Shoppers across the UK are making a beeline for their local IKEA stores, but not for the latest flat-pack furniture. The Swedish retail giant has officially launched its take on the classic Christmas dinner in all of its in-store restaurants, causing a stir among bargain hunters and foodies alike.
What's on the Plate for Less Than a Fiver?
The new festive offering provides a full plate of Christmas favourites at a remarkably low price. For just £6.95, or a mere £4.95 for IKEA Family members, customers can tuck into a meal that includes a choice of eight of IKEA's famous meatballs or the vegan-friendly plant balls. This is accompanied by all the traditional trimmings: roast potatoes, Brussels sprouts, honey-glazed parsnips, red cabbage, and a rich gravy to bring it all together.
The company took to social media to showcase the new meal, with a promotional video declaring, "It's beginning to taste a lot like Christmas." The offer for the discounted £4.95 price for IKEA Family members is valid until November 23, after which the price will rise to the standard £6.95 for everyone.
The One Significant Catch for Weekend Shoppers
However, there is a major caveat that prospective diners must plan around. While the festive feast is available in every IKEA restaurant nationwide, it is exclusively served on weekdays from Monday to Friday. This means that anyone planning a weekend shopping trip will miss out on the budget-friendly Christmas dinner.
This weekday-only availability is the single biggest limitation of the promotion, requiring customers to adjust their visit schedules if they want to sample the seasonal special.
A Mixed Reception from the Public
The announcement has generated significant buzz online, with many expressing their excitement. "Yum sign me up," one person commented on social media, while another vouched for its quality, writing, "Had one last year taste amazing." Others were seen tagging friends with plans to visit.
Yet, the inclusion of meatballs in a Christmas dinner has not been universally welcomed. Some traditionalists have argued online that meatballs have no place on a proper festive plate, sparking a minor debate about what constitutes an authentic British Christmas dinner.
For those willing to embrace the Swedish twist and plan a mid-week visit, IKEA has positioned itself as a surprising destination for an affordable and quick festive treat this holiday season.
