Today is my birthday. After no weddings in July, I had 2 yesterday. I rarely do 2 gigs in a day but the timings worked. The evening booking came at Easter and I really wanted to do it. It was a first for me, a Walimah, so an Islamic celebration to follow a ceremony in the gardens. They had a violinist for the ceremony. Music was a really important part of the day.

There were 150 guests all dressed in their finery. The women wore stunning saris and the men their best suits. Children were well behaved but allowed to be children. I kept thinking what fun it must be for them to attend such a big party until past bedtime. No alcohol was served and it was extremely civilised. The speeches delivered by some of the closest family members were well wishing and emotional, packed with advice for a long and healthy marriage.

Earlier in the day I played for a church ceremony, the polar opposite of the evening celebration. It was a solemn service in a beautiful church. Variety is the spice of my job.

With this in mind, I was tentative about making birthday plans as I knew I’d be tired, especially after a busy 3 hour evening do ending just shy of 10pm, but I did want to mark the occasion so I booked myself a late lunch somewhere I’ve wanted to try for over a year, Norman’s Neighbourhood Kitchen in Kirkburton, a mere 20 minute drive away.

I was greeted warmly by the owner and my waiter Ted. It’s a fairly small room with around 40 covers and it felt like being in someone’s kitchen/dining room.

On the online booking form there was a question “is this a special occasion?” In a moment of spontaneity I replied that it was my birthday. Upon arrival there was a card on the table from the Norman’s Team and a complimentary glass of fizz, which they happily exchanged for an elderflower spritz. This was already turning into a memorable lunch and I’d only just sat down!

The mouthwateringly varied menu arrived. My choice of starter and dessert was easy, the main less so. Then Ted told me there was a special of lemon sole with pickled onion monster munch sauce. That didn’t help. In the end I opted for the prawn crudo and beef tataki but I hadn’t realised Ted hadn’t taken the lamb off the order. Bring me food and I will eat it.

The tuna tart was exceptional, with unbelievable waves of flavour from such a tiny delicate creation. I wanted 4 more.

The beef tataki didn’t look that appealing but my tastebuds danced with every punchy mouthful.

The prawns were delicious and the textures played on my palate. Peas popped in contrast to the soft yield of the tender citrus cured prawns. I was mightily impressed.

I baulked ever so slightly when a 4th dish arrived and I realised what had happened. I was comfortably full but there was no way I was sending this back:

It was a playful plate of soft slow cooked tender meat bathed in a luscious sauce, served with zingy pickles and creamy herby yoghurt. The crunch of nuts kept me diving in for more. And more. I finished the whole lot, every splash of moreish sauce mopped up appreciatively.

Desserts are my weakness. I follow Norman’s on Instagram and I spotted the cherry chocolate creation earlier in the week.

I crossed my fingers it would be on the menu – it was. It was outrageously good, so much texture and flavour with a hint of soft nuttiness from the sesame. The sorbet was cool and flavoursome and again the texture was perfection. I just had to sample the off puttingly named beef fat fudge

and it was one of the highlights. Addictive stuff. All washed down with a flat white accompanied by a cannolo. More food!

I can honestly say this was one of my most memorable dining experiences. The bill arrived in what I thought was a book but it was an old videocassette cover:

When I got back I chilled out and replied to some messages before getting ready for the cherry on my cake, a West Nab sunset: