Peking duck served in two courses and deep-friend ice cream are among patrons’ favourite dishes at the celebrated Chinese restaurant, which can serve up an imperial and gold banquet for a minimum of six people. It’s a fun alternative venue for an office Christmas function, with a minimum four people to start the fun and take advantage of the banquet menu.

“We’re fully licensed and the Marigold is great around Christmas and holiday time for family get-togethers, but you must book early,” Jimmy said.

SEAFOOD chowder, crumbed barramundi and fresh Sydney rock oysters are the order of the day at Tamworth's Frog and Toad Restaurant and Econo Lodge.

Gerhard Labuschagne took over the business with his parents, Gerhard snr and mother Cavell.

"We had been looking in regional Australia for a hospitality business to invest our time and money," Gerhard said. "We decided on Tamworth because it just felt like a vibrant, growing town from our first visit."

A coup was securing the services of Andrew McPherson, one-time executive chef at Whalebone Wharf Seafood Restaurant in Port Macquarie and Samantha Townsend, a former executive chef at The Lobby. 

“Andrew and Samantha have put in a huge amount of effort in the past three months to nail down the new menu,” Gerhard said. 

The Econo Lodge can seat up to 120 patrons in its functions centre, or the Frog and Toad Restaurant that can serve groups up to 20 with either a la carte  or alternative drop service.

A TRADITIONAL baked dinner as well as finger food is a speciality at the Bendemeer Hotel.

“We have a beautiful function room and we have a fair few bookings for office Christmas parties,” Bendemeer Hotel spokeswoman Mary Cannon said.

Established in 1864, the hotel, in Caroline Street, Bendemeer, is just 10 minutes from the Moonbi Pass.