It's been a wild and woolly day today with almost constant rain and wind. Sophie was at work again so we dropped her off at 9am and then returned home. She'll be at work all day as assistant cook, poor thing, something she really doesn't want to do.
In the afternoon Keith and I went out in the car to look for a suitable pub for lunch on New Year's Day. We went to The Kings Head in Spratton, somewhere I can't recall ever visiting, but Keith was sure we went in many years ago.
It had been revamped as a "Gastro" pub and was very posh looking. There were a few people eating in what they called Brasserie 23 (i.e. the pub restaurant) but no-one behind the bar, only a young girl rushing about looking very harried. We waited to be served and she eventually made her way back behind the bar looking stressed and rushed. I chose half a pint of a winter ale called Chilly Dog, which, when she pulled it, immediately looked flat and unappetising. We asked for the menu which was pretty reasonable but we decided against booking a table and left to go to The Chequers in Ravensthorpe which was about ten minutes away.
By now the rain had started in earnest again and it was cold and windy. What a horrible day! We parked the car but couldn't find our way in to the pub! Not a good start! I remembered visiting this pub a long, long time ago and inside it looked as if nothing had changed. The Chequers was much more of a traditional pub with a lot of locals calling in for an early afternoon drink and the atmosphere was very friendly. However, there was a funny smell which was a bit like sweaty feet/bodies which put me off a bit!
Keith had a pint while I sipped on a tall glass of orange and lemonade and we didn't bother to look at the menu as I knew that we wouldn't be coming back with the children. When we left the weather was truly horrible and all I wanted to do was go home, put the heating on full and curl up on the sofa while watching the very excellent Bridge III. So, that's what we did, and very enjoyable it was too!
Sophie called me towards the evening and said she wouldn't be ready until 7pm as the place was in such a mess. They had been really busy with parties at lunchtime as well, so she was feeling very stressed and tired. I ventured out into the storm and the rain was torrential with some of the roads covered in standing water. Sophie emerged from the building and said that Polly and another woman were having to stay for longer as there was so much mess. I was going to give Polly a lift home so I dread to think how she eventually got home.
It was bliss to get home and relax before Keith's delicious beef pie!
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