Welcome to Hilltop Garden Centre, where the spirit of Christmas is all around - not just in our twinkling Winter Wonderland - but also served up in our warm and airy restaurant. December is the perfect time to treat yourself to this year's heartwarming dishes, and our head chef David has created a festive menu to treat your taste buds. Using only the freshest local ingredients, we’re serving up delicious specials that make perfect winter warmers.
Join us at our garden centre with a cafe, where the warm and welcoming atmosphere makes it the ideal spot to take a break from Christmas gift shopping to enjoy a delicious meal with the whole family. Here's what you can look forward to on our December menu:
Traditional Prawn Cocktail with Bread & Butter - £8.49
Start your meal with a timeless classic — our Traditional Prawn Cocktail. Succulent, juicy prawns are served a bed of crisp lettuce and drizzled with a rich, tangy Marie Rose sauce. Accompanied by fresh bread and butter along with a salad garnish, this dish is the perfect way to kick off Christmas.
Whether you’re stopping by after exploring our magical Winter Wonderland or looking for a light lunch at our garden centre and restaurant, this dish is a must-try for seafood lovers.
Traditional Christmas Roast - £14.49
There’s nothing like a traditional Christmas dinner to get you into the festive spirit. Our Christmas Roast features tender turkey breast, a pig in a blanket, stuffing, crispy, golden roast potatoes, a medley of seasonal vegetables, and a perfectly puffed Yorkshire pudding. All of this is served with a generous serving of rich gravy. If you have dietary requirements, please ask our team for options.
This hearty dish is perfect for fuelling up after picking out your Christmas tree at Hilltop, or shopping for gifts in our garden centre in Essex. It’s everything you love about Christmas dinner, served without the hassle of cooking (or the washing up) at home!
Traditional Christmas Pudding with Custard
End your meal on a sweet note with our Traditional Christmas Pudding. Rich, moist, and packed with festive flavours of dried fruits and spices, it’s the perfect Christmas dessert - and you get one all to yourself! Served as an individual pudding with your very own jug of creamy custard, it’s a wonderful treat that is sure to warm your tummy. Pair this dessert with one of our festive hot drinks for the ultimate indulgence.
Toasted Christmas Toastie - £8.49
If you’re in the mood for something lighter but still full of festive spirit, try our Toasted Christmas Toastie. Packed with turkey, stuffing, brie, and cranberry sauce, this toastie has a taste of Christmas in every bite, and is served with crisps and a salad garnish - you can upgrade from crisps to chips for just £1.50 extra.
It’s the perfect choice for a light lunch during your visit to our garden centre. Pair it with a steaming cup of our Gingerbread Latte for a lunchtime festive treat.
Mulled Berry Fudge Cake
Indulgence takes on a festive twist with our Mulled Berry Fudge Cake. This rich, moist, chocolatey dessert is infused with the warming flavours of mulled berries, making it the perfect treat for a cold winter’s day.
Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply treating yourself after Christmas gift shopping at our garden centre in Clacton-on-Sea, this dessert is a must-try. It’s best enjoyed with a cup of our homemade Mulled Wine to cleanse the palate.
Baileys Crème Brûlée - £4.49
Indulge in a festive treat this December with our Baileys Crème Brûlée, now available at Hilltop’s restaurant. This decadent dessert combines the smooth, creamy richness of Baileys with the classic crunch of caramelised sugar. Homemade with love and the best quality ingredients by our chef, it’s a must-try for anyone with a sweet-tooth this Christmas.
Festive Drinks to Warm Your Heart
December isn't complete without a festive drink, and this month's drinks specials have something for everyone:
- Gingerbread Latte (£4.49): Sweet, spiced, and everything nice (including gingerbread men!).
- Homemade Mulled Wine (£3.29): Warm, spiced, and bursting with festive flavour.
- Black Forest Hot Chocolate (£4.45): A luxury chocolate drink with a hint of cherry and topped with lashings of cream.
- Black Forest Milkshake (£4.45): For a chilled take on our Black Forest flavours.
Why Choose Hilltop Garden Centre This Christmas?
At Hilltop, we’re more than just a garden centre in Essex; we’re part of the local community. Our festive menu, designed for you by our Chef David, is made with the best, and freshest, local ingredients. After enjoying a delicious meal, take a stroll through our Winter Wonderland, explore our Christmas gift selection, or simply relax with a hot drink. If you’re visiting with family or friends, Hilltop Garden Centre is the perfect place for an afternoon out and a catch-up.
Visit Us
We’d love to welcome you to Hilltop Garden Centre just outside Clacton-on-Sea in Essex this December. Come for the food, stay for the festive atmosphere, and make the most of everything our garden centre with cafe has to offer. From our hearty Christmas Roast to indulgent desserts and festive drinks, there’s something to delight every palate.
We’re here to make your December magical! 🎄