It was a Sunday morning and a last minute decision was made between my wife, in-laws and yours truly that we should head out for lunch. HIgh on our list was The White Horse at Churton, Gary Usher's latest venture. Although it has been open since March 2023, we hadn't had the opportunity to visit. Fortunately there was a table available and off we headed.
I've been described by one of the aforemetioned's staff as a 'Gusher', a title I am happy to adopt. I have always loved everything about the man, his menu, his restaurants and his social media rants. We went to Burnt Truffle the day after our wedding (mine and Nancy's - not Gary's!) and have never been disappointed by any meal we have had at one of his places. I've also seen him do cookery demonstrations, watched his TV shows and always recommend his Elite Bistro restaurants when friends are in Manchester, Chester, Liverpool or on The Wirral.
But he also represents so many of the things that I talk to business owners about (particularly in the food and drink industry) - showing some personality, behind the scenes shots, personal social media posts (check out Jackson Usher!) and passion - bucket loads of it! Of course, Elite's Instagram is filled with beautifully plated dishes but there are also staff pics, piles of roast potatoes, property renovations, absolutely everything to do with every business within the portfolio. The food always looks incredible, whether online or in real life, but it is the stories behind it all that resonate. From egg deliveries to a pie press proudly displayed on the bar, development plans or the artwork adorning one of the premises, this isn't just about food and drink.
Then there is the continual championing of the hospitality industry, the calling out of diabolical Government decision making and exposing ridiculous Tripadvisor keyboard warriors. Every day Twitter (it will always be Twitter to me - never X!) has some wonderfully honest diatribe. All of this sets the perfect example for anyone looking for the best ways to utilise your social media, whether in the food and drink business or elsewhere. It showcases how you can post the same content across your numerous platforms but then really mix it up when you have a point to prove, a product to push or a plate to promote.
And what about those plates? Well, it was a Sunday so a roast was in order. The beef was succulent, the roasties perfect and those Yorkshire puddings didn't disappoint. We indulged in a couple of starters and the crispy pig croquette was superb and those beer battered frickles were incredible. Nancy went off piste and had the chicken, mushroom and tarragon pie which was arguably the stand out offering on our table
And the pub itself lives up to the expectation and is testament to all of the hard work needed to restore a building that had been unused for some time. The fireplaces are impressive and the bar gives a country pub feel and the perfect front for the restaurant behind. As with all Elite venues, the staff are cracking and it was also great to see a superb beer selection (Ossett being favoured on this visit), something that can often get overlooked when the dry side may be seen as the centre of attention.
Oh...and the man himself was there briefly that afternoon too. A proper fan boy (well - fan old bloke) moment for me!
Looking to 'spice' up your social media profiles and posting? Give me a shout