The big day... Christmas Day is pretty casual - barbecue, bubbles and nice wine. There are presents in the morning. We live vicariously through our son. It's more about him than anything else.
On the table... A combination of a brined chicken and a really nice piece of meat, which will be
The gifts... I give gifts to all of my staff. That's definitely high on the priority list - finding something that's meaningful to a huge group of people without buying individually. My wife and I keep it pretty low-key. We're not a big gifty family. I used to be one of those people who would shop madly. It doesn't really appeal as much these days. We'd rather put it away for a decent holiday... it's all a bit too commercial.
Clooney at Christmas... We've had such a huge November and December that we're going to close for five days after Christmas and five days after New Year to give everyone a decent break. Des [Harris, Clooney executive chef] will take the days in between too. Sometimes you've got to do that. It's a bit consuming at this time of year.
Holiday plans... Family time in Riverton and, if I have been really good, seven days' skiing in Japan. I think everyone needs one of those happy places and this to me is the biggest relaxation. Every year I'm going to try and have a little break to myself and go skiing.
