What fun August was. There was so much going on I didn't get chance to put pen to paper, so this is my bumper blog for August and September.
There was definitely a motorcar theme for August with 20 Porsches and Ferraris roaring into Berry's car park in every colour you could imagine, but similar sleek shapes.
The owners all grabbed a bacon butty while they admired and had a quick stroke of their neighbour's machine. Then in a flash, they were off again. Apparently someone described 'a lot of muscle was on show'!
From vehicle muscle to 'classic style', Berry's entertained 60 pre-war vintage cars for our annual Heather & Honey run. We even made the D&S!
We had over 120 drivers and their companions for lunch in our marquee covered courtyard and the usual humorous prize giving, there was even one for 'good parking'!
The event collectively raised £1072.70 for the Addington Fund and The Farming Community Network. The charities were chosen to acknowledge that without the support of the Dales farmers the rally routes would be much harder to organise.
As we had rented a marquee we had another 70 people for supper in the evening. We were entertained by some very talented musicians from Blueboxt productions. My personal favourite was the young trumpet and saxophone players. We raised over £600 for the initiative which helps young people in the Dales play musical instruments. We hope to hold a similar event again next year.
Then, in the middle of all this, Black Adder arrived, looking a bit like a mole hill. He arrived a week early, so poor Doris was a bit thrown. She forgot her new little Billy when she rushed over as usual for her breakfast. Like all pygmy goats he has learnt that stone walls are to be climbed and fences are for going under. I suppose he was always going to be a character with a mum like Doris!
Another new addition for the summer holidays was Braveheart.
He was over from Askrigg on holiday and was a key part of this summer's farm tours. He is the father of our Goldilocks pork - the next batch is due mid October. Yum!
The highland cattle family and bull lived out on the parkland this summer to entertain the farm tour punters, they will be heading up to Penhill for the winter pastures.
Plans have started to build a wonderful big bonfire for 5th November as we have a great deal of wood here at Swinithwaite. It will be our first bonfire here at Berry's and our chef, Craig is flexing his muscles on the menu side with some mouth-watering ideas of warming winter nosh and drinks.
Last Friday @ Berry's is starting in October with one of our famous steak nights and live music. We plan to have an event on the last Friday of every month from October to March. We also have Vinni returning for a steak night with his vintage Michael Buble, plus anyone else you want him to be!
The late openings on Friday and Saturday throughout August meant hot food was available all afternoon. Watch this space for a more permanent change with our serving times.
The seasonal menu is also changing with all the new ingredients on offer - Keep an eye out for our winter breakfast deal.
Finally riding out on the success of reaching the finals of the Herriot Flavour Awards for 'Best Breakfast'. The winner will be announced on the 2nd December with a celebration lunch at Tennant's Garden Rooms, so keep your fingers crossed for us.
Keep updated with everything at Berry's and our events through our website and Facebook.
