A WHOLE shark might not be what you would expect to see in a Herefordshire village.
But that was just what visitors to the Red Lion in Weobley were greeted by as an entire mako shark arrived at the pub in August 1979.
Red Lion, Weobley. Chef Rob Dew with the mako shark
For several hours, the Hereford Times reported, the gentle summer smells of the famous black and white village gave way to odours more reminiscent of Billingsgate fish market, and, for once, fresh Wye salmon was taking second place on the menu.
ALSO READ:
- Meet the motoring-mad Herefordshire 11-year-old building his own car
- Herefordshire mayor's sight saved as rare tumour found
- Jailed: prolific Herefordshire caravan site fly-tippers
Putting the shark, which was reported to weigh 24-stone, on the menu was the brainchild of then-landlady Audrey McIlwrick, who made a feature of speciality dishes.
The shark was served up by chef Rob Dew as shark fin soup, shark kebabs, braised shark steak, shark in foil, and Pojarski Provencale
Red Lion, Weobley
The pub has long been a feature of the village, with parts dating back to the 14th century, while additions were made in the 17th and 18th centuries.
Red Lion, Weobley, 1950s
In more recent times, it underwent restorations in the 1960s, under the ownership of Bulmers, with the intention of preserving its stunning character.
Red Lion, Weobley, 1986
It was owned by the cidermakers for some 20 years before being put up for sale in 1986 with a £500,000 price tag after the company was forced to review its cost structures and assets as it faced a cut in profits.
Red Lion, Weobley, 1986
It was bought by its former manager, Edward Townley-Berry, who also owned The Falcon in Bromyard, but later closed in 1991 when financial problems struck.
Red Lion, Weobley, 1986
The pub and hotel sold again, this time for £320,000, and was reopened in 1992, 18 months after closing in 1991, with new kitchens, four hotel bedrooms, and a cottage for guests, as well as conference facilities for corporate entertaining, wedding receptions, and shooting parties.
The pub is now an Indian restaurant, the Lal Bagh.
Want to stay up to date with all the latest news for your local area? It's easy, just sign up for our weekly email newsletter here and all the important stories that matter to you will be delivered straight to your inbox.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here