insideKENT Magazine Issue 69 - December 2017 | Page 33

ARTS+ENTERTAINMENT Christmas at RUXLEY MANOR GARDEN CENTRES HAVE CHANGED SIGNIFICANTLY FROM THEIR HUMBLE BEGINNINGS AS FLOWER TRADERS, AND RUXLEY MANOR IS A PRIME EXAMPLE OF A MODERN DESTINATION GARDEN CENTRE. ALONGSIDE ITS EXTENSIVE RANGE OF FLOWERS, SHRUBS, TREES AND ALL THINGS GREEN-FINGERED, RUXLEY MANOR BOASTS ITS OWN DEDICATED CHRISTMAS DEPARTMENT, RESTAURANT, A FOOD HALL THAT FOCUSES ON QUALITY LOCAL PRODUCE AND AN IN-HOUSE BUTCHER. DURING THE WINTER MONTHS, IT ALSO PLAYS HOST TO AN AWARD-WINNING FATHER CHRISTMAS GROTTO, AS WELL AS A REAL ALL-WEATHER ICE RINK, TRADITIONAL CHRISTMAS MARKET CHALETS AND ITS VERY OWN REINDEER HERD ON DISPLAY FOR THE ENJOY MENT OF CUSTOMERS. Beautiful Christmas Ruxley Manor’s dedicated Christmas Department has everything you need to make 2017 your most stylish Christmas yet. With seven inspiring displays, each with their own colour schemes and charm, you’ll be spoilt for choice with decorations to suit every home alongside indoor and outdoor lights, real and artificial trees and everything else festive. Visit www.ruxley-manor.co.uk for a teaser video of the Christmas Department and to start planning your trip. Gifts for all the family The newly refurbished Lifestyle Department has morphed into an exquisite gift shop offering something for everyone including Katie Loxton designer accessories, the latest in this year’s top toys, indulgent Yankee Candles, and homewares and apparel for even the most discerning of tastes. Add some exhilaration If retail therapy isn’t exciting enough you can enjoy the real ice rink at Ruxley Manor. The rink is covered and can be used in all weather conditions, offering a range of sessions to accommodate the whole family. Friday nights are dedicated to ‘Family Disco Night’ and include free glow sticks and classic 70’s disco tunes, while weekday mornings are for ‘Little Penguins’ – reduced capacity sessions for parents and toddlers with free use of skate aids to get your little one comfortable on the ice. Booking your session online to avoid any disappointment on the day is recommended. Festive food After exhausting yourself on the ice and around the various shopping departments, Ruxley Manor’s eating options are on hand to help you refuel. The Mulberry Tree restaurant serves a traditional Christmas lunch every day until Christmas Eve with a dedicated dinner menu for those late night shoppers and skaters. If you prefer the finer things in life you can book a festive afternoon tea for both adults and children. The full menu is available online and includes sandwiches on speciality bread, a scone and some festive sweet treats. For an even more luxurious experience you can add a glass of bubbly when you book. More information, opening times and tickets for all events including afternoon tea can be found on Ruxley Manor’s website: www.ruxley-manor.co.uk. Alternatively, please call customer services on 020 8300 0084. Ruxley Manor Maidstone Road Sidcup DA14 5BQ ruxleymanor ruxley.manor ruxleymanor 33