Fancy something schmancy for New Year or fed up with cooking? Here are a few ideas of places that are offering to take the strain and give a little respite during Tier 4 restrictions.

We have picked out a few fabulous options below from Chef Simon Mckenzie, The Five Horseshoes, The Argyll, Drifters Coffee House, The Row Barge Inn, and The Dub plus something to change it up a bit from Pielicious and Phenology.

We also have a full list on our STAY AT HOME page of who is open and doing what including restaurant takeaways, prepared meals, where to buy all your local fresh produce, wine, beer & spirits, plus local coffee shops and village stores who all keep us watered and fed when the going gets tough and we have to batten down the hatches.

Local Chef Simon Mckenzie’s Christmas Day boxes proved such a huge success he is offering restaurant boxes put together to celebrate New Year. Everything comes clearly labeled and ready to finish off at home. The boxes are priced at £90 per person and delivered on 30th/31st December.

So what do you get? A five course menu of Celeriac Veloute, Scorched Cornish Mackerel, Braised English Onion, Fillet of Beef Wellington finished with a Black Cherry Delice plus a selection of midnight snacks.

For more information and how to order visit www.chefsimonmckenzie.com/christmas2020

The Five Horsehoes at Maidensgrove are offering a New Year’s Eve takeaway to wave goodbye to 2020 and are now taking bookings.

Choices include a Ballotine of Pheasant wrapped in bacon with chestnut and quince stuffing or Slow-cooked Beef Cheek with fondant potato, sauteed leeks and cabbage for £15.00, Dry aged sirloin steak, parsley & garlic butter, thyme dried tomato, roast shallot, chips for £20.00 or Beer Battered Haddock and chips, tartar sauce, garden peas for £12.00. Also available are a selection of desserts, Xmas pudding and brandy custard £4.50, Warm chocolate brownie £3.50, Apple crumble & vanilla custard £4.50 or Sticky toffee pudding, toffee sauce £4.50. And if you fancy a pint of Brakspears they have Gravity available at £2.00 a pint.

Orders need to be placed before 5pm on Wednesday by email admin@thefivehorseshoes.co.uk or telephone 01491 641282. Pick up Thursday 31st December between 5pm and 7.30pm.

Drifters Coffee House are providing cook at home recipe kits including a vegan plant based Smoked Cheese Burger & Sides or Katsu Curry where you’ll get the recipe along with all the ingredients to cook the dishes fresh at home.

For more information and how to order visit www.drifterscoffeehouse.co.uk/recipekits

Image: Ali Hughes

From Monday through to Saturday The Row Barge Inn in West Street are offering takeaway Fish & Chips, Pizza and a few of their ‘House Specials’ as well as their hugely popular takeaway Sunday Roasts. Booking in advance is essential.

For more information visit www.therowbarge.com

From 29th December The Dub will be re-opening it’s doors for all your burger, hot dog and wings fixes for takeaways and meal deals.

For more information, opening hours and how to order visit www.facebook.com/thedubbar

Don’t fancy making your own pies but want that homemade taste and full to the brim with filling? Then stock up for New Year with some Pielicious pies.

Pies on offer include Steak & Ale, Ale & Stilton, Steak & Kidney, Minced Steak & Onion, Chicken & Leek, Chicken & Mushroom, Chicken Balti, Harissa Lamb with roasted peppers & chickpeas, Garlic Mushroom & Mozzarella (v), Roasted Vegetable Balti (v), Spicy Three Bean Chilli (vegan) plus Dauphinoise Potato & Caramelised Red Onion (v). All £3.80 each or 3 for £11.

Local delivery is available.

For more information and how to order your pies visit www.facebook.com/pielicious.ltd

Phenology will be opening up for business and resuming collections and deliveries from 29th December. Put your feet up and enjoy their delicious, seasonal food in the comfort of your own home.

The Winter Menu items include Lentil Shepherd’s Pie with Parsnip & Potato Mash, Pumpkin, Cavolo Nero, Yellow Pea & Emmer Stew, Butternut Squash, Sage, Goats Cheese & English Cobnut Tart, Purple Sprouting Broccoli, Bix & Walnut Tart, sweet treats such as Apple & Cinnamon Crumble, Oat & Walnut Topping, deli goods Spiced Roasted Carrot Hummus and freshly baked breads Brown or White Boule.

For more information and how to order visit phenology.co.uk/menu