Tiger Inn, Turnditch

Time for the Tiger Inn at Turnditch

Friday 13th 2024

After lots of planning and a few concerns about the very latest reviews of The Tiger Inn, the pub manager gave enough reassurances to encourage us to stick with him.  So glad we did. The pub is well known for its pub garden and views across the hills...

Fortunately we had a warmer welcome with a table indoors.

  

Apart from someone's love of pictures and ornaments of tigers throughout the pub, why is it called The Tiger Inn? 

Here's a seasonal one !

There are two stories.  One is that the original owner once worked in a circus and brought his pet tigers to live with him at the  pub.  The other is that he collected tiger's coats for rugs.  Not sure about the ethics of that but better than finding tiger kittens in an abandoned wooden crate for Alison to look after at The Ark, eh?

Not sure the circus tigers look that friendly!

Whilst waiting to order, a rather large group of men arrived for their works' dinner. What a lovely surprise for Maggie to be greeted by one of her ex-tutees.  He's now 55; so how old really is Maggie?! And then another one turned up but at least Maggie knew who he was... haha! So, Gell represented by retired ex-teachers, long ago ex-students, parents of current Gell students and a future one all in the same building. 

The pub is also well known for its themed meal evenings. Advance booking required! An incredible range; good vegetarian choice too. 

How many weeks are there in a year?  

Having eaten too well over the past few days I chose to have a tapas. Expecting a mini Yorkshire with a bit of stilton and mushrooms this is, apparently, a small portion! Now imagine the Friday pies on the menu... quite a bit more fiesty! Alison and Maggie must have rolled home!!

Yummy, filling and good value. 

It's lovely having a log fire and whilst I needed to warm up, we were all feeling quite toasty after a few minutes. No one wanted to swap seats, can't think why?

Right side; rosy red! 

We talked a lot!  One seasonal topic was about how much a Father Christmas can make just for turning up at a commercial venue or even better on Christmas Day!  So babes, all we need are some man bits, our own grey beard (for others to stroke.. urghh!), and a big belly. Of course, the real Santa doesn't charge and some of us have our own magical one at home, for free.  

Waiting for our instant coffee with hot milk. 

Slightly less seasonal: I had a bit of a revelation about male bondage and behaviour in the birding world.  We spent a long time talking about the cost of private dental care.  Pam still thinks she's entitled to an NHS dentist.... in Wirksworth? Reality check needed! And what about all the retired incomers arriving in Wirksworth telling everyone how to do it? And the fears of joining of a Pilates class full of stick insects when feeling like an elephant. You won't be turned away unless you have a young sounding name though.  Pilates politics, eh? 

I cosy up to Maggie... I'm too hot for my own good! 

We missed our other half of the babes and hope that we can all meet up with a bit more activity in 2025.  Chatsworth seems to be high on the list, especially when or if  the parking is free at Carlton Lees.

We ended with the final handing over of birthday presents (without a 0) and decided that a Secret Santa/Easter Bunny could also be ditched or not started. However, we are all keen to continue our Christmas Card Charity with blog for Helen J to organise.  See Whats App and don't forget to send by the date given as I won't be starting sorting cooking and wrapping until the last minute and although you might not think it, multi-tasking is so last year.....

An exchange between Maggie and me on Thursday. Maggie thought I might like a quick dip, I was referring to planning a lunch...

No tigers involved!