Book Your Bristol Christmas Party Early: Why The Cider Box Tap Room Is the Festive Favourite You’ve Been Looking For

Yes, it’s summer. The sun’s (occasionally) shining. You're probably still finding glitter in your hair from last year's office do. And here we are—talking about Christmas.

But hear us out.

If you're the poor soul tasked with finding the perfect Bristol venue for this year’s office Christmas party, then you already know: the best places get snapped up faster than a tray of pigs in blankets at 8pm. Booking your festive celebration in July or August isn’t weird—it’s clever. It means fewer compromises, better cider, more cheese, and zero regret.

So, allow us to introduce ourselves properly. We’re The Cider Box, Bristol’s unapologetically cider-centric taproom tucked beneath the railway arches of BS2. We do things a little differently. A little more rustic, a little more raucous, and a lot more delicious.

Whether you want a cosy, candlelit tasting session with your team or a full-blown après-ski cider-fuelled blowout, we’ve got you covered.

🎄 Why Choose The Cider Box for Your Christmas Party?

Because we’re not a hotel conference suite with dry turkey slices. We’re not a chain bar with sad tinsel and a DJ playing the same three Christmas songs. We’re a proper independent venue, built around great drinks, great food, great company—and just enough festive chaos.

Here’s what makes our Tap Room the best-kept Christmas secret in Bristol:

1. Unique Venue With Serious Character

Our taproom is set in a beautifully restored railway arch, just a snowball’s throw from Temple Meads station. There’s a festoon covered pergola, twinkly lights, long wooden tables, cider barrels, and that unbeatable festive glow that only comes from being surrounded by people having a properly good time.

It's like a West Country winter lodge, minus the travel.

2. Craft Cider Tastings That Actually Taste Like Christmas

We don’t do “house cider.” We serve small-batch, award-winning ciders from some of the country’s best independent producers—most of them just down the road.

Choose from:

Guided cider tasting experiences led by our cider evangelists
Mulled cider made with orchard apples and warming winter spices
Bottled or draught options for your own mini cider bar

It’s boozy, brilliant, and weirdly educational. Your team might even learn something—though we can’t promise they’ll remember it the next day.

3. Festive Food Without the Flop

No soggy sprouts here. Instead, we offer:

Raclette-melted cheese platters
Local charcuterie and sourdough
Hearty street food options (from seasonal pies to fire-grilled toasties) from providers such as Bianchis, Pizzarova & more.
Fully vegetarian and vegan menus available
Sweet treats, snacks, and post-dinner cider cocktails

And yes, you can totally eat cheese for dinner. It's Christmas.

4. Après-Ski Party Vibes (Without the Cold Hands)

Want a party with a twist? Opt for our Apres-Ski Christmas Party Theme—think:

Fake snow, fire pits and fairy lights
Hot spiced cider in hand
Retro ski wear encouraged (but not required)
Cheesy Euro-pop? Entirely optional
A proper alpine lodge feel, minus the altitude sickness

It’s a little bit ridiculous. But in the best way possible.

5. We Can Come to You

Don’t fancy venturing into the wilds of BS2? No problem. We also offer mobile cider bars and pop-up tastings. We'll bring the drinks, the cheese, the decorations and the charm—so you can throw a proper Cider Box Christmas in your office, your garden, or even your car park (yes, it’s been done).

It’s the same great experience, minus the logistics of herding your team onto buses.

🎁 Christmas Parties for All Kinds of Teams

Whether you’re planning an intimate gathering for ten or a raucous all-staff bash for sixty, we tailor your event to suit.

We've hosted:

Digital agencies seeking a chill, tasting-led evening
Architects dancing under fairy lights until the cider ran dry
Tech startups ordering “one of everything”
Freelancers just needing an excuse to wear a sequinned jumper
And once... a full brass band (yes, they played Slade)

Whatever your vibe, we’ll help you build it—from quiet and classy to full cider-fuelled carnage.

📅 Why Book Now (Yes, Even in Summer)?

Because the inbox doesn’t lie. Our calendar fills up faster every year. And those prime December Thursday and Friday slots? They’ll be gone before the leaves even turn.

By booking early, you get:

First dibs on your preferred dates and times
More customisation options (menus, themes, tastings)
The smug satisfaction of being that organised person
And crucially, zero stress come November

Plus, we offer early bird incentives—cheese upgrades, welcome drinks, or a few bottles to take back to the office.

🧀 But Wait—Did Someone Say Cheese?

Yes. Yes we did.

One of the best parts of our Christmas offering is the cider and cheese pairing experience. It’s a surprisingly elegant (and slightly boozy) way to bring people together, learn a bit, laugh a lot, and discover just how glorious a good cheddar can be when chased with a proper cider.

Great for teams who want something different to a sit-down dinner. It's interactive, informal and very West Country.

📍 Location, Transport, Accessibility

We’re located just behind Temple Meads Station (BS2), making it super accessible by train, foot, sleigh, or taxi. There’s nearby parking for delivery drivers and designated elves. And if you need late-night taxi recommendations or hangover-curing breakfast spots, we’ve got those too.

💬 What People Say About Us

“Way more fun than the usual corporate do. The cider tasting was brilliant, and the raclette was chef’s kiss.” — Anna, Team Leader

“Booked our Christmas party here last year and it was perfect—cosy, fun, and not a single complaint from the team (a miracle).” — Mike, Operations

“We loved the Apres-Ski theme. No idea what I wore but there are photos and cider bottles to prove I had fun.” — Jenny, Graphic Designer

🎉 The Rundown: What’s Included?

Here’s a quick summary of what your booking could include:

✅ Exclusive or semi-private venue space
✅ Welcome mulled cider or cocktail
✅ Guided cider tasting (optional)
✅ Cheese and charcuterie boards
✅ Street food or raclette
✅ Après-ski party styling
✅ DJ or curated playlist
✅ Staffed bar with cider, craft beer, spirits & wine
✅ Decorations, fire pits, and fairy lights
✅ Festive extras: crackers, games, Secret Santa swaps

📞 Ready to Talk Dates?

We know no one likes thinking about tinsel in July. But if you want your Christmas party to feel like something special, not a scramble, now’s the time to act.

Drop us a message, give us a ring, or send a pigeon with your ideal dates. We’ll help build you a Christmas party that’s relaxed, joyful, and 100% “not another boring work do.”

🎄 Book now or get more info at www.theciderbox.com
📧 Email us at info@theciderbox.com
📞 Or call 0117 990 2962 to chat through your options