So off we went, into Thirsk Market Place, to our favourite, The Golden Fleece hotel. It seemed an enormous treat after looking at one another over the kitchen table for more meals than I care to mention, or remember. Oh,  to be out…

We pottered to reception, masks on. First we signed in with the NHS app. And why not,  for heaven’s sake, it’s no great pressure to show one’s phone to the  thingy. Then through to the dining room. We chose the armchairs near the door. Phew, weight off our feet. No, no, let’s not talk about weight. This weight issue is to be remedied – is being remedied. But it was my birthday, so a treat was in order. Yes, indeed, you are right, 42 again.

‘A large glass of Pinot Grigio,’ I decided. And waved back to the deputy manager who had poked her head round the door to check I was behaving. Wonderful Gabriel. How I’ve missed her. Dick chose a Pinot Grigio too, large, as mine was.

Then to the menu. I chose the above image; Roast Hake Fillet and Crab Ravioli with crushed new potoates, samphire and watercress veloute. Dick hesitated over the Sausage & Mash Cumberland Ring, and instead chose Teeside Parmo, in a gesture of solidarity with that area.

Our beautifully presented meals came… We saw, we tasted, it conquered. The ravioli was not as one might imagine, but had a glorious portion of dressed crab on top lying on a strip of pasta, with crushed potaotoes beneath and  the veloute peeping out from beneath the potatoes. And the hake… Fresh, two fillets, positioned either side of the crab.  As well, I had a side salad. Ladies and gentlemen, I call this a triumph, though admittedly I am an open door where crab is concerned. It was truly sublime.

Dick tucked into his Teesside Parmo. Chomp chomp, much as Montalbano devours his lunch in the series to which we are addicted. Crumbed chicken breast, bechamel, coachman’s cheddar, pickled cabbage salad and fries.At length, knife and fork were put together neatly. He was replete. ‘First class,’ said our Thirsk Montalbano. ‘And nothing left for Mr Manners.’

So, to pudding.

‘Shall we?’

‘Yes, why not’

‘The diet?’

‘Not today.’

So we chose Creme Brulee. Margaret threw herself to the floor, kicking and screaming such was the disappointment because it had gone, all gone, into mouths that had no right.  ‘A coffee then?’

A coffee indeed, and with it Maltesers which we felt more than entitled to crunch, because we had been forced to be good re pudding. But next time, we promised one another, we would check first re the creme brulee. And change to another day? Well, no. Not if it’s a meal at The Golden Fleece, because everything is wonderful, and what’s more we have a voucher from the children, so very there.

At The Golden Fleece, once a coaching inn, which could stable 70 horses, there are outside tables where the horses and coaches once were. Some tables are  in shade, some not, some under umbrellas.  We like the armchairs in the dining room, but I meet my pals for coffee outside. Everytime we all say, it feels  like being on holiday – after Lockdown. The pandemic has made us reconsider our lives.. A coffee, or a meal is something to cherish. So too friends, family. What’s more, we  are all alive, vaccinated, still distanced, still masked. But alive and kicking, as is The Golden Fleece. Hoorah. Hoorah.

And they are open for staying guests too. Say hello to wonderful Gabriel, and Jim, and Steve when you go. Say Margaret will be in again soon, and see them run, but they can’t hide… I will hunt ’em down.

The Golden Fleece, Market Place, Thirsk YO7 1LL  01845 623108.

Find out more HERE