IN THE fantasy world of Game of Thrones, Castle Black is associated more with pain than parties.

But for last night's New Year's Eve festivities party-goers were flocking to the home of the Night's Watch - or at least a replica of it - up at Byfield.

Ferns Hideaway was transformed into Castle Black by owners John and Genevieve Martin - not to be confused by the author of the popular book series, George R. R. Martin.

In the popular book and television series military order, the Night's Watch, lives at Castle Black and guards the northern wall, which John replicated on the front lawn at Ferns.

The mysterious white walkers lurked behind the trees, guests crowded around the Iron Throne and a dragon was even perched on the roof of the restaurant.

John and Genevieve Martin have operated Ferns Hideaway in Byfield since 1990, and have thrown a themed New Year's Eve party every year.

There have been many highlights over the last 25 years, but the couple said an Austin Powers themed night in 2007 was "an absolute cracker".

About six months of planning went into last night's event.

Everything from the costumes, the music, the decorations and even the menu was according to the theme (see breakout).

News of the parties travel through word of mouth rather than advertising, and this year tickets sold out by mid-July.

"People know it's going to be safe and it's going to be good fun," John said.

"They've all been great because everyone dresses up and they dance all night."

GAME OF THRONES MENU

Here is a sample of the Game of Thrones themed dinner menu at Ferns Hideaway last night:

Entree:

Brienne's bruschetta of Tarth

Prawns of the Iron Isles

Highgarden pumpkin salad

Tyrions wildfire oysters from Blackwater Main:

Melisandre's sacrificial lamb

Fillet of Direwolf

The Hounds Chicken - ( Worth killing three men for)

Catelyn's cut red throat emperor

Varys' vegetarian curry

Dessert

Crepe Cersei

Danerys' dragon egg

Winters chill mango sorbet

White as Ghost Meringue