What the customers want for Christmas

We asked five consumers what they look for when they're choosing a pub for celebrating the festivities

Lucy Clark, 29

'I would choose a pub for its atmosphere. I like a cosy, chilled-out feel, especially at Christmas time. I really dislike it when it's heaving and full of the aftermath of the office Christmas lunch propping themselves up against your table, knocking over your drink.

'I also hate a pub that is pumping out music early in the evening so you have to shout at the people you came to see. After a few drinks and nearer closing time, however, I am not adverse to loud music. Good food and a good wine list are also a big draw to a pub.

'There isn't a better way to get into the Christmas spirit than meeting friends for a good pub meal. I'd also rather pay a bit more for quality than necking two- for-ones.

Chris Pinks, 27

'Friendly staff who are in the Christmas mood make for a really good atmosphere. I also like it when it's comfortably busy but I don't like going to places which are rammed, at any time of year. When it comes to decorations, you don't mind a bit of cheese if you're there for an office party or Christmas meal, but if you're just there for a quiet drink you don't want it to be too over-the-top. So while some decorations are fine, I think most of them should be kept in dining room areas. Party poppers always go down well, they're really good fun.

'Lighting is also very important, You can get away with slightly dimmer lights at Christmas, and candles are also very festive in a subtle way.

'In terms of drinks, I seem to drink more bitters and ales and heavier drinks at Christmas time, since they're more warming. I also drink more red wine over Christmas.

Clive Cort, 38

'I love going to the pub over the holiday period, especially when I'm out buying Christmas presents. I like a pub that's made a bit of an effort with decorations and has a log fire, as well as a few special offers on Champagnes or festive cocktails. The one thing I don't like is places that play tacky Christmas songs. I usually get asked to arrange the office Christmas party, which invariably ends up in a pub. The only complaint is that sometimes the service can be a bit slow, so it would be better if landlords took on a few more staff to cope with the rush.

Mary Enever, 49

'I'm not really a big fan of busy, smoky pubs, so I tend to avoid them for most of the year. Although we traditionally have Christmas dinner at home with the family, in recent years I've been considering booking a table at a pub to avoid having to do all the cooking.

'What I'd really like to find is a place that offers freshly cooked food, as good as we normally have at home, and a friendly atmosphere. So long as the menu isn't over-priced and the pub isn't just clearly trying to get as many people in as possible, then I think a cosy pub could make a good alternative to celebrating at home.

Tom Goy, 28

'The best pubs at Christmas are the ones with the most relaxed atmosphere. I am a big fan of log fires and mulled wine Christmas essentials also friendly bar staff who get into the swing of things, but not too cheesy music, just fun.

'I don't like very crowded pubs whose whole take on Christmas is a blow-up Father Christmas and a bit of mistletoe. And I also find big company Christmas parties really off-putting.