Hydes reports strong early festive trading as Christmas menu launches

Salford-based brewer and pub retailer Hydes has launched its 2025 Christmas Fayre menu, and early trade suggests another standout festive trading period, with pubs across the estate serving more than 1100 seasonal meals in the first week, giving the business a strong start to its busiest period of the year.

Bookings for Christmas 2025 are already ahead of last year, with the usual mid December surge still expected. Based on current reservations and projected walk-in trade, Hydes anticipates serving around 21,000 festive meals across the season. Christmas Day continues to be a major highlight for Hydes pubs with many guests choosing to reserve their table for the following year while dining, and most pubs already full by the end of summer, with waiting lists in place soon after.

Last year Hydes delivered its most successful Christmas on record, with more than 13,000 starters, 19,000 mains and 14,000 desserts served from late November through to the end of December. Christmas pudding remained the favourite dessert with more than 4,000 portions sold, while roast turkey once again topped the list of main course choices. Oak smoked salmon on toasted rye with beetroot chutney was the most popular starter.

To meet rising demand, Hydes purchased five tonnes of turkey in December 2024. This year the business expects to exceed that figure and has already planned for more than 6 tonnes – over 1,330 butterfly turkey breasts – from trusted butchery partners.

The popular beef feather blade has also been updated for 2025. Hydes sold just over 5,000 portions last year, but the business has prepared for in excess of 6,000 portions of the new version, which features beer braised blade of beef with smoked cheese mash, maple glazed carrots and marrow crumb, created using one of Hydes own ales.

Fresh produce continues to arrive daily at Hydes dining pubs. Last year, its kitchens processed more than 12 tonnes of potatoes along with 4 tonnes of carrots, 2.5 tonnes of swede, more than 1.5 tonnes of sprouts and 2.5 tonnes of parsnips. Close supplier relationships ensure seasonal quality and availability throughout the festive rush.

Hydes catering development manager, David Oldham said: “We prepare for Christmas almost as soon as the new year begins. Planning starts in January so that menus reach our pubs for the summer, and we stay in constant conversation with our suppliers. This year we have seen strong early interest again, and the first week of trading confirms that guests are eager to enjoy festive dining with us. We are confident that this will be another memorable season for our pubs.”

Managing director Adam Mayers added: “Christmas dinner is a special occasion for our guests and we never take that for granted. Preparation, training and clear communication across every pub ensures that visitors enjoy the best possible experience. With real fires, great food and a warm welcome, our pubs are ready for another fantastic Christmas. We are looking forward to seeing families come together to celebrate and enjoy a meal without the stress of cooking or clearing up.”

Formed in 1863, Hydes Brewery is a brewer and pub retailer based in Media City, Salford. It supplies beers to wholesalers, pub companies and brewers across the United Kingdom and operates more than 40 pubs across the North West and North Wales, including premium dining venues and traditional community pubs.