Last updated 20:28, Thursday, 30 October 2008

GOING to an Abba night, we were slightly apprehensive about what to expect, although the offer of fine food had persuaded us to try it out, say Ian Waterhouse and Paul Crute.

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SUPER TROUPERS: Abba fans dressed to impress for the themed event at Her Citi, in Maryport

Although men and women alike had enjoyed the cinema hit Mamma Mia! we still wondered what to expect as we walked through the doors at Her Citi, on Crosby Street, in Maryport.

What greeted us was an atmospheric setting with well-known Abba tunes playing in the background and plenty of people decked out in 1970s outfits.

The owner of Her Citi, Debbie Wright, has been running these kinds of themed nights every month since the start of the year.

Debbie and her partner Dave Gilhespy have held Italian, Thai, Indian, Hawaiian and Mediterranean nights.

It soon occurred to us that the 30 people at the event had been to these things before, commenting on the excellent food that was served here.

Debbie, 35, said she decided to hold an Abba night, due to the continued success of the smash-hit movie.

She said: “I just thought it would be a different idea. Mamma Mia! has been a huge hit at the cinema and that was my inspiration.

“We managed to do some research on the food and produced some authentic Swedish meals.

“All the food is homemade. I wanted to give people things they haven’t had before and I think they have all been pleased with the food.”

Dave, 37, of Crosby Street, Maryport, added: “We try to cover all different occasions and celebrations such as Burns’ Night and Christmas.

“We get a lot of ideas from customers saying what they want us to do.

“We have got people helping out who have travelled from London and Edinburgh.”

The food certainly took centre stage, with Artsoppa, yellow pea soup, with sweetened bread, for starters.

It seemed that most of those present had come for the food rather than the music, despite the vast array of fancy dress outfits that were on display.

Debbie Holmes, 42, of Shore Side, Siddick, said: “The food is different from what you cook at home so it is worthwhile to come and have something made for you.

“I look to come to places like this for something different. If you make it at home it is not always special.

“I think every course complemented the following one.”

The main course consisted of Swedish meat balls in a spicy sauce, served with potatoes and summer vegetables, which again was delicious.

Dessert was Papparkakor, ginger cookies towered with almond ice-cream and set on a pool of creamy almond sauce.

As the evening went on we found ourselves enjoying the event more and more – and this was due to the company, the food and relaxed atmosphere, leaving our previous fears unfounded.

Other people who attended also enjoyed what was on offer.

Jackie Tinkler, of Grasslot, said: “It has been a wonderful evening. The food has been brilliant and the company relaxing.

“I have been to the themed nights a few times and they are always different – that is what makes them so appealing.”

Karen Lawson-Ellis, 32, of Fleming Square, Maryport, said: “This is the second time we have been to the themed nights.

“The owners did excellent food when we came to the Thai night.

“We are big Abba fans as well and we like dressing up for these kinds of events.”

Bill Fowler, 70, of Maryport, said: “There is a lovely atmosphere and food here and the service is good as well.

“We are all fans of Abba and have come here because we are regular customers.”

Debbie was pleased with the evening’s success.

She said: “Everybody has said the food was excellent and people have already been asking when the next night will be, although I haven’t decided what it will be yet.”

After this event, it is clear that Abba are still popular in West Cumbria and will continue to be so for some time.