The Royal Oak  ::  Newsletter  ::  January / February 08

Hi ....

Hello, and welcome to our first Newsletter of 2008! A little belated maybe, but January's given us some time to recharge our batteries after a hectic Christmas and New Year.

It seems a while back now, but our first news photo shows Eira with Jay Merry. Merry by name and nature, thanks to Jay who provided us with an excellent nights entertainment on Christmas Eve. Our second photo shows some of our New Year's Revellers enjoying the moment at around quarter to twelve on New Years Eve (still 2007!). The entertainment was provided by popular Rob Chapman (photo 3), who, with a little improvisation, managed to acquire his own backing group of Royal Oak staff Sarah Major, Jenny Hook and Pete Bright.

Our Holiday Dominoes knock-out attracted a good crowd and the first prize went to the 'A-team's' John Birt, with the 'B-team's' Pete Bright runner up. Our Holiday Darts knock-out was won by Jim Bright.

Our 'header' photo was taken when the Wheatland had their breakfast meet here in January. Sixty-two breakfasts in an hour and a half is a record ~ for us at least!

In this months Newsletter we're looking forward to two popular events. We'll be running our Valentine's Menu on the Thursday, Friday and Saturday (commencing the 14th) and Eira's devised some dishes to get your passions aroused! Why not start with the Tempura Battered Chilli Squid followed by Scottish Sirloin Steak topped with Haggis and a Whisky Sauce. Mmmm ..... just the thing to get the juices flowing ;-)

The menu will be less racy, but just as appetising, on Mother's Day. After your Valentine, treat the second love of your life (that's your mum!!) to a delicious lunch. Get any of our Roast Dinners with a Starter or a Sweet for £9.95 per person, or all three courses for £11.95. We expect to be busy, so booking is strongly recommended. More details on both these events below.

That's all for now .... hope to see you soon, at 'The Royal Oak'.

.... Steve & Eira

  Our Valentine's Day Menu  
Available Thursday - Saturday 14th-16th February

Starters
Mussels with White Wine and a Garlic Sauce
Duck and Port Pate with Caramelised Red Onion Marmalade
Tempura Battered Chilli Squid
Prawn Stuffed Smoked Salmon

Main Course
Salmon Fillet with Tarragon and Mushroom Sauce
Scottish Sirloin Steak topped with Haggis and a Whisky Sauce
St Remy Tuna – Pan Fried Tuna with Tomato and Herb Sauce
Thai Green Butternut Squash Curry
Salmi of Wild Duck with Broccoli and Creamed Potato
Served with a choice of Potatoes or Wild Rice and Seasonal Vegetables

Desserts
Profiteroles
Apple Pie
Strawberry Pavlova
Lemon Meringue Pie

Two Courses - £16.95     Three Courses - £19.95
We will also be serving our regular menu

Mothering Sunday
Sunday 2nd March

Our Mother's Day Special Offer ...
Roast Beef and Yorkshire Pudding
Roast Pork and Apple Sauce
or Apricot Stuffed Lamb
Served with Potatoes, Roast Potatoes & Seasonal Vegetables

Plus your choice of Starter and/or Dessert
Two Courses - £9.95
Three Courses - £11.95

Our Homemade Mother's Day Specials ...
Vegetable Tagine with Wild Rice     £8.20
Smoked Trout and Potato Salad     £8.95
Fish Pie with Pastry or Potato Topping   £9.10
Game Pie     £10.50
Salmon Fillet with Hollandaise Sauce  £10.95

Serving 12:00pm - 2:30pm  ::  Booking Recommended

Road Closed!

During February and possibly into March the road between Longville and Cardington will be closed, in two stages, for laying a new telephone cable.

At present (6th Feb) the road is closed between Longville and Gretton - shown red on our map (click here for a larger version). This road can be avoided by going via Wall or Plaish - shown amber on our map. Later, the section between Gretton and Cardington will be closed - access can be gained via Wall or Wall Bank - green on our map. Avoid the signpost diversion, which will take you from Longville to Church Stretton and then up to Leebotwood - an unnecessary detour of around 10 miles!

Prize Draw

On Tuesday the 5th February, local Marion Hughes drew last months winning name out of our bowl. Marion is one of the Cardington bell ringers, and was relaxing at 'The Oak' after the weekly practice session. This month's lucky winner is Rachel Tarlton. Congratulations Rachel, your Tanner's Champagne awaits your collection from the bar!

Our next photo shows December's winner Sheila Hughes collecting her prize of a bottle of Warre's Warrior Special Reserve Port, on a visit to the pub just before Christmas. We hope that it went well with your Christmas dinner, Sheila!

Commiserations everyone else - but why not drop your details in again to be entered into this months draw. We draw every month from those names left in the bowl on the bar during the period since the last draw, so don't forget to re-enter your name on your next visit to 'The Oak'. This month's prize is a case of Budweiser Beer.

Make sure you're in it to win it!

News in Brief ....

• We're currently running a promotion on Stella Artois ~ a free game card with every pint purchased gives you the chance to win Stella branded merchandise ~ a boxed chalice glass or embossed bottle opener.
  
  
• Brrrrr ... it may be cold outside, but don't forget that we provide shelter and patio heating at the front of our pub for the comfort of our smokers. Get the benefit now, before your MEP has that banned as well!
  
  
• 'Flicks in the Sticks' evening at Cardington Village Hall is at 7:30pm on the first Wednesday of the month. Why not combine a visit to the movies with a visit to 'The Oak'? We're open at 7pm for a pre-flicks flier or afterwards for that critical review! Details of the program can be found on the Cardington Village website (click here for more details).
  
  
• Advanced warning to all you Scalextric fans! Warm up your tyres because its back, due to popular demand (that's you Fred!). The next all-comers Scalextric event will be on Easter Sunday evening, the 23rd March.
  
  
• This years Church Stretton Ale Trail will be held on Friday & Saturday the 4th & 5th of July.

Dates 'at a glance' ....

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