MOTHER’S DAY done and dusted and me dear old Mum has been deposited back at the family mansion where I have handed her over into the care of Caruthers the butler.
There was so much choice, so many places one could have gone to in and around Llanelli with special offers galore.
There is a specific list of preferences we have to consider before we decide where to deposit mother to enjoy the annual celebration. First and foremost we have to go through the procedure of deciding on who is going to get the pleasure of Mam’s company as brothers, nephews and nieces all make the offer. It must be difficult for her to balance not offending this person or that but it seems to work itself out without too much stress.
Back to those preferences. A comfy chair, not too long a wait, good toilets and not too much of a long walk from the car. Not too many steps or stairs. Not too hot or cold, not too noisy and definitely no jukebox unless it plays Mario Lanza, Frank Sinatra and Connie Francis not necessarily in that order.
With all of those items thrown into the pot we stuck a pin in the map of Carmarthenshire and it landed in Burry Port. Lovely, the city by the sea, a bracing walk after the lunch and Mum will be kipping like a kipper in the back of the Bentley on the way home.
We picked Mum up and drove to the Fairway Views Bar and Restaurant at the Ashburnham Golf Club. It was our first visit. “Ooh this is posh” were the first words as we approached the imposing golf club building. We glided effortlessly into a parking space just a spit away from the front doors. Something must be wrong, it was just going so well. No steps, someone opening the door and a member of staff bidding us a welcome gave me old Mum the feeling of being quite special.
Samantha who runs the place informed us that they were just finishing the first sitting of some 80 people who had booked in for lunch. We were shown to the bar area for drinks and what a bar. Plush leather sofas, comfy chairs and views over the beautiful Gower headland. Why they were even showing the Welsh game on a big screen. It was difficult to see how we were now going to get me dear old Mum away as she settled down with a refreshing G & T with a slice of lemon.
We couldn’t resist a walk outside even though the weather was inclement, it was just lovely to stand and look at the wonderful vista and take a few family photos without any lamp posts around.
Just like the Bisto Kids we could smell the wonderful aromas of the Sunday roasts cooking and it wasn’t long before we were being shown to our table. Again, comfy seats by very friendly young staff who took our orders for drinks.
The list of starters were appealing and included Ardennes Pate, Soup, Crab Bites and Chicken Goujons. They were all tasty and well presented.
The main course was a carvery. A choice of beef or turkey with all the trimmings. Although there was a queue as the next 80 people headed for the man with the carving knife and hot plates we did not have to wait that long. Everything was cooked to perfection and tasted wonderful. We took along our children and even though they are not fussy eaters they have a great palate and know what quality food should taste like. The silence was all we needed to know they approved.
Service was continuously friendly even though they were all very busy. Drinks were brought over to the table and plates were cleared without fuss. There was enough time in between to relax, chat, take some photos and make some room for the deserts. The list was not extensive and that is often a good thing. I don’t particularly like seeing a choice of 100 puddings. The options include old favourites like apple tart and crumbles, cheese cake and ice cream as well as the fancy jam pots with chocolate and key lime pie.
As the last bit of custard found its way into the only spot left in the boiler room thoughts turned to getting Mam home in time for the highlights of the rugby. Did I mention that Mum’s ate free on Mother’s Day. The offer was so good we took three Mums. My wife, my mother in law and my Mum. The year will go by quickly and thoughts will turn to where we go next time. No such dilemma as we have already etched in red marker on the white board (Mum’s Day 2019) Fairway Views Bar and Restaurant, Burry Port.
To find out what’s on at the restaurant visit: Fairway Views
