Wot I Forgot!

In the previous catch-up blog I forgot to mention Tuesday evening. Christine booked us a table at the Golden Lion (pub/restaurant and hotel) in Easenhall, Just a few minutes drive from the marina although a bit too far for most boaters to walk! We had not had a particular recommendation but it was nearby and its menu seemed limited but interesting. This seems to be a quite widespread reaction to the issues generated post-Covid. It is not bad idea as it many places with a long list of dishes have to use techniques that are not the same as at home!

The original building, now the pub part, dates from the 16th century and, in a world of ever rotating licensees and chefs, the present licensee is a third generation in a family business  together with her husband. Her grandfather took on the pub back in 1930s and then passed it on to Caroline's father who ran it for many years, extending the business substantially by building on a 17 bedroom hotel in 1999. 

Caroline grew up living in the pub and from an early age had her own responsibilities in the customer facing part of the operation. She was in no doubt that the responsibility for the next generation of management rested firmly on her shoulders. She did a degree in Hospitality and rounded out her training with a year at the Goring hotel (one of the few family hotels with distinct gardens in the city) where she learnt a lot that could be transferred to the very different business in the small village of Easenhall.

The village is just outside Rugby and attracts mainly a business trade to the hotel part. Originally the hotel was designed to offer conference rooms but since Covid, most companions have moved away from that way of working.

Mike had the headline Beef and Ale pie - portioned to suit someone who had not had time to eat anything since breakfast! Christine went for the lamb shank. Both were very tasty and we only just managed to order a dessert but they did seem to be made on site, unlike some even quite expensive places where they are bought in from a specialist industrial operation.

It was not the busiest night in the week and so Caroline had time to chat and kindly pointed out some of the interesting features from long distant ways of working, especially in what was once the kitchen. The detail above is what we remember from our chat so please forgive if we have mis-spoken (horrid neologism!) in part!

We are always wary of recommending an eating place as everyone's experience and needs differ but we would readily return if the opportunity presents itself when we are staying on board in the marina.