Following our excellent Village Dinner last Friday - thanks to Richard, Erica and Uday - we have several events going on this holiday period that you may be interested in:

Saturday 22nd - we will be wishing fond farewells to our agency chef Peter Bartlett when he finishes his shift in the evening. It is a shame we didn't find Pete until we'd had trouble beforehand but he has been fabulous and we wish him well in his future career. If you wish, please come by and shake his hand. He has done a great job for us over the last 6 weeks - especially on the wonderful evening we had last Friday - and he has been a real asset. With one exception on NYE (see below) this night is the last time we will be serving food from the menu for a while. After that, until the kitchen is restored to use, there will only be snacking opportunities.

Sunday 23rd - We are open Sunday lunchtime but not for food (no chef). But at 5pm, we will open for a kids Christmas Party, with games, soft drinks, sweets and snacks. The kids can have the run around in the pub and parents can chat and have coffee or maybe even some of the harder stuff! Then at about 8pm, 78rpm will start playing Christmas Carols for the rest of the evening on their brass instruments, it should be lovely. We might even run to some cheesy chips!

Christmas Eve - we're open till 3pm, but will close promptly to let staff enjoy their Christmas Eve

Christmas Day and Boxing Day - we're closed enjoying good times with our families

Thursday 27th - Open in the evening from about 7pm for two massive local events. First, the Fowlmere and Thriplow Sloe Gin Competition will take place about 7pm and this will be followed by the Thriplow Shop 150 Club December draw. There are two Sloe Gin prizes - this year's vintage and any other year's vintage. Entry forms and vials are available in the pub.

We are also open in the evenings of Friday 28th and Saturday 29th December from 7pm. Then closed on Sunday 30th.

Monday 31st December - New Year's Eve - Open in the evening for Mary's Last Supper. Mary Lindgren will be concocting one last three course dinner for NYE but reservations and menu selection in advance are essential. Please contact the pub if you are interested.

January 1st - Closed.

Merry Christmas to everyone and Happy New Year

Nigel, Mark, Caroline, Mary and Kevin