The Order of Gentlemen made an emotional return to the Crafty Cock in Billingham. Once the home of Mohujos Mexican restaurant, this was the very first venue the original ‘Thursday Night’ meal club visited with Stan, Don and Gordon all those years ago.

We had almost a full compliment but Knowla went AWOL at 20.58 on the Wednesday. Simon made his first start of the season and looked in good shape especially since he had recently removed his Grandad ‘hair’!! The things you do for ‘Arts’ !

We met in the Station Pub for predrinks. The two Marks were the designated drivers and the laddie banter was soon in full swing.

We safely crossed the road to the restaurant and were warmly welcomed. The drivers had coke and Heineken Zero while the rest tried the Camden IPA, Camden Hells and the excellent Czech Pardal Lager. 

In no time at all the witty anecdotes and stories from bygone working days were in full swing, my apologies to Mark who had to endure my hilarious ‘Alan Barwick’ recital for a second time in 6 days !!

Tim wasn’t sure whether he was a drinker or a non-drinker, but that’s Tim for you.

After studying the menu, we all decided to embrace the Tapas theme, we forwent the starters and each chose four individual selections which would all come together. That was perhaps our downfall, which is eight people with four choices each, making a total of thirty-two portions. No wonder it took well over an hour for the first of the meals to arrive. Still, we were able to sample another couple of rounds of drinks. The ambiance was overflowing with good humored leg pulling and laughter. We were expertly looked after but to be honest it did take a noticeably long time to be served.

The wide variety of Tapas were; meatballs (excellent),fish taco, garlic mushrooms, chicken tikka masala, belly pork (cooked to perfection), Mexican mini parmo, beef taco (a bit too oily), ham croquettes, cauliflower croquettes, gambas pil pil, Korean chicken (succulent), roasted peppers (boring), Halomi and several portions of salt and pepper chips.

The Dining experience was up there with the best. Some even managed deserts; sticky toffee pudding, cheesecake and apple crumble.

Many thanks to Wendy and the Crafty Chef who certainly earned his money, his skill in creating a genuine Tapas experience has put the Crafty Cock firmly in the leading pack.

Great choice Simon.