It was the first time I had used the 'C' word this year; and it certainly was a good start to the festive season.

We were invited down to Ask Italian in Stratford-upon-Avon to sample their Christmas set menu; and with work parties getting organised and meals out this December getting booked, I can heartily recommend the Bell Court eatery.

Our evening got off to a great start as we were given a small sample of the chain's cloudy lemonade to sample while we perused the menu.

My companion and I then enjoyed a 'Cranberry Gin-Gle' cocktail, with local-crafted gin, cranberry juice and elderflower topped with soda water. An instant hit that was full of festive charm and set us up nicely for the Christmas feast.

For starters I picked the burrata caprese which was everything you would expect. Creamy, velvety cheese on a bed of tomatoes, rocket and basil; what's not to love.

It's Christmas time in Bell Court (image supplied)

The contemporary Ask Italian was a comfortbale setting for our Christmas meal (image supplied)

On the other side of the table the ricotta salata-topped bruschetta was ordered. A very generous portion of three slices of toasted ciabatta bread covered in fresh tomatoes and basil - another classic Italian winner, with that added 'snow' effect cheese on top to elevate it.

For the mains I went for what I'm sure purists would turn their nose up at - the Christmas pizza topped with pulled turkey, sage and onion meatball, pancetta, chestnuts, brussels sprouts, chestnuts and balsamic onions!

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It really sounds like it won't work, but it really did. The balsamic onions really lifted what could have been quite rich toppings, and the thin base meant it wasn't as heavy as other pizzas. Definitely worth trying for yourself.

My partner meanwhile went for something more traditional in the beef brisket pappardelle.

The succulent pulled beef and red wine ragu was excellently cooked, packed with flavour and elegantly presented with long flat ribbon pasta. 

The beef brisket pappardelle

The Christmas pizza really did work!

And for desert we decided to share the festival snowball chocolate gnocchi - a Christmas twist on the usual menu item with the Nutella-filled dumplings covered in icing sugar and served with white chocolate sauce and white chocolate sprinkles. It didn't matter how full I was, I couldn't stop eating them!

So if you're looking around for where to head to for that Christmas-themed outing this December, I can highly recommend Ask Italian's festive feast.

Priced at three courses for £27.50, it struck me as good value. And the comfortable, contemporary setting at Bell Court, coupled with the excellent service we received, a winning recipe for a great Christmas night out.

Book your table here.

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The buratta caprese was a hit!