Return to the Black Dog

Not perturbed by the previous evening's experience (and 'phoning in advance to make sure we would not be disappointed) Maalie and Worzel once again set out to the Black Dog Inn for dinner. A more direct route was planned - approaching directly up the steep hill through Irleth from Askam - it should only take us half-an-hour or so before we were sat in the cosy pub eating our long-awaited dinner.

Admittedly we had to walk up the steepest section of the hill but were soon remounted on the meandering road on the ridge high above Askam. After another day of rain and high winds the weather was being kind to us; the rain had stopped and the wind subsided leaving a mild, overcast evening for our excursion. With some relief we saw the lights of the familiar pub as we rounded the last corner before our final short descent.

Toast to absent friends
Black Dog Inn, Dalton-in-Furness

On our arrival Maalie got the beers in inside while Worzel checked in with home outside, and by the time he'd got off the phone Maalie had been shown to table for two and was already salivating over the menu (either that or the roudy group of some eight middle-aged women on the main table enjoying a Christmas 'do'). Eventually Maalie ordered King Prawns to start and a steak for main course; Worzel went for moules marinier and the stuffed pork loin.

Decisions, decisions...
(click to enlarge)

Having finished a second pint, and completed their meal with an expresso-laced crème caramel, it was time to kit-up and head back to Maalie Court for a nightcap. With Maalie complaining that he preferred not to commence a ride with a hill the pair sluggishly started the return from the Black Dog's car park; the familiar uncomfortable feeling of leaving a cosy pub into the cold night was compounded by the feast we'd just consumed.

We made short work of the trip home and enjoyed a Red Can each as a nightcap. The TCA can finally report that Cumbrian hospitality is alive and well in December.

(Posted by: Al)