Odins Glow 25/10/2009
Andrew (my Hubby) and I set off on 25th October to Pinchinthorpe Hall. We drove there from our home in Stockton, and parking was available in the grounds.
We sat down to eat at Pinchinthorpe which had a lovely rustic feel, stone walls and all oldie worldy – it felt lovely and cosy!
They have adopted the ‘Country Steak House and Grill’ menu, which offered various steaks, burgers and even some pasta’s. The starters and desesrts offered were extensive and varied.
For starters I had Tiger prawns with chilli dip, Andrew had Farmhouse pate with caramalised onion chutney, these were delicious and went down lovely!
For main it was mussels and chips for me, and battered calamari and chips for Andrew, with a greek side salad, very filling, with homemade chips!
With still room for dessert I had creme brulee and Andrew had sticky toffee pudding, we shared these and they finished the meal off perfectly (with a cheeky esprresso to wash it down!).
It is a very different menu from what Pinchinthorpe previously offered, but its really good value, with most of the main meals priced around £6.95, perfect for a family meal out. Customer service was also good.
Next we jumped on to the minibus (part of the park and ride service for Odins Glow) which took us into the village of Newton under Roseberry.
The event came about because Roseberry Topping is such a dramatic landmark that it was regarded as a sacred hill dedicated to the Nordic god Odin by the Vikings, who settled in the Tees Valley in large numbers during the early medieval period.
The whole village was in darkness when we pulled up, with the only visable lights being those of the light insulations, some of which lit up Roseberry Topping and it looked amazing. When exploring the village you found something round every corner. There was a giant solar system set up in the middle of the road rotating around, there was a huge (like the size of a bus shelter) fish tank which had graphics of fish floating around. There was a local drum group who were druming along in sync with one another. Further down the road it was a drama group of youngsters acting out stories of the vikings on the water. Near the church yard they had lights and mocked up boats in the lake with a lady dressed in medieval costume singing old ryhme. The streets and turns were packed with people but had an enchanting awe about it, families were apleanty, excitement was in the air and they all seemed to love it! It was a beautiful evening and certainly one of a kind. I am unsure whether they will be repeating this event in coming years or not, but if they do, it is well worth a visit!
The best bit, was Roseberry Topping lit up, unfortunately due to the darkness you couldnt see it well with the camera, but it really was breathtaking.
Fantastic all round event.
You can take a look at more great days coming up by checking out www.visitteesvalley.co.uk.
Wow! sounds fantastic!
I think you should be the “face of the tees valley” you are the best candidate and a normal person to represnt all of us!
I heard your interview on TFM which was very entertaining, you certainly had the men on their toes. everyone who i spoke to who heard it were very impressed too!
The days out sound amazing.
Go Team Jo!
Keep up the hard work.
xxx