When publican brothers Kieran and Conor Devine organised a
special event remembering the last meal of the Titanic at the
Huntsman, Cheadle, they were oblivious to an amazing family
connection to the ill fated liner.
For the duo's Great Uncle Thomas was on the passenger list for
the Titanic's voyage to New York - only to miss his train
connection.
"We put on a special menu last year to celebrate the Huntsman's
links with our local brewery, Titanic," explained Conor from the
popular Staffordshire Moorlands pub.
"When we mentioned it to family back in Ireland we were amazed
to be told the story of Great Uncle Thomas from Roscommon.
"He was on the passenger list but thankfully missed his train.
He eventually made it to the US where he lived in Boston until his
death in the 1940s."
The Huntsman is commemorating the 99th anniversary of the
Titanic disaster by serving up another special menu featuring
dishes served to passengers on the great White Star liner.
The event will also help to raise funds for a Stoke-on-Trent to
Paris cycle ride organised by local hair dresser Duncan
Cowans on behalf of the Douglas Macmillan Hospice, in nearby
Blurton, Stoke-on-Trent.
Conor added: "Last year's Titanic tribute menu was a great
success and I am sure people in the area are looking forward to the
new menu.
"We are supporting the Douglas Macmillan Hospice cycle ride and
are sponsoring t-shirts for the riders who have held meetings at
the Huntsmen to organise the event."
The Titanic Tribute Menu is available between Wednesday, 13
April and Sunday, 17 April. It includes such White Starline
classics as Filet Mignons Lili, roast half duckling, and a dessert
of plum pudding.
The Huntsman, in Brookhouse, Cheadle, is well known for its real
ales, including the award winning range from Burslem's Titanic
Brewery.
Brewery Director, Dave Bott said: "We established a link with
the Hunstman last year and are delighted to be able to continue the
partnership. Titanic Brewery has gained a reputation for rescuing
rundown Staffordshire pubs and Kieran and Conor have done a
fantastic job taking on a emty pub and transforming it into a
vibrant community hub."