BBQ marinade work well alongside mini skewers made with Kitchen ’72 diced chicken thigh in a garlic & herb flavour marinade. Whilst crispy squid strips and on-trend cheese and pickle melts are bound to be firm favourites on sharing boards.
Impressive Instagram-friendly tear ‘n’ share baked bread and melted cheese platters can be easily crafted by combining Country Range Signature Doughballs with wheels of camembert.
Whilst items that can be simply thawed and served, such as canapés made with premium smoked salmon, fresh dill, capers and cream cheese, dramatically reduce staff time in the kitchen, with a positive impact on overheads.
Elevate your mains
Main plates which offer something special that consumers feel are beyond their skillset, or perhaps imagination, to prepare at home are set to dominate this Christmas season. Delivering a sense of decadent nostalgia are wellingtons which really look the part when brought to the table. Creed’s Beef Wellington is made with Creed Family Butchers Red Tractor Assured British beef and the finest puff pastry.
With one in four consumers actively looking for plant-based options during the Christmas season operators might want to opt for a Pieminister Mooless Moo Pie, which features jackfruit in a rich craft ale gravy to replicate the hearty texture of steak.
With one in three Gen Z consumers considering alternatives to turkey, confit duck legs served with triple cooked chips and red cabbage with cranberries is a luxury option that few can resist. Whilst for the purists, turkey paupiette filled with sage and onion sausage meat stuffing makes light work for kitchen staff who can simply roast the portioned, ready-rolled, stuffed and bacon-wrapped breast and serve with ease.
On trend are mushrooms that have been prepared creatively. Fable Foods, stocked by Creed, offers ready-pulled meaty shiitake mushrooms which bring the ultimate umami hit. Serve in bao buns or on top of a hearty loaded winter salad, paired with Creed’s Kitchen ’72 Sweet Chilli Sauce. Sold frozen, the mushrooms are easy to store and can be used as and when required, reducing the chance of wastage.
Sensational seasonal trimmings
Think seasonal British produce when it comes to trimmings this year. Classics like carrot and swede mash and braised red cabbage continue to top the popularity charts and allow operators and consumers to do their bit supporting British growers and reducing food miles. Creed offers these ready prepared and frozen, for operators who are looking for speed and ease of serving.
Buying seasonal doesn’t need to mean traditional though – adding unusual twists to favourites will get people talking. How about beef served with chimichurri British roasties that are inspired by the Brazilian sauce recipe, or truffle and parmesan potatoes for a feeling of grandeur?
Sweet treats around the clock
With the rise of dessert-focussed dining out occasions, sweet dishes and takeaway items need to really shine this festive season. A nod to nostalgia once again, cheesecakes are making a strong comeback in 2025. From sticky toffee and chocolate brownie flavours, through to global takes – burnt Basque and New York style - there’s something with a little festive magic for everyone.
With lots of pre-portioned options, serving is simple and efficient, with minimal waste. Be sure to give some added sparkle through toppings and garnishes. Keep it simple with berries and a dusting of icing sugar, or go all out with stunning edible flowers and glitter.
Decadent chocolate desserts and cakes are always a hit around Christmas time, when many are looking for indulgence. Creed’s new Christmas Tree Mousse Cakes have strong novelty appeal, whilst mini sponge cakes in flavours of coffee, carrot, raspberry & vanilla and blueberry & white chocolate which simply need thawing, are a great item for those looking for something smaller as a light treat. Strategically place next to till-point for festive impulse purchasing or offer as an add-on to coffee menus.
Drinks for celebration
Whilst alcohol is often on the cards around Christmas time, many people are now becoming more conscious of over-consumption, with ‘zebra striping’ – alternating between alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages – becoming more common.
With this in mind, ensure non-alcoholic options feel as much of a treat as the others. Coffee is a great place to start, and with 59% of coffee buyers now highly experience driven syrups are a simple way to dial things up.
A gingerbread mocha could be created with gingerbread syrup, served with whipped cream and topped with a mini gingerbread biscuit. Or how about a Toasted Maple Pecan Latte topped with glazed pecan nuts and made with Maple & Pecan Syrup? Be sure to celebrate these seasonal offerings on specials boards and with strategically placed POS.
The Creed Christmas range will be available to order from late September 2025. For more festive inspiration download Creed’s Christmas Brochure by visiting: https://about.creedfoodservice.co.uk/christmas/