Cranleigh pub evokes war-time Britain with Blackout Night

The Richard Onslow in Cranleigh will be offering a small taste of what it was like to live through war-time Britain when it holds its first ever Blackout Night on Wednesday November 11, to mark Remembrance Day as well as raise money for The Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal.
By The Newsroom
Published 5th Nov 2015, 13:02 BST

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The popular village local will be switching its lights off at night fall and plunging itself into darkness. Candles dotted around the pub will be the only light source. Then, to complete the experience, the chefs will also be serving up a special menu of war-time themed dishes washed down with glasses of locally brewed beer.

Take a trip down memory lane and tuck into classic spam fritters, hearty veggie stew and dumplings, warming bangers and mash and sweet apple crumble. For each plate of bangers and mash and apple crumble sold, the pub will also be making a donation to The Royal British Legion in Cranleigh as well as selling poppies.

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The idea for the evening came from new manager Terri Dell who was keen to do something to mark the centenary of the First World War years and raise money for good local causes at the same time. “A hundred and one years ago the country was really in the thick of it,” she says. “Ordinary families had to live under extraordinary circumstances, with food rationing and of course the nightly occurrence of blackout to prevent even the smallest glimmer of light bringing down an enemy bomb.

Blackout Night at The Richard OnslowBlackout Night at The Richard Onslow
Blackout Night at The Richard Onslow

“We’ll be trying to recreate a little taste of what that was like, by throwing the pub into darkness and making authentic dishes that would have graced war-time tables. Local brewers Firebird from Rudgwick will be serving glasses of Heritage ale from a specially designed pump clip on the bar. We’ll also be buying a free drink for any past or present service men or women who join us on the night.

“It’s really going to be an evening with a difference, so come along for a tipple or two and some hearty fare in the surroundings of a great pub while you rally round the cause,” she adds.

For more information about this year’s Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal, please go to www.britishlegion.org.uk.

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Blackout Night at The Richard Onslow starts at 6pm on Wednesday 11th November and booking is advisable. Please call the pub on 01483 274922 to book a table or email [email protected]

The Richard Onslow is at 113-117 High Street, Cranleigh, Surrey GU6 8AU. Tel: 01483 27 49 22. www.therichardonslow.co.uk.

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Related topics:BritainheritageThe Royal British LegionSurrey