New research from Zizzi suggests that the traditional Christmas roast is losing its appeal long before 25th December. The study found that 64% of Brits get bored of Christmas dinner in the lead-up to the big day or simply do not enjoy it. Some even said they would prefer “anything but a roast” when meeting friends, family or colleagues in December.
While most people still keep turkey for Christmas Day itself, many are choosing something different for their earlier celebrations. Almost 40% of respondents said they do not feel the need to include traditional Christmas staples before the big day. When they do branch out, Italian food comes out on top, with nearly one in three people choosing pizza or pasta as their preferred festive alternative.
With more than 80% of Brits planning to eat out during the run-up to Christmas, Zizzi has introduced a three-course festive set menu for £29.95 per person. The dishes are designed to offer something for both fans of the classic roast and those looking for something more exciting.
Some of the highlights include the Festive Bombe, which is a garlic bombe topped with chestnut and cranberry pork meatballs, crispy prosciutto, sage and Roquito hot honey, and the Crust-Mas Rustica, a Christmas roast inspired pizza complete with cranberry and chestnut stuffing, roasted potatoes, nduja, Taleggio and festive toppings. There is also the Roasties Rustica, which can be made vegan, and the Porcini and Prosciutto Roast Chicken, served with Taleggio, cranberries, winter greens and porcini mushroom sauce.
The seasonal menu also features Black Truffle Arancini and The Christmas Catch, a rich lobster and prawn pasta dish. For dessert, diners can choose between Panettone Bread and Butter Pudding or Christmas Bombolini, which are doughnuts filled with Biscoff and dusted with orange and cinnamon sugar.
Festive drinks include the Berry and Bright cocktail and the Spiced Berry Sparkle mocktail, both served with a fluffy candy floss beard. There are also three new “Jingle Shots” and the option to share a magnum of Prosecco.
Corinne Prior, Brand and Customer Experience Director at Zizzi, said the team wanted to offer something fresh this year. “By December, many people are ready for something beyond the classic turkey dinner. This year’s menu celebrates the best of Italian cooking, elevated with fun, festive flavours. We can’t wait for everyone to try it.”
Bookings for Zizzi’s festive menu are now open at zizzi.co.uk/christmas
