St Georges Day Celebrations
- Fuel for dragon slayers!
- Fuel for dragon slayers!
St Georges Day celebrations will be taking place at Pesto today, and in honour of the dragon-slaying legend we’ve surprised some diners with a special St Georges flag pizzetta margarita!
There are many famous stories chronicling the life of St George, but the best-known tale is of St George and the dragon.
Now, if the mere thought of dragon slaying has got you ravenous, why not reserve yourself a table fit for a king at your favourite Pesto? We’ve got fine ales on tap and a vast selection of hearty, meaty dishes perfect for your St Georges Day celebrations. You can browse or download our menus here: http://www.pestorestaurants.co.uk/menu/
For those of you who aren’t familiar with the tale of St George and need a good old-fashioned fable to whet your appetite, read on for Pesto’s St George’s dragon tale in a nutshell:
After many months of travelling by sea and land, St George came to Libya where he met a hermit who told him that a dragon had ravaged the country, leaving its people in great distress.
According to the hermit, the dragon demanded the sacrifice of a beautiful maiden every day and there were no young girls left to satiate the beast besides the King’s daughter, Princess Sabra. The King offered his daughter’s hand in marriage to any man who could slay the dragon.
St George, who had perhaps grown tired of traditional dating methods, decided he would save the princess and marry her.
As Princess Sabra was being led away to be sacrificed George spurred his horse, overtaking the princess and demanding she return to the castle before he entered the valley to confront the fire-breathing brute.
- Dragon slaying on the streets of Widnes
The dragon charged at George from within its cave, roaring and lashing its enormous tail. A valiant George wielded his spear and struck the dragon, expecting certain death, but the dragon’s scales were so hard the spear shattered into a thousand pieces and George tumbled from his noble steed.
Fortunately for George, his tumble took him underneath an enchanted orange tree where the dragon’s poison was rendered useless. After regaining his strength George returned to battle.
Not learning from the spear situation, George stabbed at the monster with his sword and found himself doused in dragon poison and suit of armour split in half.
George replenished himself at the orange tree and, despite past failings, decided to have one last bash at stabbing the gargantuan fiend. This time George struck lucky and defeated the dragon by piercing it under the wing where there were no scales to protect it.
Whilst George probably celebrated with mutton and ale, we’d like to think he would have enjoyed our pizzetta margarita a lot more!
You can read all about St George and St Georges Day celebrations here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_George
Waggon and Horses Sheffield
Months of speculation surrounding the future of one of Sheffield’s oldest pubs, the Waggon and Horses, has finally come to an end thanks to a £350,000 joint investment from Pesto Restaurants and Spirit Pub Company, creating 30 new jobs in the process.
- Pesto Owner Neil Gatt
The historic building is undergoing a complete refurbishment and extensive remedial works to transform the Abbeydale Road pub into the eighth Pesto Restaurant.
At Pesto we’re all set to introduce the people of Sheffield to our unique ‘piattini’ dining concept.
The popular Waggon and Horses name will be retained as with our other Pesto in a Pub sites.
The whole Pesto team are looking forward to being a valued and popular part of the community.
Pesto owner Neil Gatt said: “We both hate being ripped off in restaurants who charge fancy prices but don’t deliver fancy8 food and service.
“At Pesto, we aim to give our customers great value for money by producing freshly cooked food, informal but efficient service in a warm relaxed atmosphere”.
Pesto has evolved out of the couple’s love for Italian food, but just not in traditionally monstrous portions.
Co-owner Sara Edwards said: “I just find one big plate of pasta too much and a little boring once you’re half way through it – the same goes for big pizzas.
“With Pesto you can order 5 or 6 dishes between the two of you and enjoy a selection of different tastes in one lunch.”
The Waggon and Horses Sheffield will be the ninth Pesto restaurant to open in the country; the first was unveiled in Manchester in 2006.
The origins of the Abbeydale Road South building actually started out as a pre-19th century farmhouse. The actual date it was built is unknown.
For contact information please click here to visit the Waggon and Horses Sheffield page.
http://www.pestorestaurants.co.uk/location/waggon-and-horses-sheffield/
Sunday roast? Italian’s Do It Better!
We are delighted to announce that from January 6th 2013 Pesto in a Pub will be offering a traditional British Sunday roast with all the trimmings!
Until now Pesto have offered our original Italian Piattini menu, but after a year of celebrating all things British, we’ve decided to start cooking Old Blighty’s favourite meal of the week.
The Sunday roast is a traditional British main meal comprising of roasted meat, potatoes, Yorkshire puddings, vegetables and lashings of gravy. It’s also served on a Sunday, just in case anyone was wondering…
As with a traditional Christmas dinner, perfecting the Sunday roast is a delicate process, primarily due to almost none of the elements having similar preparation or cooking times. Yikes!
At Pesto we reckon you should take it easy on Sundays and let us take care of the roast. No stressful prep, no carefully monitored timing, no kitchen fires and above all no rubbish food!
Pesto in a Pub Cabbage Hall, Wilsden and Dibbinsdale Inn will offer everything you’d expect from a great British roast: succulent roast beef or tender lamb, fluffy roast potatoes, puffy Yorkshire puds and roasted vegetables all drenched in mouthwatering red wine or rosemary and mint gravy.
A proper Sunday roast also wouldn’t be complete without a scrumptious dessert. To complete this timeless British classic we’ve got three heavenly desserts to tickle your palate; Sticky Toffee Pudding, Bread and Butter Pudding and Blackberry Crumble.
Now, if for some crazy reason you don’t fancy this great British classic when you’re lazing away on a Sunday afternoon, our Italian Piattini menu01829 760292 is also available.
However, if you’re feeling very adventurous (and hungry!) a Sunday roast with a cheeky Piattini side is guaranteed to satiate any appetite.
Washing down your Sunday roast at Pesto in a Pub is also a delight as we offer an extensive drinks selection, so you needn’t stick to just wine or beer; real ale, palate-cleansing spirits, soft drinks and fresh juices are also available.
If after reading this you’re salivating and ready to dine like a King with family and friends, why not make a reservation now with one of our friendly Pesto in a Pub managers?
Pesto at the Cabbage Hall - 01829 760292
Pesto Prune Park Wilsden - 01274 483 516
Pesto at the Dibbinsdale Inn - 0151 334 9818
Looking for the Sunday roast menu? It’s not quite ready yet, but as soon as it is we’ll be sure to add it to our menu section in text and downloadable PDF format. In the meantime why not have a gander at our Piattini menu?
Pesto at the Dibbinsdale Inn
Five days ago Pesto at the Dibbinsdale Inn opened its doors in Bromborough, Wirral. The first of its kind in the Pesto family, Pesto at the Dibbinsdale Inn offers, in addition to our diverse Italian piattini menu and excellent drinks selection, twelve stunning rooms.
So why is this leafy corner or Bromborough the ideal location for Pesto to introduce its first inn? For a start, there’s more to this quiet little village than meets the eye; one of the beauty spots on the Wirral peninsula is notorious for its frequent specter sightings.
One grusome tale tells of a a nun walking from Birkenhead priory to St Werburghs in Chester. After asking for a bed in the manor house near to Dibbinsdale bridge in Bromborough the nurse was never seen again.
Legend has it the lord of the mannor siezed the unsuspecting nun and starved her to death, for reasons still debated to this day. Some say it was because she was a nun, others speculate it was because she would not let the lord have his wicked way with her.
* not actually the Dibbinsdale ghost
For those of you who fancy yourselves a little ghost hunting, local folklore describes the ghost as either a headless white form or a woman swinging a small lantern, wearing a rust coloured dress.
Some witnesses claim the phantom glides down the hill toward Bromborough bridge, levitating feet from the ground. Others claim to have driven right through the ghoul, leaving them panicked, fearing they’ve hit a pedestrian, but finding no body on the road. These claims have also led to speculation that there may actually be two spirts haunting Dibbinsdale.
However, if you’re just looking for a relaxing place to share a drink or enjoy a brilliant meal, read on to find out what Pesto at the Dibbinsdale Inn has to offer and why it’s that little bit more special than your average inn.
Comprising six single, four double and two twin rooms, Pesto at the Dibbinsdale Inn provides all the little luxuries you’d expect from a larger hotel coupled with the individual charm and character of a cosy independently-run inn.
Children are more than welcome at the Dibbinsdale Inn, making it perfect for families travelling to see relatives or just enjoying a nice relaxing break away from home.
Pesto at the Dibbinsdale Inn has convenient public transport links close by, with Bromborough train station located less than 10 minutes walk away. Brommorough Rake rail station serves frequent direct trains to Liverpool (every 15 minutes) and Chester (every half hour). With great transport links planning a night out or a shopping trip is convenient and inexpensive.
All of our rooms are fully equipped with heating, hairdryer, soap, shampoo, coffee and tea making facilities, Freeview television and extra pillows, with additional duvets and ironing facilities available upon request.
Our reception team can provide you with information about local events, excursions and attractions and assist with transport needs. We are confident our team have the passion and experience to make your stay the best it can be.
Our team at Pesto at the Dibbinsdale Inn love their work and look forward to welcoming people from all walks of life to Bromborough and to our inn.
Making a reservation is quick and simple with our secure online booking form, which can be found on the Dibbinsdale website here or by clicking here. Please note – bookings for Pesto at the Dibbinsdale Inn cannot be made via the booking form on this website, you must book using the form on the Dibbinsdale site otherwise we cannot offer you a room!
Why not keep up with us on Facebook and Twitter for all the latest Pesto at the Dibbinsdale Inn developments?
Pesto’s Picks for September
Goodbye summer, if you dare call it that; September is almost here we’re just a few sunsets away from the first fallen leaves of Autumn.
Lament over 2012′s lost summer weather we shall not, it has after all been rather an epic few months, what with the release of several fantastic summer blockbusters, the Queen’s Jubilee and a little ol’ sporting event called the Olympics.
Looking forward to Autumn there’s a lot to be excited about, including the opening of a brand new Pesto in a Pub on Prune Park, Allterton Bradford!
First up we head to bustling Manchester where from September 4th – 27th there is a stunning exhibition of photography by Stephen Fallows at the Manchester Library. The show is the product of a two year long project, capturing more than fifty locations across the North West of England, beginning in Carlisle, visiting the artists home town of Barrow in Furness and ending at the location of the show in Manchester. A truly beautiful collection of photographs not to be missed. Entry is free and the library is just a five minute walk from Pesto Deasgate.
Heading north to Glasgow, this month the Galilean Society, who aim to promote science to the general public will host a free talk on advances in medical imaging. You don’t need to be a boffin to enjoy the lecture, as all Galilean Society lectures are at the level of ‘popular science’, last around an hour and are followed by a brief Question Time where you can put your questions to the speaker. The talk will take place at the MItchell Library on Saturday September 15th from 3pm – 5pm and is just a short walk from Pesto Glasgow – if you fancy making a day of it why not reserve a table now?
http://www.list.co.uk/event/250972-advances-in-medical-imaging/
Now, if you’re distraught at the prospect of there being a sudden lack of obscure sports airtime once the Paralympics draws to a close, fear not, the Liverpool Echo Arena is all set to host the International Series netball game between England and Jamaica. OK, so strictly speaking netball isn’t that obscure, but at £20 in it’s cheaper than a lot of Olympic tickets and guaranteed to provide an entertaining afternoon. The match takes place September 24th at the Echo Arena, which is just 10 minutes from Pesto Italian Restaurant Liverpool One – to make a party reservation enquiry call the team on 0151 708 6353 or enquire online.
http://www.echoarena.com/whats_on/england_jamaica12.asp
Lastly we look to Cheshire and the surrounding areas, where this month if you’re feeling inspired by the Olympics to do something other than scoff pies and watch television the Ramblers Association have a healthy six-mile walk planned. Most walks are intended primarily for RA members, although non-members are welcome to join as guests on a couple of walks. After the walk why not enjoy a relaxing meal at Pesto Cabbage Hall or Pesto Widnes, where we have a range of delicious food that won’t break the bank or your belt-buckle. Have a browse through the menu here: http://www.pestorestaurants.co.uk/menu/
http://www.wherecanwego.com/event/569515-the-ramblers-group-walk-distance-6-miles/events.aspx
Autumn Opening in Wilsden
People of Allerton Bradford, you’re in for an early Christmas treat – a brand new Pesto in a Pub located on Prune Park is set to open in mid-October 2012!
There are currently six restaurants in the Pesto family, located in Manchester, Liverpool, Glasgow, Tarporley and Widnes. The seventh addition to the family is also the third Pesto in a Pub, which offers a more traditional pub-dining environment with contemporary Italian cuisine.
The location of Pesto Bradford is simply beautiful; stunning rural horizons encompass the area, making it ideal for sightseeing, relaxing walks and just taking it easy.
With summer now drawing to a close and the festive season edging ever closer it’s a good time to keep ahead of the crowd and think about making plans for the perfect festive party; Pesto at Prune Park is a fantastic location for an atmospheric Christmas party, why not have a look at our brand new Christmas menu now? If you’d like to make a Christmas party booking enquiry for Pesto Allerton you can do so via the contact form on our website, or alternatively send us a message on Facebook.
We’re also recruiting for a number of roles at our upcoming Allterton restaurant, including management positions, waiting staff and more. If you’re interested in being part of a vibrant and dynamic team and you think you have what it takes, have a browse through our current vacancies and send your CV and covering letter to careers@pestorestaurants.co.uk stating which position you’d like to apply for.
Pesto’s Picks May 2012
In this month’s Pesto’s Picks we take a look at the best of what’s on across Glasgow and the North West, congratulate Pesto Italian Restaurants Glasgow and welcome Pesto in a Pub Widnes to the family!
April has been a brilliant month for Pesto Italian Restaurants, with the official opening of Pesto in a Pub Widnes and Pesto Glasgow landing second place at one of Scotland’s biggest award ceremonies.
Pesto Glasgow placed second in the Best New Restaurant category at the Scottish Entertainment Guide Awards last Sunday, just eight months after opening its doors. The Glasgow team have worked very hard to turn Pesto St Vincent Street into one of Scotland’s best up-and-coming Italian restaurants and we’d like to extend a massive thank you to Francis and the team for all their efforts! We’ve added pics of the Pesto Glasgow team at the awards ceremony on our Facebook page and our web gallery.
Pesto Widnes opened its doors today, officially making it the sixth member of the Pesto family! If you fancy a scrumptious dinner with an ice-cold pint why not reserve a table at Pesto in a Pub Widnes now? Online booking for the restaurant is now available, or if you’d prefer to arrange with a manager directly please call: 0151 424 3729
As the summer months beckon marathons are cropping up all over the place, and this month we recommend participating or helping out where you can with the Great Manchester Run and the Ignis Asset Managements Women’s 10k Run.
The Great Manchester Run takes place on Sunday 20th May, with the route finishing up on Deansgate, just a stone’s throw from Pesto Italian Restaurants Deansgate. If you’re participating in the run and fancy a well-deserved treat afterward, why not reserve a table with our Deansgate team now? https://www.facebook.com/greatmanchesterrun and http://www.greatrun.org/events/event.aspx?id=4
If you’re north of the border and participating in the Ignis Asset Management Women’s 10k run on Sunday 13th May, why not arrange a slap-up meal with the ladies afterwards? Pesto Glasgow is our biggest restaurant, located centrally on St Vincent Street over three floors, so there’s plenty of room to bring the whole team down! https://www.facebook.com/W10KGlasgow?v=wall
For those of you who are less inclined toward hours of grueling exercise, why not check out the Trafford Centre’s Summer of Hope and Glory launch party on Thursday 24th May. Taking place throughout the Trafford Centre, the Summer of Hope and Glory is a celebration of all things British, the Trafford Centre will be alive and kicking with music, dancers, fun and entertainment throughout the evening. http://www.traffordcentre.co.uk/whatson/hopeandgloryparty
- Brooding
Our final pick of the month actually spans over two months, it’s Westlife’s Greatest Tour, which also happens to be their farewell tour. The Irish quartet will be performing at Liverpool’s Echo Arena on Tuesday 15th May and Wednesday 13th June. http://whatson.visitliverpool.com/files/2.html
Widnes Welcomes Pesto in a Pub!
Pesto in a Pub is coming to Widnes Monday April 30th.
Just five months after opening Pesto in a Pub at the Cabbage Hall in Tarporley, Cheshire, we are delighted to announce the opening of our second Pesto in a Pub in Farnworth, Widnes.
Now, if you’re not familiar with Farnworth we’ve got some rather fascinating historical facts for you in this weeks blog, and in the coming days we’ll be adding pics of our stunning new Pesto in a Pub!
Farnworth village can be traced back to 1180, when a chapel dedicated to St Wilifrid was founded in the centre, although the earliest documentation dates back to 1352, when Henry, Duke of Lancaster established a hallmote court (a ye olde way of saying a fancy court) for the manor of Widnes.
Farnworth is a village with a mystical history; according to folklore, in medieval times the village came under threat from a griffin – a legendary creature with the body of a lion and the head and wings of an eagle. The village blacksmith fought and killed the griffin, and was henceforth aptly dubbed ‘Bold’, which is apparently the origin of the local noble family Bold, who have a griffin incorporated in their family coat of arms.
- No griffins here…
Five-hundred or so years on the village remains griffin free, but should there be an expected griffin attack, Pesto in a Pub Widnes is the ideal place to settle down with a delicious meal and cold refreshing pint after a successful griffin slaying session.
In other Pesto news this week, we’ve got our fingers and toes crossed for Pesto Glasgow who have been nominated in the Scottish Entertainment Guide Awards in the Best New Restaurant category!
The awards take place this Sunday at Glasgow’s Thistle Hotel – we’ll announce how our Glasgow team fared on the Pesto Glasgow Facebook page on Monday – http://www.facebook.com/pestoglasgow
http://www.entertainmentguideawards.co.uk/
http://www.pestorestaurants.co.uk/pesto-in-a-pub/
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