Let us for a moment ponder the climatic differences of last week to this:
Last week
This week
Yeah. Slightly different.
This week the long run group headed off to Prees with a healthy number of riders, all keen to keep the Llanberis legs exercised.
The short run was however to offer a more civilised and amenable approach. We were to head off towards Dunham Massey to enjoy the winter sunshine at a leisurely pace.
We were feeling quite sophisticated today, riding smoothly, with due consideration to the rest of the group and other road users. Sir Alan, our esteemed navigator, decided that a reverse loop of our usual was very much in order. So we headed out towards Antrobus, Budworth Heath, at which point, Sir David and Sir Alan discussed a pleasant alternate route that would take use through Hoo Green, and head us towards the main road between Lymm and Altrincham, before hopping down a nice lane where the Swan with Two Nicks pub is, and across the narrow footbridge across the river Bollin to the outskirts of Dunham Massey. Most enjoyable.
From there we jumped onto familiar territory, as we joined Woodhouse Lane, before turning left towards the cafe. At this point, Sir Alan did the most ungentlemanly thing, and launched a sprint. I was no match for him in this surprise attack, and he took the rather cheeky sprint.
We strolled into the cafe, eager to satiate our appetite. Twas not to be. Looking rather harrassed at our number, and the busy cafe, we had to wait. So, we waited, and waited. Murmurs from the house arose, until Sir Alan said ‘Let’s get off to Red House’, and we left.
Waiting. Hungry.
‘I’m not having any of this’, said Lord Derek. I’m orf.
So, as most chatted about having two rounds of cafe legs to deal with, we took the very short ride down to Red House Farm, in, wait for it, Red House Lane. There were a few concerns that the cafe was quite small from previous visits by some members, but lo and behold, this rarely visited location had been refurbished, the farm shop much smaller and the cafe much bigger (hurrah!).
Room for all.
We entered, and were ushered to our seats, where the waitress quickly came to take out orders. Cakes and other refreshments were ordered, although there was some confusion between some of the more unsophisticated of members about the beans on toast offering, which was:
RHF Beans on Toast – A mixture of Boriotti, Haricot, Butter and Kidney Beans in our ich, homemade tomato sauce, served with 2 slices of toast. (Heinz beans available on request).
I know I said sophisticated. That was a lie. Baffled by this level of poshness, I just ordered beans on toast, but others with the more refined palate, did indeed order said dish and were impressed.
Sir Alan, of course, ordered Victoria sponge, received said sponge, but having seen the Rocky Road type offering, then ordered one of those as well.
Similar to the last picture, but with the Rocky Roads that made Sir Alan salivate.
Tea, served with the best china teacups made for an elegant soiree.
Tea was served, and Sir Terence and I shared a pot. The milk, as you can see reminded some of us who are old enough of primary school milk. Sir Alan asked for a straw.
Coffee Sir Alan? You’ve changed.
The beans on toast was served, although I do take exception to the advertised beans ON toast. Couldn’t complain though, there was a large serving of hot beans.
Beans WITH toast I say. How very posh.
We left…
Much happier at having been fed, I think we’ve found the new Dunham Massey cafe stop for future club runs. It’ll be added to the cafe map soon.
Menu, if you are interested, is on the link below, but check their website as I’m sure it will be updated… Red House Farm Tea Rooms
Red House Farm Lunch Menu 28/02/2016
After such a class affair, we headed back, picking up the Trans Pennine Trail to Lymm, then heading down to Grappenhall, where we picked up some short Paris-Roubaix pave in Church Road just to wake us up from our afternoon relaxed pedalling.
Then onto Appleton thorn where I left the group to meander home, as they headed once again towards Antrobus and Hartford to finish what was a relaxed and enjoyable day out in clear weather (for a change!)