All the latest news, views and essential information from Castle Rock Brewery
No:6 Summer 2015
www.castlerockbrewery.co.uk
Welcome
Beer news
Welcome to the summer edition of the Castle Rock Quarter.
Beers of Summer
There’s a lot to update you on, so I’ll avoid the waffle and begin! It isn’t an unusual state of affairs but since the last time of writing, we’ve been very busy, particularly with the couple of additional pubs you’ll find listed on the back. Firstly, we brought the Horse & Plough in Bingham under Castle Rock operation in April, and are delighted to hold the keys to such a treasure. Secondly, The Embankment at Trent Bridge finally joined the Castle Rock clan just before this issue went to print. Both of these pubs are covered in more depth within these pages. On less than a happy note, the Willowbrook in Gedling suffered a severe fire in April. We were heartbroken and many tears were shed, but nobody was hurt and that’s the main thing. I just want to say a big thank you for all the messages of goodwill, and all the individuals involved in the herculean effort to restore the pub. I am amazed that by the time you’re reading this, the doors will likely be open again, and our team will be back behind the bar welcoming you and serving excellent beer and food. Finally, I’m sure you’ll all join me in wishing our head brewer Adrian a very happy 50th birthday. Congratulations on reaching this milestone, and we hope you have many more pints left in you! I hope you enjoy this issue. Cheers!
Colin Wilde Managing Director @SheriffTipple If there are pub or beer related topics you’d like us to cover in the coming issues, please let us know.
Queensbridge Road, Nottingham NG2 1NB
Tel: 0115 985 1615 General enquiries: admin@castlerockbrewery.co.uk Sales enquiries: lotte.sefton@castlerockbrewery.co.uk Recruitment: sarah.halpin@castlerockbrewery.co.uk CRQ is designed and produced by freerbutler limited www.freerbutler-gds.co.uk
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Although we had typically turbulent weather throughout spring, it looks like the balmy evenings are finally upon us, with the warm sun providing the beautiful beer garden backdrop. By the time this edition lands, we’re hoping to be sporting shorts and t-shirts, sunglasses and sandals, and a pint of beer in hand There are a number of Castle Rock beers to look forward to during the summer months, from our delicious wheat beer, Skylarks Reserve, to our James Shipstone collaborative brew with Richard Neale and Colin Brown. Remember, it’s not just about pale ales; look out for our well-balanced coffee stout Sherwood Reserve which is the newest member of our core range. With rich coffee and chocolate aromas it’s a perfect match for intensely flavoured dishes. Who says stouts are just for winter?
Skylarks Reserve 4.5% German-style wheat beer with white chocolate and hints of clove. Unfined and vegan friendly. See: Pale Yellow, Cloudy Smell: Banana, Clove, Spice Taste: Smooth, Refreshing, White Chocolate, Clove Bitterness: 3 Sweetness: 3 Pair with: A sweet creamy pudding, like vanilla cheesecake or banoffee pie Nottinghamian Celebration Ales
James Shipstone 4.2% Old-style IPA with a modern twist. See: Pale Golden Smell: Fresh Hop, Herbal Taste: Earthy, Fruity, Refreshing Bitterness: 4 Sweetness: 3
Hemlock Bitter (Available until July) 4.0% Full-flavoured traditional session bitter. See: Mid-brown Smell: Distinctive Traditional Hop Taste: Dry, Bitter, Long Aftertaste Bitterness: 4 Sweetness: 2 Pair with: A ploughman’s platter of cheeses, pickle and rustic bread
Runnymede 800 (Limited availability) 4.2% Brewed to commemorate the sealing of the Magna Carta 800 years ago, Runnymede 800 is a golden-brown bitter brewed with local honey and hop varieties from New Zealand and the USA. See: Golden Brown Smell: Fresh Hop, Lemongrass Taste: Honey, Crisp, Spicy, Floral Sweetness Bitterness: 4 Sweetness: 3 Pair with: Sweet and sticky meats, like marinated ribs or pulled pork
Robin Hood, Robin Hood, riding through the glen, Robin Hood, Robin Hood stopped for a pint or ten!”
Beer and food
Brews n’ Bites It’s arguable that beer is more food-friendly than wine; after all, brewers can experiment with a huge variety of ingredients, from barley, hops and yeast to spices, fruits and chocolate Along with the rising of craft beer has been the recognition that beer has an amazing capacity to pair with all kinds of foods.
Munitionettes: Women’s Workforce 3.9% (Available from September) The fifth beer in the Commemoration Collection range, brewed in homage to the women’s workforce of the first world war, Munitionettes is a citrusy golden ale with a fresh bitterness. Donations are made to charity from the sale of each pint. See: Golden Smell: Blueberries, Pine, Citrus Taste: Fresh Upfront Bitterness Bitterness: 4 Sweetness: 3 Pair with: Crispy beer battered fish and chips (Buy a “take out” of Munitionettes to make your own beer batter at home)
The general understanding is that commonalities should be found between the beer and food. Take a stout for example: stouts are rich, dark and complexly flavoured, so they pair beautifully with roasted, smoked and barbecued foods. Pilsners on the other hand, are light and refreshing, so work best alongside cheeses, seafood and salmon. Order a pilsner alongside your barbecued ribs however, and you’ll likely miss the flavours of the beer. By following this general guideline of matching, you’re in for a win-win situation. What you’ll find is that the notes from your sip of beer evoke flavours from your past or
future bites, and vice versa. We’ve suggested some complementary pairings alongside our Beers of the Summer. Next time you’re in a Castle Rock pub, and especially if you’re used to ordering wine with your meal, why not give our pairing suggestions a try? Our taster beers are served in 1/3 pint glasses, so you can explore lots of different combinations. We’d love to hear what you try. There are loads of great tips and ideas out there for complementary and contrasting pairings (how about a bitter stout with some oysters?!) and an awful lot more to discover about food and beer pairing (temperature, carbonation, intensity…) We recommend a visit to beerchow.com where you can search for ideas via meal course or beer type.
Crafty Flanker 4.1% (Available from September) Celebrating Britain’s hosting of the Rugby World Cup, Crafty Flanker is a balanced and refreshing pale ale brewed with UK and US hops. See: Very Pale Smell: Grassy, Citrus Taste: Balanced, Clean, Fresh Bitterness: 3 Sweetness: 2 Pair with: Light, refreshing Mediterranean ingredients like mozzarella, balsamic and tomato “He certainly would have stopped for this. Sherwood Reserve boasts a fine selection of flavour including chocolate with notes of the coffee. With this unique balance,
Sherwood Reserve still keeps that smooth and burnt taste we all enjoy in a good stout. I enjoyed this pint towards the end of the
day, so I’d say it’s a great nightcap!” Beer Opinions of a Bearded Man (Follow the Bearded Man on Facebook)
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New pub in focus
Horse and Plough Just in time for Easter, Castle Rock was able to announce the acquisition of a new pub: the Horse and Plough in Bingham Bingham is a lovely little town, quietly bustling with people but with the feel of a sleepy village. It serves as the perfect backdrop for the Horse and Plough which is, in equal measure, a top quality pub and renowned restaurant. With many original features in place, it absolutely brims with character, making it an incredible place to visit or call your “local”. There is a rustic beauty about the Horse and Plough; a balance between simple dignity and just the right amount of breweriana. The main bar is relatively small but very charming, and a great place for a drink and chat. Across the ground floor, which is enhanced by lots of exposed brickwork, you’ll find large tables and booths for a more private meeting or dinner. Food in the Horse & Plough is equally as classic, with a great range of tasty pub dishes from light lunches to Welsh Rarebit.
On the first floor is the Grill Room; a restaurant perfect for any occasion, from a fine dining experience to a Sunday lunch with family. In a bright and airy room, with contrasting deep-stained beams and tasteful decoration, the Grill Room serves a wide range of artisan dishes. Quality of ingredients and flavour combinations give the restaurant its strong reputation. The Grill Room is still rather undiscovered in the Bingham and overall Nottinghamshire area, making it a true “hidden gem.” Bookings can be taken but aren’t necessary, so do drop by for an impromptu meal. So what are Castle Rock’s plans for the Horse and Plough? Firstly, we want to assure regulars and locals that we aren’t planning any monumental changes. We were, after all, so captivated by it for a reason. It’s reputation for well-kept real ale will of course remain, with our flagship Harvest Pale as the only permanent beer alongside other local guest ales. With the success of the Grill Room, it is of course our aim to ensure the food offering at the Horse & Plough is the very best it can be. We want the Horse & Plough to be the place to go for an understated but exquisite dining experience.
We always welcome feedback in everything we do, so if you have any thoughts about the Horse and Plough please give us an email. Visit our website and fill in the “Contact Us” form.
The Embankment and the Horse and Plough have been acquired by The Beer Consortium Ltd, an EIS company that has over 80 shareholders who have all invested in the business. Both sites will be operated by Castle Rock Brewery.
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New pub in focus
The Embankment We are delighted to have finally secured The Embankment at Trent Bridge as the latest edition to the Castle Rock estate The ‘black and white’ mock-Tudor building was designed by Albert Nelson Bromley, the architect behind some of Boots’ most distinctive stores, and opened in 1907 as Boots Store 2. Jesse Boot was renowned for his focus on the wellbeing of Boots employees, stating in 1919: ‘We are primarily comrades […] Fellowship in recreation, fellowship in ideals, common hopes, common sympathies, and common humanity bind us together; and whatever fosters this happy union is valuable.’ That year the Boots Social Club was formed, housed on the same site, offering employees a place to fraternise and play games like billiards, snooker, chess and darts. Two years later the Social Club expanded throughout the building, and in 1968 a bar was installed. In 1979 Boots Store 2 stopped trading, and the whole site became a social club. If you have had the opportunity to visit The Embankment, you’ll know what an astounding building it is. With three floors, eight separate (and huge) rooms, and
currently four bars, The Embankment is our biggest site and project yet. We are planning a significant refurbishment over the coming months, much of which will be in-keeping with the traditions of the building. We’re working closely with the archive team at Boots to source memorabilia and restore the front of the building to how it appeared over a century ago.
Our plans include creating The Dispensary in the former Boots Store 2. Expect a great selection of LocAle, craft beers and classic pub snacks. We’re also creating a new dining area, offering traditional and high quality pub food in the Castle Rock style. On the first floor you’ll find a stunning restored function room with a private bar, and our favourite of the whole building: the Jesse Boot room. Geoff Newton, chairman of Castle Rock, says, “Having been long established as a social club and pub for locals, we are mindful of continuing to provide a community facility for the local residents and numerous groups that have used the Embankment for many years. “Although it is not a social club anymore, the social element of the Embankment is vital to us at Castle Rock, and of course the local community.
“We’re planning to dedicate the basement rooms of the building to sports, games, and live music, so you can watch the game, listen to some tunes or play snooker - keeping the recreational vibe, just how Jesse liked it. “We hope to provide first class facilities across a broad range of offers from weddings and functions to private dining, coffee and cake, casual lunches and everything else offered by Castle Rock. We hope The Embankment will become an integral part of the Nottingham food and drink scene, and you will enjoy a great experience in a very famous landmark.” The Embankment is open as usual, so come down and join us for a celebratory drink.
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Drinks in Focus
Discover World Beers @DiscoverWBeers Follow us to stay in the loop with offers, events and news World beer buyer Wayne Harvey selects his favourites Contact this summer from the Discover World Beers range TwittWerayifnethonere’s a Siren Craft Brew - Undercurrent Undercurrent is an oatmeal pale ale from one of the most interesting and experimental breweries in the UK. Siren have quickly made a name for themselves with triple IPAs and blended, barrel-aged barley wines, and their core range indicates that there is real quality throughout their entire portfolio. The aroma to Undercurrent is hop-forward with hints of stone fruit and citrus, and at 4.5% ABV the body is made a tad fuller by the addition of oatmeal. Expect to see it in keg, bottles and occasionally in cask in our venues. Available occasionally on draught across DWB venues and in bottles at Canalhouse.
Inn-Spired! Having closed before changing hands, we are excited to hear of the re-born Spire Brewery of Chesterfield. Gareth Jones, a Chesterfield CAMRA member, has entered into a new venture by taking on the Spire name and developing the brewery. Since the purchase in October 2014, Gareth has been working to ensure the production of consistent and high quality beers through installing a quality controlled lab. The plan is to cultivate yeast, crush malt, and purify water on site, to ensure each brew is consistent. Spire Brewing Co. is developing seasonal beers, bottled beers and kegged beers, alongside a core range of cask ales including a hoppy pale ale and a stout. Although only brewing since late November 2014, Spire Winter Yaroslavna Stout took home ‘Beer of the Festival’ from Chesterfield and Marlow British Legion Festival. We’ll be stocking some beers from Spire at the New Barrack Tavern and the Derby Tup, as well as guesting them across other Castle Rock pubs, so keep an eye out and support this new venture. Best of luck to Gareth and the team, from all of us at Castle Rock.
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Firestone Walker – Wookey Jack Firestone Walker’s entry into the UK has been eagerly anticipated by beer fans on this side of the pond. We have finally picked up their beer and it hasn’t disappointed. Interestingly they do have some British heritage: co-founder David Walker is a British ex-pat and is represented as a lion on their packaging. They use a traditional British fermentation technique similar to the Burton Union, and even their house yeast is of British origin. Wookey Jack is a black rye IPA with balance; it belies its ABV at 8.3% and is massively drinkable. There is a bit of roast from the malt, just enough to offset the citrusy hop aroma. The rye adds a hint of pepper, which seems to make the transition from malt and hop flavours glide together. A different choice for fans of dark beer. Available at Canalhouse Yeastie Boys - Gunnamatta Yeastie Boys make some of the finest beers in New Zealand, with a growing presence in the UK. I’m sure you’ll get to know their beers pretty well (if you don’t already). Gunnamatta is a tea leaf IPA, with Earl
specific beer you’d Grey as a pretty strong like us to flavour, but it works so well source alongside the traditional IPA ingredients of pale malt and big hops, creating something really unique. Expect floral aromas with a heavy hit of bergamot, light caramel malt giving it enough sweetness to balance the bitterness provided by the tea and hops. Available at Canalhouse, Kean’s Head and Vat & Fiddle
La Trappe - Witte La Trappe Witte is a simple but incredibly well made beer. It’s perfect for the summer months as a refresher. It’s light, similar to some more famous Belgian Wits, but it’s different in that there is no addition of orange peel and coriander. There’s a lemon zest note that comes from the hops and a hint of spice from the yeast. It’s clean, spritzy and refreshing – delicate yet full of flavour, what more could you want in the summer sun? Available at Canalhouse, Kean’s Head and Swan in the Rushes The best craft beers are fleeting and only available until the taps run dry! Follow us to make sure you don’t miss out.
Nottingham Craft Beer Week 15th-21st June was an exciting week for beer lovers in Nottingham, with our first ever Craft Beer Week. It’s fair to say Nottingham has well and truly landed as Britain’s beer destination. We host the Robin Hood Beer & Cider Festival (one of the best-loved and biggest beer festivals in the UK) and throw hundreds of smaller beer festivals across the county every year. Nottinghamshire is brimming with an array of great pubs and bars and, come rain or shine; Nottinghamians seem always to see beer as the drink of choice. The inaugural Craft Beer Week, the first of its kind outside London, saw the entire city and wider county celebrate beer.
With Discover World Beers at the forefront of Nottingham’s Craft Beer scene, the Canalhouse hosted a Smackdown with Black Iris (based in Basford) vs. USA and a Weird Beard tap takeover, while the Kean’s Head held a Founders Beer and Whiskey Night, showcasing rare beers such as Blushing Monk and KBS, and beers across Castle Rock pubs were discounted for the event. Not long had we stopped reeling from the last Traffic Street Special (#4 Little Bitch was a terrier of a brew at 10%) before Dan in the brewery created his next masterpiece: #5 Maggie’s Farm. This 4.0% abv ginger apricot Saison was the perfect addition to Nottingham Craft Beer Week. We’ll see you next year #ncbw16
Managed pub in focus
Golden Eagle We’ve been getting up close and personal with our pubs since our first Castle Rock Quarter launched in 2014. This time we’re focusing on the Golden Eagle in Lincoln An established hostelry since the early 1700s, the Golden Eagle is now a community pub on Lincoln’s lengthy High Street. It’s an unassuming building of cream and (what we call) Castle Rock blue, with some true pub treasures to discover. The bar and lounge are separate rooms, both with a laid back and traditional feel; small and cosy spaces enjoyed by many. What really makes the Golden Eagle special is its spectacular beer garden, which underwent a major refurbishment just a couple of years ago, and is the ideal spot for sunny days and warm evenings.
We caught up with Tracy and Pete who have been lovingly looking after the pub and its locals for ten years: “We always endeavour to look after our customers. Pete sorts their computers, we help write letters, run people to the doctors and more. On Christmas Day those who don’t have relatives come to us for lunch. It’s an extended family,” Tracy tells us. This is exactly the sort of service, care and attention that is priceless and why the Golden Eagle is so fondly loved.
The Golden Eagle is the only pub in Lincoln, and the only Castle Rock pub, to stock the modern red ale, Lincoln Red. The beer garden of the Golden Eagle is a true oasis in the historic city of Lincoln. “On a warm day it fills up with groups of families and friends,” Tracy says. The ever popular Golden Eagle Beer Festival takes place every year in the beer garden (last weekend of June so a year to wait now!)
Interaction with customers is absolutely essential in a successful pub and indeed a Castle Rock pub, and Tracy and Pete are particularly fond of finding synergy with their customers. “Everyone has a story to tell and I think sitting and taking the time to listen to them maintains the ethos of the pub” says Tracy. The Golden Eagle stocks Harvest Pale permanently and Castle Rock guest beers, which go down a treat. Locality is also important to Tracy and Pete: “We try to stock local ales as much as we can, featuring the likes of Pheasantry, Oldershaws, Newby Wyke and Cathedral Heights. But we love sourcing beers no-one has had before. Having a good range is all about judging what goes down well, and trying new beers is a part of that.”
The marquee becomes an extension of the pub, plus a BBQ and live music all weekend long means there’s always a buzz during the festival. So if you’ve never been to the Golden Eagle, we thoroughly recommend you give this delightful pub a try, and to all those that have – thank you for your custom from all of us at Castle Rock.
Pictures clockwise from top: Public Bar, Beer Garden, Lounge Bar, Childrens Play Area, Beer Garden, Distinctive High Street frontage
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Events The Fox & the Civil War Newark is a market town steeped in history and absolutely brimming with character... In May, an exciting weekend took place with the opening of the National Civil War Centre, less than a minute walk from our very own Fox & Crown on Appleton Gate. It is a modern and interactive museum detailing facts through image, video and text about the devastating and tenacious Civil War sieges on Newark. To celebrate the opening of the museum, Castle Rock brewed a unique beer called Charles’ Last Stand available exclusively at the Fox and Crown. The beer had strong honey notes as well as a botanical taste and we have to admit it was met with a similar reception to marmite everyone had something to say about it! Regardless the Fox shifted plenty of barrels over the weekend, enjoyed by customers and re-enactors from the King’s Lifeguard of Foote regiment which used the Fox as its basecamp for the launch weekend. Speaking for the regiment, Major Jez Harper said the Fox was the ideal billet: "Its location
The King’s Lifeguard of Foote regiment outside the Fox and Crown, with the ‘serving wenches’ at centre-right is fine, a mere 100 paces from the Civil War Centre and the victuals, ales, and serving wenches are worthy of the King." We recommend you pay a visit to this fantastic museum. With great transport links, Newark is the perfect day out and when you visit make sure you pop in to the
Fox and Crown and enjoy all it has to offer: great beer and locally sourced food. The feel of the Fox harks back to our former chairman’s original idea of a “pubtopia” – high quality beer served by welcoming and knowledgeable staff in a friendly environment.
Beer Day Britain & the Magna Carta 15th June 2015 brought the first celebration of a new annual event: Beer Day Britain In medieval England ale was so essential to life that it was mentioned in the Magna Carta, probably the most famous document in the history of human rights, which was sealed in 1215 on 15th June. Britain’s beer heritage is enviable, contributing £21 billion to the Treasury every year, with more styles of beer brewed in the UK than in any other brewing nation, and of course the most desired pub scene in the world.
800 years on and it was decided that Britain deserved a national event to celebrate the brewing and pub industry, so Beer Day Britain was created. A nationwide communal ‘cheers’ to beer was organised for 12:15pm where brewers, pubs and beer lovers raised a glass in celebration of British beer. Using the hashtag #CheersBDB, Twitter was stormed with photos of people across Britain taking part in this unique event. At Castle Rock we brewed Runnymede 800, a golden-brown ale with local honey and hops from New Zealand and USA, and gathered with friends and customers to raise our glasses. Across our pubs, staff
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and customers did the same, joining the nation in a celebration of our favourite drink (as at the Vat - pictured above). Beer Day Britain was created by: Jane Peyton, Britain’s Beer Sommelier of the Year; Sara Barton, British Brewer of the Year 2012-13; and Sophie de Ronde, organiser of International Women’s Collaboration Brew Day and - like Sara - a founding member of Project Venus. Three amazing figures in Britain’s brewing scene.
Events
Summer of Sport I feel it in my fingers, I feel it in my toes Sport is all around me, and so the feeling grows Well sport may not be everybody’s “half of mild” but one thing is for certain; Castle Rock pubs always seem to be in the middle of it. Last season was a fairly miserable affair for Castle Rock’s football loving staff and customers. In Nottingham, Sheffield, Lincoln, Derby and York, there was a general aura of underachievement. Only in Chesterfield and Boston was there fun to be had…before both teams lost out in the play offs. Ah, bitter disappointment! Success however has come to the Notts County Ladies FC, who have had a great FA Cup campaign so far. Congratulations, we wish you all the best in the final against Chelsea which takes place on 1st August. But alas, the chilly seasons have rolled on by and a new summer is ahead of us. So let’s all agree to forget about last season; the new fixtures are out and Castle Rock pubs will again be on hand to help fuel your pre-game optimism and soften your post-game misery. Rest assured: we’ll always be on your side!
Nothing is more exciting for us than when the Aussies come to Trent Bridge to contest the Ashes. We love opening our doors for early breakfast, lunch, rain-stopped play and dinner, and with the Stratford Haven in West Bridgford and the Poppy & Pint in Lady Bay, the Embankment just over the bridge, and the Vat & Fiddle, Canalhouse, Newshouse, Kean’s Head, Lincolnshire Poacher and the Forest Tavern in the city, there’s quite a lot of Castle Rock pubs to enjoy on your visit. David ‘Bumble’ Lloyd is a regular at the Poacher, so take a stroll up and you may catch the legend that is. If not, you can chill out in the ‘Bumble Hut’ in the garden with some friends. Post-match banter is of course a vital element of the Ashes, and we reckon a Castle Rock pub is the perfect place to sit down with a pint and get the debates flowing. All in all, our pubs are on hand to make for great day out, and we just hope that come Thursday 6th August (Fourth test) that England still have a chance to win the series. If you’re lucky, as you read this we may still
have some tickets left for an ‘Evening with’ cricketer event at the Poppy & Pint. Last year Alec Stewart was exceptional, and we can now confirm that our headline name this year is former England and Leicestershire lefthand batsman Paul Nixon. You can book your tickets by visiting trap6events.co.uk Watch out too for our ‘Buses to the Races’ which take you out to Southwell, and maybe sign up for the Castle Rock 10k Run which we are sponsoring for the first time, a great way to get a limited edition Castle Rock t-shirt! you can sign up by visiting formulaonecc.co.uk If you’d rather avoid the events and stay in the pub, make sure to have a pint of Crafty Flanker, our beer brewed especially for the Rugby World Cup 2015. Follow our social media feeds and our website for updates on this “Summer of Sport”.
Drinks in focus
Real cider At Castle Rock we are huge supporters of real cider, stocking a great range across many of our pubs. Meet Alex McKenzie, our Cider Guru, here to give us his top three picks of real cider for summer 2015 Orchard Pig Cider – Maverick Orchard Pig are a rapidly growing Glastonbury based producer, formed in 2004. While their flagship cider, Reveller, has been proving popular for some time now, one of their more experimental options is coming to the fore in the form of Maverick. A thoroughly refreshing option, this cider possesses initial ginger and honey sweetness, before unleashing a jolt of chilli to really bring it to life. At 4%, this is a delightfully refreshing session option for a warm summer’s day.
Follow the Cider Guru @CiderGuruCRB and let Alex know your favourites so we can try to source them Rosie’s Cider – Black Bart Named after Jack Russell and former Chief Executive Officer, Rosie the Dog, Rosie’s Cider is a cider maker based in Wrexham. Black Bart is matured in oak rum barrels from Barbados, which gives it an intense and unique flavour. Named after plundering West Indian pirate Black Bart, this is a sweeter option without being too sickly and is full of character, just like its namesake.
Thistly Cross – Original Thistly Cross’ first cider is a smooth and refreshing option, using fresh Scottish apples. Incredibly drinkable and not too complex taste-wise; this is an excellent option for anyone unfamiliar with traditional cider wishing to try some. Beware though, at 7.2% it packs a powerful punch!
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Pubs in focus The Willowbrook: A phoenix will rise On 2nd April, we woke to the devastating news that the Willowbrook had suffered a fire in the early hours of the morning Everyone was relieved however to learn the pub was closed at the time and no one was hurt. But we truly love all of our pubs, and it was a strange feeling to learn that one had been so severely damaged.
Having spent months refurbishing the Willowbrook before its official opening in late April 2014, it was less than a year old and still gleaming. It had quickly become a favourite among the locals of Gedling, and our customers were in as much shock (and upset) as we were when the fire broke out just before Easter weekend. Smoke damaged spirits on the back bar Once the embers had stopped burning and safety measures taken, we were allowed access to the site. The Fire Service ascertained that the cause of the fire was an electrical fault. The bulk of the damage was limited to the bar area, but smoke damage throughout the pub was extensive.
Re-building the bar following the fire Luckily the building was structurally sound, so we were able to get to work on the refurbishment fairly quickly. At the time of writing, we are still in the midst of refurbishment, and are optimistic that the Willowbrook will be re-opening not long after this edition lands (perhaps you’ve picked up this copy from the Willowbrook, in which case, thank you for visiting!) We want to run great pubs, not just build them, so we can’t wait to open again and get back to serving the local community. The new designs are slightly different to pre-fire, and we’re really excited to open the doors again. Cheers to the Willowbrook of the future, a phoenix will rise from the ashes!
Speciality beers Traffic Street Specials So far, Traffic Street brewer and project leader Dan Gilliland has brewed five excellent Traffic Street Specials These are #1 Stereotype (US IPA with West Coast yeast), #2 Concrete Jungle (Pale Ale brewed with lemongrass and tarragon), #3 Double Barrel (Dandelion and Burdock Red Ale), #4 Little Bitch (strong Imperial Stout) and #5 Maggie’s Farm (Saison). We’re excited to report that things certainly aren’t standing still, with plans already in
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place for at least two more Traffic Streets this year. Plus a new range of beers is being discussed, currently referred to as the “Harvest Pale Sessions”, with the idea to offshoot Harvest Pale using various different techniques and ingredients. Without a doubt, the TSS most talked about is #4 Little Bitch. This little terrier of a beer packed a huge punch, but retained excellent balance. At 10%, the stout had intense
flavours of chocolate, coffee, boozy fruitcake and liquorice. Using a 5 barrel kettle (reconditioned by Dan himself) and after numerous attempts to generate enough heat, we were very proud when the final product arrived – a result of boundless experimentation, DIY, stress, risk and imagination. That, to us, is the nature of craft brewing. Dan tells us over the coming months he plans to brew a wine style beer, using grape must during fermentation, and there are many more brews lined up for you to look out for. Do you have an idea for a type of beer you’d like to see brewed? Get in touch! @Traffic_Street
Tenanted pub in focus
Forest Tavern & the Maze Castle Rock took over the Forest Tavern nearly twenty years ago and, with the work of Ben Brettell and his team, it is now home to Nottingham’s best independent music venue, the Maze At Castle Rock, we seem to naturally ‘fall’ for buildings with character and unique qualities, whether it’s because of the beauty of the architecture or the stories of the people who once graced its rooms. The Forest Tavern is no different. William Abednego Thompson, better known as ‘Bendigo’, trained in the rooms above the pub. England’s greatest bare knuckle boxer, Bendigo was born in 1811 into the slums of Nottingham, and by age 18 was earning money through fighting. Though shorter and smaller than most of Nottingham’s fighters, he was nicknamed ‘Bendy’ for his weaving and speed, which became ‘Bendigo’. You might remember in 2011 we brewed a Nottinghamian Celebration Ale for Bendigo to celebrate his achievements. Ben, manager of the site, says the Maze has kept the atmosphere of Bendigo ‘Without the
knuckles.’ We can only understand this to mean that the Maze is bursting with heat, excitement, energy. Take a look at the photos here and you can see; it’s all happening. The entrance is located through the Forest Tavern, a friendly and traditional British pub with a relaxed Bavarian style bar, with diner-style seating and walls adorned with music memorabilia. On the bar you’ll find a great selection of craft beers, spirits, continental lagers, ciders and of course Castle Rock real ale. The Maze brings to Nottingham a mix of the best local and underground acts, as well as legendary bands and artists. Famous names to grace the stage include Newton Faulkener, Laura Marling, the Slackers, Neville Staples of the Specials and of course Clifton’s lovechild Jake Bugg. You’ll also find weird and wonderful comedy, spoken word, burlesque, cult DJ nights and open mic nights. The Maze is also a handpicked venue for Comic American Music, a live music promoter bringing the best and most diverse live music to the stage.
The Maze has a sense of 1920s prohibition about it; never more present that when ‘Brouhaha’ is in full swing. Brouhaha is a festival inspired night at the maze, bringing to this intimate venue the top musicians and DJs, performance artists, circus walkabouts, trippy décor, light and projection shows and more. The genres showcased are an eclectic mix of Live Dance, World Music, Reggae, Ska and Hiphop, and fancy dress is paramount.
Visit www.themazerocks.com and put a date in the diary. You’re in for a great night.
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Editor’s picks Upcoming Events JULY
July 2015
AUGUST
Full listings on our website August 2015
Saturday 4th July
ASHES AT TRENT BRIDGE
US INDEPENDENCE DAY
Thursday 6th - Monday 10th August Start the day with breakfast at the Vat & Fiddle from 9am, with a daily BBQ following end of play - kangaroo burger or beef? The brewery tap will also be opening up their Harvest Pale bar especially, so it seems only right to refresh with a pint or two. If you’re already down in West Bridgford, our real ale oasis the Stratford Haven will be open and serving breakfast from 8am every day, with lunchtime and post-play BBQ.
4th July is the perfect excuse to celebrate the food and brews from our friends across the pond. Our food menus go All-American with fried chicken, ribs and wings, PJ sandwiches, hot dogs, and cookie dough desserts. Paired off with the best bottles of craft from the USA. Fill up at the Canalhouse, the Bread & Bitter, Poppy & Pint and the Stratford Haven. Friday 17th July
PIRATE PARTY Well blow me down, it’s 9 years since the Canalhouse came into the seas of Castle Rock, and this year the big day falls on a Friday. Come down in your buccaneers’ attire for the Pirate Party with Sharkbait cocktails, cake and tunes with footstomping beats and grizzly blues melodies… Harvest Pale and Sheriff’s Tipple are discounted with 10% off a pint, and entry is free. See you there, Seadogs.
AUGUST BANK HOLIDAY WEEKEND Friday 28th August - Monday 31st August • Food & Cider Festival The Fox & Crown celebrate Newark’s Food & Cider Fest 2015 from 27th-31st August. Cider lovers are treated by multiple venues across the town to an array of fruity concoctions accompanied by delicious food from pizza and pies to seafood. The perfect way to enjoy the bank holiday weekend… follow @TheFoxandCrown to stay in the loop. • Food Festival The Bread & Bitter are celebrating with an outside bar all weekend, a BBQ on 28th, a hog roast on the 29th, and hog roast cob breakfast on 30th. • Kid’s Play Afternoon The Golden Eagle open their beautiful garden once again for a bank holiday celebration. Open from 2pm on Sunday 30th August, the afternoon includes a bouncy castle, games, face painting and more…while you enjoy a pint and a burger from the barbecue. Entry is free. • NBT Music Festival The New Barrack Tavern throws its popular summer music festival with live music on two stages from 7.30pm each evening, Friday 28th- Sunday 20th August. Featuring Maison Rouge, Amelia Carter Band, Highway Child Reasons to be Cheerful and more, with food served late. • Poacher Garden Party If you’re in Nottingham for the bank holiday, head up Mansfield Road to the walled garden of this real ale haven. The Lincolnshire Poacher will be celebrating from 6pm on Monday 31st August with live music, an outside bar and a smokin’ BBQ. Entry is free and the beer is the best you can get…
Thursday 30th July
CHARNWOOD BREWERY NIGHT Loughborough’s family-run Charnwood Brewery take over the lounge bar at the Swan In The Rushes for the evening. We’re hoping July’s special ‘Hello Sunshine’ will be on the bar. Charnwood Brewery Night takes place on the last Thursday of every month.
Sunday 16th August
GIN TASTING & HIGH TEA The Golden Eagle host a gin tasting afternoon in their beer garden from 2pm. Relax with a selection of six gins, high tea and food surprises. For a jolly English Sunday afternoon in the sunshine for £15 per head, call 01522 521058 or email goldeneagle@castlerockbrewery.co.uk
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www.castlerockbrewery.co.uk/event
events in Castle Rock pubs are updated daily SEPTEMBER
September 2015
October 2015
Saturday 19th September Sunday 4th October
OKTOBERFEST It’s that time of year again – one of Castle Rock’s favourite annual events. Celebrate German beer festival ‘Oktoberfest’ in many of our pubs, strap on your lederhosen (you can buy official ones at shop.oktoberfest.de should you feel inclined), and bring your friends for dinners of Pork Schnitzel, Bratwurst and Zweibelkuchen. Enjoy some of best beers Germany has to offer, including as many official Oktoberfest beers we can get our hands on! Keep an eye on @DiscoverWBeers on Twitter for updates. Thursday 24th September
FOX & CROWN BIRTHDAY PARTY The Fox & Crown celebrates another year in the Castle Rock clan, with live music from Cameron at 6.30pm, a buffet and birthday cake. Entry is free so fill on up and get on up for a boogie… Sunday 27th September
ROBIN HOOD MARATHON Whether you’re running the marathon, the half or the mini, many of our Nottingham pubs are offering discounts on food and beer when you show your medal at the bar. The Vat & Fiddle is open from 9am for breakfast so you can carb up and wake up. Follow your Castle Rock local to find out what you can enjoy to rest your weary bones. Don’t forget our new pub The Embankment at Trent Bridge will be open and ready to welcome you. Both the Vat and Embankment are en route, so great places for a spectator basecamp. Thursday 24th September Sunday 4th October
NOTTINGHAM FOREST LEGENDS Friday 11th September The Poppy & Pint host an evening with Forest Legends Kenny Burns and John Robertson. Tickets are only available to ages 18+ from gigantic.com. Doors open at 8pm. Come on you Redddsss!
BRITISH FOOD FORTNIGHT Monday 21st September-1st October British classics are in the spotlight across Castle Rock pubs with special menus dedicated to in-season British ingredients, sourced locally wherever possible. Enjoy the best the British Isles has to offer with the dishes we all know and love.
CASK ALE WEEK Join us in celebrating our nationwide love of cask ale! Every day is a cask ale day, if you ask us, but over this week you’ll find discounts and offers, new brews hitting Castle Rock bars, mini beer festivals and ‘Ales of the Day’. The Kean’s Head in the Lace Market, Nottingham, will be creating a special beercooked and paired menu. Follow @CRBrewery on Twitter to keep up with all things ale.
Visit beerfestival.nottinghamcamra.org
Regulars • EVERY WEDNESDAY at the Horse & Plough we throw a themed food night. Join us from 5.30pm for a different menu each week. To whet your appetite…the last theme included a sloppy-joe burger, a sweet potato and halloumi burger, and a gourmet venison burger. • It’s Pie & Pint night every Monday evening from 5.30pm only £7.95 MONDAYS: Bread & Bitter - Curry & Quiz Night, £8.95 from 5pm Kean’s Head - Homemade Pie & Pint Night, £10.95 from 5pm Stratford Haven - Curry & Pint Night, £7.95 from 9pm TUESDAYS Poppy & Pint - Curry & Quiz Night, £7.95 for curry and a pint, quiz £1 (9pm) Stratford Haven - Pie & Pint Night, £9.95 5-9pm WEDNESDAY Lincolnshire Poacher - Old Nick Trading Company live from 9pm Visit our website for daily listings
www.castlerockbrewery.co.uk/event
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Available at your Castle Rock local
News update Micropub update You may remember we were planning to open a micropub in a small grade ii listed building, just outside the main concourse at Nottingham railway station. All plans were “go” when we received the strange news that, during refurbishments, the power and drainage lines to the building had been cut. We were of course disappointed to put the plans on hold, but remain optimistic that a solution may be possible. We’ll keep you updated if the situation changes.
I need a name! Our new Castle Rock van is on the road delivering beer to thirsty drinkers as far as Liverpool Have you spotted our new Castle Rock van on the road? Our man Gary is usually at the wheel, so if you spot him make his day with a tweet to @CRBrewery The question is, what do we call this new addition to the family?
Coming up next Our Autumn seasonal and special brews
OCTOBER to DECEMBER 2015
Tweet us your suggested name by 30th September for a chance to win a Castle Rock gift pack. Soon (maybe already by the time you read this), our Elsie van will be delivering. Be sure to chat to @Elsiemocrb if you see our Glorious Golden Ale on the road, she loves to hear from you…
Autumn is packed with celebrations, bringing our biggest selection of seasonals and specials to you. From the spooks of Hallowe’en to the festivities of Christmas, we’re marking pretty much every occasion for the final months of 2015.
4.2% abv
4.4% abv
5.5% abv
4.2% abv
The final beer in our 2015 Nottinghamian Celebration Ales range. Brewed to celebrate the life and works of Nottingham artist Dame Laura Knight, this rich and fruity porter is a dark ruby colour, with aromas of chocolate and a molasses & coffee finish. AVAILABLE OCTOBER-DECEMBER
Most Haunted is the ideal Hallowe’en brew: a dark porter with aromas of chocolate, nutmeg and pumpkin spice, leading to a rich and smooth finish. AVAILABLE OCTOBER
A black IPA with aromas of caramel and a complex, hoppy finish. Rich and warming for the colder seasons. AVAILABLE OCTOBER-MARCH
The palest of pale ales with a floral citrus on the nose and a clean, crisp and fresh taste, Snowhite is balanced and smooth with wide appeal. AVAILABLE NOVEMBER-FEBRUARY
4.0% abv
4.0% abv
4.0% abv
4.4% abv
This amber beer with a long zesty finish is brewed with charity donations to the Jon van Geest Cancer Research Centre, in aid of men’s health. AVAILABLE NOVEMBER
Black Friday is a special brew for those avoiding the horror of Black Friday on the high-street. Recipe is to be decided, so keep your eye on our social media feeds. AVAILABLE NOVEMBER
Fourth in the Wildlife Reserve series, Attenborough is a pilsner-style pale ale, pale golden in colour and well balanced with a spicy sweet taste. AVAILABLE DECEMBER-FEBRUARY
Back for 2015, First Mo El is a warming light brown ale with festive spices and a bitter, fruity finish. AVAILABLE DECEMBER
All of our beers contain Gluten from Malted Barley and Wheat. For full allergen information, please check our website or ask at the bar
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ALEXANDRA HOTEL 203 Siddals Road, Derby DE1 2QE
Castle Rock Pubs
Tel: 01332 293993
e-mail: alexandrahotel@castlerockbrewery.co.uk F: Alexandra Hotel T: @Alex_Pub_Derby
Breakthroughpoint Ltd
BREAD AND BITTER
153-155 Woodthorpe Dr, Mapperley, NG3 5JL
CANALHOUSE
e-mail: breadandbitter@castlerockbrewery.co.uk F: Bread Bitter T: @breadandbitter
e-mail: canalhouse@castlerockbrewery.co.uk F: Canal House T: @canalhousebar
First Floor Departure Lounge, East Midlands Airport Operated by Autogrill
DERBY TUP
387 Sheffield Rd, Chesterfield S41 8LS
EAGLE
144 West Street, Boston, Lincs PE21 8RE
EMBANKMENT
e-mail: derbytup@castlerockbrewery.co.uk F: The Derby Tup T: @TheDerbyTup
e-mail: eagle@castlerockbrewery.co.uk F: The Eagle T: @TheEagleBoston
e-mail: embankment@castlerockbrewery.co.uk F: Embankment Pub & Kitchen T: @EmbankmentNottm
Tel: 0115 960 7541
Tel: 01246 454316
48-52 Canal Street, Nottingham NG1 7EH
Tel: 0115 955 5060
CASTLE ROCK TAP ROOM & KITCHEN
Beer Consortium
282-284 Arkwright St, Nottingham NG2 2GR
Tel: 01205 361116
Tel: 0115 986 4502
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
Tel: 0115 947 5650
HORSE AND PLOUGH
Beer Consortium
Tel: 01636 605820
21 High Street, Lincoln LN5 8BD
Tel: 01522 521058
25 Long Acre, Bingham, Notts NG13 8AF
KEAN’S HEAD
46 St. Mary’s Gate, Nottingham NG1 1QA
161-163 Mansfield Road, Nott’m NG1 3FR
e-mail: horseandplough@castlerockbrewery.co.uk F: Horse and Plough T: @HorseandPlough
e-mail: keanshead@castlerockbrewery.co.uk F: Kean’s Head T: @keanshead
e-mail: lincolnshirepoacher@castlerockbrewery.co.uk F: Lincolnshire Poacher T: @lincpoacher
Tel: 01949 839313
Tel: 0115 947 4052
LINCOLNSHIRE POACHER
Tel: 0115 941 1584
Lady Bay Inns
NEW BARRACK TAVERN 601 Penistone Road, Sheffield S6 2GA
NEWSHOUSE
123 Canal Street, Nottingham NG1 7HB
POPPY AND PINT
e-mail: newbarracktavern@castlerockbrewery.co.uk F: New Barrack Tavern T: @NewBarrack
e-mail: newshouse@castlerockbrewery.co.uk F: The Newshouse T: @NewshouseNotts
e-mail: poppyandpint@castlerockbrewery.co.uk F: Poppy & Pint T: @PoppyandPint
Tel: 0114 234 9148
Pierrepont Road, Lady Bay, Notts NG2 5DX
Tel: 0115 952 3061
Tel: 0115 981 9995
ROOK AND GASKILL 12 Lawrence Street, York YO10 3WP
STRATFORD HAVEN
2 Stratford Rd, W. Bridgford, Nott’m NG2 6BA
SWAN IN THE RUSHES
e-mail: rookandgaskill@castlerockbrewery.co.uk F: The Rook and Gaskill T: @RookGaskillYork
e-mail: stratfordhaven@castlerockbrewery.co.uk F: Stratford Haven T: @stratfordhaven
e-mail: swanintherushes@castlerockbrewery.co.uk F: Swan Rushes T: @swanrushes
Tel: 0115 982 5981
Tel: 01904 655450
(The Brewery Tap)
(Hands On Pub Company)
21 The Rushes, Loughborough LE11 5BE
Tel: 01509 217014
12-14 Queensbridge Rd, Nottingham NG2 1NB
VICTORIA HOTEL
Dovecote Lane, Beeston, Nott’m NG9 1JG
WILLOWBROOK
e-mail: vatandfiddle@castlerockbrewery.co.uk F: Vat and Fiddle T: @VatandFiddle
e-mail: vichotel@btconnect.com F: The-Victoria-Hotel T: @TheVicBeeston
e-mail: willowbrook@castlerockbrewery.co.uk F: The Willowbrook T: @WillowbrookCRB
VAT AND FIDDLE Tel: 0115 985 0611
Tel: 0115 925 4049
13 Main Rd, Gedling, Nottingham NG4 3HQ
Tel: 0115 987 8596
All of our pubs follow the latest allergen legislation. Further details are available in each establishment.
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 award-winning 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.
T: @RedRidingHoodCR
4.4%
A full-bodied premium bitter of typical East Midlands character. Perfect bitter-sweet balance.
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 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.
F: Elsie Mo T: @Elsiemocrb
F: Screech Owl T: @ScreechOwlCRB
For details of seasonal beers please see pages 2,3 & 15 in this issue
The next issue of Castle Rock Quarter is published in October