How Arnold put the Potteries on the menu!

SOME years ago, I had the pleasure of visiting the Savoy Hotel and was served with Omelette Arnold Bennett, which went down a treat with a glass of pinot grigio.

- Fred Hughes - Historian and author

The Potteries author spent a lot of time at the Savoy and was on friendly terms with the chef Jean Baptiste Virlogeux. Legend has it that Bennett ordered something that reminded him of his youth in Burslem, a favourite Potteries dish of poached egg served with smoked haddock. Anyone of my age with recall this austere diet with delight or disgust, always dished up on Friday, and no doubt a regular bill of fare in the Bennett household. However, the chef's interpretation of the great author's request resulted in an incredibly sumptuous omelette containing smoked haddock, and a bechamel cream flavoured with mustard and Worcester sauce.