Christmas in July a hit for Sydney pubs and restaurants

Christmas in July has been Australian tradition since carpetbag steak was still a thing, and now some Sydney venues are extending their gravy celebrations into August.

"There has been a huge response to our Christmas in July menus, so we thought 'why not run them for another week or two?'," says Fraser Short, chief executive of Sydney Collective hospitality group.

"I think people are looking for an excuse to celebrate something – anything – at the moment, and Christmas is a good one."

Sydney Collective's six-venue portfolio includes CBD bar and restaurant The Morrison, Watsons Bay Boutique Hotel, Northies Cronulla and Park House, Mona Vale. This is the first year the group has launched Christmas in July events across all of its establishments.

"I think we can all agree, 2020 has been a pretty rough start for most people," says Short. "We thought with everyone's mood down, people would respond well to something they traditionally look forward to."

Yorkshire-born chef Sean Connolly has created a yuletide menu at The Morrison featuring porchetta with peach chutney, cranberry-stuffed turkey, hasselback potatoes and the signature savoury pudding of his home county.

"I use double the amount of eggs for my Yorkshire puddings than most recipes suggest," he says. "A shallow widemouth muffin tin is also key, so instead of being thick and dense, mine are thin to the point you can see light coming through. A good Yorkie should be the perfect gravy catcher."

Surry Hills bar The Winery is celebrating Christmas in July for the first time with an "Orphans' Christmas" lunch today, designed for overseas workers without family in Australia, and Darlinghurst's Taphouse has been pouring Christmas-themed beers throughout the month.

Meanwhile, Bakers Delight is selling fruit mince pies a few months ahead of schedule.

"Christmas in July is something new for us and really came about from our franchisee network," says Scott Darkin, corporate communications manager for the bakery chain.

"Some of our franchisees were looking for something fun and positive they could do in their bakeries to lift the mood during what has been a difficult year for all of us."

Select Bakers Delight stores participating in the promotion include Rozelle, Neutral Bay, Mona Vale, Pittwater Place and Warringah Mall.

"We're seeing plenty of interest for our new choc-cherry Christmas cake along with our traditional fruit mince tarts," says Darkin.

Where to get Christmas fix in Sydney

There are still plenty of options for turkey and mulled wine at the tail end of the month.

The Lord Dudley

Paddo's English-style pub has a $50 set menu including roast chicken, sticky date pudding and sparkling on arrival. Available for lunch and dinner daily until July 31. 236 Jersey Road, Paddington, 02 9327 5399.

The Grounds of Alexandria

Brunch at The Grounds Cafe can be topped with Christmas cake featuring ginger, cranberry and almond until the end of month. Also available for home delivery. 7A/2 Huntley Street, Alexandria, 02 9699 2225.

Northies Cronulla

Sean Connolly's Yorkshire puddings accompany stuffed turkey with oloroso gravy at the beachside pub. $49 for two courses and beer or wine, daily throughout July. Corner of Kingsway and Elouera Road, Cronulla, 02 9523 6866.

The Winery

Tickets are still available online for today's Orphans' Christmas lunch where $69 buys two hours of bottomless prosecco and a barbecue spread. 285A Crown Street, Surry Hills, 02 8322 2007.

Ripples Milsons Point

Harbour Bridge views, roast pork and baked cauliflower cheese star at Ripples final Christmas dinner for the month this evening. $49 per adult and $25 for kids. 1 Olympic Drive, Milsons Point, 02 9929 7722.