9:09am Friday 18th January 2008
By A Craven Herald reader
A lifetime spent living on a farm adjoining the Pennine Way between Gargrave and East Marton has provided experiences over the years ranging from late night campers afflicted with mud and blisters needing a bath and surgical spirit, a lost army rescue team seeking a "not lost" missing person, to providing a place to park a mini van complete with piano so the daughter could continue her practice!
So, over the Christmas period, I was intrigued to know what the two twinkling lights visible in the fields late one night portended. Being of a curious disposition, I investigated.
The mystery proved to be two walkers taking advantage of a crisp moonlit night to walk to the Cross Keys at East Marton for refreshment (not a breathalyser in sight!). Inspiration was thus provided for my next review, and we duly ventured out on a cold, wild night.
A very welcome log fire and surprise meeting with an acquaintance of ours enjoying a meal with his family greeted us on arrival.
We were introduced to the man in charge, known as Chalkey. The Cross Keys, owned by the Copper Dragon brewery, was in need of renovation and Chalkey was entrusted with the task. Re-decorating is well under way and the dining room is now a joy.
The specials board was particularly attractive after rich Christmas fare, with the likes of cottage pie and corned beef hash on offer.
From the four starters, priced between £3.50 and £4.50, Irene chose pate with red onion marmalade, ample toast and salad garnish. My choice was asparagus wrapped in bacon with salad and balsamic dressing. Both were well presented and very tasty.
Corned beef hash and cottage pie, accompanied by vegetables served separately were, as anticipated, ideal post-Christmas fare.
The regular menu offered 10 main courses including two fish, two vegetarian dishes, steaks, gammon and burgers priced between £7 and £9.75. For the really huge appetite, there was a mixed grill at £12.95 and not forgetting the trio of Copper Dragon Scott's 1816 Sausages with mashed potato and onion marmalade, creamed spinach and rich onion gravy at £7.95.
The sweets board - traditional and adequate, priced at £3.50 - featured apple pie, hot chocolate fudge cake, pecan pie, raspberry cheesecake and cheese and biscuits.
The chocolate fudge cake was an excellent alternative to Christmas pudding and Irene very much enjoyed her cheesecake and ice cream. Neither of us could have managed seconds!
After an excellent meal, it was good to see the staff topping up coffee cups, and generosity with the mints.
We were made to feel most welcome.
The Cross Keys is set very pleasantly on the hill overlooking the canal. With spring approaching, the interior re-decorated and the dining room restructured, I would say the barometer was set to "fair".
Coffee, tea, sandwiches, quick bar snacks and, of course, liquid refreshment are also available. Our bill for two, without drinks, came to £33.95.
John Hall
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