The Griffin at Irnham featured

Central to the “Irnham Country-Estate Package”

The summer of 2020 has been a disaster for many. Some good was bound to come from it though, and so it proved to be for the ebullient

Jamie (a.k.a. Sir James Benton-Jones) and the family estate in the beautiful village of Irnham, between Bourne and Grantham.

If you happen to be running The role played by The Griffin Inn is

Irnham Hall and 2,000 acres central in the “Irnham countryof prime farming estate (and estate package” which has landlord of many of the been several years in the properties making up the making. village, including The Griffin Inn) then drastic times call for drastic measures. These included opening parts of the estate to the general public in a ‘socially-distanced’ way, with picnic tables fifty yards apart! The idea has been to offer the marriage service in the small church (if required) right next to Irnham Hall, which is a short walk to the reception in the beautifully appointed and spacious Orangery, with

So, always keen to be meeting its gardens and ornamental people in his very amiable manner pond. Several cottages have been (as evidenced by the seven years in renovated in recent years in the which Jamie and his wife Leila have village and are made available for been hosting wedding ceremonies in wedding guests. the idyllic setting of Irnham Hall), the grounds were opened up all through the summer … and so “The Irnham Picnic” was born! The Griffin has been totally refurbished, both the bar and eating area as well as the six luxurious bedrooms, and can now fulfil its role as the

I have been fortunate enough to experience this potential pre-nuptial venue for bride and groom, quintessentially English experience several times as well as accommodation for guests too. during the lockdown and I now long for 2021 when, Jamie is very keen that The Griffin should act as

Jamie assures me, the opportunity will be repeated. the central ‘beating heart’ of the village, and the

The delicious food, prepared by Head Chef, Michael excellent reputation built by Head Chef, Michael

Prescott at The Griffin, is collected and then taken Prescott, at both The Cholmeley Arms at Burton to the picnic tables, dotted around the landscaped Coggles and at Belvoir Castle, means that many gardens and beside the lake – a magnificent venue! people are making the journey for a first-rate meal in

Despite the vagaries of our English summer weather, such a friendly, welcoming setting. the “Irnham Picnic” proved to be a success Ever the one to add to the sum total of what Irnham during such awful times for the hospitality has to offer, Jamie explains how there is to sector in general. The “Irnham Wedding” be a fish and chip shop at the back of The experience, which our family had found Griffin, opening this month! absolutely faultless the previous year, has unfortunately been a notable victim For more information, Jamie encourages of the pandemic. It is with excitement, everyone to access his You Tube therefore, that Jamie informs me that they performances to fully appreciate, not just are already fully booked for wedding the beauty of Irnham, but also the ways he receptions in 2021. wants to share it with us all.

Wine, Dine and Recline

Evening Dinner Menu

Starters Our Chef’s soup of the day with Griffin Bread £6 Juniper cured salmon, cucumber sorbet £6.95 v Smoked duck salad, truffle, rocket & fig £6.95 Chargrilled halloumi, sun blush tomatoes, olives & raspberry balsamic £6.95 v/vg Ham hock press, seasonal beetroot & quail's egg £6.95

Mains 12oz Sirloin Steak, pub chips, grill garnish & watercress £19.95 Braised belly of pork, champ mash, apple purée & cider sauce £17.95 Loin of estate venison, baby vegetables roasted beetroot, blackberry & port jus £16.95 Breast of chicken, smokey bacon risotto, with Madeira sauce & truffle oil £15.95 Chef’s catch of the day (please see the daily catch board) Tagliatelle with broccoli, pine nuts & rocket, finished with crème fraîche & basil £15.95 v Sweet potato & lentil curry, steamed rice, mint raita & poppadom £14.95 vg

Extras £4 Peppercorn Sauce • Vegetable Bowl • Mushroom Sauce Onion Rings • Stilton Sauce • House Salad • Pub Chips

COVID OPENING HOURS:

MONDAY - SATURDAY Bar 12pm - 3pm Food 12pm - 2pm Bar 5pm - 10pm Food 6pm - 9pm SUNDAY Bar 12pm - 5pm Food 12pm - 3pm

DOGS WELCOME

Steak Night FRIDAY 6TH NOVEMBER 10oz fillet £25 10 sirloin £20 10 rump £15 served with grilled garnish & hand cut chips : ) Bourne 5