IT might sound far-fetched, but there is a local link between Marco Pierre White and Colden Common Women’s Institute darts team.

The connection is the Dog and Crook pub in Brambridge, of which they are both happy customers.

The celebrity chef dropped in last year and said he planned to come back after a good meal.

Closer to home, the WI darts players have become regulars at the watering hole in Church Lane for practice games.

Landlord and landlady Nick and Louise Plowright installed a dartboard especially for the team, which was seeking a home.

Though it might be a while before the squad led by Val Evans challenges the likes of Phil “the Power” Taylor.

In terms of accuracy, let us just say the television that was above the dartboard is not there anymore.

After throwing their arrows, the WI ladies enjoy lunch, and they are not the only ones who seek out the pub’s cuisine. Several large groups have made bookings, along with smaller groups to enjoy everything from snacks to a la carte main courses.

Head chef Dan Parker is particularly proud of his lamb rump with curry spices. He has been at the venue for four years, working alongside second chef, Paul Nicholson.

He said: “Because Paul and I have worked together for a while you should see us in the kitchen – it’s like a well choreographed dance.

“We might only speak to each other half a dozen times a night because we know exactly what we have to do.”

The sixth sense between the chefs, who are supported by two trainees, proved vital last summer.

Without warning, Marco Pierre White came to lunch, and asked for béarnaise sauce with his main course.

The sauce was not on the menu, but the chefs had just enough ingredients to make it, and their celebrity guest left happy.

He is not their only satisfied customer, as the tables in Dog and Crook tends to be busy, even on weekday lunchtimes.

Along with the dining area, the pub, which dates to the 17th century, has a bar section, open fire and covered garden terrace.

Legend has it that there is also a ghost, and another historical talking point is the stray Second World War bomb.

It landed in the field opposite the Dog and Crook and blasted out the windows, but the building stayed intact.

The Plowrights have owned the venue for the last four years, and have run it in person since early 2009.

Mrs Plowright said: “We have a really good team of people here and it’s just like one big family.”