Its Christmas

One of the signs that Christmas is nearly upon us at the Shireburn apart the

lighting of our log fires and the subtle introduction of the first Christmas decorations.

Is that we dust off aunt Alcocks recipe book and turn straight to page 57 for

that much sought after secret recipe for mulled wine.

Now I decided not to be greedy and actually share our recipe so you can

make your own batch of secret number 57.

Just don’t tell anyone!

Mulled Wine (serves 10)

2 Bottle of red wine (we use chianti but use your favourite)
2 Cinnamon Sticks
1 Orange
1 Star Anise
1 bay leaf
4 Cloves
nutmeg
Brown sugar to taste or ½ litre fresh apple juice
Brandy

* Cut the orange in half and stud with the cloves
* In a large saucepan add the studded orange, bay leaf and cinnamon sticks and both bottles of red wine.
* Put on a low heat allow to simmer for 5 minutes (but not boil)
* Add the star anise and the sugar or apple juice (the apple juice adds a nice fruity flavour)
* Allow to simmer for 10 minutes
* Add a couple of glugs of brandy
* Taste and add more sugar if needed
* Ladle into glasses and grate a little fresh nutmeg on top
* Serve on its own or a generous piece of warm Parkin or a mince pie


Best enjoyed responsibly!

Now if you enjoyed our mulled wine recipe then watch this space for a classic Hot toddy recipe plus many more to come.

Halloween Ghost Walk

As the darkness descended on Hurst Green, Halloween beckoned and out of the darkness came a tall dark figure dressed in a black top hat & cape........

Simon Entwistle, popular historian and famous Ghost Walker conducted a Halloween Ghost Walk of the village. Who would have thought that Hurst Green would be host to so many haunted tales of bloody murders, scary tales and the famous Pendle Witches. Simon brought to life the stories of the area to a packed crowd of Halloween revellers. An hour tour of the village listening to Simons unique story telling was thoroughly enjoyed by all.

After a wonderful tour, ghost walkers were taken back to The Shireburn where they all enjoyed a hearty Hot Pot Supper and a glass of mulled wine. A perfect way to end the evening. A good time was had by all, even by the people who were scared!!

More Ghost Walks are planned for the future, so be sure to keep checking The Shireburn website.

Murder at Monster Mansion - Halloween Murder Mystery

Halloween brings the strangest of people to The Shireburn at Hurst Green for a spooktacular experience attending the Murder Mystery Extravanganza.

The cast from AfterDark Theatre Company performed another amazing night to a packed crowd. Whilst guests enjoyed their 4 course meal, the Murder at Monster Mansion unravelled during the evening. Only a few people managed to be clever enough to solve (or come close to solving) the murder.

The winners and losers both were awarded with a prize.

Speaking with Mrs Lancaster on the night, she said

"I have never been to a Murder Mystery Night before, hence being the Losers of the night!! It was an absolutely brilliant night that I would definately recommend. I will be coming to the Faulty Towers Murder Mystery here in March next year and hopefully I will be able to answer more questions next time. The meal, staff and entertainment were faultless.

Thank You for a superb night."

(Mrs Lancaster, with the Losers Trophy)

The winnners on the night, were also awarded with a trophy (below)

Well Done, you clever clogs!!

Don't forget to check the forthcoming events on our website page for Events for 2011. More Murder Mystery Nights and Theme Nights planned.