The Barn India at Woore - April 2013
There were eleven up for the jaunt out into the sticks, well according to the invite there was, hmmm what went wrong there?
And moving swiftly on....
A sixteen seater coach was booked from good old dependable Jay Jay's with Anthony at the helm.
First stop was to pick up Chris, Tim, Frank and Tate from Chris's place in Werrington. Next stop was Penkhull, where Dave G, IT Dave and me had arranged to meet in the Marquis for a swift one, when I arrived (slightly late) the two Dave's were in ok but sitting in different rooms of the Pub, even the best laid plans go wrong, a sign of things to come maybe?
On the short trip down to Westbury Tavern, cash was collected for the evenings transport, based on eleven, hmmm not quite correct!
At the Westbury Tavern we found Steve W, Tone, Jaycee, Grandpop Bill and Yupmeister eager to jump aboard, well give or take ten minutes for Jaycee and Yupmeister to sedately finish their beer!
After a number of additional sips and finally handing Jaycee's beer glass to someone else, we all jumped aboard. It was at that point that one noted from a head count that there were actually twelve! it appears something went wrong with the table, calculator excel thing-ma-gig, I blame Yuppy, I copied it off his previous outing, where's Richie when you need him!
The first stop of the evening at Wrinehill was the Crown Inn where we were dropped off in a quiet car park, this was probably because the Pub was shut! Not one to miss an opportunity, while everyone was aligning themselves in an orderly queue, one was able to collect the remaining dues for the transportation from the Westbury Tavern Squarrites and dare I say it, hand back some cash to the Squarrites from Werrington! Yuppy you really need to make these excel thing-ma-gig's fool proof! Oh Youth send him home!
No sooner had we settled the finances for the transport but who should appear? none other than the landlord, Mr Ben (thank goodness) perfect timing! (as luck rather than judgment would have it).
After the doors had been opened and following a slight melee at the bar the landlord was soon serving the first of the Squarrites.... Steve W, how does he do that?
With six real ales on offer and a list of real ale awards as long as Grandpop Bill's arm everybody soon found a pleasant tipple and a cosy nook by the fire side.
The Crown is a traditional and very delightful pub and is not only noted for its fine ales, but also for the excellent menu on offer. It did not go unnoticed that even before we had finished the first pint the tables and seating within the Pub were soon taken by keen dinners. It wasn't long before people were queuing at the bar waiting for somewhere to sit and one or two cold stares started to fall our way, but we weren't going to be rushed!
After a very pleasant hour or so and a number of delightful pints at the Crown, half the group decided to head off to the Hand and Trumpet, needles to say our tables were taken before we had got out of the door!
A short stroll down the main road and we were at the Hand and Trumpet which was also busy with dinners, but the pub was spacious compared to the Crown and quite trendy, but lacking a little on the comfy/cosy side of things.
Unfortunately upon our arrival there was standing room only, but it was not long before Chris had had a word in the managers shell like and the reserved label was removed from a decent table close to the bar! sooner said than done, than the second half of the group 'the retired contingent' arrived!
I think its fair to say the beers on offer were fine but the choice was a little limited.
After another very pleasant hours nattering, Jay Jay's coach could be seen pulling onto the car park, so we supped up and headed off to meet Anthony. All aboard the coach and with a head count of twelve as before, but expected this time! we headed off to Barn India in Woore.
Barn India is a little bit off the beaten track, but a very pleasant restaurant situated in a converted barn, with a charming rustic entrance and cosy reception, the main dining area was light and airy which complimented the comfortable and relaxed atmosphere.
The service was very efficient and friendly, with the waiter taking time to explain the more exotic dishes on the menu. In contrast to the usual Squarrite tradition and with Yuppy somewhat relaxed from relinquishing the reins of organisational responsibility, we all indulged in a starter, how naughty! The various courses and drinks all came in timely order, despite there being twelve in our party. All three courses were of high quality, well cooked and very tasty, with a really good choice of main meals.
We were all very happy with the food, service and value for money, however, some of us as usual ended up wearing some of our meal!.
One other note to mention, there was also a doggy bag service which was most welcome, as that starter was not only delicious but also quite filling, needless to say some of us (I) could not finish our main meal and it went home with us (me!)
After complementing the staff on their service and wonderful culinary skills we gave Barn India a cheery wave and climbed aboard our coach nursing our doggy bags for the return drop offs to Westbury Park, Penkhull and Werrington.
Cheers
Craigee