All the latest news, views and essential information from Castle Rock Brewery
No:4 Winter 2015
A new stout for 2015! See Page 2 Castle Rock to open micropub See page 7
Let Robin Hood be your brewery tour guide! See page 10
www.castlerockbrewery.co.uk
Welcome
New beers
Happy New Year, I hope you enjoyed the seasonal festivities and found time for a good rest too!
A new stout for a
The beginning of a new year is a time for both reflection and for looking to the future. This is no exception at Castle Rock, and while our plans for 2015 may already be old news to us (we’ve been working on them since last May!) it’s exciting to finally reveal what Castle Rock will be bringing to you in 2015. There’s a lot to come, with our continued support of the Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust, the addition of a new permanent beer, a new collection of Nottinghamian Celebration Ales to join our growing hall of fame, unique brews from the Traffic Street Specials, the onward commemoration of the Great War, and some big events to mark, too. With a beer in celebration of the 800th anniversary since the sealing of the Magna Carta, and another marking the Rugby World Cup being played upon these shores, we think we have everything in place to make sure you don’t go thirsty in 2015. In our pubs, we spent 2014 working hard to invest in and improve on our existing facilities. We cherish our pubs so, where change is due, we will continue to make investments. We are also aiming to add some new pubs too, so 2015 will surely allow you to enjoy the ‘Castle Rock way’ in a few new sites! So that’s enough from me, I don’t want to keep you from another great CRQ issue any longer. Thanks for your support.
Cheers
Colin Wilde Managing Director
Beer lovers are always very vocal about what they love to drink, and we certainly expect our customers to tell us their thoughts.
We’ve always been extremely proud of the stouts we have brewed in the past; whether they were Nottinghamian Celebration Ales, Wildlife beers or specials. Adrian and the brewing team have a real knack for getting the balance of flavours right.
Our Wildlife IPA recipe back in October 2008 was hugely popular, and sure enough that beer joined our permanent range as Screech Owl.
Representing one of the biggest projects the Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust has undertaken and an area much loved by those across the country, Sherwood Reserve is a 4.5% stout brewed with fresh Columbian coffee beans.
It is out of this demand for a good quality stout that we’ve decided to add one to our permanent range.
Flavours of rich chocolate and coffee are in the nose, and the taste is smooth and lasting. The beer is brewed with two English hop varieties, but much of the bitterness in the stout comes from the roasted and dark malts that give the beer a rich decadence.
On the other end of the flavour spectrum, one of the beer styles rising in popularity and requested most often is the stout.
Castle Rock Brewery Queensbridge Road, Nottingham NG2 1NB
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Tel: 0115 985 1615 General enquiries: admin@castlerockbrewery.co.uk Sales enquiries: scott.ryder@castlerockbrewery.co.uk Recruitment: sarah.halpin@castlerockbrewery.co.uk Castle Rock
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Sherwood Reserve is launching in January and will be permanently available thereafter
new year- Sherwood Reserve Castle Rock continue to be proud of our local heritage, which is why we’re even more excited about Sherwood Reserve, named after one of the most loved and well-known reserves in the country. It is known as the home of Robin Hood and the ancient Major Oak. However, the forest itself and the wildlife within it are severely under threat. The “Champions of Sherwood” project, spearheaded by the Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust, is working to help sustain the forest’s natural beauty and all wildlife that lives within it, and we are pleased to announce that we will be donating to this and other projects through the sales of next year’s Wildlife beers. Sherwood Reserve is permanently available from January 2015 onwards. Remember to follow Castle Rock and our pubs on Facebook and Twitter to find out when you can get your hands on it. The newest member of our core range of beers is a treat regardless of the season, enjoy it as a winter warmer or a summer delight- most likely both!
The Work of the Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust Sherwood Reserves Sherwood Forest is famous the world over as the home of Robin Hood. It is also home to magnificent oaks such as the Major Oak, but sadly what remains of the Forest is under threat. Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust is committed to protecting the wildlife of Sherwood Forest and through our ambitious Champions of Sherwood campaign we are working with partners such as Castle Rock Brewery to restore and reconnect its fragmented landscape. In addition to providing advice and support to other landowners, the Wildlife Trust cares for three nature reserves in Sherwood Forest; Rainworth Heath, Strawberry Hill Heath and Foxcovert Plantation. Rainworth Heath Nature Reserve Much of Sherwood Forest was once covered by heathland. Today only elements remain making sites such as Rainworth Heath, situated just off the A617 just 3 miles from Mansfield, very valuable. The reserve provides a great setting for a family adventure with opportunities to spot lizards basking in the sun or a kestrel hovering overhead.
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Strawberry Hill Heath Strawberry Hill Heath, off Jubilee Way South in Mansfield, is a great place to explore this historic landscape and offers a
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glimpse into medieval Sherwood. Central areas are largely dominated by heather and bracken, with patches of gorse and broom scrub alongside mature oaks and silver birch trees, so typical of Sherwood. Seventeen species of fungi have been recorded in the heathland areas which are also valuable for invertebrates and reptiles. Foxcovert Plantation Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust purchased Foxcovert Plantation, off the A614 close to Calverton, in 1996 following a fundraising appeal. In 2005, a large part of the site underwent a major transformation with areas of sycamore felled to make way for the creation of open grassland areas and the planting of over 500 English oak. The diversity of fungi species and survey work on moths provide evidence that the plantation was established on the site of ancient Sherwood Forest woodland. Champions of Sherwood Thanks to the expertise built up over fifty years of conserving Nottinghamshire’s wildlife, we believe that we can make a real difference to the future of Sherwood Forest through our Sherwood Forest Restoration Fund. By supporting the Fund you can be part of the next chapter in the Sherwood Forest story. To find out more visit www.championsofsherwood.com
Photographs by Electric Egg 1. NWT Rainworth Heath 2. NWT Rainworth Heath 3. NWT Foxcovert 4. NWT Strawberry Hill Heath 5. NWT Strawberry Hill Heath 6. NWT Foxcovert
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Our seasonal brews
The Wildlife beers of 2015 Twelve years of the Natural Selection Castle Rock has been brewing the Natural Selection for twelve years. Known to most as our ‘wildlife’ beers, the range has consisted of one special brew a month, with 10p from each pint donated to the Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust. The Trust has estimated a sum of over £300,000 raised through our donations; an invaluable contribution to the nature reserves and wildlife of Nottinghamshire.
Idle Valley Reserve, 5% New Zealand Waimea hops give this single hop IPA an aroma of pine and citrus fruits, and a refreshing fruity bitterness March-May 2015
For Castle Rock, the Natural Selection gave us one of our most loved beers. Brewed as a supposed ‘one-off’ in October 2008 as that month’s wildlife beer, Screech Owl took home the SIBA Champion of Champions award at the Robin Hood Beer Festival. The American-style pale ale went on to become one of our permanent beers, and has since become a multi-award winner and much enjoyed beer in Nottingham and beyond.
Skylarks Reserve, 4.5% German style wheat beer, unfined and vegan friendly, with aromas of bananas, clove and spice. Smooth, white chocolate taste June-August 2015
Some of the most vital work of the Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust is focused on restoration and preservation of the reserves. This year, the Natural Selection range is changing in support of these causes. For 2015 we are brewing four new and unique beers, each to be available on a three month basis. There may be fewer beers, but the result we hope will be an increase in knowledge and support of Nottinghamshire’s nature reserves. And when you love a wildlife brew, you’ll have far more weeks in which to enjoy it!
Trent Vale Reserve, 4.2% Brewed with “Landlady” hops, the earthy and spicy aroma of this best bitter gives way to a fresh and balanced finish September-November 2015
Nottinghamians The 2015 range is revealed After another great year of Nottinghamian Celebration Ales (Su Pollard, George Africanus, Digby Pearson and Carl Froch) we’ll once again be releasing a selection of four beers with varying styles at a sessionable 4.2%. We’re pleased to announce next year’s range, available quarterly. The first beer, available from January to March is Brian Clough, one of the most successful managers in football history – and the best manager England never had! Brian Clough’s beer is a pilsner-style pale ale: pale, clean and extremely drinkable. Following Brian Clough is architect Watson Fothergill, available April-June. Born in Mansfield, he is credited with designing over 100 buildings in Nottingham and the East Midlands. His namesake beer is a mild, brewed with US-derived Mosaic hops for a “New World” citrus fruit character: an excellent springtime beer and just in time for Nottingham CAMRA’s Mild in May trail.
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Our Nottinghamian beer for the summer months, July-September, is James Shipstone and is set to be a celebration of all things local! We’re excited to announce we’ll be collaborating with the new Shipstone’s brewery to recreate one of their old IPA recipes with a modern twist. Closing out 2015 is a dark ruby porter, celebrating the life and works of Dame Laura Knight. Most recognised as a war artist, she embraced English impressionism through the mediums of oil, watercolour, etching and engraving. Dame Laura Knight is available from October-December. We hope you enjoy this year’s diverse range of Nottinghamian beers. We always welcome suggestions for future years – if you have one just send us a Tweet (@CRBrewery), Facebook message, or email lewis.townsend@castlerockbrewery.co.uk
Attenborough Reserve, 4% Matching the freshness of winter, this pilsner style pale ale has an almost grassy scent and a sweet spicy finish December 2015-February 2016
In Focus
The Swan In The Rushes The Swan in the Rushes has been a Castle Rock pub for nearly thirty years, and has remained central to the real ale scene in Loughborough during that time. It’s a friendly pub close to Loughborough’s Market Place and has recently combined the traditional with the contemporary – by traversing into the realm of craft and world beer. The Swan has a familiar layout to that of a traditional multi-room boozer; a bar, a lounge, and a back dining area, but there is something special about the atmosphere. The pub is laced with an abundance of framed artworks, photographs and wall paintings. With perimeter seating, the pub is spacious but has cosy and warm décor (not least due to the real fire keeping the place toasty in winter!) In a world where everything and everyone is becoming anonymous, it is places like the Swan that provide salvation: a regular’s haven but welcoming to anyone, and a quality pub flowing with conversation. Traditional and brilliant pubs are closing daily and we’re seeing a rapid influx of trendy craft beer bars catering to those that love the diverse offering of the craft scene. In such a fast paced and competitive landscape, the Swan has adapted to these changes in a dignified way. You’ll not only find a great range of well-kept real ales
(Castle Rock, LocALe and national favourites) and some wonderful whiskies, but due to Discover World Beers, the Swan also offers an everincreasing arsenal of craft beers, both in keg and bottle, from the UK, Europe and the rest of the world. Pie-lovers are spoilt at the Swan, which is the only place in Loughborough to boast the full range of “Pieminister” pies. There is a huge selection to choose from, including at least one vegetarian option – and the pies themselves are absolutely delicious. Upstairs hides the Hop Loft, the appropriately-name function room which also offers a great stocking of craft and world beer. The Hop Loft can cater to a variety of needs. Equipped with its own staffed bar, private terrace and free WiFi, the Hop Loft is the perfect place for anything from birthday parties to business meetings to wakes. Phil and the team at the Swan are working hard to make sure the customers are getting the best deal possible; so if there is a specific drink you’d like us to stock just let them know and they’ll try to get it in. We’ve also lowered a number of alcoholic drinks by 20p-40p, with a one year price-fix guarantee. This replaces our loyalty card scheme at the Swan, giving you value at the point of purchase by enabling you to save on a wider range of products. Whether you want a quiet drink, music, a hearty pie or a party, give the Swan a try!
Hop Loft
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Drinks in Focus
Discover World Beers goes big! Drive up and fill up In the past year, Discover World Beers has expanded at an incredible rate, one we had hoped for but certainly couldn’t predict. With Wayne Harvey (who as ‘World Beer Buyer’ knows virtually everything there is to know about world beers) and with friends from breweries across the world (need we mention the visit from Left Hand??) plus amazing third party wholesalers, we are all set to go big. So, without further ado, we are thrilled to announce our new Discover World Beers shop.
At the time of writing we are putting many plans together but when CRQ goes to print, work on this new venture will be well underway. We’re building a list of 500 bottles we’d like to offer you, to ensure we bring something brand new to the city of Nottingham. Situated adjacent to the brewery on Queensbridge Road (only a 2 minute walk from Nottingham train station), the Discover World Beers shop will consist of a large onsite warehouse, front of house shop,
and online store. The plan is that while you sit at home, ordering beers online, we are in the warehouse picking them out for you. Or you can just drive up and fill up. It doesn’t get better than that, does it? We are hoping to have everything up and running for the summer of 2015, but follow @DiscoverWBeers to stay in the loop with all the developments.
‘I want this place to be an Aladdin’s cave of beer’ - Colin Wilde, Managing Director
@DiscoverWBeers Follow us to stay in loop with offers, events and news World beer buyer Wayne Harvey selects his favourites this winter from the Discover World Beers range Beavertown Gamma Ray This beer is a bit of a favourite of mine, a ‘go-to’ beer if you will. I first tried it around two years ago and since then it seems to have got better and better. Five different hop varieties create a punchy tropical fruit salad-like aroma, and it weighs in at 55 IBUs so it’s fairly bitter but not to the point of astringency. Some of our bars stock this beer in cans (which are hard to miss) and draught on occasion. Chimay – Blue ‘Grande Réserve’ Chimay Blue is the Trappist brewery’s most prestigious beer; originally brewed for Christmas it proved so popular that they now brew it all year round. It’s the only Chimay beer to have a vintage, and cellared bottles can fetch considerable sums of cash. The beer itself, when young, has flavours of caramel, dried fruits and some spice. There is some alcohol warmth, although this mellows with age. Older varieties will have more intense prune and spice. Woody notes will develop as it oxidises which can resemble flavours reminiscent of Sherry. This is definitely one to savour. Enjoy it with rich cheeses and gamey meats.
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Left Hand - Milk Stout Left Hand self proclaim their flagship beer as ‘America’s stout’ – almost a direct challenge to another, well known Irish variety. The beer is incredibly easy going; it’s hardly a session beer either at 6%. It’s sweet and creamy owing to the lactose sugar and has flavours of roast coffee and chocolate. This also comes as a ‘Nitro’ version, where the smooth creaminess of the beer is aided by the addition of nitrogen (much like that wellknown Irish variety I mentioned earlier…). Give it a try if you find it and as Left Hand say, pour hard!
Birra Del Borgo/Dogfish Head – My Antonia This beer is a collaboration between two of the world’s most well regarded breweries, Italy’s Birra Del Borgo and the USA’s Dogfish Head. It’s a 7% pilsner, continually hopped during a 60-minute boil. The hops used are a mix of American Simcoe, Warrior and traditional Central European Saaz varieties. The mix of simple, traditional pilsner malt and the high hopping rate creates something
quite elegant. There’s floral, citrus and pine aromas, flavours of stone fruit and a touch of pepper from the hops while the malt adds a little sweetness. This is available at the Canalhouse in bottles, although you may occasionally see it on draught.
Competition success for Ikaheka There was success for Castle Rock Brewery at the SIBA Craft Beer in Keg North regional competition held at the Canalhouse in November. Our craft keg beer Ikaheka was awarded the Bronze medal in the Premium Bitters, Pale & Golden Ales category. Brewed to an abv of 5.2%, Ikaheka is a golden IPA featuring allAmerican hops, and dry-hopped with Chinook.
New pub
Damian Brandon is looking forward to welcoming thirsty travellers and drinkers alike.
Bringing you a Castle Rock micropub in the transport hub of the East Midlands If you are a Nottingham resident or visitor, you’ll know the last couple of years have seen some big changes at Nottingham railway station. Although we’ve all felt like lost children at some point or another, there’s no doubt that using the station is now a smoother and more enjoyable process.
The concourse has to be the most appealing change. Gone are the fumes of black cabs, replaced by a shiny floored and airy space, filled with the scent of coffee and food. It’s a great place to begin your journey, or to drop into for lunch, but doesn’t it feel like something is still missing? Ah yes. It is of course Castle Rock beer you are missing, and we are excited to announce you won’t be missing it for long. Located just outside the concourse is a small grade ll listed building, which we are now working on to bring you a Castle Rock micropub in the transport hub of the East Midlands.
is looking forward to welcoming thirsty travellers and drinkers. “It’s great to be part of this place. I’m sure it will be an exciting addition to the growing number of station bars and taps across the country. It’s going to be one of the quirkiest bars in Nottingham, that’s for sure. “It’ll be the perfect place to relax for thirsty travellers and even locals who just need a break on their way home.” Watch this space, we can’t wait to welcome you to Castle Rock’s new bar…small but perfectly formed!
It’s difficult to know at what stage this project will be when we send CRQ to print, but we know for sure that the pub is set to offer a unique stop-off for travellers. Retaining most of the original features with nods to its history including a running train set, and exceptional real ale brewed just a minute away, this cosy pub is set to be a hub in itself. Damian Brandon will be taking on the new venture and says he
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In Focus
The Newshouse A traditional community pub on the outskirts of the city centre Traditional it may be and indeed within an active community, but the Newshouse has evolved over the years and under the Castle Rock banner it has flourished, while many traditional pubs have simply disappeared. At 123 Canal Street, Nottingham, sits the Newshouse. Notable for its blue exterior tiling, this unassuming, family-run hostelry is traditional in many aspects. It’s a pub that continues to demonstrate the key aims that Chris Holmes set out to achieve, 38 years ago, when Castle Rock began. Chris’s idea was to create pubs which were friendly, welcoming, and served high quality beer. Though the years have rolled by and Castle Rock pubs are now a varied mix, all of them continue to boast these values.
A Literary Link to the Past What many don’t know is that the Newshouse has an important link to Nottingham’s past. Local historians claim the Newshouse is the oldest surviving address along Canal Street, certainly around in 1848 and possibly from 1796 when the street was formed. Most significantly, the pub is linked to an important activity which used to take place back in the 1800s. Before education became both compulsory and considered necessary, the oral sharing of information was an important process in communication.
Some pubs would employ those who were literate to read the latest news to those who were not. In Nottingham there were only two sites where this took place, the second of which has now changed its name. Despite being first licensed in the 1850s, and passing through the hands of many owners including Home Ales and Mansfield Brewery (and Castle Rock since 2002), The Newshouse retains its original name today. Plus, take a step inside and you will see the pub is adorned with local news memorabilia; a constant reminder of its heritage. We asked Colin Sinclair, licensee of the Newshouse, ‘what makes a successful pub?’ Well for as a start, as with all Castle Rock pubs, beer quality is at the top of the list. Harvest Pale is by far our best seller, and probably the most popular beer across Nottingham. This is where the customer comes in. Over the last twelve months we
have become mainly a LocAle pub; our customers tell us what they want and what they don’t like, and that’s what it’s all about: Customer participation and involvement. The Castle Rock tenancy is flexible, which means we have been able to offer beers from most of Nottingham’s wonderful creative brewers. A local food and beer reviewer Dave (visit curryandbeer.co.uk) described your food menu as ‘well thought-out and just about perfect.’ Gone are the days when pubs offered a packet of crisps or salted nuts. Customers expect, and rightly so, a bit more. We serve light lunches from a varied menu (from 12 noon - 3.00pm) which is popular with our regulars and office customers. In the evenings, we don’t compete with the fantastic eating experiences that Nottingham has to offer, and prefer to offer the perfect partner to a good beer with the likes of pies, cheese and meat. Nottingham is a great city for events. You must get a lot of trade when there’s a game or gig on? The Newshouse is ideally located for fans of sporting events, concerts and comedy nights. It’s within walking distance of both of Nottingham’s football grounds, the Capital FM Arena, and two minutes from Nottingham train station. We have always been pleased with the support we get from the sporting fraternity; Forest, County and the Panthers. Many Saturdays, both before and after the game, the pub is filled with both home and away supporters having a ‘constructive chat’ over a beer and a cob. So what about the future? I suppose it’s a case of keep doing what Castle Rock pubs do best: Taking care of our customers whilst always on the lookout for new ideas.
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Up & Coming Brews There is a great variety of beers we are looking to brew in 2015. Returning next year are the next four Nottinghamian beers (see page 4 of this issue), plus a new batch of Traffic Street Specials, seasonals and two more Commemoration Collection beers, marking the centenary of World War I. Here’s a look at what’s to come in the next three months.
JANUARY - MARCH 2015
4.5% abv
4.2% abv
Stout with aromas of coffee Pilsner-style pale ale, and chocolate, Sherwood floral aroma which gives Reserve is brewed with way to a clean, slightly roast malt and Columbian grainy finish. Dedicated coffee beans. The beer to the best manager closes with a fresh hop and England never had! bitter chocolate taste, and is very drinkable.
NEW CORE BEER
5.0% abv
4.2% abv
5.5% abv
New Zealand Waimea hops A very well-balanced beer; Rich, warming give this single hop IPA an smooth to winter ale with a aroma of pine and citrus drink with wide distinctive hop and caramel fruits, and a refreshing customer appeal. finish. fruity bitterness. AVAILABLE FROM MARCH All of our beers contain Gluten from Malted Barley and Wheat. Some of our special and one-off beers may contain additional allergens, please check our website for further details
We’ve shaken things up for 2015. In addition to Red Riding Hood and Sherwood Reserve joining our permanent range of beers, we’ve got an array of exciting specials, seasonals and one-offs coming up too. Alongside our Nottinghamian Celebration Ales and Wildlife Reserves, look out for:
Beers to look out for later in the year
4.8% abv
3.9% abv
4.4% abv
4.0% abv
4.4% abv
German style smoked beer with an oaky aroma and lingering sweetness, brewed in commemoration of the Great War. AVAILABLE MAY
A tribute to the women’s workforce of the Great War, with this golden beer with notes of citrus and upfront bitterness. AVAILABLE SEPTEMBER
Our dark and mysterious pumpkin porter…spooky!
This amber beer with a long zesty finish is brewed is dedicated to Movember, in support of men’s health charities. AVAILABLE NOVEMBER
Elsie Mo takes a festive turn with fruity flavours, spice and a bitter finish. AVAILABLE DECEMBER
AVAILABLE OCTOBER
Plus: Magna Carta, available in June to mark 800 years since the human rights charter was sealed. Plus: Crafty Flanker, brewed in celebration of the 2015 Rugby World Cup being staged in the UK in September and October 2015
Plus: Traffic Street Specials Our artisan brews will be continuing throughout 2015. Sporadically brewed and limited in availability, it’s first come first served! Follow @Traffic_Street to stay up-to-date
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Brewery Tours “Oo-dee-lally, oo-dee-lally, Golly Nottingham is famous for many things: the lace industry; rebel writers Alan Sillitoe, DH Lawrence and Lord Byron; Trent Bridge; two progressive universities, and beer obviously. Yet despite everything the county has to offer, the medieval legend of Robin Hood remains the most prevalent of all.
There’s something compelling about this heroic outlaw that keeps him widely present in literature, films, television, and imaginations across the world. While a child sports a Lincoln green tunic, draws their plastic bow and arrow and cries “I want to be Robin Hood when I grow up!” they have unwittingly selected an actual career choice. Tim Pollard, a self-proclaimed ‘middle-aged man with a dressing up box’, is Nottingham’s official Robin Hood. From hosting medieval banquets, to representing Nottingham in New York, Tim has one of the most unique (and probably one of the best) jobs in the world. As a good friend of Castle Rock and real ale enthusiast, when we asked Robin Hood if he would be our brewery tour guide in 2011, he jumped at the chance. Liv Auckland sat down with Tim, in costume but out of character, to chat about how he came to be Robin Hood.
TO BOOK A TOUR WITH ROBIN HOOD*, CALL: 0115 985 0611 OR VISIT www.castlerockbrewery.co.uk
Tim Pollard, the city of Nottingham’s official Robin Hood, and also a Castle Rock Brewery tour guide!
Prices start from just £12 per person and include the sampling of Castle Rock beers *Subject to availability
Counter Measure Offers this January on soft drinks and virgin cocktails We’re doing our best to support our customers by making soft drinks more affordable during a tight time of year. In return, please support your local pub this January.
Alcohol Concern is a government-funded charity which perpetuates a negative view of alcohol that we are all too familiar with. Unfortunately, responsible drinkers in quality pubs often get lumbered with those at the extreme end of the spectrum. The charity fails to acknowledge the impact such a campaign has on pub-based communities. As a company, we have always been clear on our messages to encourage responsible drinking. We love brewing, and we love the finished result. Our beers deserve to be savoured and enjoyed. We want our customers to enjoy our pubs throughout the year and, throughout January in particular, we will be working to
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ensure pubs remain a staple part of British life. They are a safe haven for people across the country, whether they are supping a pint or a soft drink, or warming up with coffee. They are places where people can chat, debate, read and relax. Encouraging people to ‘go dry’ threatens these key establishments. Throughout January we will be offering generous discounts on our soft drinks, and many of our pubs will be offering a number of exciting “virgin” cocktails. Our message is – keep coming to the pub, enjoy what they have to offer and always drink responsibly. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter for more information.
what a Day! This is a pretty unique career you’ve got Tim, how did it happen? I used to do Viking re-enactments in the eighties with some friends, it was great fun. I was working in a games shop and then opened a little hippy shop in the nineties. I guess I was travelling in the right crowds, because the people from the ‘Tales of Robin Hood’ invited me to join in on their medieval banquets. Six weeks later the former Robin Hood left and they asked me. What happened with the Sheriff’s Lodge? (The Sheriff’s Lodge, formerly based on Canal Street in Nottingham, has recently been demolished) I was halfway through a gig when I was told the building had been closed. I think the owner had a better offer. The crowd was a group of French school children, and we told them that it was our last gig. They stood up and gave us a standing ovation, it was so lovely. So when you aren’t giving amazing brewery tours at Castle Rock, what are you doing? I go all over the place. I’ve been to New York three times which was fabulous. I’m great friends with the official Pied Piper of Hamelin in Germany, so we work together to raise money for children’s charities. I do a lot with the council and the Robin Hood Pageant at Nottingham Castle, where we have knights on horseback, medieval jousting and medieval village building. Plus Maid Marian and I carried the Olympic Torch which was a highlight.
Let’s talk about Sal, your real life Maid Marian… Oooh she’s lovely. About ten years ago, I needed a Maid Marian and asked her. It wasn’t a chat-up line, honestly. We worked together for seven years pretending we were in love. And then you fell in love? And then we fell in love. It’s the next generation now, with Scarlett. (Tim and Sal’s daughter, Scarlett, was born on Boxing Day 2013) Finally, there are loads of fantastic breweries in Nottingham, so why Castle Rock? Castle Rock asking me to do tours in the first place shows what a vibrant and fun company it is. And I truly believe everyone there is dedicated to producing perfect beer. When I ask Tim what to expect from a tour with Robin Hood, he looks at me straight, and in a raspy voice declares ‘misery, depression….death’. I am only just absorbing his comical persona, when he begins listing what to really expect. “My tours are entertaining and, although technical, they aren’t too technical. You gain a good background into brewing and end up with a greater appreciation of how your beer is made. And a greater appreciation of the people who make it for you.”
Beer of the Year 2014-15 Who will be crowned winner? February brings for Castle Rock one of our favourite events. In the months leading up to Beer of the Year, we receive a mass of voting slips from our customers. These are totted up to establish who will take home LocAle of the Year, NewBrew of the Year, Brewery of the Year and of course the prestigious Beer of the Year award. Although many of you try, you can’t vote for Castle Rock beers, and you can only
vote for cask ales which have been available in our pubs during the last twelve months. Last year’s Gold Beer of the Year went to Newby Wyke ‘Orsino’, a golden ale which at 4.0% is a sessionable and flavourful delight, with citrus aromas and a hoppy bite to finish. Who will be crowned winner this year? Voting slips can be found in all Castle Rock pubs. Voting closes 16th January 2015.
We’ve added a brand new award, Cider of the Year, in support of real cider and perry makers across the country. Many of our pubs stock large quantities of real cider, so there’s plenty to sample and vote for.
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Editor’s Picks
Upcoming Events New Year Blues?
BIG PICKS
Many of us spend the start of a year at home, avoiding the dreary weather and taking time to reassess our lives. But what fun is that? Check out what’s on in our pubs January-March and get into the flow of 2015.
Thirsty Thursdays The Bread & Bitter Thursday 15th January, 10am The Bread launches ‘Thirsty Thursdays’, a new coffee morning in the hub of Mapperley. Come down to start your day with pastries, a cappuccino and a catch up.
Folk Day From the Poppy Folk Club, the Poppy & Pint
Full listings can be found at www.castlerockbrewery.co.uk/event Sunday 25th January
Burns’ Night Celebrating the life of Robert Burns with classic Burns’ Night suppers, special dishes of haggis, neeps and tatties, and offers on Scottish beers and whisky. Vat & Fiddle, Swan in the Rushes, Lincolnshire Poacher, Kean’s Head, Stratford Haven and the Poppy & Pint Sunday 25th-Saturday 31st January
Farmhouse Breakfast Week Shaking up your wake up with a wealth of wonderful breakfast produce, Farmhouse breakfast week includes all day breakfasts, cooked with fresh and local produce. Vat & Fiddle, Bread & Bitter, Stratford Haven, Poppy & Pint Monday 26th January
Tuesday 17th February
Shrove Tuesday If you were a pancake, what type of pancake would you be? Buttermilk, Kaiserschmarrn, Blini, Pannukakku, Apan Balik, or topped with lemon and sugar? We’re going flipping crazy (sorry), with sweet and savoury pancakes. Plus, the Swan hosts a ‘Pancake Challenge’… Swan in the Rushes, Lincolnshire Poacher, Stratford Haven, Fox & Crown and the Poppy & Pint
Australia Day Aussie beers & burgers are on offer, taking our British hats off to celebrate our friends down under. Plus the Bread hosts an Australian themed quiz, with proceeds donated to charity. Bread & Bitter, Lincolnshire Poacher and the Canalhouse Sunday 1st February
Yorkshire Pudding Day No roast dinner is complete without Yorkshires. The nation loves them so much that, for one day every year, those light, fluffy delights are the centre of attention. Giant Yorkshire for lunch, anyone? Bread & Bitter, Swan in the Rushes, Stratford Haven and the Poppy & Pint Monday 2nd- Sunday 8th February
Bramley Apple Week Did you know that in 1809, the Bramley tree was first grown in Nottinghamshire? Now the mother of cooking apples, this sweet golden treat can be enjoyed in various forms, from Bramley burgers to spicy apple meringue. Bread & Bitter and the Kean’s Head
Full listings on our website updated daily
Monday 2nd- Sunday 8th March
British Pie Week Pie lovers unite in one of our favourite annual awareness weeks…seven whole days of pie heaven! The menu is set to include award winning pies from Pieminister, homemade pies, pudding pies and, at the Lincolnshire Poacher, you can vote for the pie of your dreams to be created… Swan in the Rushes, Bread & Bitter, Lincolnshire Poacher, Stratford Haven, Canalhouse, Fox & Crown and the Poppy & Pint.
PLUS 13th March 2015 Visit www.castlerockbrewery/rednose
Saturday 17th - Sunday 18th January Saturday night brings a spectacular display of dancing and pyrotechnics from Mr Fox, followed by a stomping music session, a sneak preview of the Sunday performers, and some ceilidh dancing. Sunday will be packed with various performances and folk artists. Visit www.poppyfolkclub.co.uk to watch the details unfold!
San Francisco Craft Beer Week A Discover World Beers Event, the Canalhouse Saturday 7th- Monday 16th February The Canalhouse showcase beers from the cultural centre of Northern California, with beers from the likes of Pine Street and Drake’s Brewing Co., and of course America’s first craft brewery, Anchor. A specially created San Francisco inspired menu will also be available.
American Night The Golden Eagle Thursday 12th February, 7pm The Golden Eagle brings the USA to you. Bet you’re “jonesing” for a burger and fries with craft beer on the side…
SWAN BEER FESTIVAL Swan in the Rushes Thursday 19th March, 5pm Saturday 21st March
Colorado Craft Beer Week A Discover World Beers Event, the Canalhouse Saturday 21st- Sunday 29th March The Canalhouse showcase beers from the state of Colorado, home to the “Napa Valley of Beer”, a Northern area with high density of craft breweries. With beers from the likes of Odell, Great Divide and New Belgium, and a specially created Colorado inspired menu.
www.castlerockbrewery.co.uk/event
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LocAle What’s new in 2015 Elin Callow, Customer Service Manager, gives a sneak peek into what she’s lined up for this New Year In 2015 we are continuing our commitment to featuring new and local breweries, as supporters of CAMRA and the LocAle scheme. 2014 saw the likes of Hale’s Brewing and Totally Brewed hit our bars. Totally Brewed’s ‘4 Hopmen of the Apocalypse’ went on to take home Gold in the SIBA Regional Beer Competition, so it’s fair to say some great beers are being created by new and local breweries. We’ll be featuring beer from Charnwood Brewery, based in Loughborough, which falls into both the NewBrew and LocAle categories. Charnwood Brewery was started by Andrew and Andrea Reed in December; Andrew formally worked as Sales Director at Batemans and, having trained with Sara Barton, Andrea is the Brewster.
Their son George is a chip off the old block too - he worked with us at Castle Rock last summer (and George, we could ‘handle the banter’). Charnwood beers will be on our bars in January, with the likes of ‘Old School’, ‘Salvation’ and ‘Vixen’. We also wanted to take this opportunity to welcome our friends at Black Iris to Nottingham, after the recent move from their site in Derby. We initially featured beers from Black Iris a few years back, and the brews have been a hit, with Alex and Nick taking home two great awards from our annual Beer of the Year.
The Black Iris boys heading to Nottingham The Derby site has now been taken over by Frontier Brewing, set up by old school friends Dave Garland and John Russell. Two old friends brewing beer together? Sounds like you’re living the dream guys! We’ll be featuring their beers in February, so keep an eye out for some great new and local brews.
We believe no other brewer supports the local brewing scene more than Castle Rock At Castle Rock we are committed to supporting the cause and work of local charities. This edition we’re featuring a piece from a leading cancer research centre at Nottingham Trent University The John van Geest Cancer Research Centre is a cutting edge facility based at the Clifton Campus of Nottingham Trent University. Located in the heart of the local community, our scientists are doing amazing things to help understand and treat cancer – particularly breast and prostate cancers, which kill 22,000 people annually, in the UK alone. I in 3 of us will develop a cancer of some sort in our lifetime and so it is imperative that we understand this complex disease and learn how to give patients better outcomes and quality of life. The work at the centre focuses
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on identifying the subtle differences between the behaviour of cancer cells and normal cells, in order to develop improved ways of diagnosing cancer. The earlier a patient is diagnosed, the better their survival rate; we can then harness those differences to inform the development of therapies or vaccines that work with the body’s own immune system to treat and beat the cancer. 100% of the money we receive goes directly to the research, patients locally in Nottingham and the East Midlands are already benefiting from the improved diagnostic programmes we are developing and this inspirational work will one day have
global impact, helping to save millions of lives as well as putting our city on the world stage as a centre of excellence. We need help with funding for this vital work and we need friends and supporters to spread the word about the research. For more information on how you can support us, please go to:
or contact Sue Dewey OBE – sue.dewey@ntu.ac.uk
For the record
2014 - What a year! There were ups and there were downs, there were sleepless nights, a few too many beers consumed and lots of comfort eating...but boy, what a year we had. Thank you to everyone who made 2014 such a success! MAY
JANUARY
l The Poppy & Pint ‘saved a life’, with customers raising over £1000 for the local air ambulance
FEBRUARY
l The Castle Rock Tap Room & Kitchen opened at East Midlands Airport, and Harvest Pale became the breakfast beer of choice! l The Canalhouse was selected by Nottingham CAMRA to host CBON - Champion Beer of Nottinghamshire l Midnight Owl won Gold (old ale/strong mild category) in the East Midlands regional beer competition, at the CAMRA Winter Ales Festival l The Derby Tup had a special visit from Roger Protz, having been featured for 30 years in the Good Beer Guide
l Our new website went live with a enhanced functionality and contemporary look
l We supported the Hemlock Happening for another year, working to support local councils and residents
JUNE
l The Commemoration Collection was launched with a ceremony at Nottingham Castle, 100 years after the First World War began l BeerAche was held at the Maze, a night of grindcore/hardcore metal to launch our Digby Pearson Nottinghamian Celebration Ales
JULY
l The Poppy & Pint won Runner Up in the Nottingham CAMRA Pub of the Year 2014 l The first ever Discover World Beers Festival kicked off at the Canalhouse, the Kean’s Head and the Lincolnshire Poacher
l Beer of the Year 2013-2014 was held, and Gold went to Newby Wyke’s Orsino
MARCH
l The Nottinghamian Celebration Ales were ‘Highly Commended’ in the SIBA National Business Awards l Our five barrel fermenting vessel was set up and we launched Traffic Street Specials with the first beer, #1 Stereotype
APRIL
l After months of work, the Willowbrook in Gedling opened and, if we say so ourselves, is a big hit!
l We took home two golds and two silvers at Derby’s 2014 Charter Summer Beer Festival!
AUGUST
l Black Gold won bronze in the Milds category at the Great British Beer Festival l The Peace Celebration Street Party raised funds for Amnesty International UK and the Royal British Legion, in commemoration of the Great War
SEPTEMBER
l We sponsored the launch of the amazing and poignant Fields of Battle street exhibition, in remembrance of the Great War l The Lincolnshire Poacher had a garden facelift, and opened its doors to Bumble, the former England cricketer David Lloyd l Derby CAMRA celebrated 40 years since it was founded at the Alexandra Hotel
OCTOBER
l Robin Hood Beer & Cider Festival 2014! Our favourite annual festival was better than ever. Nottingham Castle continues to be the best location for a beer festival, with breath-taking views of the city, and the set up was spot on. We launched our new livery and Red Riding Hood, both of which had amazing feedback. Thousands filled the grounds over those days and, though it’s only just passed, we’re already making plans for RHBCF 2015! l We brewed a one-off beer for the Hockley Hustle 2014, an event which raised an amazing £23,850 l Red Riding Hood became Evil Scarecrow’s beer, with a sold-out launch of the band’s album at the Canalhouse
NOVEMBER
l We went Movember mad with the sprouting of many moustaches, and brewed our charity beer, Walrus, in aid of Men’s Health l The Canalhouse hosted the SIBA regional Craft Beer in Keg competition and festival, with over 100 beers available
DECEMBER We had a very Merry Christmas!
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Castle Rock Pubs
All of our pubs follow the latest allergen legislation. Further details are available in each establishment.
ALEXANDRA HOTEL 203 Siddals Road, Derby DE1 2QE
BREAD AND BITTER
153-155 Woodthorpe Dr, Mapperley, NG3 5JL
CANALHOUSE
e-mail: alexandrahotel@castlerockbrewery.co.uk F: Alexandra Hotel T: @Alex_Pub_Derby
e-mail: breadandbitter@castlerockbrewery.co.uk F: Bread Bitter T: @breadandbitter
e-mail: canalhouse@castlerockbrewery.co.uk F: Canal House T: @canalhousebar
Tel: 01332 293993
Tel: 0115 960 7541
48-52 Canal Street, Nottingham NG1 7EH
Tel: 0115 955 5060
CASTLE ROCK TAP ROOM & KITCHEN
DERBY TUP
387 Sheffield Rd, Chesterfield S41 8LS
EAGLE
e-mail: derbytup@castlerockbrewery.co.uk F: The Derby Tup T: @TheDerbyTup
e-mail: eagle@castlerockbrewery.co.uk F: The Eagle T: @TheEagleBoston
FOREST TAVERN/MAZE 257 Mansfield Road, Nottingham NG1 3FT
FOX AND CROWN
4-6 Appletongate, Newark, Notts NG24 1JY
GOLDEN EAGLE
email: info@themazerocks.com • web: www.themazerocks.com F: The Maze T: @themazenotts
e-mail: foxandcrown@castlerockbrewery.co.uk F: The Fox & Crown Newark T: @TheFoxandCrown
e-mail: goldeneagle@castlerockbrewery.co.uk F: The Golden Eagle Free House T: @GoldenEaglePub
First Floor Departure Lounge, East Midlands Airport
Tel: 0115 947 5650
144 West Street, Boston, Lincs PE21 8RE
Tel: 01246 454316
Tel: 01205 361116
Tel: 01636 605820
21 High Street, Lincoln LN5 8BD
Tel: 01522 521058
KEAN’S HEAD
46 St. Mary’s Gate, Nottingham NG1 1QA
161-163 Mansfield Road, Nott’m NG1 3FR
LINCOLNSHIRE POACHER
NEW BARRACK TAVERN
e-mail: keanshead@castlerockbrewery.co.uk F: Kean’s Head T: @keanshead
e-mail: lincolnshirepoacher@castlerockbrewery.co.uk F: Lincolnshire Poacher T: @lincpoacher
e-mail: newbarracktavern@castlerockbrewery.co.uk F: New Barrack Tavern T: @NewBarrack
Tel: 0115 947 4052
Tel: 0115 941 1584
601 Penistone Road, Sheffield S6 2GA
Tel: 0114 234 9148
NEWSHOUSE
123 Canal Street, Nottingham NG1 7HB
POPPY AND PINT
Pierrepont Road, Lady Bay, Notts NG2 5DX
ROOK AND GASKILL
e-mail: newshouse@castlerockbrewery.co.uk F: The Newshouse T: @NewshouseNotts
e-mail: poppyandpint@castlerockbrewery.co.uk F: Poppy & Pint T: @PoppyandPint
e-mail: rookandgaskill@castlerockbrewery.co.uk F: The Rook and Gaskill T: @RookGaskillYork
Tel: 0115 952 3061
Tel: 0115 981 9995
12 Lawrence Street, York YO10 3WP
Tel: 01904 655450
2 Stratford Rd, W. Bridgford, Nott’m NG2 6BA
SWAN IN THE RUSHES 21 The Rushes, Loughborough LE11 5BE
12-14 Queensbridge Rd, Nottingham NG2 1NB
e-mail: stratfordhaven@castlerockbrewery.co.uk F: Stratford Haven T: @stratfordhaven
e-mail: swanintherushes@castlerockbrewery.co.uk F: Swan Rushes T: @swanrushes
e-mail: vatandfiddle@castlerockbrewery.co.uk F: Vat and Fiddle T: @VatandFiddle
Tel: 0115 982 5981
VICTORIA HOTEL
(Hands On Pub Company)
Tel: 01509 217014
VAT AND FIDDLE
(The Brewery Tap)
STRATFORD HAVEN
Tel: 0115 985 0611
Dovecote Lane, Beeston, Nott’m NG9 1JG
WETMORE WHISTLE
93 Wetmore Road, Burton on Trent, DE14 1SH
WILLOWBROOK
e-mail: vichotel@btconnect.com F: The-Victoria-Hotel T: @TheVicBeeston
e-mail: wetmorewhistle@castlerockbrewery.co.uk F: The Wetmore Whistle T: @wetmorewhistle1
e-mail: willowbrook@castlerockbrewery.co.uk F: The Willowbrook T: @WillowbrookCRB
Tel: 0115 925 4049
Tel: 01283 541064
13 Main Rd, Gedling, Nottingham NG4 3HQ
Tel: 0115 987 8596
Core Castle Rock Beers 3.4%
Brewed to be a traditional session ale with a malty bitter taste.
F: Sheriff Tipple T: @SheriffTipple
3.8%
A national awardwinning blonde beer. American hops give a refreshingly crisp, citrus finish.
3.8%
A well balanced, award-winning dark mild with some bitterness. Full-bodied but not overly sweet.
4.3%
American-style red ale brewed with dark crystal malt, plus El Dorado and Kohatu hops.
4.4%
A full-bodied premium bitter of typical East Midlands character. Perfect bitter-sweet balance.
T: @CRBrewery
4.7%
5.5%
Blonde and beautiful single malt golden ale refreshing on the palate.
A national champion. Strong India Pale Ale. Lots of everything so proceed with caution.
4.5%
Brewed with fresh Columbian coffee beans. Flavours of rich chocolate and coffee are in the nose, and the taste is smooth and lasting.
F: Castle Rock Brewery
F: Elsie Mo T: @Elsiemocrb
F: Screech Owl T: @ScreechOwlCRB
The next issue of Castle Rock Quarter is published in April The seasonal beers will include Idle Valley Reserve, Skylark Reserve, and Watson Fothergill