- Written by Kate Winney
MELBOURNE – The hallways of The Windsor have borne testament to some of the greatest Australian Christmases of all time, and this year is no exception.
The Food: Christmas isn't Christmas without a feast, and The Windsor is pulling out all stops for the special occasion. Celebrations start on Christmas Eve with a 5-course degustation dinner, followed by a 5-course degustation lunch on Christmas Day, and the ever-popular Christmas buffet. The hotel's iconic Christmas pudding – soaked in rum and cognac in the hotel's cellars for 15 months – will also be available for purchase, and December's Afternoon Tea will be a Christmas-themed affair.
The Entertainment: This year, The Windsor will be hosting the Melbourne City Ballet, who will be performing several dances from The Nutcracker on Tuesday 18 December (11.30am – 12.00pm). Set in the Grand Ballroom, this free event is set to be a spectacular affair. Young aspiring ballerinas under 12 years old dressed in leotards and tutus on the day also receive a 20% discount on Afternoon Tea (reservations essential).
The Setting: Christmas doesn't get any more magical than at The Windsor, with natural Christmas trees filling the lobby with a wonderful pine aroma. There'll also be a quartet on Christmas Day serenading guests.
CHRISTMAS PUDDINGS
Soaked in the finest aged Cuban rum, VSOP cognac and cherry brandy for 15 months, our rich, decadent Christmas puddings emerge from the cellar every October in preparation for Christmas. We use local dried fruit and Murray River almonds, as well as brown sugar, nutmeg and cinnamon for a truly unforgettable Christmas flavour.
RRP: $30
Available in-hotel and through our online gift store from 12 November (postage Australia-wide)
CHRISTMAS EVE DEGUSTATION DINNER
Held in our elegant dining room, One Eleven, our Christmas Eve degustation dinner is a 5-course affair with highlights including: brown sugar-cured Tasmanian salmon with a crab rémoulade, grilled porcini-crusted veal loin with roast peach & chestnut purée and The Windsor's famous Christmas plum pudding with brandy sauce & mince pies. Selected wines and beverages are included.
When: 24 December 2018 from 6pm
Where: One Eleven, The Hotel Windsor, 111 Spring Street, Melbourne.
What: 5-course degustation dinner including beverages. (menu)
How: $199 (adults), $150 (Children 7-12), $105 (Children 3-6)
Reservations via 03 9633 6004 or reservations@thw.com.au.
CHRISTMAS DAY DEGUSTATION LUNCH
Spread across our elegant dining room, One Eleven, and the majestic Grand Ballroom, our 5-course Christmas Day degustation lunch features: brown sugar-cured Tasmanian salmon with a crab rémoulade, a medallion of grilled Kangaroo Island crayfish with endives & champagne velouté, and the unmissable traditional turkey breast with stuffing, chestnut purée and cranberry jus. The Windsor's famous Christmas plum pudding with brandy sauce & mince pies, selected wines and beverages are included.
When: 25 December 2018. One Eleven (12pm – 3pm), Grand Ballroom (1pm – 4pm),
Where: One Eleven (adults only) and the Grand Ballroom, The Hotel Windsor. 111 Spring Street, Melbourne
What: 5-course degustation lunch including beverages (menu)
How: $359 (adults), $275 (Children 13-18), $195 (Children 4-12)
Reservations via 03 9633 6004 or reservations@thw.com.au.
CHRISTMAS DAY BUFFET LUNCH
An annual favourite, our Christmas Day buffet lunch – in the all-white surrounds of the contemporary Bourke Room – is a spread of delectable delights. Pork and pistachio terrine, duck rillettes, wild mushroom pâté, fresh Australian seafood including king prawns, Tasmanian oysters and Tasmanian smoked salmon are just some of the starters. There will also be a carvery of Christmas favourites including: baked free-range ham with an orange and ginger marmalade glaze; roast turkey breast with stuffing and cranberry sauce; and pork loin and crackling. Tempting Christmas desserts including our famous plum pudding, a chocolate Yule log, Christmas trifle, mince pies, selected wines and beverages are included.
When: 25 December 2018, 11.30am – 2.30pm
Where: The Bourke Room, The Hotel Windsor. 111 Spring Street, Melbourne
What: Buffet lunch including beverages (menu)
How: $319 (adults), $235 (Children 13-18), $145 (Children 4-12)
Reservations via 03 9633 6004 or reservations@thw.com.au.
CHRISTMAS AFTERNOON TEA (1 – 31 DECEMBER)
Afternoon Tea is given a sprinkle of Christmas glitter with a special menu running throughout December. Highlights include turkey ribbon sandwiches with cranberry sauce & Swiss cheese, a Tasmanian smoked salmon squid ink bun, and whimsical desserts such as the Christmas Hat (blackberry confit, Guanaja chocolate, vanilla ganache & almond crumble), Fig & walnut tart, and a beautiful macaron filled with apricot marmalade & rosemary ganache.
When: 1-31 December 2018
Where: One Eleven. 111 Spring Street, Melbourne.
What: A Christmas-themed Afternoon Tea. Includes French sparkling on arrival, a choice of speciality tea or coffee.
How: $75 on weekdays;$99 on weekends, when a decadent dessert buffet is also served
Reservations via 03 9633 6004 or reservations@thw.com.au.
CHRISTMAS GIFTS (IN-HOTEL & ONLINE)
Gift certificates for Afternoon Tea and overnight stays at The Windsor are also available through the hotel's gift shop, as are a suite of delightful momentos! https://giftshop.thehotelwindsor.com.au
The Hotel Windsor
A Melbourne institution, The Hotel Windsor has been enamouring guests since its establishment in 1883. Located on Spring Street, at the top of Bourke Street, in Melbourne's vibrant East-End theatre district, the iconic, heritage-listed establishment features a grand staircase leading up to 180 timeless rooms and suites, fitted with an array of wonderful amenities and comforts befitting the Grand Dame of Melbourne.
Afternoon Tea, held in the elegant cream dining room, is Melbourne's longest-running Afternoon Tea service, where guests can enjoy a traditional three-tiered stand of ribbon sandwiches, freshly-baked scones and French patisserie. A full dessert buffet experience with classic and modern cakes is served on weekends.
An important meeting place for Melbourne's social and political set, The Hotel Windsor also offers a suite of stately meeting rooms and events and banquet spaces, for weddings, gatherings, and corporate and celebratory occasions.
The Hotel Windsor – where the grandeur of Melbourne's golden age meets modern timelessness.
