This year, The Botanist Marlow is using digital eco-friendly Christmas crackers which include prizes such as holidays, Aperol and hanging kebabs.

They call this a "modern sustainable, hygienic and socially-conscious alternative" after research revealed an average of 40 million Christmas crackers are discarded yearly.

Guests at the pub, bar and restaurant ordering from the new festive set menu up until December 24 will receive an eCracker.

READ MORE: Bucks Christmas market named one of the best in the UK

As with a traditional cracker two people compete and whoever pulls the cracker first is crowned the winner.

Prizes include the restaurant's infamous hanging kebabs as well as city breaks or a free Aperol.

Stephanie Lloyd, Head of Digital at The Botanist said: “Getting together is one of our much-loved Christmas traditions that we really missed being part of last year.

ALSO READ: Hundreds watch Chris Evans switch on town's Christmas lights

"We wanted to adapt and jump ahead of the digital curve to bring our guests a sustainable and hygienic contactless way to still enjoy all the fun of a cracker but with a guilt-free social conscience.

"We’re really excited to see our guests enjoying the eCracker and treating them to one of over 75,000 digital prizes available to be won.”

How it works:

  • Both players scan the eCracker QR code using a mobile device; one player starts the game and the other joins.
  • Following the countdown, players tap the cracker screen aiming to pull the cracker first and win the prize.
  • Both players receive a joke plus the chance to capture a selfie with Botanist props which can be shared straight to social accounts or downloaded to remember the party antics.