She loves her Brandy just as much as she loves staying at the Pontac House Hotel. On Wednesday June 9 we gathered at the hotel with Joyce, her son Brian and her friends and family from all over England to celebrate her 90th birthday. She’s the sweetest 90-year-old you’ll ever meet with a sense of humor that gets everyone laughing. Joyce is what Chris calls one of his regulars--she books her stays at the Pontac three times a year or more. It’s not just the delicious, fresh food, or the comfort of feeling like you’re right at home that she keeps coming back for… If it were anyone else running the hotel I don’t think she’d be as keen on coming back, but her and Chris share a special bond. It’s him that keeps her coming back time after time, year after year with the sense of humor he has with his guests--especially Joyce. 
The evening started at the bar, one of Joyce’s most favorite places to be, where we all ordered a drink or two before we were ushered into the dining room for dinner. For starters we had the choice between deep-fried brie rolled in breadcrumbs served with cranberry sauce, or sardines. I chose the brie of course because I love cheese! One bite and the warm brie cheese was oozing out of the crusty breadcrumbs and onto my plate. Paired with the slightly warm cranberry sauce and you have the perfect appetizer! Then came the main course, which for me was plaice. A plate full of meaty, juicy plaice fish dripping with flavor. Sprinkled with salty capers and served with my choice of chips, Jersey Royals and lima beans--it was the ultimate dinner. Everyone had their choice of steak, salmon, plaice, veal, an omelette or chicken salad. It was an amazing menu fit for a night very worthy of celebrating. As soon as our plates were collected we all silenced to listen in on the speech that Chris stood up to give for Joyce. 
It was a brilliant speech loaded with his witty sense of humor and kind, genuine words. We did a champagne toast to follow and then it was time for the pretty, pink cake to be cut. What a beautiful cake, which was made from scratch by one of the finest full-time chefs at the Pontac--Manuel! 
We all ate our cake almost as quickly as it was served and then we shuffled back into the bar for more drinks! To say the absolute least it was one of the best birthday parties I’ve ever been to. At the best place on the island to have one, with the best host and the best lady to be celebrating. Happy birthday again, Joyce! I can’t wait to celebrate your 91st next year at the Pontac House Hotel. Cheers!
xx
Lindsay
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