The Goings On FAREWELL TO KOUKOU
ROBIN HOOD BEER & CIDER FEST The 2018 Robin Hood Beer and Cider Fest saw a new era for the beery folk of Notts, as we relocated from Nottingham Castle to the Motorpoint Arena. Though met by some with slight trepidation, CAMRA members and brewers united to ensure that nothing would be lost from the overall experience, and this was done wholeheartedly and triumphantly.
In the last edition of the Quarter, we announced that our beloved mosaic robin “KouKou” (part of the Hoodwinked Wild in Art Trail) had been voted the people’s favourite. We celebrated with a giveaway, where two lucky selfietakers won executive tickets to see Blue Planet II live at the Motorpoint Arena. Since then, the Hoodwinked robins have collectively raised a staggering £133,000 at auction for the Nottinghamshire Hospice. The auction, hosted by Bargain Hunt’s Charles Hanson, took place at St. Mary’s Church in the Lace Market, where hundreds of local business folk and residents geared up to bid on their favourites. After a nervous wait, our very own KouKou went under the hammer. KouKou had been given prime spot near the auction block and was undoubtedly the star of the show. The room buzzed and within ten seconds a bidding war had kicked off. Before we knew it, the bids had shot past our highest price! KouKou wouldn’t be staying in the Castle Rock family, but the buzz surrounding him was quite spectacular. In the end, he went for a wild £5,800 – the biggest sale of the night by £400.
Castle Rock’s pub, brewery and H/O staff took turns to man the bar and explore the new grounds which were crowded with over 1000 different beers, a cider cave, food stalls and funny jellyfish hats which bobbed above the crowd of festival-goers. Over at the Castle Rock Tavern, we served seasonal favourites, shoulder to shoulder with new one-off brews. And for the first time ever, we were even able to sell keg beers. Heaven. These included Guzzgog, our first kettle sour (collaboratively brewed with Leftlion and clear as crystal), and Mint Choc Chip (the ‘After Eight’-scented whispers were true…). A massive thank you to everyone who came along, and of course to all the volunteers for another fantastic festival, despite all the changes. Here’s to RHBCF19!
Well done KouKou, you did us proud.
IN DE WILDEMAN COLLABORATION 2019 marks a whole THIRTY years since the Lincolnshire Poacher twinned with the In De Wildeman pub in Amsterdam, and we’re doing something pretty special to celebrate. At the time of writing details are embryonic, but we will say: collaboration brew, launched in two countries on the same day, and if you want to join us, you can. Keep your eyes peeled for details.
10
NOTTINGHAM COMEDY FESTIVAL Nottingham Comedy Festival was back again this autumn, and in its 10th year no less! We were once again proud sponsors of NCF, which brought eight days of fun and frolics to the city. This year the festival included two new venues from the Castle Rock family: the Old Cold Store (at the Vat and Fiddle) and the Barley Twist. As always, the Canalhouse was home to the £1 Comedy Night ‘New Act of the Year’, and many more shows besides. Congrats to our friends over at NCF for another year of delightful chortles. It was a blast.