Shelter Hall in Brighton has become the must-visit hub for anyone keen to try a wide variety of cuisines in one place.

But as the festive season approaches and the office party draws near – has the city’s gastro centre managed to capture the Christmas spirit?

We ventured to Shelter Hall on a chilly Tuesday night to try out the three-course Apres Ski festive menu in one of the venue's outdoor party domes and were all delighted that our spot had been heated to a toasty 22C.

With crackers laid out on the table, faux fur rugs on the chairs, blankets and a huge Christmas wreath on the ceiling, it certainly looked magical.

The Argus: The enormous roof wreathThe enormous roof wreath (Image: The Argus)

And with a portable Bluetooth speaker supplied by the restaurant to blast out our favourite Christmas playlist, it was worlds apart from the Shelter Hall we’re familiar with – a brilliant spot to watch the sun do down during the summer.

The majority of us started with a baked camembert with cranberry and toasted pretzel. Gorgeous and a generous size which was perfect for settling in with a crisp pint. So too was the honey mustard mini bratwurst.

The Argus: Baked camembert at Shelter HallBaked camembert at Shelter Hall (Image: The Argus)

Our pod was filled with chatter and laughter while we looked out at the i360 and beyond before our main course began to arrive.

Here is where we’ll lose those who aren’t willing to go without a traditional Christmas dinner at their party. I’d advise skipping straight to where we discuss dessert because you won’t enjoy these next three paragraphs.

Our group tried all three options: turkey schnitzel with dill cucumbers, cranberry and burnt orange jelly traditional bratwurst with ketchup, mustard, sauerkraut and chives, and the chicken burger with cranberry, stuffing and garlic mayo. We fell silent, which when trying your main course is the highest compliment.

The Argus: Traditional bratwurst with ketchup, mustard, sauerkraut and chivesTraditional bratwurst with ketchup, mustard, sauerkraut and chives (Image: The Argus)

It’s different to what you’ll have had other years. Those dried-out turkey dinners at a pub with chewing gum in the carpet, your back aching from sitting in a terrible wooden chair.

But that’s good news – and means there won’t be a strange old man watching you from the bar as you eat your roast potatoes.

Hello to those rejoining us. We’re talking about dessert: a beautiful apple strudel with custard - or ice cream. Simple as. You really can’t go wrong.

The Argus: Apple strudel with ice creamApple strudel with ice cream (Image: The Argus)

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Our waiter, however, told us that you can in fact go wrong. He explained that previous guests who tried the Apres Ski festive menu complained that portion sizes were too large. How bizarre. There really is no pleasing some people. They’re wrong, by the way.

We left feeling happy, full, and that the festive menu is a bargain at £30 each. Our little pod was home for a few hours where we could enjoy the music we wanted under a clear night sky, while being served fantastic food with attentive waiters.

And don’t worry, Shelter Hall delivers Christmas spirit by the bucket load.

Domes are available for groups of eight to 16 people.

The other restaurants at Shelter Hall

VIP Pizza, Little Bao Boy, Rudi’s Burger, Chick n Bun, Sear from Salt Shed, Conchita’s Mexican Kitchen, Julian Plumart

  • Party Domes are open on Christmas Eve, Boxing Day and  New Years Day.

  • There is also a New Year's Eve Party at Shelter Hall.

  • There will be a choir on three dates to be confirmed.

See shelterhall.co.uk