CHRISTMAS has come early in Sidcup – 133 days to be exact.

Punters at The Portrait pub in Main Road have had their heads turned by the sight of Christmas corner – complete with a tree, lights, table and menus.

It was set up on August 14 – exactly 19 weeks before the big day – to promote the pub’s new five-course Christmas menu and a taster session later this month.

Danielle Mills, assistant manager and party organiser at The Portrait, told News Shopper: “When I was putting up the Christmas tree I was getting a few funny looks as I was doing it.

“We’re hoping to get people to come and try the menu on September 24 – it’s more of a shock factor than anything.

“We’ve had quite a few people taking menus and it’s got people talking so seems to be working.”

This festive period will be the first time the pub has served food on Christmas Day.

News Shopper:

Customer Alice Woodhouse was surprised to see the festivities being introduced so early.

The 27-year-old, of Hainault Street, New Eltham, said: "I couldn't believe it. I had come in from the bright sunshine to have a glass of Pimms, turned around and saw a lit-up Christmas tree in the corner, complete with presents and stockings.

"It sort of took me out of the moment and immediately made me think about winter, snow and the stress of Christmas shopping.

“Strange that all year long we moan about having no sun and then as soon as we're getting a bit of summer, we start focusing on Christmas - can't we ever live in the moment?"

Do you think it's a tree-rific idea or a load of baubles? Let us know your views