There was more than just beer in the beer garden this Tuesday in Bracknell. The place was packed as football fans gathered to watch England play Ukraine in Euro 2012.
Supporting the national team is hungry work, and nothing goes with a cold beer quite like the moist succulent meat of a hog roast. So Spitting Pig was in the beer garden too, to provide a mouth-watering treat for enthusiastic fans and long-suffering spouses alike. We’d like to think that some of them only came for the food, but despite the spectacle of a whole pig slowly turning on our machine most people were glued to the pub’s widescreen TV, cheering on the players. It was touch and go for a while, so timed for post-match a hog roast was perfect for either celebration of victory or commiseration of defeat.
Although the weather and the team threatened to disappoint, the play was hot enough to cook a pig all by itself. Fortunately England kept the handle turning like we did on the roast. The team held out , with Wayne Rooney delivering a goal in the second half. No commiseration was needed, for the game or the food. When the whistle was blown (late, but at least the food was on time) freshly carved pork was on offer from our professional chef.
Tender enough to practically serve itself, it was served in soft floured rolls accompanied by a hat trick of traditional favourites – sage and onion stuffing, apple sauce, and crunchy crackling . The hog roast proved a hit with everyone , although beef burgers and chicken kebabs were available for the less adventurous, along with buttered new potatoes and three different salads made fresh by our chef as the fans watched the game. Even the vegetarians were happy, alternatives on offer for them so they could join in and not be left on the side-lines.
Though the game was over people stayed to discuss the match, the indifferent first half and Rooney’s match saving goal, and the food got a few compliments along the way exceeding expectations just like the team. There was enough for seconds, and a few optimistically lined up for thirds – waste not want not – and when they’d cleared the last of their hog roast, we cleared away the rest and cleared out to leave them to celebrations that looked to be taken home after closing.
This year is a great one for sport. Along with annual fare like Wimbledon (hog roast instead of strawberries and cream, anyone?) Euro 2012 promises yet more edge of the seat matches, especially if England get to the final. The London Olympics promise weeks of excitement all over the country, even after the Torch has finished its tour. For anyone wanting a sports themed party this summer, without the bother of doing the dishes afterwards, The Spitting Pig provides the perfect opportunity. Why not check out our Euro 2012 themed offers and get planning an event to remember?