Cats in/Oundle Mill

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Did you hear the screams? Attempting to get Biscuit and Bon-Bon in their respective cat carriers, so we can take take them for grooming, seems to becoming a more stressful event. They obviously associate the site of the cat-carriers as something painful (vets, injections, brush, hair driers etc) and they struggle to escape the ‘opportunity’ – as if their life depended on it. So much aggression – and in the case of the groomers – so much BLOOD! (Last time, Bon-Bon attempted to amputate one of the groomer’s thumbs!). This time, in an attempt to balance things up a bit, Biscuit went for her other thumb!!! 

Still, sometimes you’ve got to be cruel to be kind – but I’m not sure the cats see it that way!

In the evening, we drove over to Oundle Mill, a Mill in err, Oundle that’s now a thriving restaurant – and a boutique hotel. I haven’t been there since, well, I don’t know when, as there’s no references in any of my previous Blogs, so it’s got to be before 2003. Since then, we’re told it’s had a makeover – three years ago, so it’ll be interesting to see what it’s like!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Wow! what a transformation! Driving down the dimly lit driveway to the car-park (they could do with some extra lighting here!), the extent of the makeover became obvious once we were inside. I seem to recall steps on the outside that led to the old Bar – they’ve disappeared. Instead, we have a spacious entrance area (now the hotel reception) with a glass panel showing off rushing water, thus retaining ‘the Mill’ experience. We were warmly welcomed and shown upstairs to the Bar area. Another massive transformation awaited us – now we have a chic environment, with comfortable sofas to chill-out on. And we did!

The drinks service was efficient, professional and polite, but a shame there was no Guinness. There was however, an extensive wine list and a very imaginative a-la-carte menu to select from. Everything was explained clearly and we were left to ponder the imaginative menu choices. 

Our only initial concern was the place was a little quiet (but it was only 7pm). That soon changed, and by the time we were seated, the place was filling up nicely. Sean our Waiter looked after us in the same professional manner and the whole experience exceeded our expectations on every level. The food was simply delicious! and cooked to perfection – Mike and the girls had steak, whilst I went for the open-top venison pie – best pie I’ve tasted in a long time… so rich and tender – but enough of Ann! 🙂

All-in-all, a fantastic first experience and we’ll certainly be going back again in the not-too-distant future.

#oundlemill