Langley Castle Creates ‘Molly’s Favourite’ Menu & Accommodation Choices

A story that has made national headlines has resulted in a recent and hugely popular addition to the relaxed dining menu at Langley Castle, where there has been a post-publicity clamour for a certain dish and drinks combination, as featured on TV, radio and in print.

Since Langley Castle suggested it had the most loyal customer in Britain in 92 year-old Molly Robinson from Alston, Cumbria, who has visited the castle every Thursday since 1987, the impacts have been phenomenal.

The story highlighted how Molly’s weekly 30-mile round trip by taxi always saw her ordering the same menu item, come what may, and now everyone else just cannot get enough of that.

Whilst Molly’s weekly arrival at the castle near Hexham has come from her deep appreciation of the attentiveness and kindness that the warm and friendly team at the castle hotel provide, many of those who have learned of her story have focused on the specific, specially tailored foodie delight that she orders each week.

For 37 years, this has been the soup of the day, no matter what the variety, followed by fish and chips, with no tartare sauce or peas but rather two mini pots of ketchup instead, and accompanied by two glasses of champagne.

Whilst fish and chips is not usually washed down with champagne, it is clear Molly’s influence has rubbed off and this is now the most in-demand order of the day.  In fact, ordering a fishy feast with bubbly has become so popular, it is now listed on the menu as ‘Molly’s Favourite’.

‘Molly’s Favourite’ is fish and chips with one glass of her favourite Billecart Salmon champagne. The soup can be added for a small extra charge, if required. It appears this is just what the dining out public wants and the menu choice is flying out of the kitchen and keeping the  Langley bar busy with all the champagne cork popping.  Whether all diners do what Molly does – leaving a portion of the fish to take home to feed to the birds – is not known.

Then, the castle has created a Molly accommodation package, incorporating bed, breakfast and Molly’s Favourite, to help celebrate the time when now widowed Molly would stay at the castle with her husband.

“It seems that Molly has inspired people to try something completely different and live life to the full, indulging in a little unconventional lunchtime treat that clearly hasn’t done her any harm, given her age,” says Langley Castle’s general manager, Mohamed Serag.

“And Molly herself has been a huge inspiration, with so many people ringing us up and offering to pay for her lunch.  It’s been quite incredible.”

The Molly story has featured in the likes of the Daily Mirror, i Paper and Daily Star, so the impact has been nationwide and not just local.  It has also opened many eyes, as so many people did not realise they could drop into the castle for lunch as a non-resident, or that relaxed dining options were available.

“Everyone’s talking about Molly”, says Mohamed Serag, “and quite rightly so.  We truly appreciate how much she loves our company and venue and how she’s always a real ambassador for us, telling everyone about our service and friendly approach to hospitality.  She is a delight to serve and we are proud that we continue to provide the X-factor experience that she makes such an effort to enjoy, every single Thursday.”

To discover other treats that you never knew were available at Langley Castle, head to the dining section at www.langleycastle.co.uk                                                                        

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Editors notes

Langley Castle, built in 1350, is located in Langley-on-Tyne, Northumberland and is one of the few authentic, fortified medieval castles in England. It has a rich history, with strong links to Jacobite rebellions, is located just a stone's throw from the World Heritage Site of Hadrian's Wall and boasts features including battlements, seven-feet-thick walls, window seats set into the walls and the best example of medieval garderobes in Europe. It is one of the most exquisite wedding venues in the north and also offers a wide range of options when it comes to exclusive use, with the castle being available for weddings, family celebrations, Bar Mitzvahs and Bat Mitzvahs, D&D-style events and a wide variety of corporate functions.