December 2024

​December at the Sir Walter Raleigh Pub was truly a special time, and we loved seeing the pub come alive with festive cheer. Our team embraced the holiday spirit by introducing a delicious Festive Christmas menu, which featured roast turkey, as well as our pub classics such as fish and chips, and succulent pork belly. It was wonderful to see so many guests enjoying our seasonal dishes, and it felt great to be part of creating such a warm and memorable dining experience.
 
The pub looked absolutely beautiful with its Christmas decorations, making it the perfect spot to relax and soak up the festive atmosphere. As a traditional thatched community village pub, we’ve always prided ourselves on being a place where locals and visitors alike can come together - and December was no exception.
 
We kicked off the festivities with the pupils of East Budleigh’s Drake’s School, who joined forces with The Budleigh Male Choir for an evening of beautiful Christmas carols. Hearing their voices fill the pub was truly heartwarming—it was the perfect way to get into the festive spirit.
 
The live music didn’t stop there. We had the incredible Peter Burns with his energetic Rock ‘n Soul performance that had everyone tapping their feet and singing along. Later in the month, we were thrilled to welcome Briggs, Sweet & Jennings, who brought an unforgettable evening of music to the pub as part of their journey between The Albert Hall and New Orleans. Having musicians of their calibre perform here was a real treat for everyone who came along.
 
Another highlight of the month was continuing our Budleigh Uke sessions. These free gatherings brought ukulele enthusiasts of all skill levels into the pub, filling the room with music and laughter. Watching people bond over their shared love of music was wonderful.
 
We also kept things cosy at Walt’s Café, running on Monday, Tuesday, and Friday mornings. Serving up a full coffee menu, bacon rolls, and home-baked cakes, it’s the perfect spot for morning catch-ups or a quiet moment with a hot drink.
 
Looking back, December felt magical. Whether it was through our festive menu, the music, or the welcoming ambiance, it was amazing to see neighbours, friends, and visitors coming together to enjoy everything we love about this pub. It’s a privilege to be part of creating such a vibrant and friendly community hub, especially during the holidays!