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No:1 Spring 2014 All the latest news, views and essential information from Castle Rock Brewery

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Willowbrook the Maze! takes Jake Bugg rocks shape Turn to page 2 See page 3 www.castlerockbrewery.co.uk Welcome In Focus Welcome to the first edition of our The Willowbrook reinvigorated Castle Rock magazine. The all new Castle Rock Quarter, as the name suggests, will be produced quarterly and will tie in with the seasons. So what better time than Spring to bring you this fresh approach and to inform you of everything you need to know about being ‘out and about’ in Castle Rock pubs. It has only been six months since what proved to be the final edition of the Castle Rock Times. As the following pages will reveal, so much has already happened and it didn’t make sense to keep it ‘under a bushel’ for a further six months. We wanted to share all our exciting news and updates with you and we were sure you’d want to know about them: so the Castle Rock Quarter was born! The CRQ team will be working hard to fill these pages with much more relevant and up-to-date news, ideas and information that will help you make the most of your visits to Castle Rock pubs. There will be breaking stories, interesting insights, topical opinions and plenty of useful information about what is forthcoming. We will also save space for some fun too! We hope you enjoy the new format of CRQ and with the lighter nights now upon us and less of a chill in the air (well hopefully!) we have plenty going on and we hope you choose to spend your precious time with us and enjoy what we have to offer down Hi, my name is Pete Hopwell and I’m the at your Castle Rock local. General Manager for the newly purchased and Thank you for your continued custom and loyalty. We promise we will continue to soon-to-be completely refurbished work hard to deserve it! Cheers Willowbrook in Gedling. Colin Wilde I started in the business back in 1989 period, in order to honour bookings and working for Ansells Brewery in a events that had been organised prior to community pub in Alvaston, Derby as a Castle Rock taking over. As time went by we wet-behind-the-ears barman who fell in realised that the Gedling community and Castle Rock Brewery love with what I did. From there I worked surrounding areas were more than pleased Queensbridge Road, Nottingham NG2 1NB my way up through the ranks and moved with the transition the Willowbrook had around to extend my knowledge of made. We decided to undertake the Tel: 0115 985 1615 running bars from small independents to refurbishment while staying open as much as General enquiries: high street brands, working all over the we could for the enjoyment of the regular [email protected] country for the next 23 years. trade who could see the changes we were Sales enquiries: making bit-by-bit. I have inherited a great In 2013 I was given a fantastic opportunity team of staff and since I’ve been here have [email protected] to get back to my roots and run a community got to know all the regulars, making the Recruitment: pub using all the skills I had learnt over the transition very smooth and all great fun. [email protected] years. The fact this was with Castle Rock, who brew quality beers and have a great The Willowbrook refurbishment has been reputation, made it a very special project on coming on in leaps and bounds, including which to work - exciting times! making a new ground floor cellar so we can go from the already increased seven real ales is produced by freerbutler limited We took over the Willowbrook Club on the to a possible fourteen, with craft beers and a 22nd November 2013, with the plan to run good range of lagers. This will also include a www.freerbutler-gds.co.uk the pub as usual through the Christmas fine selection of world beers, spirits, wines 2 Hot News The Maze gets the Bugg! a r e z n a P o l e g n A y b h p a r g o t o h p He might have already played to The exclusive gig was attended by those thousands of screaming, bopping and lucky enough to win a ticket through his boogying Nottinghamians, but the website, where the crowd was invited to city’s music lovechild Jake Bugg is make donations to Cancer Research UK. still the humble boy who stepped onto Jake is pictured above with Ben (left) and the BBC’s Introducing Stage aged just Gaz (right) of the Maze - they are old seventeen. friends and the main reason Jake came back to play the venue. Jake played a secret gig at The Maze in November 2013, ending a year of The Maze was the ideal intimate venue to performing to colossal crowds on big showcase songs from ‘Shangri La’, Jake’s stages, by going back to the venue where second album, which debuted later that he started out. month. Wise after the event! Midnight Owl, our black India , took home gold in the Old Ale/Strong Mild category in the East Midlands regional beer competition held during the National Winter Ale Festival in Derby in February. In the final panel, consisting of the winners Above: Pete Hopwell, the General Manager at from all five categories, Midnight Owl was Castle Rock’s newly- acquired ‘The Willowbrook’ awarded second place. Our brewer, Jon in Gedling, Nottingham. Edger is pictured right (on left) being toasted on the win by leading beer writer and ciders, as well as NewBrew, LocAle, and and campaigner, Roger Protz (right) and other drinks offers from Castle Rock Les Baynton in his role as Derby Beer King. Brewery. We are also in the process of extending the Other News kitchen so that the menu we have introduced can be enhanced to provide more variation Castle Rock Brewery has been shortlisted to win ‘Best Drinks Offer’ at the Publican for the discerning customer. We will be able Awards 2014. Attributed for innovation with the ‘Discover World Beers’ initiative, we to cater for bigger bookings and functions join four other contenders in the finals. on a regular basis for meetings, birthdays, weddings, Christmas and private parties. We collected the “Highly Commended” award for Best Marketing and Communication for our Nottinghamian Celebration Ales range at SIBA Beer X. We have adjusted the main bar by taking The Maze has been listed as a ‘venue that changed music history’ by Gigwise, alongside down a separating wall to create one big the world-famous Cavern Club in Liverpool where the Beatles first performed. room, with new toilets in two areas, great Visit Gigwise.com to read the full story. new décor and furnishings to make it the ideal place for drinking, dining and Castle Rock Brewery is now accredited by the BII (British Institute of Innkeeping). socialising. Courses begin with Personal Licence training in April of this year. The Poppy & Pint was runner-up in the Pub Of The Year awards from Nottingham Keep a look out for wine, food and beer CAMRA. Congratulations to James and his team. tasting evenings, cocktail master classes, band nights, beer festivals and much more. This year Castle Rock beers will be ‘back in brown’ bottles! More to come soon… 3 News focus

Autogrill Catering UK’s John Lobley (left) and Kate Cochrane (second right) with Castle Rock Brewery managing director, Colin Wilde, and chairman Geoff Newton (right) Come Fly With Me Castle Rock Brewery taps into East Midlands Airport

In February we were delighted to Having won the East Midlands Airport Above: Early visitors appreciate the decor and announce the launch of the Castle Rock contract, Autogrill wanted to act locally and ambience of the Castle Rock Tap Room & Tap & Kitchen in the first floor departure work with smaller businesses. Local food Kitchen at East Midlands Airport lounge at East Midlands Airport. suppliers have also been included in the offering at EMA but Castle Rock was deemed encourage passengers to take some Harvest Many months were spent in the planning top of their list on the beer front; so our Pale with them into Europe! stages when Autogrill approached us last reputation definitely preceded us on this one! year. We insisted that key members of our So enjoy your holiday and when you return team were fully involved, especially when Both parties were surprised and delighted make sure you tell us how much you enjoyed approaching fitting out the cellar. Our that our values were so closely connected, your Harvest Pale at the airport. extensive experience of working real ale held which allowed Castle Rock and Autogrill to us in good stead and our skills were certainly make this project happen. used to their maximum potential. By working Send us a selfie! closely with the Autogrill team (the site The Castle Rock Tap and Kitchen raises the Barely had the operators) we have the confidence that the bar well above the standard airport fayre of opening signs Harvest Pale on sale at EMA will be of the yesteryear and what can be better for gone up at the highest possible quality and this was always passengers than being able to sample Tap Room & our primary concern. fantastic quality local beer? Access is Kitchen when perhaps a bit limited; you’ll need to be going we received The project went remarkably smoothly with on a flight to visit the Castle Rock Tap & our first selfie everything running on time, which means the Kitchen, so if you haven’t been X-rayed and from the airport now has a brand new and exceptional your name is not on the list then you are venue. facility in which travellers can re-fuel and definitely not coming in! So if you’re relax. passing Perhaps also for those who have an early through The design is a blend between modern and flight a pint of Harvest Pale at 6am with your EMA and off traditional and provides a bright, fresh and breakfast may not be your usual cup of tea somewhere exciting showcase for Castle Rock Brewery either (please note however that Harvest Pale exotic, and its beers in a high profile location. is a great food match for a full English don’t forget to Breakfast so it is well worth a try). tweet us a selfie @CRBrewery - you may Autogrill is a large Italian business that well find yourself printed in the next edition operates bars and restaurants in airports and All-in-all this was an opportunity we couldn’t of CRQ. similar environments around the world. refuse and when leaving the country we’d 4 Drinks in Focus Discover World Beers Wayne Harvey, world beer buyer and THURSDAY 17TH APRIL craft connoisseur, shares his favourites Beer Tasting: by Palm Brewery Group Pre-booking recommended from the ‘Discover World Beer’ range. Hop Loft, 7.30pm, £10 per person Email [email protected] Discover World Beers focuses on sourcing and Columbus hops. The grain bill and offering you the best beers from includes crystal malt so there is a sweet, MONDAY 12TH- SUNDAY 18TH MAY around the globe. The most prestigious malty backbone to balance out all those American Craft Beer Week bottles and craft keg beers are fleeting, so pungent American hops. Celebrated in many of our pubs, hop on down to your DWB local and STOP PRESS – Due to California’s water with the best of best US beers and follow us on Twitter to stay up-to-date. crisis, production of Bear Republic all-American dishes to match Racer 5 IPA has been suspended for six Follow/contact your favourite Castle You can currently discover impressive and months. Availability is limited! Rock pub to find out more imaginative world beers at the Hop Loft, the Lincolnshire Poacher, the Kean’s Head and Augustiner – Helles, 5.2% THURSDAY 15TH MAY the Canalhouse. More Castle Rock Don’t think you like lager? Augustiner Beer Tasting: Wheat Style Beer Brewery pubs to follow soon! is the oldest brewery in Munich, by Discover World Beers tracing their history all the way back Pre-booking recommended Stone Brewing Co. – Sublimely to 1328. This fresh, crisp beer has a Hop Loft, 7.30pm, £10 per person Self Righteous Ale, 8.7% bit of a cult following in Germany, Email [email protected] This beer was at the forefront of the popular with students and partygoers. ‘Black IPA’ trend. For those not Nevertheless the floral aroma and SUNDAY 1ST- SATURDAY 8TH JUNE familiar, a ‘Black IPA’ is essentially sparkling carbonation will make you Hudd Week an IPA with a touch of dark malt. reconsider your preconceptions of this Celebrating Huddersfield, the brewing Yes the ‘Black IPA’ moniker is a bit classic beer style. Capital of Yorkshire. of an oxymoron but let’s roll with it. Hudd beers Cask and Tap takeover, S.S.R is intensely hoppy, a mix of fresh pine Duvel – Tripel Hop, 9.5% paired with Yorkshire inspired dishes! and tropical fruit dominate the aroma. The Duvel’s annual hop-forward release is Kean’s Head. black malt adds a little roast flavour into the genuinely brilliant. 2012’s Citra variant mix; the hops and malt come together in was full of gooseberry and tropical fruit THURSDAY 19TH JUNE complete harmony to create this delicious ale. flavours whilst 2013’s Sorachi Ace Beer Tasting: Pale Ale Style tasted herbal with loads of fresh by Discover World Beers Bear Republic – Racer 5 IPA, 7.0% lemon. This year’s version has been Pre-booking recommended Racer 5 is a fine example of an American IPA made with Mosaic hops – look out for Hop Loft, 7.30pm, £10 per person – there’s loads of big citrus fruit and floral it in our bars, it promises to be Email [email protected] aromas from Chinook, Cascade, Centennial excellent! Cider

The resurgence of interest in real cider This is great news when compared to the Watch out for these ciders in our pubs, has been a great boon over the last few prevalence of the scrubbing of orchards in especially those from some of the fabulous years and 2013’s hot weather and the 80s and 90s. Back then French, Spanish local cider makers that are on our doorstep; sunshine was perfect for both growing and Chinese apple concentrates were they use only local apples and adhere strictly apples and for sitting in a pub garden and deemed cost-effective substitutes to growing to the published CAMRA cider-making enjoying them; but only once they have our own apples in the UK. The mass market guidelines. been fermented of course! ciders may be criticised by some for not being the Real McCoy but their existence has So here’s to another long hot summer and, Castle Rock has sold real cider since we provided a bridge for more and more people on those balmy nights, why not add a glass opened our first pub but it is only in recent to try real cider. of cider or two to your repertoire. Don’t years that we have been able to ‘press’ forget to tell us which ones are your forwards and bring you a wide choice. The Castle Rock has supported the CAMRA Cider favourites; we’ll be adding a cider category resurgence stems back to the ‘Magner’s & Perry month of October for the last two to the next annual Castle Rock Beer of the Summer of 2006’ when cold cider on ice years and has sold over 100 different real Year Awards. whet the thirsts of the masses. In response ciders through our pub network during that the whole cider industry reinvented itself, month alone. We are seeking to further If you’d like to learn more about real including smaller producers. Apple trees develop this in the years to come but we will cider the CAMRA website gives plenty were planted across the land in their also look to extend availability during all of more information, try thousands and continue to be so today. the summer months. www.camra.org.uk/CIDER 5 In Focus The Derby Tup

Acquired by Castle Rock in 1990, the Derby Tup in Chesterfield has recently received a rare honour from Chesterfield and District CAMRA.

Tenant landlord Brendan McConville is your authentic British publican; knowledgeable, chatty and kind-hearted. When we last visited ‘The Tup’ on 20th February, it was under an exceptional circumstance, one which brought Brendan’s locals, a hoard of Chesterfield CAMRA members, local press and beer Above: Derby Tup landlord Brendan McConville (left) and Roger Protz, editor of the Good Beer Guide writer and journalist Roger Protz, to Bottom of page: Regulars enjoy the celebrations swarm the pub for the evening. Guide is considered the campaign’s best Additionally and most predominantly, the Tup “I feel marvellous,” Brendan grins. He’s not seller, one that is compiled by CAMRA is a classic ‘local’; a quiet space to shelter talking about all these people, here to honour members and charges no fee for inclusion. from the world outside. Roger Protz his achievements; he’s talking about his tan Roger Protz presented Brendan with a previously described the Tup as a ‘down-to- after a week visiting his sister in South Africa. certificate along with a signed copy of the earth, much-loved boozer’, and on this night It was a well-deserved break, and one which Good Beer Guide. For a landlord, this is one placed the Tup amongst the remaining venues made Brendan particularly photogenic for his of the highest achievements possible. considered the ‘backbone of Britain’s night as the centre of everyone’s attention. traditional pub stock’. So what is it about the Derby Tup, thirty The Derby Tup , as of 2014, has been years on, that keeps CAMRA coming back? It’s the charming, untouched tradition of the included in The Good Beer Guide for a Well of course the quality of the cask ale is pub, with the interior kept much the same, consecutive thirty years. It is as Roger Protz exceptional. And the overall drinks offering is the ‘snug’ in which you can’t help doze off said, a “remarkable achievement. The Tup welcoming, with ten real ales to choose from, and the open fires, that make the Tup so joins a decreasing number of pubs with this supported by traditional ciders and a commendable. No airs and graces, a true long and enviable record.” The Good Beer respectable selection of whisky. British pub of which very few remain.

In making his presentation, Protz thanked Castle Rock and Brendan for not attempting to unnecessarily change or ‘update’ the pub.

Messages of congratulations on Brendan’s success are met with a modest nod. “When I first came to the Tup, this was the only real ale pub in Chesterfield and there are now about twenty-five to thirty of them.”

All the more credit to you, Brendan. In the next issue we feature…the Eagle at Boston, Lincolnshire 6 Castle Rock Awards Beer of the Year 2013/14 After months of votes flowing in from our customers, this year’s Beer of the Year awards was held in the function room of the Castle Rock Brewery colleagues and award winners Canalhouse on the evening of 25th February. gather at the Canalhouse for a celebratory photo-call

We slipped into our smart-casual glad place Beer of the Year for their premium rags, nattered with our friends from , Belgian Blue. Distinguished by its Parliamentary breweries and businesses alike, and remarkable purple colour, Belgian Blue was tasted the ‘mystery beers’. the subject of curiosity and debate before its motion for Mòr: unveiling. Graeme Dey, a Member of the Scottish This year, Castle Rock selected Small Beer Ltd By quite the “landslide vote”, Newby Wyke’s Parliament, wrote a personal letter to as Supplier of the Year 2013-14. Colin Wilde Orsino was awarded First Place, Beer of the Jim and Ross of MòR Brewing, explained: “We have worked with Small Beer Year 2013-14. This golden ale at 4.0% is a congratulating the pair on their ‘New for as long as I can remember and their wide sessionable and flavourful delight, with citrus Brewer of the Year’ award. range has always been at the heart of what aromas and a hoppy bite to finish. Christine we do. In the past year the innovation of March beamed, “It feels like we are part of a A parliamentary motion was lodged to supply they have offered us from a wide big family,” and thanked Castle Rock and highlight the achievement, noting that category base has been exceptional and one everyone who voted. Brewer Robert March MòR was the ‘first-ever Scottish entrant highlight in particular is how they are helping was unable to attend because (you guessed to be nominated for the prestigious us develop our Discover World Beer concept. it) he was up brewing the next morning. All title, hosted by Castle Rock Brewery in They are worthy winners of this award.” of us at Castle Rock would like to send our Nottingham’. congratulations to you, Robert. LocAle Brewer of the Year was awarded to Castle Rock’s Managing Director Colin Black Iris; winners of New Brewer of the Year Brewer of the Year was awarded to Fuller, Wilde asks, “Are in 2012-13. Learn more about Black Iris in Smith & Turner plc. Fullers has worked hard we the first - and our LocAle feature on page 11. bringing new beers to market in the last year so far only - and these have struck a chord with our English brewer MòR Brewing was awarded New Brewer of customers. Their exciting and fresh approach, to get a the Year 2013-14, a well-deserved honour whilst retaining all what was previously mention for the Scottish pair, Jim and Ross, who not exemplary, makes them deserving winners of in the Scottish Parliament?” only made the six-hour drive down to our Brewer of the Year Award. Nottingham but brought two barrels of delicious beer with them. Thank you to our customers for voting and to our friends and Third place Beer of the Year, as voted for by colleagues for attending, and Castle Rock customers, went to last year’s most importantly, thank you and winner - Titanic Plum Porter. Still a favourite well done to all the superb with many, this naturally plum-flavoured brewers and suppliers that porter is a sumptuous treat, and one enjoyed continue to strengthen this by customers across the CRB estate. complex industry.

Family-run Bradfield Brewery, based on a Don’t miss your chance to vote farm in the Peak District, took home Second next January! 7 In Focus The Vat & Fiddle

Jane Chadwick talks about her new role as manager of the Vat & Fiddle, Castle Rock’s brewery tap…

I'm so happy to be back in Nottingham, after being away for four and a half years (since leaving The Chestnut Tree in Sherwood in August 2009). I've spent that time working in Cheltenham and Bath, for some of the ‘PubCo’ big boys, but was always looking for that ‘special’ place in Nottingham to become available… and it has!

I’m really thrilled to be given this opportunity to manage the Vat & Fiddle and endeavour to make it Nottingham’s not-so- best-kept secret.

Castle Rock has firmly established itself as the premium independent brewer in Nottingham and after spending a day observing how hard everyone works at the brewery, the least we can do at ‘The Vat’ is to make sure each pint we serve is in top condition. This may sound very clichéd, but I want our A new menu is being planned right now, Our customers, as varied as they are here, patrons to look forward to visiting the Vat, to which will combine value for money and a from regulars to visitors to our four-legged tell their friends and family what a great pub few new dishes to tempt. The brewery tours friends, deserve to be welcomed into our it is and to spread the word throughout the and visitor centre is an area we will improve home and given the best hospitality we have county and beyond. and hopefully increase footfall. We are of to offer. Drinks, food and the odd bowl of course not changing everything. We are still water, should never seem to be served as No business can afford to stand still; we have running our free quiz every Tuesday evening a chore and if it ever does we’re not doing to keep moving forward, so in the next few from 8pm as well as hosting as a good our job properly. months there will be a few changes. selection of live music. On the first Sunday of the month we still have Swingologie and the second Sunday of the month continues as a traditional folk band jam session.

There are also monthly live music nights, with the next one being on Friday 5th April, when we have ‘Devil’s Advocate’ playing. This is part of The Vat & Fiddle’s birthday celebration week, so if you’re free why not come down and say hello!”

8 Up & Coming Brews As Nottingham’s most prolific brewer, there is always something exciting available alongside our core range of classics. Whether it be our monthly beer in support of the Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust, quarterly beer to celebrate Nottingham’s great heroes and heroines, specials to commemorate the First World War, or our one-off and seasonal range.

APRIL MAY

APRIL DINGY SKIPPER • No. 107b Pale beer with some malt sweetness counterbalanced with a fruity hop character. MAY RATTY • No. 84b Light brown . JUNE JUNE RED ADMIRAL • No. 1b Traditional East Midlands balanced best bitter.

Brewed in memory of ‘Nottingham’s first black entrepreneur’ George Africanus. At the age of just three, he arrived in England as the slave of a family in Wolverhampton. After being apprenticed a brass founder in Wolverhampton, George moved to Nottingham a free man in the 1780s, where he became a successful businessman. Although we do not know much about George’s life, his story is that of overcoming the odds and we are very proud to brew a beer in his honour. APRIL - JUNE Can you tell us more about George Africanus?

Also look out for our seasonal classic, Hemlock Bitter...

“A sometimes overused term but Hemlock is the epitome of a ‘traditional bitter’ where the earthy bitterness of the Fuggles and Goldings hops is enhanced by the nutty bite of crystal and black malts.” – Adrian Redgrove, Head Brewer, Castle Rock Brewery.

The full flavoured and very popular ‘Hemlock Bitter’ is available from MAY - JULY

This year marks the centenary of the start of the First World War. In commemoration, we are brewing a special range of twelve beers over the next five years. The first beer will be available in June, With donations to Combat Stress so raise a glass in respect. 9 My favourite Castle Rock beer Screech Owl TOP COMMENTS We love to hear your feedback about our beers, and even more so when there is a story behind it! Thanks for all your tweets, retweets, follows, likes, and We’re on a quest over the next few issues to find lovely comments. out what our customers’ favourite Castle Rock Keep them coming! tipples are – and why! “P ost work cheeky pint of Name: Mike Higgins @CRBrewery Red Hart at the @canalhousebar and Local: Stratford Haven th ey’re playing Pearl Jam’s Favourite Beer: Screech Owl ‘Even Flow’. Good call!” (@GastroChap) “There's only o ne SCREECH OWL! I was “Just been filming at first introdu ced to this Emperor of @NottmCastle and now at India (Pale Ale @CRBrewery for a brewery ) by my daughter on tour - a tough life for my return t o Nottingham in 2010 at #Nottingham’s Official the Bread #RobinHood! #LoveNotts” and Bitter. obinHoodTim) I h (@R ave tasted beers from all over the World and this “Back for another visit from is by fa just up the M1... this sublime r my favourite. beer from @CRBrewer y. The montage (right) is in 2010. entitled “The Brief But pic.twitter.com/XjeCXT6 Screech Owl is our superbly t2V” Beautiful Life of a (@Bullsheadbl Screech Owl” taken in balanced India Pale Ale at aby) 5.5%. Brewed with two the summer of 2011 at The Stratford American hops, this citrussy beer is offset by a smooth Haven.” malt character. “@CRBrewery RED HART rich chocolate oatmeal going down a treat pic. Double up at CBoN 2014 twitter.com/nJyB5tfxO0” (@HollyBushBEER) Nottingham CAMRA again chose the the judges from regional branches and Canalhouse to host CBoN, its annual businesses gave top honour to Lincoln Champion Beer of Nottinghamshire Green Brewery's Tuck, a full bodied porter. competition where ales from all parts of After the competition, all the beers plus an “Wishing Castle Rock Nottingham and the county additional seven ales, Brewery a very happy 37th battle it out for the coveted five ciders and a perry, birthday! title. were made available to Making Ale Real In all 49 beers were judged, the public who flocked since 1977” double the number in the first in record numbers to see (R Whitbread) event last year. And after if (in their opinion) the much supping and discussing, judges got it right. 10 Cuisine What’s Cooking at Castle Rock pubs ‘One cannot think well, love well, sleep well, if one has not dined well’ - Virginia Woolf What to choose- a Mediterranean meze to menu consisting of fabulous homemade MONDAY 12TH - SUNDAY 18TH MAY inspire conversation or a traditional dishes such as Devilled Mushrooms, Kedgeree British Sandwich Week British roast to subdue it? The choices are and Eggs Royale. Those slightly peckish can #stratsandwichweek plentiful in Castle Rock pubs. opt for the smaller portions and still taste the Suggest the sub of your dreams in-house divine flavours of these or online new creations. Stratford Haven

Vegetarian, gluten-free MONDAY 12TH JUNE - SUNDAY 13TH and dairy-free diets are JULY catered for wherever World Cup Burger Challenge possible, in all Castle Will you make the leader board? Quickest Rock pubs. And time wins a gallon of Castle Rock ale! traditional foodies have Fox & Crown no fear: the Castle Rock clan will never MONDAY 23RD JUNE - SUNDAY 6TH say goodbye to the JULY classics that make Wimbledon the British Way British pubs so great. Enjoy Pimms and Cream Tea in Castle Rock Pubs

Whether you’re after crisp light bites on warm afternoons, hearty home-made goodness on chilly evenings, easy and breezy LocAle flying visits at lunchtime, gratifying gourmet to treat your better half or, let’s be honest, some impromptu grub after a long hard day and a few too many; you should taste it here Black Iris first. The CAMRA LocAle Scheme promotes The progress made by We’re an environmentally responsible pubs stocking locally brewed real ale. Black Iris is commendable: brewery and this “green” ethic filters right Castle Rock is committed to supporting with inclusion by CAMRA down to the dish on your plate. Wherever the scheme, offering diversity in our into the 2014 Good Beer possible our ingredients are locally sourced, guest beer range and giving small Guide, their status in the brewing industry is freshly prepared and our dishes home-made. breweries a route to the consumer growing fast. Additionally, Alex’s nifty That means your meal tastes better and is market. facial hair combined with pump clip artwork better for you. from a local tattoo artist, shows real ale At Beer of the Year 2011-12, these Derby can be cool. We don’t stop there though; some of our based youngsters took home our New most inspired chefs like to share their recipes Brewer of the Year award just seven months Most significantly of course is the great so you can re-create the dish at home. after setting up their brewery. Back then quality of beers produced by Black Iris. Manager of the Kean’s Head in Nottingham’s Black Iris were overwhelmed by the support Just two days after carrying home their Lace Market, Sam Skinner-Watts, has shared they received from esteemed brewers and Castle Rock award and still determined to his ‘Harvest Pale Ice Cream’ recipe on our Castle Rock customers. This year the gain as much knowledge and experience website. Yes, that’s beer ice-cream… Directors of Castle Rock awarded Black Iris possible, Black Iris headed to Murphy & Son impeccable. At the Kean’s Head you can hide LocAle Brewer of the Year Ltd to spend the day away in the cobbled streets of history and 2013-14, and Nick and Alex learning about yeast enjoy antipasto, melanzane and homemade looked like experts stepping management. It seems fondant in a cosy atmosphere. Food lovers up to collect their trophy. these guys will explore may ponder which dish to pair with their every avenue to ensure pint, but we have pairings and suggestions Nick Folkard (left) and Alex they brew brilliant ready for you, so your taste buds are poised Wilson (right) began brewing products. on perfection. as ‘Black Iris’ in 2011, using a six-barrel plant based behind The result of course, is The Bread and Bitter in Mapperley is the Flowerpot pub in Derby. that we get to follow renowned for its excellent range of cask ale, The boys were learning on the job, working what Black Iris do next, and with their always stored and poured to exceptional on perfecting basic recipes and learning capacity to absorb information and improve standards, and now it’s used in the cooking how different hop varieties affect the end at an extraordinary rate, it’s no doubt this too. ‘The Bread’ has just launched a new product. year is set to be another wondrous journey. 11 Editor’s Picks Full listings on our website - Upcoming Events updated daily SATURDAY 3RD – SUNDAY 4TH TUESDAY 24TH April 2014 Star Wars Weekend ‘Troupers’ from Mikron TUESDAY 8TH ‘May the 4th be with you’ (get it?) Theatre Company Movie Night: Fast & Furious 3 Movies, nibbles and all things Star Warsian Set in 1914, a little-told story of the Golden Eagle , 8pm, Free Admission Golden Eagle and the Poppy & Pint Great War Poppy & Pint , 7:30pm TUESDAY 8TH SUNDAY 4TH Salopian Brewery Night Comedy Club THURSDAY 26TH - SUNDAY 29TH & the Golden Troubadours Rob Rouse rings in the 5th anniversary Golden Eagle Beer Festival New Barrack Tavern , 8pm, £5 With Live Music and BBQ Bread & Bitter , Music from 9pm, Free Golden Eagle , 6pm, Free Admission Admission THURSDAY 22ND- MONDAY 26TH Bank Holiday ‘Best of the MONDAY 30TH TUESDAY 15TH Movie Night: Fast & Furious 4 Best’ Beer Fest & BBQ Armed Forces Charity Quiz Bread & Bitter , 5pm, £1 Golden Eagle , 8pm, Free Admission BBQ available all festival Satnam’s Tash go Electric on Thu 22nd THURSDAY 17TH-MONDAY 21ST Bread & Bitter , Free Admission July 2014 Bank Holiday Beer Festival THURSDAY 29TH All beers voted for by you! Cheese & Wine Night SATURDAY 5TH - SUNDAY 6TH Lincolnshire Poacher, Free Admission hosted by Big Wines Campers Carry-out Offer Thirsty ‘Le Tour Yorkshire’ campers can SUNDAY 20TH Celebrating British Cheese Week Willowbrook , Call for details and to book carry out a polypin of delicious Castle Easter Garden Party Rock beer! All welcome! SATURDAY 31ST New Barrack Tavern , ask for pricings BBQ, bouncy castle and Easter egg hunt Opening the Garden Party Golden Eagle , 2pm, Free Admission TUESDAY 8TH All welcome! Movie Night: Drop Dead Fred TUESDAY 22ND BBQ, bottled beer festival, bouncy castle and live music Golden Eagle , 8pm, Free Admission hosted by Big Wines Wine Night Golden Eagle, 2pm, Free Admission Enjoy an evening of good wine & good food! SATURDAY 12TH Poppy & Pint , 7:30pm, £25 Waterfront Festival The renowned WEDNESDAY 23RD summer benefit Witty Fools Shakespeare Quiz fest. is back Stratford Haven , 8.30pm, Free for 2014 with three WEDNESDAY 23RD stages of St. George’s Day Party live music, With Dr. Comfort & The Lurid Revelations the biggest Bread & Bitter , 5pm, Free Admission June 2014 World Beer selection in THURSDAY 5TH Nottingham May 2014 Classic Bike Concourse and hundreds of All welcome! happy people dancing by the canal side THURSDAY 1ST TO SATURDAY 31ST Contact us for more information. Canalhouse , Like on Facebook to find out Golden Eagle , 6pm, Free Admission more: Mild in May Display The Nottingham Waterfront Festival Learn all about Mild at the Castle Rock TUESDAY 10TH Brewery Tap in celebration of the CAMRA Mild in May Trail Movie Night: The Italian Job VISIT www.castlerockbrewery.co.uk for a Vat & Fiddle , all month Golden Eagle , 8pm, Free Admission full listing of forthcoming events .

OPEN MIC NIGHT– Last Friday of every month at ACOUSTIC SESSIONS – Every Thursday at the The Hop Loft, from 8:30pm, Free Admission Canalhouse, from 6:30pm, Free Admission 12 www.castlerockbrewery.co.uk Merchandise The Castle Rock look We offer a great range of merchandise, from fleeces and beanie hats to shorts and t-shirts! There are three ways to buy merchandise from us: • Order at your local Castle Rock pub

• Visit and order from our eBay shop “Castle_Rock_Brewery_Nottingham” or just Google “Castle Rock Brewery eBay shop”

• Email [email protected] Brewery Tours Join Robin and his merry men (and women!) Tours of Castle Rock Brewery are fun and informative; where possible you will be shown around the brewery by Nottingham’s very own Robin Hood . Afterwards you will be taken to the brewery tap Visitors’ Centre where you can sample some of our beers. Tours are available throughout the week, and on Saturdays (subject to availability).

You can book in three ways: • Email [email protected] with preferred dates and times • Fill in our online booking form at www.castlerockbrewery.co.uk • Ask at the bar in your Castle Rock local

Tours last 30-40 minutes and cost £12 per person. Hot and cold food options are available for before or after the tour. Please note a minimum of ten people are required (although you may be able to join another tour). Tours are for over 18’s only. 13 Social Media Follow Us There’s always something happening in the Castle Rock estate, and you can get even more involved, learn of upcoming events and benefit from offers just by following our social media feeds! Simply search for the below accounts on Facebook or Twitter and click “Like”, “Follow” or “Add Friend”

Alexandra Hotel @Alex_Pub_Derby Bread Bitter @breadandbitter Canal House @canalhousebar The Derby Tup @TheDerbyTup The Eagle @EagleBoston The Maze @themazenotts The Fox & Crown, Newark @TheFoxandCrown The Golden Eagle Free House @GoldenEaglePub The Hop Loft @TheHopLoft Kean’s Head @keanshead Lincolnshire Poacher @lincpoacher New Barrack Tavern @NewBarrack The Newshouse @NewshouseNotts Poppy & Pint @PoppyandPint Stratford Haven @stratfordhaven Swan Rushes @swanrushes Vat Fiddle @VatandFiddle The Wetmore Whistle @wetmorewhistle1 The Willowbrook @WillowbrookCRB Castle Rock Brewery @CRBrewery Our beers talk too! Elsie Mo @Elsiemocrb Sheriff Tipple @SheriffTipple Screech Owl @ScreechOwlCRB 14 Join the Club! Castle Rock Club Hop Loft Club

Show your support for Castle Rock Brewery and Castle Rock’s new world beer bar, the Hop join the Castle Rock Club! Loft is situated upstairs at the Swan in the Rushes, Membership is free and all who join will receive a Loughborough. unique membership card, discounts and offers, It’s at the forefront of event updates, a the world and craft beer special pin badge and scene, and is instru - half-filled loyalty mental in our “Discover card, as a ‘thank World Beers” initiative, offering you’ from us. over 150 bottled beers and five craft keg lines.

All members of the If you love world or craft beer, join the Hop Castle Rock Club Loft Club. Membership is free and all who join receive a discount will receive a unique membership card of 25% off brewery entitling them to 10% off all world and craft tours and 10% off all beer at the Hop Loft! merchandise! To join, simply fill in an application form at To join, simply fill in an application form at your the Hop Loft. local Castle Rock pub. Your membership items will arrive at the Your membership items will arrive at the pub within Hop Loft within two weeks of the office two weeks of the office receiving your form. receiving your form.

At Castle Rock we like to experiment and our recently acquired five-barrel fermenting vessel has unlocked many opportunities.

In addition to our dynamic range of monthly, quarterly and seasonal beers, we are also releasing a range of small brews designed to challenge a few conventions!

Each recipe has been carefully considered to produce an interesting, unique or even extreme tasting beer- with the added idiosyncrasy of being unfined (cloudy).

We brewed our first one ”Stereotype” in March, which was an extra bitter, dry hopped West Coast IPA at 5.9%. It certainly got people talking and there are many other recipes and brews to come, of varying flavours and characters.

These beers are intended to push a few boundaries, and we would love to hear your feedback. Please Facebook, Tweet or email us with your thoughts.

Each Traffic Street Special brew is very limited in amount, but will be coming thick and fast this year, so if you spot one be sure to give it a try! 15 Castle Rock Pubs ALEXANDRA HOTEL BREAD AND BITTER CANALHOUSE 203 Siddals Road, Derby DE1 2QE 153-155 Woodthorpe Dr, Mapperley, NG3 5JL 48-52 Canal Street, Nottingham NG1 7EH Tel: 01332 293993 Tel: 0115 960 7541 Tel: 0115 955 5060 e-mail: [email protected] e-mail: [email protected] e-mail: [email protected]

DERBY TUP EAGLE FOREST TAVERN/MAZE 387 Sheffield Rd, Chesterfield S41 8LS 144 West Street, Boston, Lincs PE21 8RE 257 Mansfield Road, Nottingham NG1 3FT Tel: 01246 454316 Tel: 01205 361116 Tel: 0115 947 5650 e-mail: [email protected] e-mail: [email protected] email: [email protected] • web: www.themazerocks.com

FOX AND CROWN GOLDEN EAGLE HOP LOFT 4-6 Appletongate, Newark, Notts NG24 1JY 21 High Street, Lincoln LN5 8BD 21 The Rushes, Loughborough, LE11 5BE Tel: 01636 605820 Tel: 01522 521058 Tel: 01509 217014 e-mail: [email protected] e-mail: [email protected] e-mail: [email protected]

KEAN’S HEAD LINCOLNSHIRE POACHER NEW BARRACK TAVERN 46 St. Mary’s Gate, Nottingham NG1 1QA 161-163 Mansfield Road, Nott’m NG1 3FR 601 Penistone Road, Sheffield S6 2GA Tel: 0115 947 4052 Tel: 0115 941 1584 Tel: 0114 234 9148 e-mail: [email protected] e-mail: [email protected] e-mail: [email protected]

NEWSHOUSE POPPY AND PINT ROOK AND GASKILL 123 Canal Street, Nottingham NG1 7HB Pierrepont Road, Lady Bay, Notts NG2 5DX 12 Lawrence Street, York YO10 3WP Tel: 0115 952 3061 Tel: 0115 981 9995 Tel: 01904 655450 e-mail: [email protected] e-mail: [email protected] e-mail: [email protected]

STRATFORD HAVEN SWAN IN THE RUSHES VAT AND FIDDLE (The Brewery Tap) 2 Stratford Rd, W. Bridgford, Nott’m NG2 6BA 21 The Rushes, Loughborough LE11 5BE 12-14 Queensbridge Rd, Nottingham NG2 1NB Tel: 0115 982 5981 Tel: 01509 217014 Tel: 0115 985 0611 e-mail: [email protected] e-mail: [email protected] e-mail: [email protected]

VICTORIA HOTEL WETMORE WHISTLE WILLOWBROOK Dovecote Lane, Beeston, Nott’m NG9 1JG 93 Wetmore Road, Burton on Trent, DE14 1SH 13 Main Rd, Gedling, Nottingham NG4 3HQ Tel: 0115 925 4049 Tel: 01283 541064 Tel: 0115 987 8596 e-mail: [email protected] e-mail: [email protected] e-mail: [email protected] Core Castle Rock Beers

3.4% 3.8% 3.8% 4.4% 4.7% 5.5% Brewed to be a traditional A national award-winning A well balanced, award- A full-bodied premium bitter Blonde and beautiful single A national champion. Strong Our Craft Keg be5e.r 2% session ale with a malty bitter golden beer. American hops winning dark mild with some of typical East Midlands malt golden ale refreshing on India Pale Ale. Lots of A golden IPA, with all taste. give a refreshingly crisp, bitterness. Full-bodied but character. Perfect bitter- the palate. everything so proceed with American hops and dry citrus finish. not overly sweet. sweet balance. caution. hopped again at the end with Chinook Next issue....

‘The Great War - A Call to Arms’

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