Crooked Billet, The

Many, many years ago, The Crooked Billet was a large house with stables, owned by a feisty lady with a reputation for calling the shots. Being on Akerman Street (the old Roman Road), it was a natural stopping place for a 'coach and four' on the way to London.

The Lady would feed her guests and sell them alcoholic beverages. This arrangement worked very well until the Revenue turned up and said she had to be an inn to do that. So she turned her house into an inn, but as it was still her home she decided not to give a name to the place.

The Revenue was having none of that and insisted she named the joint. In frustration, it is said she ran into the wood at the back, broke off a branch that she then stuck above the door, crying "Name that". Thus the Inn became "The Crooked Billet", a billet being a piece of firewood. On the other hand, a Billet is also a place where troops are quartered. You pays your money and you takes your choice!

Talking about choice, you have to decided whether to select from the bar menu, the a la carte menu or the daily blackboard specials. All high quality food, cooked from fresh ingredients with skill and imagination. Finally, a table in the main bar area or in the raised dining room? Or even a private room, if you prefer.

Dishes on their full menu could include the following: Cornish mussels cooked in a white wine and garlic sauce (heaven on a plate); escargot in garlic butter and parmesan served with home baked bread; or finally port and stilton rarebit.

With main courses such as braised shank of lamb with rosemary jus on herbed mash with seasonal vegetable; tiger prawns with a choice of dips served with rice; Scottish steaks with a choice from: fillet, sirloin or rump steak grilled to perfection and to you taste; grilled kingklip, a delightful South African fish. A choice of vegetarian meals are also available.