What Makes the Best Christmas Bar in Preston

The best Christmas bar in Preston is the one that feels like Christmas the moment you step through the door: decorations everywhere you look, somewhere to sit with your own group, something warm in a mug and Christmas on the screen. That's what The Winter Lodge on Friargate is built for, and it's open from 14 November.

Plenty of bars put up a tree and a few baubles in December. A proper Christmas bar goes further. Here's our checklist.

It's decorated all the way up

At the Lodge, every wooden hut has a garland round the door, the ceiling is ten thousand fairy lights, the centre hut wears a gold star with nutcracker soldiers either side, and Santa keeps watch by the bar. More on the decorations is on our festive bar page.

You get a table of your own

Standing at a crowded bar isn't much of a Christmas night. Each hut seats up to eight, with tartan cushions and a blanket on the hook, and once you're in it's yours for the night. You can book a table online, and walk-ins are always welcome.

The drinks are Christmassy

Mulled wine with cinnamon, clove and orange. Hot chocolate with whipped cream and mini marshmallows, or a boozy one with your favourite liqueur. A warm brandy, or a full litre stein of Paulaner if you'd rather a beer.

Christmas is on the screen

The best Christmas films play over the bar every night, Home Alone included. And yes, Die Hard counts.

Everyone's welcome

Kids and dogs are welcome until 8pm, so the afternoon can be a family trip and the evening a night out. See bringing the kids and bringing the dog.

Judge for yourself: book a hut or just wander in at 49-50 Friargate.