In December, the usual Dining Out Club takes a break to make way for the OxVeg Christmas Party! The Jam Factory did a great job last year with a bespoke menu, so we will be going back again this year.

As we are having a special vegetarian and vegan menu, the Chef has requested that we have an early sitting - hence the early start but the table is ours all evening. It is the restaurant's busiest night of the year, so there will be a great party atmostphere.

The price is £25 for 3 courses including a free glass of wine or soft drink. Numbers are limited and there's been lots of interest so please confirm your place to Natasha by paying a £10 deposit.

What will definitely be on the menu is:

portabello mushroom brimming with roasted vegetable gratan [g/f?] roasted plum tomato and basil soup [g/f vegan]

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Christmas nut roast, quorn pigs in blankets, roast parsnips and potatoes, carrots and apricot stuffing with a tomato sauce [vegan?] Sweet potato, red pepper and spinach curry with basmati rice and fresh poppadoms [g/f & vegan]

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Traditional Christmas pudding with brandy butter Chocolate brownie, drunken berries and chantilly cream Fresh fruits with strawberry mousse and amaretto biscotti

I have requested a variety of vegan / veggie options and a gluten free option (so vegans, don't despair about the desert selection). They did a great job last year and I'm sure they will this year too. I will, of course, find out which ones are vegan / gluten free.

The cost is £24.95 for three courses including a free glass of wine or soft drink. As with most venues, they add 10% service charge too which they promise goes straight to the staff. I'm sorry that this is a little pricey but it is comparable with other venues and they are a small, independent restaurant not a large chain, so we're supporting the local economy by choosing them. Also, the manager is an ex-veggie and so very sympathetic to veggie / vegan dining out requirements. Of all the restaurants that we've visited on our dining out nights, this is the only one that has - as a matter of course - created a 'special specials' menu just for us.

We're limited to a maximum of 30 guests and so now I need to know for sure who's definitely coming. Therefore, even if you've told me before that you're coming, can you please tell me again so that I can give the restaurant accurate numbers.

I hope as many of you as possible will be able to make it. It would be good if we could have a full house and the interest I've had to date is looking positive for that.

So, please let me know if you're coming ASAP and I look forward to seeing you in a fortnight.

And to those that are unable to make it - happy Christmas and I hope you have a wonderful festive break.

Kind regards,

Natasha