Words by Alex, Pics by Pete
The Biddulph Moor snowy adventure edition!
Hosted by Phil & Ruth on a snowy weekend…much nervous watching of geeky weather sites during Saturday, an increase in 4×4 choice, a reduction from 2 to 1 minibuses, and a live run through of road conditions posted just before dark by Phil.
Outcome – bring your boots to walk in and out from Hot Lane to the cottage, but we should be fine…
Barracks Lane 7pm and the minibus collects the intrepid travellers (now including the tythy contingent) Chris sits up front to ensure our Stockport based driver takes the right route (via Congleton, Biddulph Grange and up) and we are off!
With only one missed turn up the ungritted hot lane we climb..past the foxhound until the wheels spin on the transit..we will be walking the last 100m, but we can see the cottage 🙂
Parked up at the top of the farm track are the Poynton massif, and the West Bollington brigade 😉
De booted and coated Phil has welcoming cocktails…Prosecco and Chambord, and/or White Port Brandy & Vodka with citrus twist & Rasberry on a stick 🙂
Guests keep on arriving, Dr S and Justine have walked up from the bottom of the hill, Dave and Jan, Doog & Eunice have got close by car.
A kitchen full of foil covered trays, the new Glass connecting extension to the Garage/barn now the perfect (cool) temperature for the exotic collection of beers..conversation and drinks floweth.
Starters are passed around – careful of the nutty cream cheese balls..and the Filo wrapped Chorizo is divine.
Main courses are warmed, rice is cooked, and sprouts are fried(with bacon, onion and garlic butter)! The table groans under the weight of curry, fruity lamb, amazing pastry covered pies and roasts, veg skewers and a creamy potato snowman!!
…and if we thought the mains were good…pudding! Two bowls needed for those having a little bit of everything!!! Bernards chestnut log recipe was shared afterwards, but every cake and pudding a little masterclass in its own way (the brandy butter ice cream to top it all a personal favourite).
Meanwhile in the beer tasting lab…a christmas beer tasting lovely but looking cloudy and off, light ales hiding dark coffee flavours, smooth creamy triples hiding significant alcohol content, smoky beer, and a red sour beer that edged over the “out of your comfort” zone and into that part of the brain ever scarred by off cider experiences!
For those on tea later on, herbologist Ruth would play with other palate senses with milk oolong and the wonderfully named Damien Grey!
Mawds kindly tests all the doors to find the exit, and eventually we get the call from the minibus driver to kit up and set off into the cold. Slush has now turned icy, and with plenty of illumination from hand held bike lights we gingerly walk the verges or centre of the lane down to the pub where the bus is just arriving (we are very pleased to see him).
Cosy on the way home (and time for a few cheeky zzz’s from Pete) before bracing night air for the last walk home.
Great night, great turnout and plans all work out perfectly.
Thanks to Phil & Ruth for hosting, Chris for minibus logistics, and everyone for such amazing food, drink and company 🙂
