Cranleigh pub evoking wartime Britain with Blackout Night

The Richard Onslow in Cranleigh will be switching its lights off at nightfall and plunging itself into darkness. Candles dotted around the pub will be the only light source.

To complete the experience, the chefs will also be serving up a special menu of wartime themed dishes washed down with glasses of locally brewed beer.

As well as a trip down memory lane, the pub will be raising money for The Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal.

Spam fritters, hearty veggie stew and dumplings, warming bangers and mash and sweet apple crumble will all be on offer.

For each plate of bangers and mash and apple crumble sold, the pub will also be making a donation to The Royal British Legion in Cranleigh as well as selling poppies.

The idea for the evening came from new manager Terri Dell who was keen to do something to mark the centenary of the First World War years and raise money for good local causes at the same time.

She said: “A hundred and one years ago the country was really in the thick of it. Ordinary families had to live under extraordinary circumstances, with food rationing and of course the nightly occurrence of blackout to prevent even the smallest glimmer of light bringing down an enemy bomb.

“We’ll be trying to recreate a little taste of what that was like, by throwing the pub into darkness and making authentic dishes that would have graced war-time tables.

“Local brewers Firebird from Rudgwick will be serving glasses of Heritage ale from a specially designed pump clip on the bar.

“We’ll also be buying a free drink for any past or present service men or women who join us on the night.

“It’s really going to be an evening with a difference, so come along for a tipple or two and some hearty fare in the surroundings of a great pub while you rally round the cause.”

Blackout Night at The Richard Onslow starts at 6pm on Wednesday November 11 and booking is advisable. Call the pub on 01483 274922 to book a table or email [email protected].

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