The Ministry of Justice has officially disclosed the full Christmas Day lunch menu for inmates at HMP Birmingham, just days before the festive celebrations begin. The details emerged following a Freedom of Information request submitted by BirminghamLive, revealing the festive fare on offer for the over 1,400 prisoners at the Category B facility in Winston Green.
A Festive Feast Behind Bars
Departing from the standard daily offerings, the Christmas Day lunch presents a special selection for December 25. Prisoners will be able to choose from five distinct main course options, catering to various dietary requirements and preferences. The menu ensures a traditional festive experience is available alongside contemporary alternatives.
The main course choices are:
- Vegan nutless roast
- Lemon & Herb halal chicken leg
- Roast turkey and pork sausage in bacon
- Festive cheese and onion pasty
- Vegan crumbed schnitzel
All the Trimmings and a Sweet Treat
Each main will be accompanied by a host of classic Christmas sides. The plate will be completed with roast potatoes, sprouts, stuffing, and a cranberry sauce gravy, mirroring a traditional British Christmas dinner. For dessert, inmates can select either a portion of Christmas pudding with custard or a piece of fresh fruit to round off their meal.
Contrast with Christmas Eve Offerings
The Christmas Day spread marks a significant upgrade from the menu scheduled for Wednesday, December 24. The Ministry of Justice outlined that Christmas Eve will feature more standard prison fare. Lunch options will include vegetable sausages, a spicy bean roll, bacon, corn bake crisps bake, and halal sausage.
The dinner menu on the 24th offers:
- Pasta in a basil and tomato sauce
- Non-halal meatballs in tomato sauce
- Vegetable stuffed eggplant
- Breaded turkey burger
- Halal beef carbonara
Dessert on Christmas Eve will be either fruit or a chocolate muffin. The contrast between the two days highlights the special provision made for the Christmas Day lunch, a customary practice within the prison system to mark the occasion.
