Posted:  Thursday 07 May 2009

Pub Lunch Support Grows
in the
North East Region

- Spring 2009 -

February 10th at Blackfell, Birtley, beside the "Angel of the North", this another untried venue.  The temperature was low but it was a bright, sunny day.
Our pub was the Mill House Inn and 32 excited people attended.

The Mill House proved to be the best value pub we have visited for quite some time.  A two course lunch with a glass of wine for £9.00 - we couldn't believe it!  The food was excellent.  I had home made paté with toast and salad, followed by chicken breast wrapped in bacon (phew) whilst most others had a main course with pudding.

The room setting was perfect offering a wonderful view of the Tyne valley and everyone agreed it was a great day out.

March came around very quickly and we found ourselves at the Keelman on the 11th.  The pub is sited on the north side of the River Tyne at Newburn, which is about eight miles west of Newcastle.  The day started warm and sunny but clouded over quickly.

Attached to the pub is the Big Lamp Mini Brewery which supplies most of the beer including the famous Big Lamp Bitter. No prizes for the guy who thought up that name.

Once again the food was great, I went exotic having fresh mussels cooked with chorizo sausage in garlic, tomato and white wine sauce accompanied with chunks of seeded bloomer.

In the Keelman conservatory

Thirty-seven Associates attended, which was too many for our allotted space in the conservatory so we had overspill into an adjacent room.
Although not ideal, everyone met up for chats as the day wore on.

April already - where has the time gone - and on the 9th we visited the Beresford Arms in Whalton, a small sleepy village north of Newcastle and near t to Morpeth.  The day was again cloudy and cool but during our meal the sun shone gloriously.  The staff at the pub had set up a dedicated room for us and it was wonderful crisp white linen tablecloths etc.

Another two-course meal was on offer at £9.00, but without the glass of wine - boo-hoo.  I had a main of steak and ale pie with fresh vegetables and creamed potatoes.
For dessert I had the biggest apple crumble with custard you have ever seen in your life.  I could not finish it!
As we were in a dedicated room the beer on offer was not real ale but it was OK.

Happy diners at the Beresford Arms

Once again 37 people attended showing the lunches seem to be more popular than last year.

Let's hope this current trend remains as we all have a good time.

Nice people, nice food, nice drink, nice venues - a recipe for success.
 

Ta Ta for now,  Keith Stokoe

P.S.  I wrote this report on Star Wars Day, so May the 4th be with you.  Keith.
 

(ph  06/05/2009)

pictures:  ph - some with elsie hall's camera!  ta.

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