Last week was eventful in that we started our Spring menu which was greeted with great acclaim, even by Nicky who has the ability to spot a menu error at 100 metres and pull to pieces some aspect of pricing, composition, size or flavour of her starter or main course while simultaneously enjoying it thoroughly and returning far too often for her liver or her bank account. My current favourite is the seam cut Rump Steak with Potato and Bacon Cake and Curly Kale preceeded by the Crispy Mackerel with Sorrel salad. However, we have also had some really fantastic Fallow Deer on the menu too which takes a bit of beating. I hope to see new season English Asparagus this week too, sooo good.

Last week we also trained five members of staff in First Aid at work, signed up two trainee chefs at huge expense, accepted the resignation of a budding starlet who has worked for us for just over a year but is regrettable moving to Windor, ordered a pallet of Giesta Rose in time to arrive for the cold spell that will surely follow this hot spell, tested magnums of the 2001 Chateau Cantemerle to destruction (ours) over a long lunch and been to see 'Geoffrey Bernard is unwell' at Woking theatre. Trust me when I say I know how Geoffrey feels!

To finish the week off we had a little retirement jolly for Jill Snow who has decided to call last orders on her entertaining and illustrious career behind bars. She has pulled her last pint, pressed her last till button and tiddlypushed her last tiddly and was duly given a very enjoyable send off. Pete Neame our semi detached cartoonist provided us with a picture of Jill, complete with a large glass of lightly oaked Rioja Roble, which she was very pleased with. I hope she has a very enjoyable retirement and look forward to meeting her under a table in some local bar soon.

Moving on to the future, what are you doing this coming weekend? Firstly I think I should make clear that over the next few Bank Holiday filled weeks, The Inn will be open for business as usual, Lunch and Dinner every day.  This weekend though we are celebrating St Georges Day on Saturday 23rd and would be very happy for you to come and join in. Good food, company and jollity are all on the menu and I expect to have a few words and songs to help us all enjoy the evening. Please book as we only have a few spaces left. The following day is Easter Sunday and in the evening we are having a wine tasting supper to taste a few new wines that I hope will be part of your Summer quaffing. The weather is supposed to be good so why not enjoy the outdoors during the day and then let us look after the evening food? Do call to book please.

While the weather is good, don't forget our lovely garden which is looking better than ever, The kitchen garden has taken on a new lease of life under the energetic care of Mike from Kew and we have had the first produce of the year in the form of Rhubarb just last week. It is a haven of peace, warmth and culinary activity which you really should take advantage of just as often as you can. Don't forget the factor 25 though if it is really hot. We don't want any claims for lobsterisation.

On Thursday April 28th, the day before the royal wedding, we are having a golf day at Worplesdon and I have just 4 spaces left. Breakfast at the club, eighteen holes of golf followed by lunch back at The Inn will set you back £90 which is very good value. All the local courses are in great shape at this time of year and we would love you to join in so give us a call to book one of thsoe last few spaces.

On Friday 29th we will be taking a low key approach to the wedding celebrations on the basis that I don't know Wills and Kate personally and while I wish them well for themselves and for the role that they may play in national life, I am not sure what I can add to that on the day. The TV will be on in the garden room (even I have got to see which of the three dresses she will be wearing) and we will be serving meals and drinks to all of you likeminded folks, hopefully in the garden.

May 1st being a Sunday will be Quiz night! Martin Owton will once again try to catch you out with his intellectually demanding questions on current affairs, history and geography, sport etc. He will as always disassociate himself from my food and drink round and one team will duly win six bottles of wine to take home. Why not book a table and quiz while you dine?

Finally, our wine shop is coming on well and will hopefully open on 1st June. We look forward to supplying you with interesting and unusual table wines as well as some wonderful Dessert wines and Port, Madeira, Champagnes, spirits such as Malt Whisky, Cognac and Grappa and other wine related gift items. The shop will be open five days a week, Tuesday through Saturday and will offer an interesting alternative to the supermarkets who seem to think wine is just a commodity rather than a taste experience to be learnt about and enjoyed at leisure. Look forward to seeing you there!

We look forward to seeing you soon

Gerry, Ann and all the Gang at The Inn @ West End