March 2010
The cold temperatures continued throughout February with flurries of sleety wintry showers and frozen earth delaying the annual Spring awakening of the surrounding countryside. The long-awaited bright yellow bobbing heads of the roadside daffodils are only just beginning to emerge, although the volume of birdsong has increased, instincts becoming focused on nest building. On an early Spring day with a wash of weak sunshine, the crooked, honey-coloured buildings and leaning walls of Tetbury’s Long Street are highlighted beautifully.
The date to look forward to this month is Sunday 28th when the clocks spring forward, giving us around 200 extra hours of light in the forthcoming months – time to indulge in tea-time picnics, barbecues or relaxing in the evening sunshine here at The Priory Inn, a glass of locally brewed ale, lager or traditional cider in hand!
Following the local food ethos (buying within a 30 mile zone of Tetbury) has become a passion in our kitchen, but it produces challenges at certain times of year when the harsh reality is that much fresh produce lies dormant. Battles are fought in the kitchen to create comfort foods which centrally heat our bodies, gently thaw our minds and make the best possible use of good old carbohydrates and starches. The vegetables which continue to make regular appearances are not just the winter roots such as carrots and potatoes but also the ‘aromatic roots’: celeriac and Jerusalem artichokes and parsnips. They all make wonderfully rich and creamy purees, sweeter now those beautiful and all-encompassing frosts have turned their starches to sugar. The “hungry gap” frustrates gardeners and chefs but it’s ironic when out walking in the countryside that the hedgerow plants are starting to come through thick and fast. And this is therefore the best time to turn to the time-consuming, but satisfying art of foraging def: “wandering in search of food or provisions”. More about this next month.
Mothering Sunday falls this year on Sunday 14th March – a great chance to say thank-you to mums and grandmas for the squillions of things that they do for us. Here at The Priory Inn, we shall be joined as usual by 2 nannies who will be posted in the coffee bar to play games and do some arts and crafts for any children who get bored of sitting at the table. Of course this will give mums a chance to enjoy another glass of wine or naughty pud in peace and quiet! Please book early to avoid disappointment as we don’t have two sittings.
If you are joining us for dinner on Saturday 27 March 2010, we will be switching off all our lights at 8.30pm and dining by candlelight for one hour in support of the WWF’s Earth Hour. We will join over 1 billion other organisations and individuals as well as many iconic worldwide landmarks (London Eye, Table Mountain and Sydney Opera House) in making this simple gesture to show our support for people and wildlife threatened by climate change. WWF’s Earth Hour is a significant way for The Priory Inn and its customers to join this massive global event and to show world leaders and decision makers that we care about climate change. Pledge your support online at www.earthhour.org.
Regulars to The Priory Inn will notice some new art around the walls. We are thrilled to display such local talent – from many different sources and in varying styles. Laurie Plant is one of our best established artists and we love having his amazing work for you to enjoy around the restaurant. The Iconic London print includes 33 iconic buildings and sculptures in London and is available as a poster to take away (unframed) or as a canvas by order. See more of Laurie’s work at www.laurieplant.com or www.flickr.com/photos/laurieplant. Rosie Mack is a truly local artist who is inspired by the Cotswolds. She walks for miles through local countryside such as Westonbirt and Cirencester Park, observing the landscape and weather, then she works on her paintings in her studio overlooking the Avening Valley. Her ElmArt uses old elm floorboards - she extracts the nails, cleans up the boards and paints birch trees - each painting is endorsed on the back with the provenance of the floorboard! www.rosiemack.co.uk. All our art on display is for sale (except Dougal the cow) and we do not charge commission so the artists are able to charge a genuine price without any mark-up.
Live Sunday music has become an integral part of our product here at The Priory Inn – we start the music every week at 8pm. On the 7th March is Juey an acoustic country/folk solo artist with a beautifully distinctive voice and charming style, the 14th (Mother’s Day) welcomes the local girls who make up Tinkerscuss playing Anglo-Celtic melodies; on the 21st we will enjoy a new act to The Priory Inn in Sian Chandler and Ray Hughes and 28th back to a great old hand in the form of Dik Cadbury. Please our list for a link to more information about each singer. Entry is free and we really hope that you come and support live music with us – and there is no better way to warm up on a chilly Sunday night!
“We like March.
His Shoes are Purple -
He is new and high –“
Emily Dickinson (1830-1886)
TL Kelly 1st March 2010
