< Previous60LINCOLNSHIRETODAYThe closest most of us will have come to seeing a batwill be the floppy plastic caricatures found in theHalloween section of the local costume shop orsupermarket. Even when scanning the skies, it’s blink-and-you’ll-miss-it when it comes to spotting these nippy littlecritters. Fortunately, the Brown Long-eared Bat has a slow,fluttery flight, making it easier to spot than most. Goodjob too, as it’s the perfect time of year to try and steal andglimpse. As with all British bats, the Long-ear is nocturnal andwhile that’s an attribute it shares with vampires, theassociations stop there. It can be identified from otherbats by its impressive ears which are nearly as long as itsbody. When the bat is resting, it will often roll theseimpressive ears up or else tuck them beneath its wings.Big ears come with the added benefit of not having toshout to hear one’s own voice. Consequently, the Long-ear has a quiet voice, leading to its moniker of the‘Whispering Bat’. Few animals epitomise October in quite the same way as the bat, butthis oft misunderstood critter has more to offer than its ghoulishconnotations. This month, we take a look at the Brown Long-eared Bat. LincolnshirewildlifeIt will chow down on midges, moths and other flyinginsects they find in dark using its canny ability ofecholocation. But it isn’t as reliant on sonar as much asother bats, instead using its proficient hearing to pinpointnuch like a bird of prey. The Long-ear will also fly directlythrough foliage and snaffle insects directly from leaves. Though the Brown Long-eared Bat is abundant acrossmost of the UK, its cousin – the Grey Long-ear bat, whichsplit off in the sixties – is much rarer and confined to the farsouth of England. Although the typical life span for theLong-ear is around four to five years, some have beenknown to live for as long as twenty-two years. It’s the time of year for mating, with active malescontinuing to mate throughout the winter. Maternitycolonies are established in late spring, with one young bornaround late June to mid-July and then weaned at sixweeks. For those long winter nights, try watching the skiesfor the Long-ear. The Brown Long-eared Bat is protected in the UK,though that hasn’t stopped bats from falling victim tohabitat loss and agricultural intensification. Readers canhelp, however, by providing food, water and shelter. Visitthe Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust website for tips.© Shutterstock / OlgaVesel 60-61.qxp_Layout 1 18/09/2018 10:58 Page 1© Shutterstock / KOO 60-61.qxp_Layout 1 18/09/2018 10:58 Page 262 LINCOLNSHIRETODAYSOCIAL SCENEThe annual Wear your Wedding Dress Again ball tookplace on the 8th of September at the Doubletree byHilton in Lincoln, allowing brides a chance to don theirmemorable gown once more in aid of charity. With acharity auction and proceeds generated throughticket sales, the funds raised were in support ofautistic children at Lincoln St Christopher’s School.Wear YourWedding Dress Again 2018PHOTOS COURTESY OF RICHARD PICKSLEY62.qxp_Layout 1 18/09/2018 11:02 Page 1Deliciously Deliciously LincolnshireGoldAwarded for outstanding quality and service byLincolnshireTodayawardWWW.LINCOLNSHIRETODAY.NETIt’s that time again, where we look over all therestaurants, pubs and eateries we’ve dined at overthe last twelve months, across the county, andpick out our favourites for the year. Lincolnshire isknown for its local produce and foodie heritage,so the competition is stiff and the judging difficult.Our Dining Awards are based on the verdicts ofour mystery diners, the views of our reviews teamwho visits scores of restaurants each year, andsuggestions from readers. Deliciously DeliciouslyLincolnshireSilverSilverAwarded for outstanding quality and service byLincolnshireTodayawardWWW.LINCOLNSHIRETODAY.NETDeliciously Deliciously LincolnshirePlatinumAwarded for outstanding quality and service byLincolnshireTodayawardWWW.LINCOLNSHIRETODAY.NETLincolnshireDeliciouslyDining Awards© shutterstock/Nejron Photo63.qxp_Layout 1 18/09/2018 11:03 Page 164 LINCOLNSHIRETODAYFOOD & DININGOctober feastsColder nights lean towards meals indoors, and what better way toenjoy the evening than with something a little different. Here aretwo recipes that offer a little more variety in life. BRAZILIAN RIB &BLACK EYED BEAN SALADWhat to do Preheat the oven to 180oC, gas mark 4.Whisk together the lime zest and juice, chilli flakes, honey,oil and half the coriander. Place the ribs in a large roastingtin and toss in half the dressing. Roast for 1 hour.Just before serving, mix the beans and sweetcorn into thesalad with the remaining dressing and serve with the ribssprinkled with remaining coriander.Cook TipsTry using kidney beans instead of black eyed beansSalad used: Crispy Salad BagRecipe provided by: www.makemoreofsalad.com Prep time: 10 minutesCooking time: 1 hourServes: 4 You’ll needZest and juice of 1 lime1/2 tsp chilli flakes2 tbsp honey1 tbsp olive oil28g pack coriander, chopped750g pork spare ribs400g can black eyed beans (240g drained and rinsed)195g can sweetcorn (160g drained and rinsed)4 handfuls Crispy Salad Bag (150g)64-65.qxp_Layout 1 18/09/2018 11:04 Page 1Picture your venueTo promote your services callAngie Cooper on 01472 310302or email: a.cooper@blmgroup.co.ukThe China RoyalRestaurant6 Bridge Streets, Brigg, DN20 8LNTel: 01652 650688 (reservations)/654762 (takeaway)Web: www.chinaroyal.co.uk The intimate, warm surroundings of the ChinaRoyal are ideal for the most romantic dinner or thelargest banquet. Serving the best in Chinese cuisine, it has five stars on the doors, and is openthroughout all Bank Holidays. Table-booking available for Christmas and New YearThe George Hotel1 Boston Road, Spilsby, PE23 5HBTel: 01790 752528 Web: www.spilsby.info/georgehotelThe George Hotel guarantees a warm welcome and theperfect pub environment. Karaoke is on every Saturday night,and with live music held once a month and a large functionroom (available free of charge for parties), the George Hotel isthe perfect venue for entertaining. The accommodation boasts eight letting bedrooms with TV,tea and coffee making facilities and free Wi-Fi. The Duke of WellingtonStation Road, Midville Tel: 01205 270593Web: www.dukeofwellingtonmidville.co.ukAt The Duke of Wellington, the aim is to make youwelcome and deliver the very best in food and drink thatwill keep you coming back time and again. The Duke ofWellington is a much loved part of the local communitythat extends a welcome to locals and visitors alike.On offer is great food, drink and warm hospitality.Harrisons Restaurant12 Market Place, Barton-upon-Humber, DN18 5DATel: 01652 637 412Multi-Award winning restaurant in the heart of Barton-upon-Humber. Serving high quality locally sourced breakfast & lunch 9am-2pm Monday to Saturday along with an excellent evening dinnerWednesday to Saturday 5pm-9pm. Showcasing some of the finestLincolnshire produce alongside a range of ales with a full and variedwine menu. Finish the week off with our fresh home cooked Sunday Lunch, 12-4pm at only£15 for 3 courses.Special Edition ChocolateWillingham Hall, Market Rasen, LN8 3RHTel: 01673 844073 Web: www.specialeditionchocolate.co.ukSpecial Edition Chocolate prides itself on award-winning handmade chocolate for everyone to enjoy.This includes chocolate suited for diabetics,coeliacs, vegans and other allergy sufferers – suchas nuts and dairy – as well as other specialdelicacies. They also specialise in chocolate gifts,making it the perfect place to get your friend or relative the perfect present. LINCOLNSHIRETODAY65FOOD & DININGWhat to doPeel the potatoes and cut each into 8. Putthem into a large pan of salted water andbring to the boil. Simmer for 10 minutes untilthe potatoes are tender. While the potatoes cook, chop the beetrootinto quarters and season the steaks. Heat the oil in a non-stick frying pan and whenit’s very hot cook the steaks for 3-4 minutes oneach side (longer if you want them well done).When the steaks are cooked to your liking, putthem on a warm plate and set aside to rest.Once the potatoes are just tender add thebeetroot to the water and simmer for 2minutes longer. Drain the water away and addthe crème fraiche to the pan. Mash everythingtogether well until you have a smooth pinkmash. Season to taste.Slice the steak and serve with a dollop of mashand the steamed broccoli. Pour any meatjuices over.Recipe Provided by: lovebeetroot.co.uk SWEET CHILLI BEETROOT ANDPOTATO MASH SERVED WITH STEAKServes: 2 Preparation time: 5 minutes • Cooking time: 20 minutesYou’ll need400g mashing potatoes4 sweet chilli cooked beetroot 2 fillet steaks1tsp olive oil4 tbsp Crème Fraichesalt and pepperto serve100g broccoli, steamed & tossed in lemon juice and olive oil64-65.qxp_Layout 1 18/09/2018 11:04 Page 266.qxp_Layout 1 18/09/2018 11:05 Page 1LINCOLNSHIRETODAY67FOOD & DININGWinners of our platinumawards are those venueswho we consider the creamof the crop, able to balanceevery aspect for a trulymagical experience.Many of those showcased in ourfollowing pages have been establishedfor many years, but it takes more thanthat to provide an experience worthy of a© Shutterstock/KatarinaVeDeliciously Deliciously LincolnshirePlatinumAwarded for outstanding quality and service byLincolnshireTodayawardWWW.LINCOLNSHIRETODAY.NETOf thehighestquality68 Á67-68.qxp_Layout 1 18/09/2018 11:07 Page 1TEL:01205 822804BICKER BAR, BICKER,BOSTON PE20 3ANSUPREMEINNS.CO.UKAWARD WINNINGHOTEL & RESTAURANTDeliciously Deliciously LincolnshirePlatinumAwarded for outstanding quality and service byLincolnshireTodayawardWWW.LINCOLNSHIRETODAY.NET68 LINCOLNSHIRETODAYFOOD & DININGCall us on: 01472 822308Advance booking is recommendedwww.the-shipinn.comFOOD SERVEDTuesday - Saturday 12pm - 2pm & 6pm - 9pmSundays 12pm - 4pm - closed evening and all day MondayBEAUTIFUL BRITISH FOODplatinum award. Attention to detail,dedication and truly attentive customerservice is expected as standard – thisaward demands more, and those whoachieve it are worthy of the highestpraise. That’s not to say those who scored thisare exclusive restaurants with menus onewould need a PhD to understand, either.The fabulous food that is served in thesevenues speaks for itself, and all areapproachable and welcoming, otherwisethey would not have earned the platinumaward. Spectacular settings, comfortableatmospheres, friendly staff and wonderfulfood. You can be sure of a marvellousexperience at any of these venues. When you visit a DeliciouslyLincolnshire Platinum Award winner, youknow you’re going to witness a trulyunmatched culinary experience. © Shutterstock/grafvision67-68.qxp_Layout 1 18/09/2018 11:07 Page 2BOOK YOUR TABLE TODAYEmail restaurant@whitehart-lincoln.co.uk Visit whitehart-lincoln.co.uk Call 01522 563 290Bailgate | Lincoln | LN1 3ARVisit our award-winning Grille Restaurant and enjoy our amazing lunch and evening menus. Our restaurant offers the highest quality of service and superb mouth watering, freshly prepared dishes in a fabulous atmosphere.NEW SEASON.NEW MENU.AA Rosette AwardedCulinary Excellence 2017/18Restaurant of the Year 2017 Venue of the Year 2017Hotel of the Year 2016* Our new menu starts 18th October 2018LINCOLNSHIRETODAY69The Hammer & Pincers pub is awelcoming, warm pub thatserves a great range of caskales, fantastic food and offersservice with a smile. It has aselection of meals availablethroughout the day, startingwith breakfast at 9.30am onweekdays, and then lunchesand dinners. Every Sunday itoffers a sumptuous carverywith a range of meats andvegetables to choose from. It alsooffers a range of entertainment and roomfor large parties. Hammer & Pincers now serve food allday on Saturday and Sunday.BT Sport and Sky Sports is shown onmultiscreen.Award winning restaurantDeliciously Deliciously LincolnshirePlatinumAwarded for outstanding quality and service byLincolnshireTodayawardWWW.LINCOLNSHIRETODAY.NETSwineshead Road, Boston, PE21 7JETel: 01205 361323Email: wayne.salmon@btconnect.com www.hammerandpincers-boston.co.uk25 Alexandra RoadCleethorpes DN35 8LGCall us on 01472 317019www.relish-cleethorpes.co.ukRelish is a small, exciting and fun restaurant on the seafront in Cleethorpes.Putting our guests at thecentre of everything we do is what makes us different.Deliciously Deliciously LincolnshirePlatinumAwarded for outstanding quality and service byLincolnshireTodayawardWWW.LINCOLNSHIRETODAY.NETNew WinterMenu Available nowTICKETSONSALENOW69.qxp_Layout 1 18/09/2018 13:43 Page 1Next >