JDC Area 33 – Sunday Lunch-July 22nd -The Dukes Head

 

 

Another new lunch venue for the adventurous Area 33 Jaguar Members; this time it was The Dukes Head at Hatfield Broad Oak.

Being one of the Spice group inns which include The Cricketers Arms, Rickling Green an excellent menu was expected. Indeed we were not disappointed, with the venue or the menu.

Although renovated in the last year or so, much of the 18th century building remains including the original stone floor in the bar, exposed beams and original fireplaces.

 

The outside lacks that old world charm and appears a little characterless although the charm is on the inside with a very pleasant interior décor including a mix of leather sofas and light oak dining furniture pleasantly arranged in nooks and crannies plus a larger dining area that accommodated Area 33.

The Dukes Head is close to Hatfield Forest and it is probable that Henry I created the forest as a Royal Hunting ground in around 1100AD and introduced fallow deer to the land.  The stag’s horn chandeliers in the restaurant were a little grotesque for some however and rather out of character but just maybe originated from one of the many Royal hunts!

 

A very full menu included starters of scallops, crayfish risotto, and whitebait.

Mains included Salmon chunk, Sea Bass, Duck and roasts of course. All proved delectable!

 

  
 

 

 

 

Keith and Tony’s Series 1 E-types at The Dukes Head

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

After lunch three cars with Reg & Ronnie, Terry & Trish and Eric & Linda made a convoy drive through Essex summer lanes to The Gardens of Easton Lodge who had made arrangements for a display of Jaguar’s and advertised it on their website.

Easton Lodge had laid on special reserved parking next to the Italian garden from which we were able stroll through the grounds before finishing the afternoon with a cream tea on the patio.

 

 

Although only three cars made it to The Gardens, Area 33 gave a display of Jaguar XK8/R’s and was able to satisfy the number of visitors during the afternoon including a

very inquisitive Peacock; clearly he was attracted

by such Grace, Pace and Colour!

 

 

 

 

See you next time.

 

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