Record Festive Season Sets the Stage for an Even Bigger 2026

As we close the door on another festive season, I can honestly say how incredibly proud I am of what our team has achieved. Across our Christmas and New Year celebrations, we welcomed an amazing 8,349 guests, making this one of the most successful festive seasons in the Heart of England’s history.

From our large-scale Christmas Party Nights and bespoke private festive events, to a fantastic New Year’s Eve celebration, the atmosphere throughout the season was electric. Our Santa’s Grotto and Magical Train Ride once again proved a firm family favourite, while festive feasts in The Quicken Tree were enjoyed by thousands. In total, our kitchens served over 7,000 Christmas dinners during the season — a remarkable achievement that truly reflects the scale of the operation and the commitment, stamina and teamwork happening behind the scenes.

Christmas Day itself was a real highlight, with guests celebrating across both the Birchley Suite and The Quicken Tree Restaurant, enjoying traditional festive dining in a warm and welcoming setting. The celebrations didn’t stop there, continuing through Boxing Day and into the New Year with our ever-popular New Year’s Day Welly Walk and Hangover Cure Menu.

I couldn’t be prouder of the team. Delivering thousands of meals and hosting such a diverse programme of events takes passion, planning and a huge amount of hard work. The overwhelmingly positive feedback we’ve received makes it all worthwhile.

Looking ahead, 2026 is a landmark year for us — celebrating 25 years since the Heart of England opened and 20 years of The Quicken Tree. With bookings already coming in, a 2-for-1 menu launching in January and February, and our Ho Ho HOE Down Christmas Cowboy Party Nights announced, there’s no sign of slowing down… just loosening a few belts.