A HISTORIC Winchester hotel has embraced the unseasonably chilly weather by putting on a Christmas party.

The Winchester Royal Hotel on St Peter Street wanted to give potential clients a taste of what the festive season would be like in their function rooms, so they decked the halls, crackers and all, a good three months early.

The smaller downstairs room had a refined white theme, whereas the upstairs room was a more traditional red, and, importantly, both have dance floors.

READ MORE: The Winchester Royal Hotel celebrates launch of refurbished garden

A lovely festive table A lovely festive table (Image: Sebastian Haw)Sales manager Linda Wilson said: "The idea behind this showcase is to show companies what the hotel can look like for Christmas.

"If you go to the pub, you can still have a good meal, but you don’t get that Christmassy end-of-year feel like you would here."

The hotel is also putting on a series of novel events, from outdoor cinema nights with barbecues to Jane Austen-themed tea parties. 

Its walled garden adjacent to St Peter Street has recently been refurbished, as has its board room, which was full of canapes and mulled wine for the festive showcase.

For more information about Christmas at The Winchester Royal Hotel, visit their website here.