< PreviousWith a deliciously varied menu and dishes to suit every palate, Oaklands Hall Hotel is the place to be. To check out the menus for yourself or to book a table, visit www.thecomfyduck.co.uk, email reception@oaklandshallhotel.co.uk, or call 01472 872248. The Comfy Duck, Laceby every time we stop in to visit.The Comfy Duck restaurant manages to exceed our expectationsWhat struck me about the menu was the diversity on offer, mixing traditional dishes and old favourites with more modern-leaning cuisine. There was even a dedicated vegan menu. Adding to the ambience was the accommodating and knowledgeable staff, while Food and Beverage Manager Chris Dearing was the perfect host. Nothing was too much trouble and both my partner and I felt well looked after. Though tempted by some of the meat-free offerings, I eventually settled on the white asparagus and prosciutto to start. The sweet and tender spears were the star of show, pan seared and wrapped in the rich salty meat. The accompanying honey truffle dressing was the finishing flourish on this classy starter, offering a delicate yet decadent dish. My partner went for the smoked mackerel pâté, a dish he described as clean on the palate, undoubtedly due to the combination of rhubarb salsa and rich smoky fish. Served with bread crisps, the fresh-tasting dish was elegantly presented and would have served just as well as a light lunch or supper. Moving onto the lamb duo for my main, I’ve got to again emphasise the level of choice available on the menu. The lamb loin was served perfectly pink, full of sweet gamey flavour, while the shoulder was rich and unctuous. Lamb needs a bit of sweet to bring out the deeper subtleties of its flavour profile. Here the dish was served with honey roast baby carrots and an intense red wine jus. The dauphinoise potato added that extra indulgence. There were several tempting fish options available, but my partner opted for the king prawn jambalaya. Pulling in French and Spanish influences, this Louisiana-born dish is a celebration of flavour and The Comfy Duck did not disappoint. There’s a reason why prawns and chorizo are such ideal culinary companions, with one enhancing the other. The Cajun flavours offered a pleasant punch but never overwhelmingly so. It’s not a dish one tends to see on menus, and that’s a real shame as it’s a delicious departure from some of the staple dishes. After my rich, indulgent main I wanted a change of pace for dessert with something light and refreshing. I was in luck with lemon posset, and this one came with a twist in the form of set passionfruit gel, Italian meringue and lemon curd on top. These toppings added another dimension, offering sweet and tartness in every mouthful. My partner showed no such restrained, diving straight into the baked banoffee cheesecake completed with caramel mousse, salted chocolate crumb and banana puree. This delicious slice of decadence isn’t for the faint hearted, but my partner swears that it’s a challenge to stop at one slice. 60 LINCOLNSHIRE TODAYFOOD & DRINK60.qxp_Layout 1 18/03/2019 15:05 Page 1LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY 61EASTEREaster Sunday, which this year falls on April 21st, celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ three days after his crucifixion in 30AD. Yet aside from the cross atop a hot cross bun, very little this time of year has anything to do with the New Testament. Instead it’s bunnies, eggs and more chocolate than you know what to do with. So when and how did this become a part of the Easter story? Lincolnshire Today finds out. As with many Christian traditions, Easter has its roots in pagan beliefs. Essentially, Easter is a celebration of new life – of birth and rebirth. That’s as much in a metaphysical sense as meteorological, with the waning of winter and the beginning of spring. Traditions surrounding this idea are ubiquitous, observed in ancient times and disparate religions. To this day it remains a fundamental part of the human experience. We all welcome the longer days and the return of more light to our lives. But how have those hallmarks of the Easter holiday become part of the story? Hot cross buns Ah, the hot cross bun, that sweet, gently-spiced goody spiked in dried fruit and topped with the iconic cross. This tasty treat has always moved with the times, with a chocolate variety on shelves for years now and, more recently, vegan and gluten-free options available. Despite its continuing popularity, the bun dates back centuries. In the New Testament, Israelites are said to have baked sweet buns for an idol, while religious leaders attempted to put a stop to it. But the exact origins are murky at best with various and, often, Exploring the origins of Easter 62 Á61-63.qxp_Layout 1 18/03/2019 15:33 Page 162 LINCOLNSHIRE TODAYEASTERconflicting stories and accounts. For example, one story claims that in the 12th century, an Anglican monk baked buns and marked them with a cross in honour of Good Friday. Stories such as these intertwine with real history and, in the 16th century, we know that Queen Elizabeth I passed a law limiting the sale of sweet buns to funerals, Christmas and Good Friday, further solidifying the relationship between this sweet bun and Easter. There are plenty of stories backing up claims that hot cross buns were baked on Good Friday for superstitious rather than religious reasons. One story claims that a bun baked on this day and hung from the rafters one one’s home would ward off evil spirits for a year. Another says that sharing the bun with a loved one guarantees friendship for the year. Easter bunny The Easter bunny may very well be a leftover from the pagan festival of Eostre, an Anglo-Saxon goddess whose symbol was the rabbit or the hare. Thanks to their renowned breeding habits, rabbits have always symbolised fertility, so they’ve never been far from celebrations of birth and rebirth. But the Easter bunny as we know it is a very American invention. This is believed to have stemmed from German immigrants who settled in Pennsylvania in the 1700s bringing with them their © Shutterstock / Joanna Tkaczuk© Shutterstock / Africa Studio61-63.qxp_Layout 1 18/03/2019 15:33 Page 2LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY 63EASTERfolkloric egg-laying hare called ‘Osterhare’ or ‘Oschter Haws’. Their children would make nests in which the creature could lay its coloured eggs and, eventually, the custom spread across the entire United States. Jacob Grimm – of the Brothers Grimm fame – further cemented these Easter celebrations as distinctly pagan in 1835 when he said that the Easter bunny arose from primitive pagan traditions and tied things back to the aforementioned Eostre. But the Catholic church vehemently denies this association, claiming that there is no direct evidence of a pagan correlation (the irony appears to be lost on them). Instead, it argues that the idea of the Easter bunny is a distinctly Christian symbol. It says that ancient Greeks believed rabbits were able to reproduce as virgins so, of course, the animal became associated with the Virgin Mary and appeared alongside her in illuminated manuscripts and paintings. Easter eggs As with the symbols we’ve already explored, the exchange of eggs – the non-chocolate kind at least – is an ancient custom, celebrated by many cultures. Eggs are representative of new life and it’s believed that the decorating of eggs for Easter dates as far back as the 13th century. History also tells us that, centuries ago, churches had their congregations abstain from eating eggs for lent. They would then be able to eat them again come Easter, giving them a significance for the occasion. And, in 19th century Russia, beautifully decorated, often jewelled-encrusted, eggs were exchanged on Easter. We may never know the true origins of Easter but it’s likely a mix of ancient beliefs and traditions incorporated into Christian worship. While observing the resurrection of Christ remains important for many people, Easter can more generally be seen as a celebration of new life. Something to think about next time you’re tucking into a hot cross bun or taking the little ones on an Easter egg hunt. © Shutterstock / Africa Studio61-63.qxp_Layout 1 18/03/2019 15:33 Page 364-69.qxp_Layout 1 18/03/2019 15:31 Page 1LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY 65LOUTH & ALFORDNestled in the East Lindsey region, Louth is famed for its independent shops and cultural scene. Travel just fifteen miles down the road and you’ll find Alford at the foot of the Lincolnshire Wolds. Here there’s heritage, history and family-run businesses galore. Surrounded by natural beauty, and with the Skegness coast in close proximity, there’s everything you could want and more in these two market towns. History and heritage are an important part of both towns and continue to draw in tourists and charm locals alike. Louth Museum is independently owned and operated by the voluntary charity The Louth Naturalists’ Antiquarian and Literary Society, which was originally founded in 1884. The museum boasts four galleries, a library and a gift shop offering visitors plenty to get stuck into. Having been closed all winter, it opens again in April with 2019’s exhibitions including ‘100 Years of the RAF Around Louth’, ‘Local Paintings’ and ‘Windmills Around Louth’. Both towns have some stunning architecture, but it’s to the churches that one should look for a closer tangible link to the past. Louth, especially, has a plethora of churches, the most iconic of which is St James Church, believed to have the tallest spire of any parish church in the UK. Alford’s most exquisite church is arguably Saint Wilfrid’s, thought to have been built in 1350, replacing an earlier 12th century building. Inside is a cornucopia of historic features added through the ages, including a Jacobean pulpit, a 14th century screen, fragments of 16th century stained glass and a 17th century tomb. History can be glimpsed everywhere in Everything you need © Shutterstock/ Electric EggThis month we take a closer look at two charming market towns only a stone’s throw apart boasting culture, history, heritage and natural beauty. 66 Á64-69.qxp_Layout 1 18/03/2019 15:31 Page 2© Askews66 LINCOLNSHIRE TODAYLOUTH & ALFORDAlford, even down to its name which derives from ‘alder trees by the ford’, though the ford was long ago replaced by a bridge. Gaining a market charter in 1283 helped the town’s prosperity through the middle ages, cementing it as an important trading location for the region, a tradition which continues to this day. Tuesday is market day, while the Craft Market is held during the summer months on Tuesdays and Fridays in The Manor House. Perhaps the largest thatched house in Britain, The Manor House dates back to 1611 and offers displays and exhibitions. Behind is the Hackett Barn Museum, housing artefacts including a wheelwright’s lathe, a threshing machine, a bootmaker’s shop and even an outside wooden lavatory. The origins of Louth are somewhat more complex with the town originally beginning life as an Anglo-Saxon village. The name is thought to be a corruption of the Saxon word meaning ‘loud’ – as in the nearby River Lud. In the 7th century a monastery was built in Louth but, in the 9th century, Danes had conquered Lincolnshire and destroyed the building. It wasn’t just destruction the Danes brought © Electric Egg / Shutterstock.com64-69.qxp_Layout 1 18/03/2019 15:31 Page 3LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY 67LOUTH & ALFORDwith them and actually gave the town some of its street names, a few of which are still in use. In the late 10th century, Louth grew into a small market town with peasants from the surrounding villages coming to buy and sell their goods. From the mid-12th century onwards, Louth also had regular annual fairs and from there the town grew slowly and surely. Today Louth is famed for its shopping experience, offering a bustling market place, a busy high street and side streets filled with artisan producers, independent retailers and a few big names packed into its Georgian and Victorian buildings. Alford is on the smaller scale and while there’s still plenty of impressive shops and sellers, there’s no denying its population is significantly smaller than Louth’s. But it’s something the town uses to its advantage, having laid claim to having the shortest high street in the UK. However, a few others have contested this. What the town can lay claim to beyond a shadow of a doubt is that Captain John Smith – of Pocahontas fame – was born nearby and educated in Alford. This famous soldier and explorer played a key role in the establishment of the 69 ÁJamestown colony, the first permanent English settlement in North America. As far as his relationship with Pocahontas is concerned, history tells us that Smith was captured and taken to meet the chief of the Powhatans. Smith feared for © Gill Kennett / Shutterstock.comButcher Lane, Louth, Lincolnshire LN11 9JG. Tel: 01507 604029 www.striacroft.co.uk info@striacrroft.co.ukCelebrating 40 Years Trading in Louth High quality Gold, Silver & Diamond Jewellery Main agents for Citizen, Junkers, Zeppelin, XME, Lorus and Daniel Wellington Watches Pre Owned Rolex Watches In-house Repairs & Engraving Trading over 40 years in Louth64-69.qxp_Layout 1 18/03/2019 15:31 Page 468 LINCOLNSHIRE TODAYSkegness Pool & Fitness Suite Grand Parade Skegness PE25 2UG 01754 610675Come and join us TODAY!look great... feel great... live a great life!SWIMMING I GYM I PILATES I BOXFIT I CYCLE I FAMILY FUNCall in for your 3-day FREE trial today!Magna Vitae is a Registered Charity. Charity Number 1160156. A Partner to East Lindsey District Council.Horncastle Pool & Fitness Suite ouom-ঞom)-Ѵh Horncastle LN9 6HP 01507 522489Meridian Leisure Centre )oo7-m; Louth LN11 8SA 01507 607650"|-ঞom"rou|vCentre High Street Mablethorpe LN12 1HA 01507 472129magnavitae.orgEVE&RANSHAW Louth’s Department Store 1 Market Place, Louth LN11 9NT Tel: 01507 602902 www.eve-ranshaw.co.uk Established 1781This traditional inn is the perfect stop over when visiting the area. Within easy reach of the rolling hills of the Lincolnshire Wolds, the Half Moon Hotel offers comfort, warmth and good home cooked meals. The nearby Lincolnshire Coast has wonderful beaches and exciting seaside attractions. The Half Moon Hotel is in a good location in the historic market town of Alford. The Half Moon Hotel is just a short walk away from Alford Manor House and Alford Town centre. OPEN ALL DAY with Carvery at the Half Moon Hotel on Sundays. 25 - 28 West St. Alford, Lincolnshire LN13 9DG Tel: 01507 463 477 • www.halfmoonhotelalford.co.ukHALF MOON Hotel & RestaurantDeliciously Deliciously LincolnshireGold Awarded for outstanding quality and service byLincolnshireTodayawardWWW.LINCOLNSHIRETODAY.NETA GREAT CHOICE WHETHER YOU'RE TRAVELLING ON BUSINESS OR TAKING A SHORT BREAK. Traditional butcher and baker award winning recipe sausage and pies29-31 Mercer Row Louth LN11 9JGFind us on Facebook Woolliss & Son LTD01507 603230 Woolliss & Sons LTDKeeping businesson the up...We pride ourselves on providing a pro-active, friendly and accessible service.Experts in Accounts and Tax Returns Tax Planning and Book-Keeping Audits and Business AdviceWe’re here to get you in the right directionTo find out how get your business on the up visitwww.dextersharpe.co.ukOffices in Boston, Bourne, Horncastle, Lincoln, Louth, Skegness & SpilsbyCHARTERED CERTIFIEDACCOUNTANTS64-69.qxp_Layout 1 18/03/2019 15:31 Page 5LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY 69LOUTH & ALFORDhis life but was eventually released. In a letter to Queen Anne, Smith described his encounter with Pocahontas, writing that “at the minute of my execution, she hazarded the beating out of her own brains to save mine; and not only that, but so prevailed with her father, that I was safely conducted to Jamestown”. Although some experts have cast doubt on this encounter, there’s no denying Smith’s pivotal role in the colonisation of North America. Alford also boats one of only a few working windmills in the county. The Alford Five Sailed Windmill is a striking building, restored to full working order. As well as becoming a popular tourist attraction complete with gift shop, it produces and sells its own organic flour ground with stone wheels in the traditional way. Though best known for its shopping and historical attractions, the arts scene in Louth is a hugely important. The Louth Riverhead Theatre is a community-owned venue run and maintained by Louth Playgoers Society, predominantly comprised of volunteers. Cultural events also take place at The Meridian Leisure Centre alongside health and fitness activities such as swimming. Speaking of the Meridian, Louth sits on the Greenwich Meridian – which separates east from west in the same way the equator separates north from south. There’s a plaque in Eastgate marking the line which has become a popular photo opportunity and as a point of pilgrimage for tourists. On Cannon Street is Louth’s Playhouse Cinema with its impressive art deco frontage, converted from a Victorian chapel in 1920. As well as packing in the punters with the typical blockbusters, the cinema offers independent and art house films, as well as live-streams of ballet and theatre performances. As well as film and theatre, Louth also has a vibrant music scene focussed around its independent record store, Off The Beaten Tracks. Here you can find out all about local bands and musicians and the nearby Pump House Recording Studio. What’s more, the shop is always busy, particularly on Saturday mornings where folks of all ages come in for the diverse selection of vinyl and CDs. Although record shops are few and far between these days, Off The Beaten Tracks is enjoying the vinyl revival and maintaining a crucial part of Louth’s cultural identity. There’s a healthy music scene in Alford too with the Alford Acoustic Music Club – formerly the Alford Folk Club – holding meetings every month for musicians to play to a warm crowd and enjoy a real ale or two. Our market towns are filled with independent, successful and family-run businesses with Louth and Alford both boasting some of the county’s very best. Family-run department store Eve & Ranshaw is the oldest business in Louth having originally been opened by Adam Eve in 1781 at 1 Market Place, where it is still based to this day. One of Alford’s most successful businesses is Askews Furniture Retailer, a second-generation furniture retailer housed in the former Wesleyan Chapel. Louth and Alford offer everything one could ever want for with brilliant shopping opportunities, artisan food makers, boutiques, family-run businesses, quirky attractions and a perimeter of natural beauty. What more could you need?© Alford Craft Market64-69.qxp_Layout 1 18/03/2019 15:31 Page 6Next >