On Monday we braved the icy roads to drive to Ashbourne, where we had a table booked for lunch at the Okeover Arms, in nearby Mappleton. We’d intended to go early,either to have a look around the shops, many of which are the small independent type which I prefer, or make the most of the crisp, sunny day to walk around Ilam, Thorpe Cloud or Tissington. Well, that was the plan BEFORE we realised that our central heating wasn’t working.
Tim had a fiddle, but beyond an initial flare the boiler didn’t seem to want to fire up. As we didn’t have much time we decided to buy a couple of fan heaters and an oil filled one from Argos, to keep the chill at bay whilst we called out trusty heating engineer.
This meant that there wasn’t time to call the engineer, shop or walk before lunch.
The drive was fine, with just a few patches of black ice, on roads which were fairly quiet. Our lunch companions had a more difficult drive, having to detour on to major roads to avoid the more direct route along un-gritted lanes.
We had a delicious lunch and before we knew it we’d been there for around three hours, chatting and eating. We were too busy eating to photograph the food but it was tasty, hearty fare, at very reasonable prices. My fish,chips and mushy peas were wonderful – something I rarely have, but thoroughly enjoyed.
Our companions… Nick (who researched the venue), and Jean.
Tim and I will be dog sitting, Rhiannon and Stuart will be celebrating with friends in Manchester and Tom in Thailand. For them and all of you a couple of versions of Auld Lang Syne by Paolo Nutini. Like Paolo, my preference is for the traditional version. What do you think?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zFtYKhEwYoI
Finally, all that remains in 2014 is to wish you all a
happy, healthy and peaceful 2015.
Dovedale is great, I used to walk there when I lived in Congleton. Hope your heating is repaired soon. Col
ReplyDeleteWhat I forgot to say that when we got home Tim tried to fire up the heating and it worked. Bizarre!!
DeleteIt was the best fish and chips I've had for a long time - better in fact than our local chppy's!
ReplyDeleteGood luck with the boiler!
Well whatever the problem was it was short lived and now seems to be working perfectly. The wonders of fish and chips... ;o)
DeleteGoodness I miss proper British fish and chips! Frozen from Lidl isn't quite the same, even if it is made in Britain. I think vaccination annually is the only way to keep it at bay
ReplyDelete;o))
ReplyDeleteThe fish batter was just about the best I've ever had!
I can't recall ever having really good fish and chips in the UK, even in Whitby at the famous place. One or other of the combo is always disappointing. So a good fish and chip supper is definitely something to be celebrated.
ReplyDeleteBest wishes to you and yours for the coming year.
Thanks, Susan. Bonne Annee to you and Simon.
ReplyDeleteReally good fish and chips are out of this world. We occasionally used to go to a chippie in Aldeburgh [me for fish & chips, Niall for chips :-)] which was outstanding. There was always a queue.
ReplyDeleteWishing you all good things for 2015
Thanks, Antoinette and Niall.
DeleteBonne Annee and hope to catch up more in 2015 x
Love fish and chips, not mushy peas though :) Best wishes for 2015 x
ReplyDeleteThe same to you and Roger. Bonne Annee.
DeleteIf this was your first Christmas this will also be your first New Year. All the best for 2015 and beyond.
Love Paolo. Thanks for that link.
ReplyDeleteWhy does central heating break down on the coldest days of the year? Good to hear yours is up and running again.
All the Best for 2015 xx
Thanks, Granny G.
DeleteBest wishes for 2015. Heating still working....fingers crossed!
Have a happy, healthy, busy 2015. May you have safe journeys and holidays where you continue to enjoy retirement.
ReplyDeleteThank you. Bonne Annee to you and good wishes for 2015 and beyond.
DeleteHappy New Year Gaynor & Tim...
ReplyDeleteand may 2015 allow you to relax...
come to terms with retirement...
and find new "jobs" of your own choice...
to keep the mind active and the body whole!
Bonne Annee, Tim and Pauline.
DeleteThanks for your good wishes. We hope to catch up more in 2015.
Our very best wishes to you both.