Even better than Nutella

We couldn't have picked a better way to see out the end of July than by being at the Chequer's Inn,  Woolsthorpe. 

The sun was shining when we arrived and although the back garden looked was glorious it was a little chilly in the shade so we decided to join the other patrons round the front where the sun was out in full force.  

What's nicer than a few cold ones with great friends on a warm day following a car journey: 

We had a few bags of crisps to go along with the beers. After two months of no eating one of my favourite treats I made short work of my cheese and onion crisps... 

It was so chilled and relaxing there on the deck drinking beers that Dawn and I almost had to force the fellows to get their backsides up to begin our walk: 

(Andy had to make a quick shoe adjustment)

This little fellow got separated from the flock

(a potential framer eh?)

Belvoir Castle (pronounced BEAVER... don't ask me why)

After stopping for an ice-cream next to the castle, we walked back along the canal.  It was only as we were approaching the end of our three hour journey when the skies briefly opened up;  Luckily we were passing one of the old canal bridges and found shelter while we waited out the 10 minute thunder storm.  Poor Molly only shook briefly and was fine by the time the sun came back out. 

After we got back to the Inn we enjoyed another beer on the patio before heading back to our rooms to freshen up prior to our three course meal. 

Which was absolutely flipping amazing.  

(Let me reiterate again, that for the past few months I have changed my diet significantly and this was a treat I'd been looking forward to for months.  It.was.worth.every.bite.) 

This is a sample of the food we enjoyed: 

What Robert and I chose for a starter.  Best part of the whole experience.

Dawn's starter

My main (Sea Bream and Pesto Mash with Roasted Courgette and Choritzo) 

Dawn's main (Roasted Vegetable Torte)

Mine and Robert's dessert (we each had our own)

The lady at the next table was sharing this with her husband; As soon as I saw it I made the decision to choose it over the other option I'd been considering.  Robert did too, although he nearly crawled under the table when Dawn asked the woman if it was 'as good as Nutella'

Which then somehow led the four of us (not the people at the other table) to a discussion about licking Nutella off of Dawn's nipples.  I'm telling you, you can dress us up and take us out but that's about all we manage.  At any given moment some form of inappropriate behaviour will always come out.  

Just warning you in case you ever decide to invite us anywhere.  

After months of hardly drinking any wine I thought for sure I'd be craving Pinot Grigio, however after one glass I decided to stick with the gorgeous red that Robert chose for our meal. Yup even with white fish I preferred the red wine.  Pretentious I am not - I've never attested to being a food or wine connoisseur, and never will.  When it comes to food I go with what I like not with what is the recommended or expected choice. I've not let myself down yet.

This is blurry which is a shame, however I love the joyful feeing it captured:

Beautiful Dawn enjoying her Prosecco  

My handsome man 

The next morning we were up fairly early and after another round of food (breakfast) we headed out with the dogs for a different walk that ended up at the opposite end of the canal.

I love watching the dogs cool off. 

Not only a great place for cooling off, these old bridges are great shelter when needed 

(which we didn't on our morning walk).

Andy and I were thrilled that our friends enjoyed this little hide-away as much as we do and it was agreed by all that it will definitely need to be a yearly event.