‘Tis the season to be jolly, even behind bars! The Ministry of Justice has unveiled the mouth-watering menu for Christmas and Boxing Day at HMPs Exeter, Channings Wood, and Dartmoor, where many Cornish inmates will be spending their festive season.

Gone are the days of lacklustre prison meals – this Christmas, the prisoners will be treated to a veritable feast fit for a king, with an array of tantalising options to choose from. Whether they’re vegetarian, vegan, prefer halal meals, or are classic turkey enthusiasts, there’s something for everyone.

Picture this: succulent roast turkey and bacon rolls, smoked haddock fishcakes, and spicy sweet potato roulade. The Christmas lunch options are like a symphony of delicious flavours, enough to make anyone’s mouth water. And the finale? The traditional Christmas pudding and vanilla sauce, a sweet taste of the season that no one can resist.

But the festive meals don’t end there – even the Boxing Day lunch at HMP Dartmoor is equally indulgent, featuring options such as beef lasagne, homemade BBQ sausage and cheese turnovers, and a rich curry-coated halal chicken leg. And for dessert? Chocolate-coated ice cream Christmas trees that bring holiday cheer to the inmates.

In the morning, the prisoners will be treated to breakfast packs complete with cereal, juice, and a bagel, while the evening meal will continue the festive spread with options like sliced roast pork and pasty ploughmans snack packs.

But that’s not all – as New Year’s Day rolls around, the festivities continue with brunch and tea meal options that include everything from bacon chops and pork sausages to creamy garlic chicken and mushroom pasta, ensuring that the inmates start the New Year on a delicious note.

While spending the holidays behind bars may not be ideal, the menu at Cornwall’s prisons reminds us that everyone, no matter where they are, deserves a little warmth and joy in their lives. It’s a reminder that the spirit of the season can shine through even in the most unexpected places, and that no one should be left out of the merriment, especially when it comes to good food. Cheers to a festive season filled with delicious meals for everyone!