17th November 2009 - It's been 1 year today since we took over this iconic building. |For those who know of it then it has changed considerably and as we sat at the end of service today (at 1am) we reflected on a few memories etc. we have over the past 12 months.

When we took over we spent 1 week refurbishing, cleaning, fitting new equipment etc to the building (a special thanks to all the friends and family that helped out).

Tonight we have served more people (a full restaurant on a Tuesday Night) than we actually served in our first month.

Not to seem too pretentious but this is a reflection of the hard work, effort, money and passion we have put in over the last 12 months. The day never starts any later than  10.00am and NEVER finishes before 1.30am.

It is also a reflection of the support we have from our family and friends and ultimatelly the staff we now have on board. We only have 1 remaining staff member from when we took over but now have a committed, friendly and hardworking team - that help carry our vision and ethos.

As well as the physical drain the business has been a huge financial drain and we have spent a great deal of money constantly changing and updating everything to not only try and reach our goal but also our customers goals - we constantly crave feedback and always try to make amendments to suit (just spent over £1000 on new cutlery!!)

We have the new alfresco dining area for outdoor fine dining in the summer, we have our new chicken farm but our refurbished kids play area, the restaurant is now refurbished and has a fantastic 'warm welcoming feel', the kitchen now is equipped as a kitchen should be (as much as we possibly could) and the meals we are turning out now are 'our meals' and recieving fantastic feedback.

And although we sit here with a pint of ale and have so many positives we also reflect on the things we havn't yet achieved and look to push on over the next 12 months and beyond.

So hears to another 12 months eh

Monday 23rd November

Football fever hit the Crooked house this week in the build up to our charity match against local Pub 'The Bostin Fittle'. Staff have been out buying new boots, shorts, footballs etc. They have been practicing out on the car park at the end of the shifts and a ball has been constantly tapped around behind the bar!!!!

However everyone got dishearted midweek with the news that The Bostin Fittle had pulled out (BOOOOOO) however Kirsten came up trumps and reorganised with another local pub the Forge (bit of friendly local rivalry).

The game went really well (for most of us), unfortunatelly we have some serious casualties.

Kirsten has ended up with a fractured arm and James - well what can we say - ended up shocked at his lack of fitness ending up taking puffs of Ginnies inhaler, blooded knees and a rather sore body!

This is no indication of any violence, the game was played in great spirits and we thank The Forge for there sportmanship especially with the crushing defeat 30-18 in favour of The Crooked House.

Well done guys!

 Saturday 28th November

Today we supported our local police station with an external catering offer - a bbq and hot jackets to raise money at the charity event. Jason and Kirsten carted off everything early on and following a difficult task to actually navoigate and get everything up a large amount of stairs (that barbeque is pretty heavy). The day was very indifferent - it was lovely to help out and see a great support from the local community however we didn't manage to raise any cash for our efforts. Sorry guys but we will carry on our charity fund raising at the pub!!!

 

Monday 30th November

This past few weeks has been a real rollercoaster on the birds front with real ups and downs.

The ducks and silkies have grown considerably and show real character and the chisks have startes coming good on the egg front laying 5 - 7 fresh eggs a day, the new pen and freerange run at the front of the pub has been completed and today all the chicken have moved to a new big home where patrons can now see them roam free by the childrens play area.

But on a bad note Rocko aint been well and despite a visit from a vet and much tlc he is still poorly which has saddened the team. And unfortunatelly we have lost the quals, over the past few days we have found several of them dead and feared we had an aggressive qual. However we have found all dead now and have after investigation found an intruder - believed to be a weasel. I guess we anticipated casualties however it very sad to see we have lost (personally my favourites) in such a brutal way.

Saturday 26th December

Where on earth has this month gone? Thankfully the festive period has proved busy in our restaurant and kept us unbelievably busy. Large parties as well as a lot of familiar faces have enjoyed meals with us and our new menus and addition of Table D' Hote menus have been well recieved. This has meant everyone of us has been extremely busy particularly our kitchen and its brigade. A well earnt break is in order and everyone is looking forward to being waited on on Tuesday where we all take a couple of days off and are taking our Christmas Meal at The Holly Bush in Trysull where chef Si will be taking care of us.

So for everyone who we havn't seen over the festive period 'Merry Christmas and hope to see you all soon in the New Year.

Tuesday 26th January

It has been a while since we last wrote. Firstly thanks to the Holly Bush for there hospitality, everyone enjoyed the evening and it was a welcome change for us to be served rather than serve. The meals were well recieved and as always Jason and I took away some ideas which will hopefully add to our experience.

Secondly what on earth happened to the weather? Thanks to those who braved the conditioned and visited us - least of all to see our snow santa, but the weather certainly knocked us for six (128 cancellations over 1 week!), however trade has been surprisingly good considering the current economic climate and time of year.

Unfortunately we had other setbacks such as cancelled beer deliveries and just this week our cellar decided to warm our conditioned cask ales rather than chill and spoilt a considerable amount at great cost - however onwards and upwards as this is all rectified, the snow has gone and we have 'pukka' cask ales back on to compliment our new menus!

Following the break we have now changed our menus, firstly to change our table d' hote menu and secondly to again push on with our efforts. Chef has added further dishes that are being well recieved ( just try our twisted grey pays!) and our desserts have recieved a well overdue revamp with a signature 'tek yer back abit' and a jaw dropping cheeseboard!

As well as the menus we are now planning 2010 improvement schedule which should see us complete the allotment, should see our pigs arrive, possibly the introduction of live football (let us know your thoughts on this one as it's still undecided), improved signage (if they are not 'nicked' by local pubs AGAIN), the introduction of the picnic paddock by our outstanding secret bluebell field and improved access to the local walks and 'the view of the Gornals'.

These are just a few of the changes but we are always listening to comments and drawing ideas from other establishments to improve.

We also want to take the opportunity to say Happy 21st to Alex and a big get well soon to Laura who takes a break from looking after everyone to being looked after for a change.