A POPULAR local hospitality establishment has turned its car park into a cosy Christmas cracker to sprinkle some festive fun.

Inverkip Hotel's new winter beer garden has brought a taste of continental Christmas markets this festive season, with speciality drinks and food offerings to tantalise tastebuds.

The hotel team - sisters Natasha Hardy and Holly Dunn, alongside Holly's husband Richard - have created a cosy covered area complete with benches, heaters and space for customers' dogs to enjoy.

As well as offering classic bar drinks, the trio have curated an exclusive outdoor menu with market favourites like mulled wine, Bratwurst and hot chocolates.

Richard, who has been helping to oversee the project, told the Tele: "We've had great success with our beer garden during the summer months, so thought we would transform it to enjoy during the festive season.

"I believe we're the first business in Inverclyde to offer something like this - we wanted to bring something different to the area.

"We know more people are wanting to stay closer to home, so we decided to create an amazing space which combines everything people love about the Christmas markets to Inverkip."

The indoor tent - which can seat 50 people undercover - is weatherproof, meaning Scottish winter cannot dampen the spirits of merry customers.

Holly, whose family have had the family-run business for close to 40 years, said: "There were 40mph winds here last week and you wouldn't have known, everyone was able to still enjoy the area.

"There are problems with train strikes and it can be expensive going elsewhere for Christmas markets, so this is much more convenient for those who want to do something different this December.

"We've had such an amazing response to it already."

The outdoor space will be open from Fridays to Sundays before opening every day from December 19 to January 8.

Natasha added: "People can book, but walk-ins are also welcome.

"The menu also has something for everyone and those who are gluten-free or vegan will be catered for.

"Children and families are also welcome and there's even treats for pets too."