Trish, Anne and Dina are the Whatever the Weather Girls; Long term friends in the early Autumn years of their lives, on a mission to explore the restaurants and vibe of Liverpool each month – whatever the weather, whatever our circumstances.
This time, Trish and I ventured across the water to join Anne, to sample the festive menu at The Devon Doorway, an impressive, large thatched building dating back to the 1900’s, situated in Heswall.
We almost didn’t make it as Trish found herself unexpectedly stuck in a garage, having a wheel removed from her car, a few hours before we left. Fortunately it was replaced, although with only three bolts instead of four. Trish and I spent the entire journey listening out for strange noises, but thankfully, we made it in one piece, and the wheel stayed put! The God’s sure smile on us!
As we arrived we were instantly welcomed with a cocktail and chaser and taken to our table in front of a roaring fire.
Abbie Hanlon, the live musician who plays there every Sunday afternoon, added to the ambiance, which was amplified by subtle twinkling lights and sparkling Christmas trees.
We found The Devon Doorway to be spacious, stylish, elegantly furnished and decorated, warm and welcoming.
THE OWNERS AND THEIR ETHOS
Jen, the Manager, told us that The Devon Doorway is owned by Premium Country Pubs, who, after launching in 2003 now run 127 pubs in beauty spots across the UK.
She describes The Devon Doorway as a family friendly, high-end gastro pub/restaurant, which caters for all dietary needs using locally sourced, fresh food. The menu is certainly varied, covering everything from traditional fare to the decidedly exotic.
Jen also told us how she enjoyed the security of working for a large company while being able to manage independently and run with her own initiatives.
We asked about the rather unusual name of this pub and it turned out that a local man, who was tied to his job, built it for his wife as she was desperate to move to Devon as they had spent so many holidays there.
There is a second version of this story…..if you want to hear it, go visit and ask!
THE DRINKS
We enjoyed the delicious Festive Porn Star Martini’s along with their chasers and the mellow, slide down your throat too fast, Comtesse De Marion Sauvignon Blanc.
THE FOOD
As a starter, I ordered the vegan roasted tomato soup topped with crispy veggies and pesto, served with warm ciabatta and oil. Talk about a crowd pleaser, I have to say that was the best soup I have ever had!
Trish had the smoked salmon and king prawn pot topped with Devon crab creme fraiche, served with ciabatta which she declared to be delicious!
Anne opted for the deep fried brie with spiced fruit and sloe gin chutney, another clear winner.
Mains were vegan slow-roasted tomato and almond bake, roasted turkey, and Anne who had the salmon said it was superbly complimented by the saltiness of the samphire that it was served with. All the meals came with seasonal veggies, and again, no fault could be found apart from my vegan dish being too filling to finish, but who would complain about that?
How anyone managed a desert I don’t know, but Trish opted for the vegan blackcurrant mousse, which I tasted and declared it to be melt in the mouth, while Anne chose the caramel creme brulee and mmmm…ed though every bite!
THE CHATTER
Given the mellow environment the conversation gently ebbed and flowed as we chilled before the roaring fire, as it always does, given we are all old friends.
We especially enjoyed hearing more about The Wirral and Anne’s latest community venture; gathering a bunch of neighbours together to provide all sort of services, from taxi runs to household repairs, all free! In fact, we were the recipients of this community project, as Andy, Anne’s neighbour drove us from her home in Irby to The Devon Doorway in Hewall. Hope that rolls out far and wide given that there are many older people in the area who are often exploited by callout fees for minor issues.
You go Annie girl!!!
We caught up on all the gossip and family news but had to repeatedly steer away from ALL Election and Brexit talk as our collective blood pressure went through the roof every time either subject crept into the conversation.
THE VERDICT
The drinks- overall -10
The food- overall- 9.5
On the vegan front it’s a 10. This pub was one of the first to launch a comprehensive vegan menu.
The service-10
Staff friendly and efficient. All meals arrived together.
Ambience -10
It hit all the right buttons! Simply lovely.
AND FINALLY….
This restaurant is in a great setting being situated in the quieter village in Heswall.
There are several superb walks close by and lots of other things to do and see nearby. I for one will be visiting The Wirral more often, it has a special charm all of it’s own.
Trish and I stayed over at Anne’s, then with tender heads, headed home the following afternoon, while fondly looking back. Until the next time…
The Wirral rocks!
Trish, Anne and Dina are ‘Whatever The Weather Girls’; three women in our fifties on a mission to explore the restaurants and vibe of Liverpool each month – whatever the weather, whatever our circumstances.
