JOHN Streeter, landlord of the Bearslake Inn at Lake, is gearing up for a challenge this Saturday when he hosts his first medieval wedding complete with a banquet, period costume and sword fighting!

The medieval inn was hand-picked by two members of the re-enactment society 'Excalibar' who were looking for the perfect setting for their betrothal.

Mr Streeter, who is a trained chef, said everyone would be in period costume including himself and all the staff.

'It could be quite challenging preparing a medieval feast in a suit of armour,' he said.

This is the first medieval event Mr Streeter has hosted but it may not be the last.

'We do not have the facilities, staff or space to provide a four-course sit-down meal for a wedding reception. But for this event, a lot of the food will be cold and there will be pig on the spit outside,' he added.

In an effort to be as authentic as possible, the landlord has purchased books on medieval cooking and customs and he is getting quite a bit of help from local firms.

'There are some things which I cannot do because of modern day regulations but there are two pig heads coming and Endacotts, the bakers, have said they can make authentic-looking loaves of bread for the event.'

In medieval times saffron was used in vast quantities — today it is more expensive than gold and sugar was not used at all.

'We have had to compromise on the salad because getting enough lovage and borage to feed 75 people would not be very cost-effective. It's a bit of a mix and match really.

There will be a barrel of beer racked up and the mead (distilled honey brew) will be flowing.

'I have studied the books and, at that time, they did not have plates but lumps of wood and the bread was hollowed out so food could be put in the middle,' said Mr Streeter.

The landlord is looking forward to the event because it is something 'completely different'.

'I think it will be a laugh a minute,' he said. 'Some of my family have been invited who are Surrey Yeomen so they will be coming with bows and arrows — everybody will be armed up to the teeth.'

There is one custom the landlord is sure will not be part of the proceedings: 'As Lord of the Manor I can claim Prima Nocta — the first night with the bride,' he said jokingly.