The Christmas party season is finally here and I went to my first Christmas party last night.

Working in a PR agency, I have found that you never have a simple dinner dance for the Christmas do. This year the party began by going to Koba. You can go there just for a normal drink but we had a room to ourselves where we were greeted by a mixologist and taught how to make cocktails.

We were taught first about the history of the cocktails, how to make them and variations that you can do, such as adding different amounts and quantities according to how sweet you like it. Then we’d each go behind the bar and tray and make them ourselves. It was great fun but with 30 of us, it took a white for everyone to make their own drink and so in the space of 2 hours we all made 2 each. Good job we asked them to bring extra wine out for in-between!

Then we headed for food to soak up some of the alcohol. Just opposite is a restaurant called Mascara which is a North African restaurant. I have been there before, and both times the food has been really good. What gives the evening an extra something is that every now and then, a belly dance comes out and dances among the tables for entertainment. As you can image this creates a buzzing atmosphere – especially if there is a large group of you and so I would definitely recommend it if you’re looking for a meal with a difference.