Dickens Dinner at Kelts Pub

By: Jill Rohrbach 12/04/2012

Kelts Pub in Altus gets into the spirit of Christmas by offering Dickens Dinner 2012— a seven-course dinner and costume extravaganza that includes unusual readings, English Christmas dinner traditions and live music. The dinner is offered on four Sundays in December – the 9th, 16th, 23rd and 30th.

The staff serving the fare will be dressed in Victorian costume, and those attending the dinner are encouraged to do so as well. Owner Jan Graham-McMillen promises you won’t be the only one, but says modern dress is just fine too.

The event harkens back to 1870 with music from the era, parlor games, unusual Christmas works of the great Victorian author Charles Dickens, and a traditional English Christmas surprise for all the guests.

You can anticipate strolling carolers and jolly old Father Christmas making an appearance.

And the menu sounds divine:

  • Champagne and Sherbet
  • Oyster Stew
  • Fish Filet in Chablis Sauce
  • Sliced Turkey Breast and accompaniments
  • Stout Braised Beef and accompaniments
  • Mixed Green Salad
  • Plum Pudding

Wines will be paired with each course. Sparkling cider will be served for those true Victorians who don’t’ indulge, and you can enjoy coffee or tea with the pudding course.

Tickets are $49 per person and must be purchased in advance. Stop by the pub or call 479-468-2413. The cost covers the seven-course dinner, all wines and beverages, live music and other entertainment, but not gratuity.

If you’re coming with a group, make sure to let them know. Kelt’s has two tables that will seat six, with other tables seating four or two.  You can reserve tables and seats when purchasing your tickets, but that availability is first-come- first-serve and limited. Tickets are non-refundable.  If weather is a problem, Kelt’s will reschedule during the first weeks of January.

Just so you know, it’s a fairly formal dinner and runs the course of the evening so it’s not suitable for small children.

Kelts and Altus are located in west central Arkansas about 45 minutes east of Fort Smith, one and a half hours south of Fayetteville, and about two hours north and west from Little Rock.