The Rock Taverns Valentine link with divorce

THE ROCK TAVERN’S
VALENTINE LINK WITH DIVORCE



The Rock Tavern at Marple Bridge has introduced a new dish to its Valentine’s Day menu … to mark a special historical link with 150 years of divorce.

For the ‘Rock’ originally opened for business back in 1857 – the same year that the Matrimonial Causes Act first paved the way for court divorces.

“And that’s ironic for a restaurant pub that has built a popular reputation as an out-of-the-way romantic rendezvous,” says landlord Steve Robinson.

The new act of parliament kick-started a wave of divorce petitions during 1858 – even though a husband, then, only had to prove his wife's adultery whereas she had to prove his adultery, incest, bigamy, cruelty or desertion.

“It’s an unfortunate anniversary to share,” says Steve, “but we couldn’t resist marking the occasion.

“But I’ve also noticed a growing trend for modern couples to celebrate their divorces too – so we’re just as happy to cater for them as well as for young lovers who are just starting out.”

That’s why the Rock Tavern is introducing a new ‘sharing’ dish to the menu for two days only - Valentine’s Day on 14 February and Leap Year day on 29 February.

The “Cupid Chateaubriand” is named after Cupid Hodson - a Stafford man who sold his wife at market back in 1800. He paraded her around, extolling her virtues, and contemporary reports described a ‘spirited session’ of bidding that started at one penny until he finally sold her for 5/6d. (27½p)

“It was shameful behaviour - but perfectly legal then,” says Steve. “It’s amazing how much we have changed since those days.”

On the positive side, though, couples who order a “Cupid Chateaubriand” will receive complementary glasses of high-class Brut Reserva Cava - produced from organically grown grapes and bottled with tiny flakes of pure glittering edible gold.

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Posted: Friday 1st February 2008
ID: 1910 - 61