It may have just been midsummer’s day, but for one Inverness cafe it is all about Christmas Day.
Charlie’s Cafe, located at Inverness Bus Terminal, will launch its full Christmas dinner menu tomorrow – six months before Christmas Eve.
Some may question if the owners have been quick to jump the gun, but they say, given the current challenges facing people, they want to bring joy to the people of Inverness.
Customers will be feeling nostalgic for food typically enjoyed on December 25, with turkey, Brussel sprouts and the universally loved pigs in blankets all on the menu.
The cafe is a popular destination for residents, located in the city centre, and likely one of the first places seen by bus tourists when visiting Inverness.
Manager Chris Corbett said: “It was just a wacky thought I had. I remember seeing a similar promotion a few years ago, and it came back to me last month.
‘Something different and fun’
“After everything that has happened the last few years, we thought it would be something different and fun for the people of Inverness.
“The whole thing was something to be taken light-heartedly and in good humour.
“The majority of people were very happy to hear that it was happening, and it was something to look forward to even though Christmas itself is six months away yet.”
Mr Corbett pitched the idea to cafe owner Martin Pieraccini, who has a reputation for creating fun and interesting ideas for menu items.
‘It injects a bit of humour into people’s lives’
Mr Pieraccini was all for it, although when they announced the idea to the 12 staff members, there were several confused faces.
They assumed it was a simple turkey dinner as a weekday special but were shocked that it would instead be a full Christmas dinner with all the trimmings.
In considering how to price a Christmas Dinner, Mr Corbett decided to keep the price the same as last year, despite rising costs.
He said: “We’ve unfortunately had to put our prices up twice in the last six months. We were very conscious of keeping the cost reasonable for customers.
“With everyone going up we were adamant it should be kept at the same price. I think it helps complete the whole package for what we wanted to offer people.”
Mr Pieraccini added: “It injects a bit of humour into people’s lives. I quite like these sorts of ideas, and if it generates footfall then I am all for it.”
Conversation