Thursday 10 September 2015

Irene & Michael Pioneer Port Erin's New Bridge For Some Extreme Blackberry Picking

Our new Head Chef, Roberto D'Ottavio is now firmly established in the Restaurant, so recently we decided that a change of Sweets & Desserts menu was a little overdue.

Remembering last year's glut of blackberries at the beginning of September last year, I had the bright idea of adding them to the apple crumble.

On Sunday afternoon, we left a sunny Douglas and headed down to Port Erin.

Parking on the upper Promenade, we were a little non-plussed about how cloudy it was in the deep South West but we decided to walk to Bradda Glen via the new bridge at Spaldrick which was closed in 2005 following a landslip.

Spaldrick Bridge

As we meandered along the coastal footpath (well as much as you can meander along such a narrow way), it was noticeable that most of the fruit was barely formed, never mind under ripe!

Meayll Peninsula

I am pleased to report that the Bradda Glen Cafe which re-opened 2014 seems to be doing a brisk trade in Sunday lunches and we stopped there for some water and a coffee to count our booty . It didn't take long even for me to reach to 7 & 2/2 and I was beginning fear that our the menu would need changing to 'Apple & Traces of Blackberry Crumble.'

Port Erin Bay

However, following our refreshment, we wandered along the lower cliff and began to find more of our quarry but it either required leaning over the flimsy fence or climbing up the bank.

Pretty Spiky

Never let it be said that I don't suffer for our art and I came a distinct second best in my battle with the gorse and the brambles as you can see from the photograph but our trip finally became fruitful.

Martyr to the Crumble

Toasting our success, not to mention the fact that I needed anaesthetising, we again visited the cafe and as the sun had finally appeared, we were able to enjoy a beer, whilst looking at the truly amazing views of the bay.

Saw this little beauty - Anyone with Knowledge of Nature identify it?

Keep following. Tomorrow, I'll show you the new menu :)

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