Castle Rock Quarter Issue 8 by Castle Rock Brewery

All the latest news, views and essential information from Castle Rock Brewery

No:7 Autumn 2015

www.castlerockbrewery.co.uk

Welcome Welcome to our first bumper edition of the Castle Rock Quarter, written by our own in-house team to ensure you have all the information you need to make the most of your Castle Rock local in the months to come. The nights are now fast drawing in and with temperatures on the thermometer heading south, a nice warm pub is the perfect place to keep the chill at bay. Watch out for hearty and warming classic dishes for cosy comforts, celebrations and events to make the dark days full of fun, and plenty of beer to wash down Christmas with. Talking of which, our Christmas menus are now all prepared and tables for the season filling up fast. Read more on page 17 and join us with your friends, family or colleagues for your festivities. Autumn also brings the first onset of darker winter beers. Our ever popular Midnight Owl wakes from its summer slumbers and swoops into view from 1st October to help brighten your days until the end of March. You can read all about our Castle Rock brews for the season and also more about our Traffic Street Specials in the pages that follow. We work hard to make your visit to our pubs as pleasurable as possible. We know that we need to not only meet your expectations but exceed them, to be truly deserving of your patronage. We love to hear your comments so please keep them coming (good or bad). We will always strive to do much more of the good and much less of the bad! Thanks for your continued support. Cheers

Colin Wilde Managing Director @SheriffTipple

Queensbridge Road, Nottingham NG2 1NB

Telephone: 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

RHBC Festival news

Forty years of the & Cider Festival Autumn is upon us, which means the highlight of Thousands will bundle up, gather their friends and trudge up the hill to Nottingham Castle, where they will sport comedy hats, take photos with Robin Hood and the guy who dresses as a mango, fill up on curries and crepes, dance like it’s 99 and oh yes, drink lots and lots of beer… We are of course talking about the Robin Hood Beer and Cider Festival, Nottingham CAMRA’s annual festival which offers the largest choice of cask ale in the world. This year the city celebrates forty years of the festival with over 1,100 different real ales and an additional 300+ real ciders and perries. This already incredible festival seems

to improve every year. If you managed to nab a ticket last year, you’re sure to remember the atmosphere in “the village”, the area of the festival on the lower grounds. Here the nights are filled with live music, the smells of street food and many, many happy punters. The Castle Rock Tavern, our spacious yet snuggly outside bar, will be in the village again and offering you a wide selection of Castle Rock beers to enjoy in a cosy hideaway. Find us right next to the bandstand and enjoy a drink with our staff and volunteers. As always, we’ll have a bar in the tent atop the hill! The main tent brings you a more traditional beer festival set-up, with a (gigantic) marquee hosting row upon row of bars from local and national breweries for you to wander between.

Enjoying the 2014 event are the Sheriff of Nottingham, Councillor Jackie Morris (centre) with the Sheriff’s lady, Sandra Littlewood, and Robin Hood, Tim Pollard

Robin Hood Beer the Nottingham calendar is here once more. We’re really excited to announce the arrival of the Traffic Street Specials bar for 2015. Located near the main entrance to the castle, the TSS trailer bar will be serving up limited edition, small run beers from brewer Dan Gilliland. Dan has re-brewed all six of the Traffic Street beers especially for the festival, plus a new one for you to try, so you

can whet your whistle with special brews like a dandelion and burdock beer (Double Barrel), an IPA infused with herbs (Concrete Jungle) and a 10% ABV Imperial stout brewed with local coffee beans (Little Bitch). On the Traffic Street trailer you can also pick up some Castle Rock merchandise while enjoying a drink with Dan himself. Be sure to visit us and say hello, and let’s have a very happy 40th birthday, it’s bound to be a great party. The Robin Hood Beer and Cider Festival takes place between Wednesday 7 to Saturday 10 October 2015 at Nottingham Castle. Left: Robin Hood (Tim Pollard) Picture by Julie at Designcat

The Castle Rock Tavern at the 2014 Festival

Speciality beers

Updates from Traffic Street It’s been a productive few months for Traffic Street Specials brewer and project leader Dan Gilliland. Dan has spent the latter summer re-brewing all six of the TSS beers since the range launched just over a year ago, all in preparation for the Robin Hood Beer and Cider Festival 2015. For the first time ever, look out for the Traffic Street Specials Trailer at this year’s RHBCF. Featured beers include: #1 Stereotype, a juicy hop-forward IPA at 5.9%; #2 Concrete Jungle, a pale ale brewed with fresh herbs at 4%; #3 Double Barrel, a dandelion and burdock red ale at 4%; #4 Little Bitch, an imperial stout at 10%; #5 Maggie’s Farm, an apricot and ginger saison at 4%; and #6 Rat Race, a dry hopped fruity red ale.

The latest beer in the series named #7 New Era will be officially launched at the festival and is set to be Dan’s biggest challenge yet: a beer/wine hybrid using pinot grigio grapes fermented within a pale ale. Often a result of tireless experimentation, each Traffic Street brew has been created through a lengthy route of exploration, with the main aim being to push boundaries, not just with flavours but with the practice of brewing itself. We’ve also been recording these processes in preparation to release a complete video in the coming months. On a cool summer morning, Castle Rock’s Lewis Townsend filmed ‘the making of’ Little Bitch, gathering footage which shows a day of stress, discovery, excitement and satisfaction in one. Follow Dan on twitter to be the first to view this exciting film: @Traffic_Street

Adrian Redgrove and brewing operations manager Jon Edger. The pair has lent their time and expertise to this project, even if much of it is subverted by Dan in the name of experimentation... As 2016 draws closer Dan is full of beer ideas, and plans to take the Traffic Streets “on tour” next year. We’re putting the TSS range on the map! Follow @Traffic_Street on Twitter for updates.

Of course it must be mentioned that the Traffic Street beers would not be thriving as they are without the support of head brewer

The Rugby World Cup is here! Look out for the Crafty Flanker during the Rugby World Cup, where 20 nations compete for the biggest gong in rugby; no doubt one of the most exciting competitions for sports fans across the globe. England hosts the biggest event on the rugby calendar this year, which takes place until the 31st October. To celebrate, Castle Rock has brewed Crafty Flanker, a more-ish 4% pale ale, to be enjoyed on its own or while shouting at the TV screen. We launched the beer in August at the Vat and Fiddle (see page 12) and were joined by the ‘crafty flanker’ himself, Neil Back, who confirms the beer is “a rucking

good ale!” Crafty Flanker has flown out. We’ve brewed it three times since early September and are even planning a fourth brew – it turns out you rugby fans are a thirsty lot! We’ve also teamed up with Heineken to run a joint stamp card especially for the Rugby World Cup. Enjoy six pints of Heineken or Crafty Flanker and redeem your card for a free pint of either. Each filled card will also be entered into a prize draw to win an exclusive Rugby World Cup hamper.

WHERE TO WATCH: You can catch the Rugby World Cup at a number of Castle Rock pubs including the Canalhouse, Willowbrook, Golden Eagle and Poppy and Pint. Give the pub a call or tweet to check which games they are showing. CRAFTY FLANKER Crafty Flanker is a lovely crisp pale ale with hops from both the UK and the USA, creating a wholly refreshing and fruity beer with earthy and grassy notes. This easydrinking but full-flavoured pale is great for drinking during the game and would match perfectly with a ploughman’s, crisps, nuts and a whole manner of delicious snacks. Plus, if you're a dab hand in the kitchen, Crafty Flanker makes a delicious batter for homemade fish and chips.

Beer news

Ales of the Autumn and into Winter We’ve lined up a great set of beers for you to enjoy as the nights get cooler and darker... From rich and dark winter warmers to crisp and refreshing pale ales, our busiest brewing season is now behind us and ready for you to enjoy. Read on to find out about what’s coming up throughout October, November and December (and in some cases, into 2016.) Don’t forget to visit our website to find out more - www.castlerockbrewery.co.uk

Midnight Owl October - March • 5.5% Midnight Owl is a hugely popular winter warmer; a generous addition of US hops makes this rich ale pack a punch, but it’s still extremely smooth with hints of caramel.

Most Haunted October • 4.4% Back by popular demand, Most Haunted has gone down a storm in the two years we have brewed it. It is a chocolatey porter brewed with pumpkin and spices. A real seasonal treat!

Dame Laura Knight October - December • 4.2% Dame Laura Knight is the last in the 2015 Nottingham Celebration Ales series. This deep ruby porter has hints of rich dark fruit and a bitter-sweet malt and coffee finish.

Snowhite November February • 4.2% This crisp, clean pale ale is a customer favourite and flies out in the winter. UK hops lend a grassy and earthy note to this immensely refreshing and more-ish beer.

Munitionettes 3.9% Brewed in homage to women’s contribution to the Great War effort, Munitionettes is a fruity and crisp golden ale that packs a hoppy punch.

Attenborough Reserve October - December • 4.0% Attenborough is the fourth and final Wildlife Reserve beer for 2015. We love being involved with the great work of the Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust who restore and maintain Nottinghamshire’s wildlife havens. Attenborough is a refreshing, cool fermented pilsner-style pale ale.

Walrus November • 4.0% Walrus is back for the third year running with donations from each pint sold going towards the John Van Geest Cancer Research Centre at Nottingham Trent University. Golden in colour, Walrus is a zesty ale with a good malt body and spicy hop finish.

First Mo-El Black Friday November • ABV TBC Escape the crowds and enjoy a bit of real ale therapy this Black Friday! Recipe tbc.

One-off beers to get your hands on while you can...

December • 4.4% Elsie Mo gets festive with this warm and comforting mid-brown Christmas ale, with hints of spice and a fruity, bitter finish.

Crafty Flanker 4.0% Our official Rugby World Cup 2015 beer, Crafty Flanker is pale, refreshing and extremely more-ish. Perfect paired with a rugby match in the pub.

Enz To Enz 4.0% Enz To Enz is a deliciously fruity beer with a big tropical fruit aroma, balanced with sweet, biscuity Maris Otter malt: a collaboration brew with the Yeastie Boys from New Zealand.

Traffic Street Specials #6: Rat Race 4.7% An assertively bitter red ale balanced with a malt sweetness. Dry hopping with Chinook gives Rat Race a powerful citrus aroma.

#7: New Era ABV TBC New Era is a beer/ wine hybrid brewed with freshly sourced pinot grigio grapes. We’ll be ageing some of it as well…

Functions

As you probably know, we keep things pretty varied over at Castle Rock. The function spaces in our pubs are all unique, offering bespoke event opportunities delivered with high standards and excellent service. If you’re planning a wintery wedding, a work ‘do’, a Christmas party or any other event, take a look at what’s on offer and give us a call.

Canalhouse The Canalhouse is a historical building situated by the canal side, within walking distance from the train and bus station, and only minutes Canalhouse from Nottingham city centre. A fine example of canal architecture, the Canalhouse is famous for housing an internal canal basin complete with two narrow boats. Functions at the Canalhouse take place in a large, lofty space with exposed brickwork, wooden floors and a private bar. The charm of this characterful room is enhanced by original features from the former canal museum, and the beautiful decked garden beside the water is the perfect space for wedding photos or for your guests to enjoy warmer evenings. Menu options at the Canalhouse are designed to meet a range of requirements and budgets, with set menus from £19.95 a head and buffets from £6.00 a head. Room hire starts from £40 for corporate events, £85 for weekday hire and £150 on weekends. Planning an event for January, February or March 2016? The Canalhouse offers free room hire during these months. Up to 200 people can be catered for. Give the management team a ring on 0115 955 5060 to find out more.

The Embankment The newest addition to the Castle Rock family offers our most glamorous function space. On the first floor of this tudor-style building you’ll find two function rooms: the first, Jesse Boot’s former office, offers an intimate space ideal for corporate meetings or small dining parties, and the second is the Lord Trent Ballroom. The Lord Trent is a stunning, elegant room complete with stained glass windows, art nouveau arches and a central dance floor. You also have the use of a private bar, and views overlooking Trent Bridge. The Embankment is currently undergoing refurbishment in other areas of the building (see opposite page), so do request further information on other spaces available to hire when you call. Various wedding packages and corporate packages are available, with event planner Debbie working with you to make your event bespoke. Room hire of the Jesse Boot room starts from £150 and hire of the Lord Trent Ballroom from £300. Up to 140 people can currently be catered for. Tel: 0115 986 4502 for bookings and further information.

The Poppy & Pint The Poppy and Pint is a welcoming, contemporary pub in the heart of the Lady Bay community. Located just a short drive from Nottingham train station and the city centre, the Poppy is a much loved venue renowned for high standards of service. Functions at the Poppy take place in a modern, first floor function room, complete with private bar. The Poppy is a family-friendly establishment, and this room plays host to many events from children’s parties to elegant weddings. Menu options at the Poppy and Pint are created by one of Nottingham’s most loved chefs; Vanessa McGuire. Vanessa is renowned

Poppy & Pint

for her delicious, homemade food with a wide selection of menu options to suit all requirements and budgets. Buffets start from £5 per head. Room hire at the Poppy starts from £15 per hour weekdays and £150 on weekends. Up to 150 people can be catered for. Tel: 0115 981 9995

The Vat & Fiddle The Vat and Fiddle is our lovely brewery tap. Just a short stroll from Nottingham train station, the Vat is a traditional pub enhanced by two function rooms and the full range of Castle Rock ale. Functions are available to be held in the Golding’s Room, located off the main bar, and/or the Visitors’ Centre. Both spaces are ideal for intimate parties, meetings, gatherings and of course, to tie in with a brewery tour. Tours are a fun way to celebrate with beer lovers and colleagues, often led by Nottingham’s official Robin Hood. Prices start from just £12 per person. Various party packages are available so you can finish your Christmas meal with a tour, or vice versa. Speak to Jane or Damian and they’ll work with you to cater for your needs. Tel: 0115 985 0611

Many of our pubs offer function spaces. To find out more, visit our website.

Pub update

The Embankment evolves The former Boots No2 chemist and social club has undergone a substantial refurbishment since it was acquired in June. In the last issue we announced that the Embankment at Trent Bridge was finally (after months of meetings and many rumours) brought under Castle Rock operations. Owned by the Beer Consortium, the team were keen to start work on this astounding site right away. That we did, and three months on, there have been exciting developments... At the time of writing, the development of the Embankment is well underway, with punters taking a front row seat in the main bar. We’re hoping the official opening will take place in early November, which means you may well be reading this after the big night…

Work on the Lord Trent Room nears completion

The ground floor of the Embankment has had a substantial re-shuffle; the snooker hall Behind the scenes all sorts of operational has been turned into the Arkwright Room, changes have taken place. providing dining and drinking We’ve built a new cellar to facilities for Work being undertaken in keep your beer in tip top the local the Arkwright Room condition, and the creation of community. a shiny new kitchen is This room will underway - enabling food to celebrate the be served on all three floors history of the of the building. area, with walls adorned in photos of 1900s Arkwright Street. The main bar will provide an extension to the Arkwright Room, creating a haven for drinkers in the hub of the site (but customers may have to shift over to the Arkwright Room while we get to work!)

Early stages in the renovation of the Dispensary Bar

You may have spotted some scaffolding popping up on the front of the Embankment. This area of the site once housed Boots No2 Store pharmacy, an element of history we are hoping to re-capture by opening up the front of the building. Here you’ll find the Dispensary, a bar featuring a range of craft and locally brewed beers in an authentic “chemist shop” style.

Restoration of the loos!

The first floor of the building is now complete, with the restoration and refurbishment of the Lord Trent Ballroom, which offers a superb venue for weddings, parties and corporate events. Read more about functions at the Embankment on the opposite page. As it stands (in late September), other plans include a large beer garden and hopefully the redevelopment of the basement skittle alley into a sports bar, comedy club and folk music house. Commenting on the development, chairman Geoff Newton said: “This has been an exciting but complex refurbishment. When complete we hope that it will offer something for everyone, from the local community to sports fans heading to football or cricket events. “We can offer first class facilities for weddings, parties, functions and business meetings and we hope that the Dispensary Bar will attract many people from the wider Nottingham conurbation.” The general manager, James Johnson, his head chef Michelle Wood and his team look forward to welcoming customers to this iconic venue. Follow team EMB at @embankmentnottm to stay in the loop!

Managed pub in focus

The Kean’s Head Nestled by St. Mary’s Church in the Lace Market, Nottingham, is Castle Rock’s The type of experience you have at the Kean’s depends on when you visit. Drop by on a Friday night and you’re sure to find a warm welcoming pub filled with groups of friends and colleagues. Visit mid-afternoon and mid-week (for a read, to think, to set up camp with your laptop, to dine with a loved one…) and the Kean’s is the ideal spot to hide away in. The Kean’s Head is named after Shakespearian actor Edmund Kean, who performed in 1861 as Hamlet at the old Theatre Royal on the same street, St. Mary’s Gate. It’s this image of Kean holding the skull of ‘Yorick’ which you’ll see on the logo of the pub today. We chatted to James Halfpenny, manager when the pub opened, and Dave James, current manager of the Kean’s. “Before Castle Rock bought it, the Kean’s had a pre-club vibe to it,” said James. “The lace market was a bit of a party area. The first thing I said when I heard about the Kean’s was it had to be no-smoking. It’s a one-room pub so it had to be if it was going to work.”

This casual conversation ended up being one of the biggest talking points behind the Kean’s Head re-opening as a Castle Rock pub. It became Nottingham’s first no-smoking pub, and considering this was years before the ban came in, that was a pretty big deal. Over the years, like everything, the Kean’s has changed and evolved, but the original elements remain the same. The Kean’s is renowned for producing delicious homemade dishes with a traditional or European focus, made with fresh,

local and ethically sourced ingredients. Dishes include crowd pleasers like baked ham alongside specials like pan fried seabass with fennel and onion marmalade. Dave tells us the team have more recently been experimenting with some exciting steak recipes, including a Bison Buffalo steak served with sage and leek puree. Dave is new to the Kean’s, taking on the role of manager in July 2015. His focus since has been on rejuvenating the pub; everything from the cellar to the memorabilia on the walls has been updated this summer. “The first major thing for me was focussing on improving the gin selection. There are now thirty plus gins and, to the best of my knowledge, that’s the biggest range in Nottingham,” he said. continued opposite

The Kean’s Head holds regular Discover World Beer events, such as tasting nights and Meet the Brewer evenings. Follow the team on twitter (@keanshead and @DiscoverWBeers) to find out more.

finest hidden gem; the Kean’s Head. With six real ales, a number of world and craft keg beers and 60-plus whiskies, there’s a surprisingly vast drinks offering in the Kean’s considering its small size, but quality always takes precedent over quantity.

When we ask what the best part of the Kean’s is, Dave voices a rather lovely sentiment: “We’re so fortunate that everyone working here has lots of experience and knowledge. Their passion and enthusiasm shows; it makes all the difference.”

“We’ve got a massive range of drink options but every single one is specially selected. Our emphasis is quality, with a few quirks thrown in.”

Drinks in Focus

Discover World Beers @DiscoverWBeers Follow us to stay in the loop with offers, events and news Discover World Beers buyer Wayne Harvey selects Follow his favourite beers this autumn. Wayne on Roosters - Baby Faced Assassin Roosters were one of the first breweries in the UK to embrace American hops and they haven’t let up since. This all-Citra IPA is bursting with tropical and citrus fruit aromas. There is a fair whack of bitterness but that is tempered by some malt sweetness; it rounds out to a flavour of oranges and sweet peaches. Baby Faced Assassin is a perfect showcase for the jewel in the US hop growing industry’s crown. Catch it in cans and occasionally in keg and cask in our pubs. Founders - All Day IPA You may recall that Founders have featured in my top picks

before with their Breakfast Stout – here they are again with All Day IPA. Development of All Day IPA started in 2009 and it took several years of fine-tuning before it reached its current iteration. It’s bitter, grassy and citrusy. It’s also easy drinking and highly quaffable. There’s no wonder this beer now makes up 50% of Founders’ sales. Available in bottles, cans and occasionally on draught in our pubs. Brouwerij Bosteels Tripel Karmeliet This beer is a fairly modern take on a recipe dating back from 1679. Unlike the previous two beers, the predominate flavours of Tripel Karmeliet come from grain rather than hops. Oats, wheat and barley are used to create an incredibly smooth mouth-feel. The yeast profile is distinctively Belgian – aromas of banana, clove and pear dominate.

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ay There is a hint of up-to-date! lemon zest in the aroma, coupled with the effervescence and a slight tartness from the wheat, it actually has a refreshing quality to it. This is an accomplished beer, at 8.5% its drinkability is evidence of that. 8 Wired - iStout New Zealand is famous for its hop forward beers, helped by the reputation of its indigenous hop varieties. However, 8 Wired prove that the Kiwis can also brew some incredible dark beers with their iStout. It is viscous, like motor-oil, and clocking in at 10% ABV that’s no real surprise. It’s as black as any beer can be. The complex malt bill gives flavours of coffee, dark chocolate and lots of roasted barley. There is a fair amount of hop bitterness too which enhances the roasty malt flavours.

Unique partnerships

Castle Rock’s Walrus helps Crack the Cancer Code John van Geest Cancer Research Centre Tucked within the school of science and technology on Nottingham Trent University’s Clifton Campus is the John van Geest Cancer Research Centre. This unique purposebuilt facility hosts a team of worldleading and first Professor Bob Rees, Director of the John van Geest Cancer Research Centre class scientists, who aim to save We’ve had some great fun raising money for lives and speed recovery through the Movember Foundation, who have gone improving the diagnosis and on to donate thousands to Prostate Cancer UK and other charities. But it’s time for a treatment of cancer. change, and to re-focus our efforts. We started working with the John van Geest team last year to help raise the profile of the centre, and are thrilled to announce some huge changes in our commitment to this amazing charity, kicking off this November. For three years, Castle Rock has been supporting and promoting the Movember Foundation. As many of you will know, Movember involves the sprouting of millions of moustaches across the world to raise money and awareness for men’s health. Our amazing bar staff have rallied with customers and grown some impressive taches over the years, and various fundraising activities meant the Castle Rock Mo Bros have raised thousands of pounds. We’ve also been brewing up a special charity beer by the name of Walrus, with donations of 20p per pint sold made to the Movember charity, and an additional 50p donation made from the sale of dishes cooked with Walrus. An amber coloured ale with zesty hop aroma, Walrus has a lip smacking bitter finish and comes in at a sessionable 4.0% ABV.

We’re thrilled to finally announce that Walrus is, as of 2015, a charity beer for the John van Geest Cancer Research centre. With the centre’s focus on breast and prostate cancer, we can be sure the funds raised will go towards improving men’s health. With donations of 20p per pint, we’re estimating nearly £2,000 will be raised from the sale of the beer alone. Our pubs will be creating some special dishes too, cooked up using Walrus, so enjoy a meal and a further 50p will be donated. Walrus is available from November-December 2015, and they’ll be plenty going on in our pubs to increase the money raised.

What else is on? l The Fox & Crown

The Fox & Crown go big across Newark and beyond, with a ‘cycle around the world’ and a town-wide raffle. Get involved at the Fox by hopping on the pub bike and making your way across the map, buying a raffle ticket or bringing a team to the quiz. Give the pub a ring on 01636 605820 to find out more...

l The Stratford Haven Join the Strat’s pub quiz (£1 entry) on Wednesday 25th November and you could win a shave, cut and finish courtesy of Warren’s Barbers, West Bridgford. Money raised throughout the evening will be donated.

l The Lincolnshire Poacher Throughout Sausage Week (2nd-8th November) the Lincolnshire Poacher will be serving up Walrus-cooked sausage and mash, with a pint of Walrus for just £8.95. That’s a 70p donation made for every purchase…

Why the John van Geest? The running cost of the centre is funded by Nottingham Trent University. This means 100% of donations go directly into the work of the centre; from screening cancer patients, to testing immune systems, to purchasing new equipment, to finding treatments.

l Vat & Fiddle

A high percentage of funds raised by national charities are distributed into London, with areas like the East Midlands battling through funding applications. We want to skip this step, and donate straight to a local and deserving team.

www.castlerockbrewery.co.uk/walrus for full information and events from Castle Rock pubs. Visit www.ntu.ac.uk/vangeest to learn more about the centre.

A night of live music with a charity raffle and bake sale comes to the Vat & Fiddle, with all proceeds donated to the centre. Join us for a Mad Hatter’s Party inspired by the Walrus and the Carpenter poem by Lewis Carroll. Saturday 21st November, 7pm.

Tenanted pubs in focus

Rook & Gaskill Sitting just outside the city walls of historic York, the Rook and Gaskill has a solid reputation for delicious food and a dynamic range of craft beer and, of course, friendly service. We had a chat with Paul Marshall who has been running the pub with his son, Jon Cunningham, for two years. Rook and Gaskill were sh eep rustlers who, on 1st May 1776 , became the last two m en to be hanged in St Leonard’s Gallows in York.

The bar in the Rook & Gaskill

As with all great pubs, Paul sees the drinks offering as vital. “We offer a superb range of ales, eight in cask with Harvest Pale on all year round.” The pub is also well known for its relationship with independent brewers and keg offerings... “we have nine keg lines with Bernard Lager available permanently.” On top of that, the Rook offers a number of British craft beers, traditional cider, nine wines and a selection of top-drawer spirits. Of course, food is becoming just as important as great beer and Paul’s got that covered for his hungry visitors with up to ten different homemade burgers – something the Rook is becoming renowned for.

hugely respected by locals and visitors alike, and we are proud it is part of the Castle Rock estate (which it has been for ten years). Paul has had autonomy when running the Rook, allowing him to shape it and make it the best it can be for the locals and visitors of York.

Paul tells us that happy staff makes the pub a great place to work and visit. “The Rook stands out because the service is of such a high standard. All members of the team have a great knowledge of the product and love working here.” Undoubtedly this means there’s always a great atmosphere at the Rook with the customers at the forefront of its priorities. Customers at the Rook enjoy quiz nights every Thursday and monthly live music acts.

Most recently a new outside area has been developed (for enjoyment all year round) and Paul is looking to incorporate a summer terrace into the pub offering. Visit the Rook and Gaskill’s website www.rookandgaskillyork.co.uk for more information or follow them on Twitter @RookGaskillYork.

The Rook and Gaskill is the sort of pub that has developed a great reputation over the years, and so is

The Goings On Backed by the Crafty Flanker Celebrating the Rugby World Cup, our brewers have created a beer to catch the mood: Crafty Flanker is a lovely crisp pale ale with hops from the UK and USA, creating a refreshing and easy drinking ale with a full flavour. The Crafty Flanker himself, former international rugby union player Neil Back, joined us at the brewery to pull the first pint. Neil is pictured above (centre) being snapped outside the brewery, raising a toast to the world cup with head brewer Adrian Redgrove (left) and chairman Geoff Newton.

Willowbrook back on form

Yeastie Boys and Castle Rock bring Enz to Enz

Castle Rock 10k fund raiser On a muggy August evening, Castle Rock teamed up with the Formula One Circuit Crew for Nottingham’s 10k run: an event which seeks to ‘give back’ to the running community while raising money for the Lincolnshire and Nottingham Air Ambulance. First over the finish line was Lisa Deacon of Notts RC, who re-hydrated with (what else?!) a pint of Harvest Pale.

New Zealand brewers Yeastie Boys, creators of ‘irreverent ales made for all beer-loving folk’, paid a weekend visit to Castle Rock recently. Once in the brewery the teams combined and brewed up a special collaboration beer named Enz to Enz. This deliciously fruity golden ale has a juicy passionfruit and gooseberry dryness balanced with the biscuit malt sweetness of Maris Otter Malt. We brewed up Enz to Enz with the use of Maris Otter malt, the brewers' favourite malt which brings a bicuity sweetness to beers across the UK. In September the Maris Otter beer festival took place in Norwich to celebrate 50 years of Maris Otter harvest, and we were thrilled to find that Enz to Enz was the first brew to sell out!

At long last the dreaded fire of April ‘15 has become a distant memory. Since the last edition of CRQ went to press, the Willowbrook has opened its freshly painted doors. Back to its former glory with a few changes too, this community pub in the heart of Gedling is open for good and serving up one of the most mouth-watering menus in Nottingham alongside exceptional beer too. The Willowbrook is open for dining on Christmas day, so we’d recommend hanging up the apron and letting us do the cooking… Booking is essential.

Macmillan Fest Nottingham With four venues, 51 bands, 1,500 attendees and a grand total of £6,000 raised, this year’s Macmillan Festival was a huge success for the charity. The Castle Rock stage in the Rescue Rooms, one of Nottingham’s most loved indie music venues, was stormed by the likes of metal bands the Five Hundred, We are Tyrants and headlined by Evil Scarecrow. Our hybrid ale Red Riding Hood is the official beer of Evil Scarecrow, and was available on the bar so that headthrashing and horn-handed festival-goers could enjoy the beer of the band.

Waterfront warriors A packed house of music makers and lovers celebrated the Nottingham Waterfront Festival’s fifth birthday at the Canalhouse in August. This muchloved one-day music festival calls upon the best local bands and artists on three stages, who perform throughout the day and into the night by the canal-side. If you’re a music fan, there is seriously no better way to spend your Saturday. Tickets always fly out fast so don’t miss out next year. Money raised at the festival is donated to the Wolfson Clinic and the Emanuel House. Pictured above with the Canalhouse’s Yvette Storey (centre) are Will Robinson from ‘I’m Not from London’ and Hanna Larham from ‘Audacious Face’.

The Robin Hood Folk Festival This September a new festival was introduced to Nottinghamshire: the Robin Hood Folk Festival. The weekender was held on the stretching lawns of Newstead Abbey, a 12th century medieval monastic house and the ancestral home of Lord Byron. Two stages hosted an array of folk music from ukulele duos to foot stomping bands. We set up our bar right by the abbey and spent the sunny weekend serving up beer and real cider to happy customers. Be sure to support this new family friendly festival for 2016.

Team NBT go tenanted This summer brought great news for Steph and Kev at the New Barrack Tavern: the pair are now officially owners of this fantastic real ale and music venue in Sheffield and, though we’ll miss working with them so closely, we couldn’t be happier for them. The New Barrack now joins Castle Rock as a tenanted pub alongside six others. Congratulations guys! Break a leg!

Calling women of Castle Rock Twenty Castle Rock women and the Nottingham Women’s History Group came together to brew the fifth beer from the Commemoration Collection: Munitionettes. The group of brewsters gathered in homage to the women’s workforce of the Great War, from those in the factories to those in administration. Munitionettes is a deep golden ale, heavily hopped and comes in at a sessionable 3.9% ABV. Donations from each pint sold go to Amnesty International and the Royal British Legion. The ‘Munitionettes’ are pictured above with Castle Rock’s Liv Auckland (front left). Photo by Mark Fear.

Events Nottingham Comedy Festival & the Blunda Bus Nottingham’s Comedy Festival is back this November and, with 110 shows, is bigger than ever before. Castle Rock is proud to sponsor this ten day festival and host the double decker Blunda Bus in the brewery yard! Nottingham Comedy Festival brings local, national and international acts to many venues across the city with comedy for all tastes, as well as some children-friendly acts. We’ve been sponsoring NCF since it started up in 2009, and over the years the festival has more than doubled in size. We are happy to once again be sponsoring the festival’s New Act Competition (Tuesday 10th November), where new acts that have performed at the Canalhouse over the past year can compete to win this coveted award. The very first winner of the award, Carl Jones, will be debuting his show at the Canalhouse on the last day of the festival. This year, we are really excited to announce the arrival of a brand new venue: Castle Rock Brewery! Oh yes, you heard correctly. Comedy comes to the brewery yard

in the form of a double decker comedy bus: Bob’s Blunda Bus. Downstairs a bar serving your favourite Castle Rock brews, upstairs an intimate comedy venue, the Blunda Bus is an all-encompassing experience. It will be parked up throughout the festival and sees out the celebrations as the only venue open for comedy on Sunday 15th November. Daytime comedy in the yard is family friendly (but Bob Slayer’s infamous late night aftershow certainly isn’t). The Canalhouse and the Poppy and Pint will also be hosting an array of comedy shows throughout the festival. This year, the festival is proud to be supporting the National Autistic Society, which helps millions of people every year and does essential work to help those with Autism and Asperger Syndrome.

Visit castlerockbrewery.co.uk/ Nottingham-comedy-festival to view the full listings of comedy Twitter: @NottsComedyFest / @CRBrewery Facebook: NottsComedyFest VISIT: blundabus.com to find out more about the comedy bus, and visit the Castle Rock website for full listings

Drinks in focus

Real cider Cider Guru Alex McKenzie is back with his top picks of cider for Oct-Dec 2015. October is CAMRA Cider and Perry month, so enjoy a pint, a half or a taster tray in our pubs this Autumn. Follow the cider guru on Twitter and have a chat. Any suggestions or requests? Let Alex know and we will try to source it! Hogan’s – Panking Pole

Sandford Orchards – Fanny’s Bramble

Farmer Fear – Thirsty Farmer

Based in the Malvern Hills, Hogan’s ciders are produced using fresh apples grown from the Three Counties of Herefordshire, Gloucestershire and Worcestershire. Named after the long pole used to shake cider apples from orchard trees, Panking Pole is a golden, dry cider full of strong, complex flavours.

Fanny’s Bramble utilises blackberries found in hedgerows near to the farm which produces Sandford Orchards’ ciders. A light and refreshing option, full of sweetness and flavour, it is a perfect session cider at only 4% ABV.

A producer based slightly closer to home in Sutton Bonington, Leicestershire, Farmer Fear is proving popular through many of our pubs and with good reason. Thirsty Farmer is a medium farmhouse cider made from a blend of apple varieties, which provide a fantastic bittersweet flavour.

The festive season

Christmas with Castle Rock We’ve got Christmas covered, from elegant parties to Christmas grub on a budget; all washed down with one of our festive beers. If you’ve picked up this copy of Castle Rock Quarter and it’s nearing Christmas, then what are you waiting for? It’s time to button up that reindeer cardigan, gather your crew (friends, family, work pals, awkward associates) and hit the pub.

(Then again, if you’ve picked up this edition while it’s hot off the press, we do apologise. We know it comes sooner every year, but think how we feel! We start planning Christmas in April, now that’s distressing.) So what can you enjoy before 2016 rolls around and we start all over again?! Each of our pubs is unique, which means your Christmas options with Castle Rock are hugely varied. Our pub menus this year are, we have to say, the best ever. You’ll find everything from family friendly menus to mouth-watering, elegant Christmas Day dinners. We’ve picked our favourite menu from the lot, so you can see the deliciousness that awaits (see left). It demonstrates what the Grill Room at the Horse and Plough in Bingham is creating for Christmas.

The Horse and Plough, the Embankment and the Willowbrook are all open for dining on Christmas day. Booking is essential, so visit our website for a booking form and give your chosen one a call. It’s time to throw in the tea towel…

Christmas meals at other CRB pubs start at £14.95 for three courses.

To find all the information you need about Christmas 2015, visit castlerockbrewery.co.uk/castle-rock-christmas-2015

Five minute tester

The Castle Rock word search Test your beer name observational skills! The following brews are hidden in the grid opposite BLACK GOLD BRIAN CLOUGH ELSIE MO HARVEST PALE HEMLOCK BITTER IDLE VALLEY

JAMES SHIPSTONE MIDNIGHT OWL MOST HAUNTED MUNITIONETTES PRESERVATION RED RIDING HOOD

SHERIFFS TIPPLE SHERWOOD RESERVE SKYLARKS RESERVE TRENT VALE WALRUS ZEPPELIN RAIDS

The festive season

Festive food Our chefs have been creating some delicious festive dishes cooked with Castle Rock ale to inspire you this season. All of our beers are available to take away from the Vat & Fiddle, just call to place an order and you can recreate these recipes at home. Beer & Onion Soup Serves: 4 Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes Heat a large heavy based pan over medium heat and add 50g of butter. Once melted and foaming, add 1 kg of onion sliced finely into rings. Reduce the heat to low and cook for 1 hour, stirring occasionally, until the onions caramelise. Pour in 350ml of Sheriff’s Tipple and 400ml of beef stock, and simmer for 30 minutes. Season to taste with salt and pepper, sprinkle with cheddar and serve with a slice of beer bread. Beef stock can be substituted for veggie stock.

Sherwood Stout Chicken Serves: 4 Total time: 1 hour 25 minutes 2 tbsp vegetable oil 1 x large onion, chopped Large garlic cloves, minced 3-4lb whole chicken, cut into serving pieces Carrots, peeled and chopped Parsnips, peeled and chopped ¾ tsp salt ½ tsp black pepper 120ml Sherwood Reserve 225g Portobello mushrooms 1 tsp Worcester sauce Heat oil in a large frying pan over medium heat until hot, add onion and garlic: cook and stir until tender. Arrange chicken in a single layer in a deep pan, cook over medium-high heat (both sides) until lightly brown. Add onions, garlic, carrots, parsnips, salt and pepper to the pan. Pour Sherwood Reserve over the top and bring to boil. Reduce heat to low, cover and simmer for 35 minutes, add mushrooms and cook for 10 minutes. Uncover and cook on medium heat for further 10 minutes.

Harvest Loaves

Ale & Orange Vinaigrette

Makes: two loaves Total time: 1 hour 50 minutes

Make with any Castle Rock pale ale. For this season try Harvest Pale, Screech Owl, Munitionettes, Crafty Flanker or Snowhite. 85ml Harvest Pale 1 tbsp minced shallot 1 tsp orange zest, finely grated 1 tbsp honey 1 tsp Dijon mustard 4 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil Sea salt and freshly ground pepper

Mix 50g plain flour, 1 tbsp baking powder, 1 tsp salt and 30g brown sugar in a bowl. Add 350ml of room temperature Harvest Pale a little at a time, stirring as you go. Once the dough gets sticky, transfer it to a lightly floured surface. Knead for approximately 5 minutes, cover with a damp cloth and leave to rise for 30 minutes. Cover a baking tray with baking paper. Cut the dough in half and shape into two loaves, place the loaves on the baking tray and leave for a further 30 minutes. Place in a pre-heated oven at 220°c and bake until golden brown (25-30 minutes). Leave to cool and serve with butter.

Whisk the beer with the shallot, orange zest, honey and mustard. Gradually add the oil, whisking constantly, season with salt and pepper and serve (or refrigerate for up to 5 days.)

Snowhite Braised Cabbage Serves: 4 Total Time: 45 minutes 1 head green cabbage 1 head purple cabbage 700ml Snowhite 1 tbsp caraway seeds 1 tbsp butter 1 green apple, diced ½ tsp sea salt ½ tsp cracked black pepper 4 tsp brown sugar Preheat the oven to 220°c. Cut the cabbage heads into quarters, leaving the core on, and place in a large pot. In a bowl mix Snowhite with caraway seeds, butter, apple, sugar, salt and pepper: pour this over the cabbage and cover. Braise in the oven for 20-30 minutes.

Elsie’s Beer & Bacon Brussels

Preservation Gravy

Serves: 4 Total Time: 45 minutes 900g Brussels sprouts 170g thick cut bacon, chopped 1 red onion peeled and sliced 360ml Elsie Mo ½ tsp salt ¼ tsp pepper Pinch crushed red pepper

Total Time: 50+ minutes 3 tbsp vegetable oil 3 large onions, sliced 2 garlic cloves, crushed 1 tbsp light brown sugar 25g plain flour 200ml Preservation 500ml vegetable stock 2 tsp Marmite

Remove excess leaves and trim ends of Brussel sprouts, then cut in half. Place a deep pan over medium heat and sauté the bacon until crisp. Add the onion, saute until soft and add the sprouts: stir and sear for 4-5 minutes. Pour Elsie over the top, add the salt and both peppers, bring to a simmer and stir occasionally. Remove when the beer has reduced to a glaze and the sprouts are cooked through.

Heat the oil in a large heavy based saucepan, add the onions, garlic and sugar. Fry over a low heat for 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion caramelises. Sprinkle with the flour and cook for 1 minute. Gradually stir in the ale, stock and Marmite, and bring to the boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for 10 minutes or until thickened.

Top tweets Thanks for all your tweets, retweets, follows, likes, and lovely comments. Keep them coming! a “I’ve died and gone to Beer Nirvan te at #LincolnshirePoacher an exquisi tle pint of #ElsieMo. Thank you Cas do” you g thin t tha Rock for (@orichalcumbrass) “Another excellent family meal last night early doors (at Lincolnshire Poacher). Big fan of Castle Rock pubs, rarely disappoint” (@dave__stew)

d “And here’s Castle Rock Black Gol g arin mild in the process of disappe at Chappel” (EssexRealAle)

“Come ye faithful people, come, raise the song of Harvest Home. It’s a religious experience!” (@ErburyOldBoy)

“#WorldBeardDay enjoying Lady Bay Fest and #pondering with Simon and James (Trap 6 events” (@PoppyandPint)

We’re on Instagram! Follow us at @CRBrewery for behind the scenes chatter and photos from Castle Rock’s in-house team

Editor’s picks Upcoming Events

Full listings on our website -

October 2015 Festival Fringe Fortnight Saturday 3rd OctoberSunday 18th October Enjoy a celebration of beer and cider during the two weeks surrounding the Robin Hood Beer and Cider Festival. As the celebrations coincide with Nottingham CAMRA’s Cider and Perry Month, our Nottingham pubs will have plenty to get your chops around…

Canalhouse Celebrate with a huge selection of real cider and perry on offer at £4 a pint, £2 a half, and taster trays of six third glasses at £7.50. There’s also a special menu where all dishes are cooked with real ale as a key ingredient: dishes include a Game stew and a “Hoppy Burger”.

Kean’s Head

Bread & Bitter

Bring debate to the forefront with a Meet the Brewer from Black Iris and Totally Brewed on Wednesday 14th October. Cask vs. Keg is the theme, so you’ll be invited to make direct comparisons between the same product in cask and keg. Taster trays will be available alongside Ploughman’s and Drayman’s platters, made using fresh and locally sourced produce.

Show your Robin Hood Beer Fest ticket at the bar for 20p off a pint. Food to enjoy focuses on great British classics, including homemade beef and ale pie made with Preservation Ale. Thursdays are Brewery Nights at the Bread so pop down to sample the best of the LocAle and NewBrew scene.

Embankment

Poppy & Pint It’s all a bit fruity at the Poppy, featuring cask conditioned fruit beers on the bar at all times. Fruity delights will be conjured up in the kitchen: expect dishes like braised beef with Plum Porter and blackberries, rounded off with a slice of Chocolate stout cake.

Tuck into the themed dish of the month: a pork, apple and cider pie available with a pint of real cider for just £9.95. On the bar you’ll find the best selection of LocAle in Nottingham - with a certificate to prove it!

Fill up on an ‘Apple’n’Pears’ menu: expect dishes such as sausage and Cornish Orchard casserole with mustard mash, braised red cabbage and apple, finished off with a pear frangipane. Their range of real cider and perry expands with £3.50 for a pint, £1.80 for a half or three thirds for £3.40. LocAle and Tapas Tasting Days will be held on 9th and 10th October, at £10 per person. This includes three thirds of LocAle and three tapas dishes. Johnny Cash tribute ‘Crazy Heart’ will also be playing on Saturday 10th at 7.30pm.

National Curry Week

VAT & FIDDLE

KEAN’S HEAD

Enjoy a curry and a pint for just £7.95 throughout the week.

A variety of homemade curries and a pint of Castle Rock ale (or other select draught products) for just £10.95. Curries are served with homemade chapatti flatbread and raity & lime pickle.

Lincolnshire Poacher

Monday 12th OctoberSunday 18th October Celebrate one of Britain’s favourite dishes at your local Castle Rock pub.

BREAD & BITTER Celebrate the great British curry at the Bread with a daily “Curry of the Day” and a pint for just £8.95.

EMBANKMENT Spicy Nights Extravaganza! With curries of the world on the specials board and a pint or glass of wine for just £9.

HORSE & PLOUGH Look out for the choice of curries throughout the week on the specials board paired with beer for just £10.

THE WILLOWBROOK Curries available all week and enjoy a full Indian experience on Curry Night (Thursday). Three delicious courses paired perfectly with beer for just £20.

STRATFORD HAVEN A variety of curries available all week with any Castle Rock ale, Carlsberg, 175ml house wine or soft drink for just £7.95.

LINCOLNSHIRE POACHER Enjoy a selection of curries available on the menu with meat and vegetarian options. Includes a pint of Bitburger for just £9.95.

Plus: The Stratford Haven is the real ale and real cider haven, with former Robin Hood Beer Fest winning beers and an increased selection of locally sourced ciders and perries. The Swan in the Rushes vows to feature seven real ciders and perries on the bar all month long, and the Vat & Fiddle cook up some delicious specials including pork and cider casserole.

Ale-o’ween Dark Ale Festival Wednesday 28th OctoberSaturday 31st October It’s all treats and no tricks over four days of alliance with the dark side! Newark’s Ale-o’ween festival is organised by PINT (Pubs in Newark Together) and the Fox & Crown will of course be making its mark with a spooky celebration of dark ales.

www.castlerockbrewery.co.uk/event

events in Castle Rock pubs are updated daily November 2015 Charity Sweet Shop Throughout November The Swan in the Rushes revive the good old tuck shops of yore, the Swan will be selling retro sweets with all profits going to LOROS Hospice.

British Sausage Week Monday 2nd NovemberSunday 8th November Enjoy the best of the British sausage in Castle Rock pubs this November. From specials boards dedicated to all things sausage, one-off bangers from local butchers, and ale cooked meaty trios…it’s a full house of silly sausages. At the Canalhouse you can mix and match your sausages and mash for some bespoke dining, the Horse & Plough pair each sausage dish with a beer for

just £10, and the Kean’s Head shake it up as usual with kangaroo, wild boar and buffalo sausages on the menu… At the Bread & Bitter, Horse & Plough, Kean’s Head, Lincolnshire Poacher, Stratford Haven, the Canalhouse, the Embankment, the Willowbrook and the Vat & Fiddle.

Nottingham Comedy Festival Friday 6th NovemberSunday 15th November Nottingham Comedy Festival is here once again and set to be the best yet. We’ll be hosting double decker comedy in the brewery yard with Bob’s Blunda Bus, and the Canalhouse and Poppy & Pint will be hosting an array of shows too. Read more about NCF on page 15 and visit our website for full listings!

December 2015

Buxton Meet the Brewer Friday 27th November Meet the brewers behind the exceptional beers of Buxton Brewery at this Discover World Beers taster evening, hosted by the Kean’s Head. Enjoy two cask, two keg and two bottle beers, paired with snack platter for just £25 per person. For ticket information, call the Kean’s on 0115 947 4052

Thanksgiving Friday 27th November There’s a little bit of USA in Gedling this November, with a specials board dedicated to traditional Thanksgiving food, all matched with American craft beers. Join us at the Willowbrook to give thanks, just be sure to wear elasticated pants…

Regulars

Advent Calendar

New Year’s Eve

Throughout December Christmas isn’t just for the kids… the Stratford Haven brings back the fun (for grown-ups) with a lovely offer on every day… enjoy unwrapping!

Bid farewell to 2015! It’s a fresh new year and we’ll be rolling it in with fun and frolics in Castle Rock pubs. Visit castlerockbrewery.co.uk/NYE for all the info.

Timewarp Birthday Party

Beer of the Year 2016 voting starts soon!

• 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

Thursday 3rd December It’s the Bread & Bitter birthday party, and all prices get knocked back to 2007 for one night only. Remember those days before the beer tax escalator? Enjoy it once again and raise a glass to the birthday pub!

Which cider maker has impressed you this year? Which beer was better than the rest? Who will be crowned brewer of the year? Pick up a form and cast your votes! The winners are announced in February.

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

Dry January

Carol Singing

Uh oh. It's a new year and that means time to ‘better’ ourselves. Yoga classes: check. Less sofa time: check. No alcohol so have to avoid the pub: che....hmmm. Why not support your local pub and bar staff this 'Dry January' because without you, there's no pub. Enjoy offers on soft drinks and virgin cocktails instead...

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

Saturday 19th December Join the Bread & Bitter for some old fashioned carol singing. This festive evening starts at 6pm and is free for all the family, with mulled wine, spiced apple juice and free mince pies for all.

• Brand new event! Half price Prosecco from 5pm every WEDNESDAY at the Bread & Bitter.

WEDNESDAY Lincolnshire Poacher - Old Nick Trading Company live from 9pm Visit our website for daily listings

www.castlerockbrewery.co.uk/event

Stop press!

2016 beers are announced The New Year is rolling around fast and we’ve got four new beers lined up to kick the celebrations off. We head in to our sixth year of the Nottinghamian Celebration Ales (NCA) range in 2016 and felt it was time for a little bit of reflection. No doubt the way Castle Rock has grown in recent years has meant we have been able to supply our beer all over the country, and it’s been wonderful to expand in that way. However, it’s always important to remember our roots, and Nottingham remains at the heart of Castle Rock. The NCA range has enabled Castle Rock to celebrate some of the best people to come out of or make a contribution to the fair city of Nottingham.

Over the years, we’ve named beers after some true local icons, including actor Richard Beckinsale, fighter pilot Albert Ball, boxer Carl Froch, drummer Ian Paice, entrepreneur George Africanus, football legend Brian Clough and many more. It’s been excellent to look inward at Nottingham and the people we all think of so fondly. Look out for Dame Laura Knight between October and December. Named after the revered wartime artist, Laura Knight is a delicious porter with notes of dark fruit and coffee. It is set to be available from the Robin Hood Beer and Cider Festival onwards.

Commemoration Collection It seems like the world wide centenary commemorations of the Great War were only a few months ago, but it’s been nearly two years. At Castle Rock our commitment to the centenary continues for a total of 5 years, with the final beer in the Commemoration Collection range not landing on bars until June 2019. But for now, it is number six we look to.

Pilot’s Wings: 13 Squadron Available February 2016

Albert Ball went on to record 44 victories against Germany, with many more unrecorded victories estimated.

In 2010 we released a Nottinghamian Celebration Ale in the name of Albert Ball; the World War One fighter pilot who recorded 44 victories against Germany. Ball is considered a Nottingham hero, and we couldn’t recognise the war effort without remembering this talented pilot once again.

Pilot’s Wings signifies the natural talent and determination of Albert Ball, his staggering bravery, and all those who flew beside him, before him, and after him. 100 years since Ball gained his Pilot’s Wings, enjoy a pint and remember.

Ball joined the Sherwood Foresters at the outbreak of the war and the Royal Flying Corps in 1915, taking to the skies aged 18. Eager to answer his country’s call, Ball paid for private flying lessons every morning before military duty. On 26th January 1916, he completed his training and gained his Pilot’s Wings, joining the No.13 Squadron RFC at Marieux in France the following month.

Donations from each pint sold are made to Amnesty International and the Royal British Legion. The seventh beer in the Commemoration Collection is called Baptism of Fire, in remembrance of the battle of the Somme. Baptism of Fire will be available in June 2016.

Although we’ve yet to finalise the full list for 2016, we can confirm three of them…

Colin Slater Colin Slater is a football journalist and commentator who moved to Nottingham in 1959 and became chief municipal correspondent. He is best known for being a long-running commentator at Notts County Football Club for BBC Radio Nottingham. He is reported to have commentated on over 2,100 matches, making him one of the true “voices” of Nottingham. Colin’s services to broadcast journalism and the local community earned him a well-deserved MBE in 2001.

Florence Boot Florence Boot was an important figure as the joint-partner of Boots Chemist when it first opened in Nottingham. She worked hard to improve welfare and conditions for the staff at Boots, the majority of which were women. This included the provision of breakfast for staff and the introduction of dedicated welfare officers. We’re looking forward to celebrating Florence’s contributions; even more fitting now after Castle Rock’s acquisition of the former Boots building, the Embankment Pub & Kitchen.

D. H. Lawrence Undoubtedly one of the biggest literary icons the country has seen, D.H Lawrence was born in Eastwood and was the first local pupil to win a city council scholarship to Nottingham High School, which is still educating today. Lawrence had a colourful yet chequered life but spent most of his time, even when seriously ill, writing novels, short stories, poems and plays. He is perhaps best known for his novel Lady Chatterley’s Lover. Check our website or social media feeds for updates on our 2016 Nottinghamian Celebration Ales range.

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: 01904 655450

(The Brewery Tap)

Tel: 0115 982 5981

(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.

F: Castle Rock Brewery

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.

4.7%

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.

T: @CRBrewery

F: Elsie Mo T: @Elsiemocrb

F: Screech Owl T: @ScreechOwlCRB

For details of upcoming and future seasonal beers please see pages 5 & 23 in this issue

The next issue of Castle Rock Quarter is published in January