Whiskey Tasting Monday 8th August

Off to The Malmaison Hotel Birmingham for fabulous whiskey training and tasting. Well, someone has to do this job ! Kai Reeves if Whyte & Mackay led us though the history and some very different interesting whiskeys. Japanese, Canadian, American, Irish and those wonderful Highland and Lowland Scottish favorites. Finally their Dalmore Aurora, a heavenly 45 year old single Highland malt whiskey. No we don't stock that rarity yet but we sell plenty of Taliskar, Oban, Dalwhinnie, Laphroig, Glenmorangie and all those other lovely night caps.

Grandson and friend helping out in the kitchen

My grand son Alfie and his friend Ben gave up a days fishing to help out in the kitchen when the Kitchen porter was on holiday. Ben wants to be a chef and I want Alfie in the dining room.

The chefs are delighted to have their help as they worked very hard.

Hedge hog

This little hedgehog lives outside the kitchen under the hop leaves. It is quite tame, sometimes running round the house to the patio where it amuses the guests as they enjoy a pre dinner drink. It likes the cat food and we are hoping it will get fat to survive the winter.

Stag Party

Stag party on a balmy July evening. I did not stay to the end but I liked having my picture taken with all those nice young men. I'm the small one with the moustache standing next to the groom's father who did not have to wear a wig.