WITH less than 100 days to go until Christmas, staff at the Old Fleece have already begun gearing up for the festive period.

Chef Richard Whiting and his team at The Old Fleece in Stroud, have been busy in the kitchen stirring and baking the boozy Christmas puddings which will be served at the pub this year.

“It’s important to bake the puddings a couple of months before Christmas day,” said Richard.

“All the ingredients mature together and I regularly add a little brandy so the cakes are deliciously moist.”

Nick Beardsley, co-owner of The Old Fleece, added: “The staff like to muck in and even make a wish.

“It’s a fun thing that the team like to be involved in, even though it forces them to think of Christmas so early.”

Over the next two months, Richard will finish off his Christmas puddings by adding a little booze to the mixture every few days.

“There’s more to being a chef than simply cooking food to order,” explained Richard.

“To serve the food that your diners want takes thought and planning, which is exciting.”

The Old Fleece is part of the Cotswold Food Club, which includes The Old Lodge on Minchinhampton Common, The Britannia in Nailsworth and Foston’s Ash near Slad.