This week…it’s all about getting into the festive mood

With Christmas just two-and-a-half weeks away, it really is time to get into the festive spirit. If you’re struggling to get into the mood, haven’t started planning for the big day or even started your Christmas shopping; then we’ve got you. Over the next few weeks, we will be pulling together our best recommendations for gifts, food and drinks.

Enjoy an evening at The Pool Bar; Silent Pool

There’s nothing quite like immersing yourself into all things Christmas with a festive evening out. Local heroes Silent Pool and given their Pool Bar a sprinkle of cosiness with a delicious menu of gin hot chocolates and hot toddies in festive surroundings. It’s the perfect location, overlooking the floodlit silent pool and an even better starting point for your evening if you’re off for dinner in the Surrey hills.

The Pool Bar is open Friday – Sunday and is in Albury, Surrey.

This Is Local London: Family fun - the new Who wants to be a Millionaire is out now

Stock up on - board games

If you’re hosting Christmas day this year and don’t want everyone just sat around the TV, a great alternative is getting a bit old school and stocking up on the board games. Classic games have been given a revamp including Who wants to be a Millionaire (Smyths.com, £29.99). The game now has digital lifelines and gives you the chance to win a virtual £1 million. With over 700 questions there is plenty of variety and tricky questions for the whole family! Another great new release for this year is BBC Radio 2’s Pop Master (John Lewis, £7.99). It’s a staple for many office workers as they tune in to hear the quizmaster Ken Bruce ask the questions to the contestants to see who wins – and now you can have a go with the family.

This Is Local London: Stock up with Wimbledon Brewery

Support local and stock up with Wimbledon Brewery

Whether you’re stocking up on bubbles, gin or beer; Wimbledon Brewery has everything you need for the drinks cabinet this holiday season. Perfect if you’re hosting Christmas Day and want something a bit different from the usual supermarket offering, or equally perfect as a gift for that special loved one. Wimbledon’s Ultimate Christmas Gift Box includes bottled beer, vintage ale, a bottle of Wimbledon’s award-wining Garden Gin and of course; a bottle of Wimbledon Pink NV for all the celebration moments.

Of course if you would rather try before you buy (why not) then head down to the Wimbledon Tap on the College Fields Industrial Estate; open on Thursday through to Sunday.

The Ultimate Christmas Gift Box is £94.99 from Wimbledonbrewery.com