Invited guests celebrated the re-opening of the Shoulder of Mutton in Kirkby Overblow this week (22 October 2012)
The event was organised by licensees David and Kate Deacon to mark the re-opening of their pub following a substantial makeover.
Flo Denwood and Ellie Brown had the job of holding the ceremony ribbon, which was officially cut by former Leeds United star Eddie Gray (whose four grandsons work at the pub), while guests tucked into canapés that included a signature Shoulder of Mutton creation of roasted new potato stuffed with shredded lamb shoulder.
There were also sheep cupcakes, decorated with iced sheep’s faces and grass, made by Kate’s sister-in-law Linda, who does all the home baking for the pub’s courtyard food shop, The Shoulder Shop.
While the prosecco, wine and ale flowed; guests also had the chance to ‘Guess the Number of Sheep’ in a specially commissioned photograph of the village pub’s ‘sheep memorabilia’, with the winner receiving a free meal for two.
The event, organised to showcase the pub’s major refurbishment, which includes a new bar and toilets, and major decoration indoors and out, also marked the launch of a new menu devised by chef David – who has previously worked as catering manager at world famous Betty’s Tearooms – which includes new lunchtime sharing platters and more weekly specials.
On the night, the guests had the chance to sample mini portions of the food with platters of canapés that included chicken liver pate on toasted brioche, shot glasses of spiced parsnip soup, ratatouille in pastry cups with fresh Parmesan and Shoulder of Mutton style ‘angels on horseback’ using black pudding wrapped in bacon.
Kate, who was brought up in Kirkby Overblow, and husband David took over the Shoulder of Mutton, owned by Punch Taverns, eight years ago.
The couple say they are delighted to have finally made their “own stamp on the place”.
David said:
We’re really excited about the renovations, and have been dying to give the pub some more ‘kerb appeal’ over the years!
Over the time we’ve been here, we’ve built up a fantastic band of loyal customers, and it’s great to give something back to them.
