Member Article

Bdaily attends the launch of old-meets-new Beehive Inn

Last Wednesday Bdaily attended the media launch of the new Beehive Inn and were not disappointed by the revamped interior and fantastic menu.

The last time I had visited the Beehive, in 2011, the building did have a unique charm but was dark with the space limited inside. On Wednesday’s visit, as soon as we entered the 18th Century building we noticed the huge difference in the feel to the pub the new management team have injected; still with niche features, like low-hanging beams and low doorways a complete revamp has taken place which gives the three roomed Inn a more airy feel. The interior matched the more upmarket feel that accompanied the menu.

Located near to Whitley Bay, on the locally named ‘Beehive Road’ the B1325 Hartley Lane between Seaton Sluice/ Hartley and the village of Earsdon the Inn is seemingly situated away from the hustle and bustle of nearby towns, a complete difference for Sean Kelly and partner Joanne Curgenven- formerly of the much renowned Bay’s Bistro in the busy town centre of Whitley Bay.

Former Jennings Ford Chief Alan Bentley and business associate Terry Bell complete the team.

We enjoyed a selection of the new menu, and we were far from disappointed. I’d not attended Bay’s Bistro under Kelly and Curgenven’s stewardship but I could see where they’d built up a prized reputation from.

The food began to filter out from the kitchen. For our selection of starters the deep fried breaded goats cheese and Northumberland ham terrine with homemade picalilli were faultless. Following the ham dish Sean Kelly commented that the Inn has sourced food as locally as possible, with eggs coming direct from the garden behind the pub!

Spoilt for choice, a selection of fish starters arrived. The tempura king prawns with sweet chilli sauce and fish goujons with tartar sauce were lovely, the prawns were amongst biggest i’ve witnessed!

Next came a selection from the Inn’s sharing board menu with a ploughman’s board and fish platter arriving. Pork pies, ham, scotch eggs, cheese, pickle and apple completed the ploughman’s dish- the handcrafted pies and scotch eggs of particular note.

The fish dish gave another chance to sample the tempura prawns and goujons. The rest of the board was made up of devilled whitebait, shore crab, crayfish tails and anchovies- perfect. Definitely not overpowered by this fishy dish as each selection gave a taste of the locally sourced ingredients.

The feast continued with perhaps the pick of the night, a huge dish of fisherman’s pie that was shared out amongst the guests. A hugely tasty offering in a white wine and leak sauce accompanied with a choice of the locally sourced fish. The final dish we tried was a steak and kidney pie, a generous portion which again was extremely well received.

On our next visit I plan to service my sweet tooth with an option from the dessert menu, perhaps the sticky toffee pudding or Eton mess.

In the past i’ve enjoyed the huge secret garden at the Beehive. Unfortunately on Wednesday our 2012 summer continued with rain pouring from the skies but I understand that a £10,000 state-of-the-art climbing frame has been installed which will give the kids a chance to play whilst mums and dads enjoy their meals.

I can see the Beehive Inn becoming a local away from home for many and I’ll definitely be frequenting this establishment in the near future.

More information about the pub’s new menu, entertainment and forthcoming events is available on the Beehive Inn’s website at www.beehiveearsdon.co.uk

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Jonny Marshall .