Hello Everybody,
First of all, on behalf of Louise and myself and all the staff at The Horseshoes, we wish you all a very happy and peaceful New Year.
As normal, our weather report – in general it’s very wet and quite mild for this time of the year. Whilst this is not particularly seasonal it makes a big saving to everyone’s fuel costs.
Just a review of our special events this festive period – Thirty-eight diners joined us for our Turkey & Tinsel event. Unfortunately some had to cancel due to ill health.
The Carols at The Horseshoes, which was led by Winter Wilson (Kip & Dave), was a full house with everybody enjoying the singing and the complimentary mulled wine and mince pies.
Whilst we weren’t open for food on Christmas Day the bar was extremely busy with everyone enjoying a seasonal pint or whatever.
The Christmas Family Quiz took place on Wednesday 27th December with 84 people taking part. Every year this quiz raises funds for St Denis’ Church in Silk Willoughby. This year we raised £168 which has been sent to and received by the church. There were 4 winners’ prizes and all the prizes were the same. They consisted of carrots, swedes, potatoes, brussels sprouts, leeks and cauliflower. These prizes are somewhat different to your normal quiz prize but very useful.
The format was a little different to usual and so there was no 1-2-1 question. The actual winning team was “Round the Horn” and it’s the first time they’ve ever won and so they were delighted! In January the quiz will return to its usual format and the monies raised will go to the Air Ambulance. The 1-2-1 Question will have a £120 prize.
The next Quiz takes place on Tuesday 30th January starting at our usual time of 7.45pm. Quiz meals will be served from 6pm until 7.30pm and will be the usual price of £6.50. Please book your team’s table and if you do find closer to the event that you can no longer attend then do let us know.
New Year’s Eve consisted of a special 3 course meal which was originally sold out but we had 10 cancellations due to Covid etc and we send them all get well wishes. The band Amber came on at 9pm and played through till around 12.30am. They also provided the countdown to midnight followed by a rousing rendition of Auld Lang Syne. The pub was at full capacity and we have already booked the group for next year.
Our beers for January; the Rosey Nosey is still with us, as is Doom Bar, Timothy Taylor Landlord and all the usual suspects. Once the Rosey Nosey has gone we’re moving onto Batemans 4G which is a 4%ABV light amber pale ale with a smooth biscuity flavor with fruit aromas. This will be £4.50 per pint.
The Horseshoes will be closed from Sunday 21st January and will re-open on Sunday 28th. The kitchen will re-open on Tuesday 30th January from 12-3pm for light bites etc. and from 6pm to 7.30pm for quiz meals. The temporary closure is so that essential maintenance can be carried out. This is principally to the floor area. It all requires sanding down and treating with the appropriate material and given time to dry to prevent damage to the oak floor.
As we now move into the New Year we know the past, we don’t know the future but as always we remain very optimistic.
Kindest regards,
Paul Steer – Landlord/ Owner
Further to the above;
On a personal note I wish to thank all the customers who have supported The Horseshoes over the past 12 months which has enabled the pub to stay open. I thank Louise, the pub Manager and all the staff for their very hard work over 2023. I am happy to report that Louise is now on a phased return to work and hopefully she will be back to her full working capability by mid-February.
Paul.
