Showing posts with label Badger cask ales. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Badger cask ales. Show all posts

Saturday, 7 September 2013

Lunch at The Black Swan

The Black Swan is a Hall & Woodhouse Inn located just off the A23 at Pease Pottage (just south of Crawley). Yesterday I joined four old business colleagues here for lunch. With a combined age of 348 we have stood the test of time, haven't really changed much and still know how to party!


The Black Swan, Pease Pottage


Cosy interior view

The inn has been completely refurbished and offers a really warm welcome. Being a Hall & Woodhouse property the full range of Badger ales is on offer. I had a distinct feeling of deja-vu as Ros and I stayed in a Hall & Woodhouse inn only last week - The Lulworth Cove Inn in Dorset. And the menu was exactly the same. Three of us opted for hand battered fish and chips, the fish coated in a wonderful light and crisp Tanglefoot ale batter, and the other two went for Chargrilled Gammon Steak. Plenty of Rioja and Sauvignon Blanc was used to wash the meal down. For dessert the Treacle & Stem Ginger tart is a tangy delight.

The inn interior is cosy and very well furnished and the staff are friendly and attentive. If you are ever in the area then the Black Swan is well worth a visit.

Sunday, 1 September 2013

The Lulworth Cove Inn, Dorset

"Along the varying road of life, In calm content, in toil or strife, At morn or noon, by night or day, As time conducts him on his way, How oft doth man, by care oppressed, find an Inn a place of rest". So said William Coombe and it wholeheartedly fits the Lulworth Cove Inn, where Ros and I have just spent five days of perfect bliss enjoying the fabulous weather and this perfect Inn.

Right on the doorstep of Lulworth Cove, boasting stunning coastal views and scenic Jurassic footpaths, this wonderful Inn is an idyllic location for pleasure seekers. It starts and ends with friendliness and hospitality.


The Lulworth Cove Inn


The view from our room (number 9)

The ancient code of hospitality demands that a host must provide his guest with food, shelter and safety - all the best a house can offer. You get it in spades here. The friendliest of staff, always a cheery welcome, nothing too much trouble and service with a genuine smile. The Inn serves award-winning Badger cask ales (a pint is never enough), lagers from around the world and a menu full of fresh, unpretentious seasonal dishes. The 'Home Breakfast' provided the perfect start to the day: sausage, back or streaky bacon, eggs fried, poached or scrambled, mushrooms, baked beans, sauté potatoes, tomato and black pudding. Wow! And the most delicious cafetiere coffee.

The inn offers 12 en-suite rooms with Wi-Fi access (unfortunately not working during our stay) and stunning sea views. The decor is shabby, seaside chic with plenty of driftwood paraphernalia - the feel of the sea is always with you.


The 'wardrobe' ;)

Everything is spotlessly clean, the bed linen is changed every second day as are the lovely fluffy towels. The beds are just so comfortable with the same mattresses as those allegedly supplied to the White House. And it is so quiet at night, guaranteeing a good night's sleep.

If you ever have the opportunity to visit Dorset you will love this Inn. Highly recommended.