Sunday the 9th of January dawned bright and clear after a week of dark skies and often heavy rain. Lunch had been scheduled for 12:00 at the Hunter’s Inn, Swanmore, military vehicles optional. I turned up in a civilian Renault Laguna estate (the Ferret is now running but blocked by two immobile Japanese cars). It takes almost the length of “Desert Island Discs” to drive from South Hayling to Cotts Lane, Swanmore; in golden sunlight and crystal clear air the run was a delight. Colin Lacey flew the flag for the club, bringing his 101 and adorning it with posters for the Overlord Show. Probably because his Disco is poorly, like mine. Even though the weather was spring-like we went into the pub as soon as the door opened.
I had reserved a table for 10, 14 turned up. Tony, the landlord was very accommodating and hastily re-arranged his seating plan for the food area to ensure we were able to sit together and chat. I had made the mistake of wearing an old and favourite T-shirt which has survived sweat, wear, welding sparks and battery acid. Thus weakened the material gave way to provide a Janet Jackson style wardrobe malfunction. Hilarity ensued.
That in itself probably gives an indication of the sophistication of our club members humour, the conversation followed similar lines ranging from Rosie’s behaviour at her late 21st birthday party and Gary’s dressing up habits to the more sensible topic of new special effects in the Overlord show battle scenes. And hilarity ensued.
What about the food? Simple answer – good scran and plenty of it. As a case in point Carol ordered a crab salad in the expectation of a light snack (don’t know why, she has no need to diet). A crab shell, brimming with crabmeat sat on a square platter surrounded and almost overwhelmed by a fresh green salad that, even with Gary’s help, she was unable to finish. My whitebait starter was almost enough for a main course, fresh and succulent with a small and welcome salad garnish. The steak and Guinness pie that followed displayed the advantage of having an in house butchery; tender quality meat in a delicious gravy. I was too pre-occupied with my own meal to ask the others how theirs were but the expressions of satisfaction at the end of the meal were sufficient to prompt me into booking the Christmas meal there and then!
We only decided to come along as we were let down the night before! After shooting past the turning we ventured up the quaint country lane, following 2 horses and allowing for a horse and cart to come past the other way. The carpark is huge and I noticed a large play area for children. The inside of the pub was beautiful with low beams, the smell of open fires and a very friendly atmosphere.
We found the rest of the group and after a New Year kiss from some of them we sat down and viewed the menu. The Rixon boys were excited to learn that the pub was haunted! I was very pleased to see that an extensive menu was available for children! We ordered-starters for me and Rich. I had melted brie which was die ious and plentyfull Rich had homemade liver pate and according to him it was delicious. Main course-I had venison which was very tender and Rich had gammon. Both plates were brimming with veg etc and everything was served hot and cooked to perfection. The boys meal (burger with chips and hot dog with chips) were again plentiful but not too much, George ate all of his!
I just didn’t have room for pudding but managed to squeeze a glass of wine in!
The pub had a wonderful family atmosphere and I would definatly go again. I was very pleased to bear that Rob has booked it for the famous SOE Christmas meal! The date already put in my phones calendar!
I had a delicious meal, -a piping hot roast VENISON dinner, with all the trimmings. I’ve had venison before, but only paltry amounts mixed in a stew of several types of ‘other’ meats. To have several GENEROUSLY sized slices of succulent venison was an absolute delight, I made sure non was wasted, and gobbled up every morsel!… the accompanying vegetables were also delicious, and cooked to perfection.
I, for one, am looking forwards to the forthcoming SOE Christmas Dinner, here at, The Hunters Inn. I’m certain it will be another roaring success, and another extremely enjoyable meal, wiv sum gud mates…..