Willenhall Life - Feb / Mar 23

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Game on

Why Emilia Clarke’s progression from Game of Thrones is there for all to see.

It says a lot for Emilia Clarke that between the filming of the eight seasons of Game of Thrones, the actress additionally managed to squeeze in appearances in two of the biggest movie franchises of all time. She played the role of Sarah Connor opposite Arnold Schwarzenegger in Terminator Genisys in 2015, before starring as Qi’ra in the Star Wars spin-off Solo: A Star Wars Story three years later.

In more recent times, the Brit has been swaying her influence around dramatic material of a rather more grounded nature, from an extended theatre turn in Anya Reiss’s adaptation of Harold Pinter’s The Seagull, to voiceover excellence in animated adventure, The Amazing Maurice. And in 2023 she takes her first steps into executive producer responsibilities in The Pod Generation.

It all adds up to a slew of work that belies her 36 years,

although in recent times she sees her progression both professionally, and personally – Clarke has recovered from two brain aneurisms and says she is in the best health of her life –as a marker to a renewed zeal for her craft, that is carrying her forward with genuine momentum.

“Firstly, I think it was important for me to move away from that tight stricture of Game of Thrones,” she begins. “Although it was an evolving storyline and it captivated minds and hearts for so long, ultimately you are kept in a restricted place. Certainly, as far as characterisation goes, there is very little movement, and actors need to keep flexing their muscles on a variety of different things in order to stay fresh.”

Clarke admits she was always slightly at odds with her character Dany’s brazen fearlessness in Game of Thrones. “I do feel I learned a lot from her - I have taken on some of her security and have tried to embrace that wonderful fearlessness she has, but deep down that’s not my nature.

“I have a very easy-going and vulnerable side and that will always be who I am.”

Indeed, while Clarke is in many ways pleased to see the back of Thrones, you sense she may be lured back; after all, so much of her adult life has been centred around the story - she was just 23 when filming for the first scenes began.

“I think as an actor there is always a strong sensation of not wanting to be left out, and not wanting to miss out,” she admits, rather candidly. “That could be for Thrones or any other project, to be honest… so we’ll see!”

LUNCH AND EARLY EVENING MENU

TUESDAY TO SATURDAY FROM 12PM TO 5PM

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NEW MENU from 25th January 2023 STARTERS

Soup of the day

Lamb kofta, spiced yoghurt, lentil rice pilaf

Garlic creamed mushrooms, topped with smoked bacon crumble

Devon crab & king prawn fish cake, lemon and dill tartar sauce

Panko breaded brie bites, pickled pears, honey roast peppered olives

MAINS

Steak & Ale suet pudding, creamed potato, peas

Luxury Shepherd’s pie, pulled lamb, carrots, onions and peas in a red wine & mint jus

6oz beer battered haddock fillet, triple cooked chips, lemon and dill tartar sauce

8oz gammon steak, roasted pineapple, triple cooked chips, free range fried egg

Roasted chicken supreme, dauphinoise potatoes, roasted root vegetables, pan gravy

8oz sirloin steak, triple cooked chips, onion rings, tomato and mushrooms (£7.50 supplement)

Vegetarian options available on request.

BURGERS

Toll House gourmet beef burger, fries and house slaw

Char grilled chicken burger, fries and house slaw

HOT CIABATTA SANDWICHES - ALL WITH HOUSE SALAD AND ROOT VEGETABLE CRISPS

Sauteed beef, caramelised red onion & stilton - individual £9.50

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Full a la carte menu & fish specials board also available

HOT BAKED POTATOES £9.50

Steamed salmon, cream cheeses & chive

Brie, bacon and caramelised red onion

Slow

braised pulled bbq beef brisket, sour cream

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DESSERTS

Apple crumble and custard

Sticky toffee pudding and vanilla ice cream

Vanilla Cheesecake, seasonal berries

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ACCOMPANIMENT DRINKS

House Port- £2.90

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Floater coffee, topped with cream - £2.50

Liqueur coffee, topped with cream, £3.95 (selection of liqueurs available)

Vegetarian, vegan and children’s menu options available on request.

Wonderful Windermere

It’s been five years since we last visited the Lake District and as we came off the M6 and looked at the scenery, we both asked ourselves why it had taken so long.

We went for a short break in December, to escape for some peace and quiet before the madness of Christmas.

Our first stop was Kendal – you’ve all heard of the Mint Cake – which had a good choice of eateries and shops to satisfy our needs. Then it was on to the town of Bowness-on-Windermere. Set above the lake of the same name – the biggest in England – the town is packed with shops, pubs, cafes and restaurants to suit all tastes and budgets.

Having already eaten, we headed for the Beatrix Potter Attraction, as the author’s stories passed both of us by in our childhood, much to our embarrassment. If you have young children, it’s definitely worth a look and would fill an hour of your stay.

After purchasing some bottles of liqueur for Christmas presents from a specialist off licence, we headed for our accommodation.

The Wild Boar Inn, Grill & Smokehouse is quite remote, but that was what we were after – the remoter the better, to be honest! It’s about a 10-minute drive from the town with plenty of scenery for the passenger. It dates back to the 18th century and is so named after a local man, Richard de Gilpin killed a Wild Boar in nearby woods. If you’re wondering, we didn’t see any

on our visit, so I think it’s pretty safe now. Run by English Lakes Hotels Resorts & Venues, the hotel is everything you could imagine a country inn to be. Wooden beams, flagstoned bar, which serves beer from the resident brewhouse (yes, I tried some – proper beer!) and a roaring fireplace – well, of course. One of the quirks of the place is the large piece of granite in the restaurant, which the hotel was built around –who said they didn’t care for the environment in the 1700s?

To say our room was full of old charm, doesn’t quite do it justice. Warm and toasty, with a bath big enough for a football team

The 34 rooms, which are divided into classic, feature and luxury, include three suites with their own log burning stoves and seven rooms with their own patio. Room names have a porcine theme as in Old Spot, Large White, Old Berkshire and Wild Boar.

On our first evening, we dined in the main restaurant, which was busy enough for an atmosphere, but not overcrowded. The presentation and quality of the food was exceptional. I’m a sucker for a scotch egg, but with this one having wild boar and black pudding, there was no option. My wife had goat’s cheese to start and ‘Cumbrian Coq au Vin’ for main and I opted for the slow cooked belly pork. I know it’s my job, but words aren’t enough... Finishing with a selection of local cheeses – rude not to! – and a very seasonal mulled wine and plum pavlova, we were properly in food heaven.

We retired to the leather seats in the bar for a wee night cap and something unusual happened.

Now, my friends and family will tell you I’m not a big dog lover. However, a large cockapoo decided he liked the look of me – clearly no taste! Before you know it, I’m shaking paws and fussing him like he’s my own. The place must have magical powers. Or was it the beer?

The Inn sits in 72 acres of semi-ancient woodland, with a number of walking trails, to suit all abilities, plus a ‘wild gym trail’. Archery and clay pigeon shooting are available too (booking required). In the morning, we decided to have a wander up and get some fresh air and exercise and were so glad we did. Aside from a fly past from a couple of RAF tornadoes, it was as peaceful and tranquil a place as I’ve ever known. As we’d had a drop of snow during the night, it made it very Christmas postcard like and we had a really pleasant hour and a half enjoying the walk.

Despite the snow, the roads were completely clear, so we decided to have a drive around Lake Windermere, which is around 11 miles and a mile wide. We tend to think of some of the so called more exotic lakes of Europe, like Como, Garda and Lucerne as having everything. Trust me; When the sun shines, our lakes, especially this one, are every bit as beautiful and a lot nearer.

We planned to have a look at what remains of the area that Beatrix Potter grew up in, but my navigation skills decided otherwise, but it’s still a nice drive and some of the lakeside properties are to die for – well almost.

We had lunch at the Low Wood Bay Resort, the sister hotel of the Wild Boar, and took advantage of the spa facilities, which my wife claims are better than Hoar Cross Hall – I wouldn’t know, I’ve never been invited. She also enjoyed the infinity pool overlooking the lake. Possibly due to the outside bar have Prosecco on tap. Who knows. Maybe next time, we can stay there, and I can enjoy the same, without having to drive.

Coincidentally, our evening meal was at Low Wood Bay’s W Restaurant, due to the Wild Boar Inn hosting a works Christmas Party, which took over the restaurant.

I won’t start offending chefs by saying which of our evening meals was the best, so I’ll just say both were outstanding. They were. The W is a much more modern, vibrant restaurant and beautifully decorated, with a real Christmassy feel. We were two of only four dining on that night as they also had a Christmas function on upstairs, so the service was amazing, although I suspect it always is.

My chicken and ham ballotine slightly edged my wife’s wild mushroom soup, while the jury was out on the main courses of her roasted cod fillet and my Cumbrian Lamb, but I think I triumphed on the desserts with my ‘The W Crème Brulé’, although her sticky toffee pudding took some beating. I do have words for this meal. Food porn! The menu has such an array of mouth-watering dishes, we were hard pressed to decide. However, as that was the only downside to a thoroughly enjoyable evening, we’ll probably cope.

A drop more snow had fallen by the next morning, but again, we could see the roads were perfectly clear, so we could enjoy our final breakfast before heading for home.

A word on the breakfasts. As someone who is fortunate to travel and stay at some nice hotels, I always judge the breakfast by the sausage. This one was up there. Right up there!

The two- or so-hour drive back was quite pleasant. The M6 behaved itself, for once and we landed back home, batteries thoroughly recharged and ready for the festive season.

The Wild Boar, Crook Road, Windermere, Cumbria, LA23 3NF

Visit www.englishlakes.co.uk for more general information on the resort.

Telephone bookings: 0333 2203 108 / General enquiries: 015394 45225

Rooms and Tariffs: from £121 per room per night, based on 2 adults sharing a twin / double room and inclusive of bed and full English breakfast.

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Top Walks from the National Trust

The National Trust cares for hundreds of trails in beautiful locations across England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

including herons, swans and geese. There’s a number of walks including the popular Mile Walk which is suitable for pushchairs and mobility trampers, which are available to hire.

Carding Mill Valley and the Long Mynd

Here in the Midlands, blow away the cobwebs with invigorating countryside walks or follow inviting paths through frost-sprinkled parkland and historic gardens. Walkers can immerse themselves in striking winter scenery; the stark beauty of frost-gilded trees, new vistas of wide landscapes and dramatic winter sunsets.

Winter and Spring is a great time to go outdoors and see wildlife. Birds arrive and woodland residents can be seen more easily in the bare trees, so why not combine a walk with some great nature-spotting opportunities?

National Trust tea-rooms and cafes make the perfect pit-stop after a ramble to warm up and refuel with a hot drink, comforting warm lunch or a well-earned sweet treat.

Here are some of the best trails close-by to enjoy during the next couple of months:

Shropshire

Attingham Park

Upon entering Attingham’s gates, the views open across 200-year old parkland to the Shropshire hills and the impressive Regency mansion emerges against silhouettes of cedar trees. Historic trees cluster in woodland glades and the River Tern meanders through the parkland attracting an abundance of wildlife

With amazing views to be had on a variety of way-marked walks, the beautiful scenery at the Long Mynd is perfect for a bracing winter walk. The Chalet Pavilion offers the perfect pitstop for a warming drink and tasty treat.

Comer Woods, Dudmaston EstateMulti-use trail

Trails crisscross Comer Woods, including the Explorer Trail a multi-use circular trail which begins and ends at the car park. Designed for everyone, including walkers, runners, cyclists and adapted wheelchair users. Stop off halfway along the trail at the Scout Camp. It’s a great place to pause for some outdoor games. A little further along the route, there's a great spot for den building. Challenge your family to build the best woodland shelter before continuing on your way. Follow the tree stump stepping stone path as you head out for more adventures.

Staffordshire

Kinver Edge and the Rock Houses

Winter walk at Kedleston credit National Trust Images Annapurna Mellor

Winter walk at Kedleston credit National Trust Images Annapurna Mellor

Italian Garden at Ilam Park in winter sunshine Image Credit Lucy Cook

Blow away the cobwebs with a bracing walk on Kinver Edge. Climb to the top of the hillfort and take in a late winter sun rise or early sunset. On crisp, clear days enjoy panoramic views across three counties Staffordshire, Shropshire and Worcestershire.

Shugborough Estate

On clear, crisp days a stroll around the pleasure grounds is great for admiring the views across the whole estate. For frosty trees, the purple sheen of silver birch and wild deer walking through the mist, you can’t beat a climb up to the Triumphal Arch and onto Satnall Hills.

looks particularly lovely after a dash of frost or a sprinkling of snow.

Warwickshire Charlecote Park

Pull on your walking boots, wrap up warm and escape to a winter landscape inspired by ‘Capability’ Brown with views across the river Avon at Charlecote. Follow the mown pathways through the parkland along the rivers and lakeside and enjoy picture perfect winter scenes. From fallow deer in the early morning mist, to frost glinting on the long grass, there's lots of beauty to be found in nature this season. Pick up one of the popular tree walks to see some of the oldest and most interesting trees in their winter states.

Packwood House

With the dieback of undergrowth, it’s easier to spot some of the mammals which normally use it for cover. In early evenings, it can be easier to spot foxes skulking between hedgerows while barn owls patrol the parkland looking for their prey. For those in search of early blooms, head to the arboretum for winter aconites, and Lichfield Plantation for snowdrops.

West Midlands

Wightwick Manor and Gardens

Winter is the perfect time to see the structure of the garden, the evergreen geometrical yew hedging appears bolder and the architectural lines of the terraces and balustrades are clearer. Pick up a warm drink from the tea-room and take a brisk walk across frosty lawns, past frozen pools and through crisp woodland.

Moseley Old Hall

Wrap up warm and enjoy a gentle stroll through our garden and woodland. The Knot Garden

Explore the wider estate on a winter walk at Packwood. Blow away the cobwebs along blustery canal paths or take a frosty stroll through the fields. Winter is one of the best times to wrap up warm and explore the Warwickshire countryside on our five-mile circular walk which starts at either Packwood or nearby Baddesley Clinton. Take a stroll through what was once the great Forest of Arden, walk along the Stratford-upon-Avon canal and stop off at Packwood’s café or Baddesley’s restaurant for a steaming bowl of soup and a warming drink. This is a great opportunity to visit two beautiful places.

For more walks and further details visit: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/walking

Red berries in the snow at Shugborough - David Goacher

Red berries in the snow at Shugborough - David Goacher

Winter walk in Comer Woods credit National Trust Images Annapurna Mellor

Winter walk in Comer Woods credit National Trust Images Annapurna Mellor