Cloughton's Blacksmith Arms Inn landlords looks back at Queen's visit

Her Majesty and Prince Philip ate lunch there in 2010

Author: Karen LiuPublished 13th Sep 2022

The landlords of a pub in Cloughton near Scarborough have been remembering the time when Her Majesty The Queen visited to have lunch with her husband Prince Philip.

The Blacksmith Arms Inn is run by Tony and Debbie Arnall. It forms part of the Duchy of Lancaster Estate.

Our reporter Karen Liu went to go and have a look:

Tony said: "I got a phone call three months before she came saying that the Queen would like to come and have lunch at a pub and we were chosen. At first I thought it was a bit of a joke until I got introduced to Lord Shuttleworth who said 'no, it's not a joke.'

"We had to send menus down the Palace and whatever she chose everybody had to have the same. There were 68 guests. We met her and we had a fabulous day. She looked beautiful.

The menu

  • Fresh Gala Melon Fan served with a Raspberry Coulis
  • Locally sourced Fresh Salmon with a Creamy Chardonnay Sauce, served on a bed of Wilted Spinach, Baby New Potatoes and Asparagus
  • Lemon Meringue Pie
  • Yorkshire Cheese Board with Biscuits, a Homemade Tomato Chutney and Grapes
  • Coffee

"I've never seen the Queen eat so much"

Tony added: "The lady in waiting after she had finished her meal said 'I've never seen the Queen eat so much.' It was quite funny because she opened up her handbag and put some lipstick on without a mirror and just to see her do ordinary things was quite amazing.

"We've got the chairs that they actually sat in and we've got pictures of her when she was here throughout the pub. We've also got a book of official photos which shows you where the children came from Hackness School, she walked past them when she was powdering her nose in the room outside."

The room outside the pub where the Queen powdered her nose.

Debbie said: "She had beautiful skin and a lovely smile. Her outfit that day was just like all the other beautiful outfits. She was just really smiling and happy. After she'd been here so long, we did feel at ease when she started to eat and everything. She was just amazing.

"It was so lovely and she was dressed in that beautiful turquoise, vibrant colour and lovely patterned dress and lovely hat. It was just an amazing day. The sun was shining, all the village was out and it was just truly an amazing day."

Listen to the full interview here:

The chairs in which the Queen and Prince Philip sat on during their lunch in 2010
The signatures of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip
The wine glass that the Queen drank out of, with her lipstick stain on the glass.
Tony and Debbie Arnall

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