Christmas and New Year at The White Lion Inn
A CHARACTERFUL & FESTIVE SETTING
A December to remember
Nestled on the edge of the South Downs in the heart of Thakeham, The White Lion is framed by winter hedgerows and the quiet hum of village life. Our centuries-old beams, low ceilings and traditional open fireplaces provide the perfect setting for the festive time of year.
In December our dining rooms are dressed for the season – evergreen trees, brass decorations, sculptural baubles and the gentle glow of candlelight enhance the sense of occasion. Whether you’re enjoying a quiet supper for two or celebrating with friends, our pub embraces the spirit of the season with ease and elegance.
Our December menu reflects everything we love about winter cooking: full of depth and comfort, rooted in local produce. Seasonal vegetables from nearby farms, ethically and sustainably sourced meats, freshly landed South Coast fish all find their place on the plate.
Our neighbours at Nyetimber supply us with their renowned award-winning sparkling wines that perfectly accompany the festive dishes our chefs have created. This is the perfect way to start your festive celebrations.
Christmas Menu
Starters:
Crown Prince Pumpkin Soup with Spiced Pumpkin Seed Praline
Prosciutto, Blood Orange with Pecorino & Bitter Leaf Salad
White Lion Prawn Cocktail
Calamari With Garlic Aioli & Lemon
Yakatori Glazed Free-Range English Pork Belly, Celeriac Remoulade, Hampshire Watercress
Chargrilled Purple Sprouting Broccoli dressed in Garlic, Chilli & Lemon Olive Oil with Burrata
Mains:
Dry Aged, Grass Fed British Beef Burger, Monterey Jack Cheese, Tomato Relish, Aioli, Baby Gem Lettuce, Gwyn’s Bakery Toasted Seeded Bun with our Signature Skinny Fries
Harvey’s Beer Battered Line Caught Haddock & Chunky Chips with our House Tartare Sauce, Mushy Peas & Lemon
Wild Mushroom & Buffalo Mozzarella Arancini, Romesco Sauce with Rocket & Aged Parmesan
Salmon & Creamed Spinach En Croute, Crushed New Potatoes, Cavalo Nero with a Dill & Lemon Beurre Blanc
Braised 28 Day Aged Short Rib of Beef with Roasted Garlic Mash, New Season Chargrilled Hispi Cabbage & Red Wine Sauce
Wild Reared Turkey Parcel with Apricot & Cranberry Stuffing, Dauphinoise Potato, Smoked Pancetta, Brussel Sprouts, Roasted Chestnuts & Gravy
+ Add a Portion of Pigs in Blankets to any Main Course
Desserts:
Warm Christmas Pudding with Brandy Sauce
Dark Chocolate & Salted Caramel Profiteroles
Mixed Berry Trifle with Blackberry Jelly, Custard, Sherry Genoise Sponge & Vanilla Cream
Lemon Meringue Pie with Raspberry Sauce
Vanilla Ice Cream & Pedro Ximenez
Affogato
Plate of Chocolate & Maldon Sea Salt Fudge
Plate of Mini Mince Pies
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Dry Aged, Grass Fed British Beef Burger, Monterey Jack Cheese, Tomato Relish, Aioli, Baby Gem Lettuce, Gwyn’s Bakery Toasted Seeded Bun with our Signature Skinny Fries £19.95
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Harvey’s Beer Battered Line Caught Haddock & Chunky Chips with our House Tartare Sauce, Mushy Peas & Lemon £19.95
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Wild Mushroom & Buffalo Mozzarella Arancini, Romesco Sauce with Rocket & Aged Parmesan £23.50
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Salmon & Creamed Spinach En Croute, Crushed New Potatoes, Cavalo Nero with a Dill & Lemon Beurre Blanc £26.50
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Braised 28 Day Aged Short Rib of Beef with Roasted Garlic Mash, New Season Chargrilled Hispi Cabbage & Red Wine Sauce £28.50
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Wild Reared Turkey Parcel with Apricot & Cranberry Stuffing, Dauphinoise Potato, Smoked Pancetta, Brussel Sprouts, Roasted Chestnuts & Gravy £26.50
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Add a Portion of Pigs in Blankets to Your Main Course for an Extra £2.80
DINNER & EXCLUSIVE TASTING MENU
New Year’s Eve at The White Lion
We close our doors on Christmas Day to celebrate with our own families – but we return to bring in 2026 in style.
Join us for an unforgettable New Year’s Eve Dinner: exceptional food, fine wine, fireside comfort and the glow of celebration.
A special tasting menu will be revealed soon – limited tickets available, exclusively through our website.
Come in, raise a glass, listen to the sound of chatter, crackling fire’s and welcome the new year in timeless surroundings.
Christmas and New Year Opening Hours
Monday 22 Dec – Closed
Tuesday 23 Dec – Lunch & Dinner as usual
Christmas Eve – Lunch & Dinner (Dinner service starting at 7pm)
Christmas Day – Closed
Boxing Day – Drinks Only from 12pm-6pm (Restaurant Closed)
Saturday 27 Dec – Drinks Only from 12pm-10pm (Restaurant Closed)
Sunday 28 Dec – Drinks Only from 12pm-8pm (Restaurant Closed)
Monday 29 Dec – Closed
Tuesday 30 Dec – Lunch & Dinner as usual
New Years Eve – Lunch only. Pub open 12pm-6pm
New Years Day – Lunch & Dinner as usual
Friday 2 Jan – Lunch & Dinner as usual
Saturday 3 Jan – Lunch & Dinner as usual
Sunday 4 Jan – Sunday Lunch as usual
The Spirit of the Season
Whether you’re raising a glass of Nyetimber by the fire, sharing a homemade dessert by candlelight, or simply savouring the comfort of the room, the essence is the same: moment-making.
In December there’s nowhere quite like The White Lion – open fires, laughter, the scent of good food in the air, and the genuine welcome of village hospitality.
Festive Gatherings & Corporate Celebrations
At The White Lion, we know how to throw a Christmas party with style. Whether it’s a relaxed lunch with colleagues or a full evening celebration, our 16th-century pub offers an atmosphere that blends history, hospitality, and festive spirit.
Our dedicated team is on hand to make planning simple – from menu choices and drinks pairings to table layouts and finishing touches.
Throughout December, we offer a special festive party menu for groups of seven or more.
Private Hire & Larger Events
For larger parties, our Gun Room and adjoining spaces can be reserved for private use. Whether you’re planning a company dinner, a client celebration, or a relaxed gathering for your team, we’ll tailor the experience to suit your needs — festive décor, flexible seating, and menus that showcase the best of Sussex hospitality.
Availability is limited throughout December, so we recommend early booking to secure your preferred date.
DINE AT THE WHITE LION
Book Your Event
To discuss your event, call 01798 813141 or email info@whitelionthakeham.co.uk.