The work Christmas party is officially back on for 2021, according to new research conducted by Fridays, part of newly listed Hostmore plc.

Almost half (45%) of all workers in the UK said they and their colleagues are planning to go bigger than ever this year after missing out on celebrating together in 2020 due to the pandemic.

London offices and workmates led the pack, with over half (52%) planning fun festivities for their teams this Christmas, followed closely by Newcastle (49%), Glasgow (48%), Liverpool (48%) and Birmingham (47%)*.

These results are based on a survey of over 2,000 full and part time UK workers, which showed on average most went 4.5 months without seeing their colleagues face to face, and 10% still haven’t seen their colleagues at all since March 2020. This distance meant almost half (44%) didn’t get the chance to celebrate with their colleagues at all last Christmas, while 18% did manage to celebrate via video calls.

It’s no surprise then, that 97% of all those surveyed said they wanted to celebrate the festive season with their team this year, with a third (31%) wanting to go for dinner and drinks, 20% craving cocktails and 10% wanting to go out dancing or to an immersive experience to bond and let off steam. When asked what their ultimate office Christmas party looked like, fan favourites good festive themed food (37%), free drinks (35%), Christmas decorations (25%) and secret santa (21%) topped the list.

Fridays CEO, Robert B. Cook said: “Last year most people didn’t get the chance to get out and about with friends, families and colleagues to celebrate the festive season, so it’s fantastic that we are able to return to the much anticipated festive party season in 2021, now just around the corner!

“We’ve conjured up a bigger and better than ever offer this year to spread that festive Fridays Feeling far and wide. Launching on 16 November is our fantastic 3 course festive menu and an exclusive range of cocktails to help our guests get in to the spirit of things, including a Baileys chocolate orange martini! All of which will of course be complemented by the iconic Fridays spirit ensuring that friends, families and colleagues alike can celebrate successes as well as just enjoying each other’s company in our restaurants.”

Fridays new festive 3-course menu is available from 16th November to 26th December at Fridays restaurants across the UK with pricing starting for £26.95** and is packed full of festive favourites with a special Fridays twist including; pigs in blankets coated in Fridays® Legendary Glaze and served on a bed of garlic mash and the new Fridays Festive Turkey & Cranberry Burger, crispy buttermilk turkey with cranberry glaze, Monterey Jack cheese, topped with pigs in blankets and served with house fries.