Character Life issue 1

unity m m o C e h t f o t r Pa Supper Club Back By Popular Demand Beer & Buses With Tim Marshall

FREZEINE

M AG A

ake Pleaseopt y ac

Christmas & New Year Celebrate With Character Loyalty Rewards New Two Tier System The Crab & Lobster Gets A Makeover 2017 with Character Events Throughout Year Glyn Taylor King Of Island Music Gig Guide Local Live Music National Curry Week Our Chefs Get Spicy The Yachtsman One Year On Functions Private Hire & Catering Old Gaffers In Pictures Halloween Spooky Goings On Sunday Roasts What Could Be Better?

ISSUE No.01 Au tu mN/WiN ter 2017

01

Welcome

to the inaugural publication of Character Life – full of what’s going on at your local Character Inn Many people tell us that we’re the best kept secret, so here we are putting ourselves out there for all to see – we hope you like the magazine!

01 02 03

The Crab & Lobster Inn The Bugle Coaching Inn The Sun Inn

03

02 There’s a lot to cover in this issue.

Our sparkly new Christmas Brochure is hot off the press and available to collect at all of our pubs and online at www.characterinns.co.uk We have a welcome return of Supper Club this November and we can’t forget the annual Beer & Buses Weekend in October.

There are two new additions starting this winter. Firstly, we have Afternoon Club which gives Loyalty Card holders a massive one third off ALL drinks between 3pm and 6pm every day!

Secondly, we have introduced Third Off

Thursdays which gives a huge third off your bill to people aged 65 and over.

That’s just some of the goings on here at Character Inns. We genuinely hope you find our magazine informative and if you feel we can improve it in any way then please drop us an email to editor@characterinns.co.uk Wishing you all a healthy and prosperous few months… Until next time.

Editor

CHARACTER Life / issue 1 / 03

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01 04

01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09

The Crown Inn, Shorwell Gardens at The Crown Inn The Crab & Lobster Inn Marcus Dorrow, Head Chef Family favourite; The Caulkheads Local and National Real Ales The Bugle Coaching Inn Fresh, local and seasonal produce Al fresco terrace dining, The Yachtsman

03

Inside 05

this issue:

06

03 Welcome

24 Gig Guide

Editor: Rob Benwell Lead Designer: Phil Guy

04 Contents

26 National Curry Week

Advertising enquiries: studio@characterinns.co.uk

05 Who We Are

28 The Yachtsman’s First Year

06 Supper Club Returns

30 Functions

08 Beer & Buses

32 The Old Gaffers Festival

12 Christmas with Character

34 Halloween

14 Loyalty Rewards

36 Sunday Roasts

16 Crab & Lobster Refurbishment 18 2017 at Character Inns 22 Glyn Taylor

04 / CHARACTER Life / issue 1

unity Part of the Comm

Special thanks to: Claire Woodrow for taking some amazing photography without which this magazine wouldn’t exist. Kristine Apsley of The Yachtsman for agreeing to be the face of issue 1 – you look amazing, thank you!

Plus all the contributors from Character Inns and beyond!

The views expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the owner. All prices are correct at the time of going to print. The owner can accept no responsibility for any errors or omissions relating to advertising or editorial.

No part of this publication may be reproduced without prior written consent from the owner.

FEATURE STORY

07

WHO WE ARE 08

Character Inns was born some 25 years ago and now enters into its third generation. Boasting eight landmark pubs, the future looks bright at Character.

The Bugle Coaching Inn, Yarmouth, was their first acquisition some 25 years ago by Ray Benwell who soon saw the changing pattern of the pub industry.

Food and service was becoming more prevalent with the traditional drinking pubs generally facing a downturn in fortunes. With this firmly in mind he saw an opportunity to expand and push the food market.

A few years later came The Buddle Inn, Niton. A pub that held a special place in the family’s heart as Ray’s parents used to live opposite and as you can imagine, many a social occasion was had there over the years!

09

In 2011 Ray decided to take a back seat and enjoy the fruits of his labour. Sons Mike and Rob took over the helm and brought in long term family friend Toby Wren to work with them and drive the businesses forward. With a renewed energy, Mike, Rob and Toby went about expanding the Character family of pubs into what you see today – something they are all very proud of.

It doesn’t stop there though. The third generation is now coming through the ranks. Rob’s older sons can be found working at The Yachtsman and The Bugle Inn, Brading whilst his youngest, just 11 years old, can be seen helping his dad around the pubs (staff often refer to him as Rob’s shadow) – Rob says that he provides a very honest opinion on the food. So much so that when nachos were taken off the menu at Brading he wasn’t impressed. Needless to say nachos soon reappeared!

The family have always been pub people and in many ways it seems to come naturally to them. Mike Benwell went on to say – ‘we’re always learning new skills and ideas to try to evolve as much as possible without losing the identity and soul of the pubs’.

So with 25 years experience and a new generation coming through, it seems as though the future of Character Inns is in safe hands!

CHARACTER Life / issue 1 / 05

DINING OUT

SUPPER CLUB RETURNS!

Monday October 30th sees a welcome return of Supper Club – a delight in the culinary calendar!

Our chefs are busy preparing a selection of two and three course menus which are unique to each venue. You can find a ‘sample’ menu on the page opposite.

06 / CHARACTER Life / issue 1

We have slightly changed things this year though so that the price is per person, rather than per couple. So now you can dine as a party of three, five or any odd number for that matter and all enjoy the delights of Supper Club.

A two course meal will set you back £9.95 with a three course meal being £12.95. How our chefs offer such value heaven

knows but they’ve come up trumps again – all hail the chefs! It doesn’t stop there though…selected bottles of wine will be available for just £12.50 when dining with Supper Club – it’s Christmas come early!

Supper Club is open to Loyalty Card holders only and can be enjoyed at all Character Inns’ venues excluding Caulkheads and The Bugle Inn, Brading. Supper Club is served Sunday to Friday from 6pm between 30th October and 30th November.

We look forward to welcoming you.

MARCUS DORROW Head Chef at The Bugle Coaching Inn

saMPLe

s ta r t e r

s

FRENCH up N O ION SO ith w served ostini homemade cr MOuLES E MARINIèR ty us cr ith w ed serv ad re B ht Isle of Wig TOMATO & A MOzzARELL k C TA S d With pesto an l oi olive

urses MaIn CO HT ISLE OF WIG Y LL E B k R pO Bramley a ith w ed rv se aised red apple mash, br ef ’s gravy cabbage and ch STED HERB CRu IN LO D O C ushed cr us tr ci ith W and es to ta new po h ac in sp ed ilt w HT ISLE OF WIG Ak TE S TE u MIN oked co le ip served with tr tter bu ic rl ga nd chips, Isla at m ne to oes and cherry vi puMpkIN & TTO SAGE RISO ith w served dressed rocket

d e s s e rt

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RAMEL SALTED CA TE LA O C CHO IE N W O R B e cream served with ic E H OM E M A D Y LE BRAM AppLE pIE or ice cream cu With stard WINTER T BERRY TAR ntilly ha C ed With whipp h coulis cream and fres

Our chefs use fresh, seasonal and local produce where possible and try to cater for different dietary requirements. We include a vegan option on all Supper Club menus.

CHARACTER Life / issue 1 / 07

SPECIAL EVENT

BEER AND BUSES October 14th and 15th sees the return of the ever popular Beer and Buses Weekend.

What started out as a relatively ‘unknown’ event has now turned into what can only be described as the highlight of the real ale calendar!

So how did this come about? We spoke to the guys from CAMRA who gave us an insight into how the event came into being and how they go about organising it. Tim Marshall, Branch Membership Secretary for the Isle of Wight Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) tells us how it all started.

08 / CHARACTER Life / issue 1

BEER AND BUSES

ER WINEN ARS

3 Y OW IN A DRD L E IN N

U T H E B ES T A L L B d PUB O R UN

Meeting CaMRA members from other parts of the country is always interesting and meeting Paul and sheila sheldon in the spring of 2014 was no exception. Having just moved down to the Island from sheffield they invited me over to their ryde house to inspect their impressive collection of beer and brewery memorabilia. amongst the collection were some photographs. One in particular caught my eye. It was of a vintage bus outside a pub; (the Fat Cat brewery tap of the Kelham Island Brewery as it happens). Paul explained the bus would periodically follow a route around sheffield, stopping at pubs. The timetable would explain exactly what was on offer at each pub and a splendid time was had by all.

I wondered if we could adapt this idea for the Isle of Wight. a couple of weeks previously Ben Bartram, a friend of mine had proudly showed me a picture of an old single-decker bus that he had just purchased. I phoned him – and the rest, as they say, is history!

He contacted some fellow bus owners and within a few days had come up with a list of 15 owners who were prepared to bring their buses (in some cases, full of passengers) over to the Isle of Wight for a weekend. The Isle of Wight Bus Museum were persuaded to extend their “October running day” to cover two days and the Isle of Wight Beer and Bus Weekend (later to become the Isle of Wight Classic Buses, Beer and Walks Weekend) was born.

The first year we featured 32 pubs and 16 buses. This year (our fourth) we will feature over 80 pubs/venues and a staggering 101 buses, of which 70 are coming from the mainland, generally on an invitational basis and completely at the respective owners’ personal expense (which can often run to 4 figures per vehicle group!)

The whole event is run entirely by volunteers from IW CaMRA and IW Bus Museum and almost all profits from the event are ploughed back into maintaining the superb IW Bus Museum collection and building at ryde, with well over £20,000 raised from the 2016 event.

Tim Marshall

"

CHARACTER Life / issue 1 / 09

SPECIAL EVENT

BEER AND BUSES ER WINEN ARS

3 Y OW IN A DRD L E IN N

U T H E B ES T A L L B d PUB ROUN

THIRD TIME LU CKY FO R THE BUDDLE some of you may already know that the beautiful Buddle Inn has been voted the most popular all round pub for the last three years – as voted for by visitors who frequent the weekend. Quite an achievement we think and something the Character family are very proud of.

The Beer and Buses weekend really is a fantastic event, it’s like a blast into the past to the days when pubs used to sell beer for cash. The atmosphere of this weekend is absolutely amazing.

We mustn’t forget about the walks though – this event was originally set up as a ‘bus and walking’ event so people could take advantage of the Island’s beautiful countryside and many people do just that, however, introducing the great British pastime of spending an hour or so in the pub with an ale (or two) made this event grow beyond anyone’s expectations. CaMra (The Campaign For real ale) came on board and the Buses, Beer, and Walks weekend was born.

The buses are all vintage vehicles with some coming from the Isle of Wight Bus &

10 / CHARACTER Life / issue 1

We asked Mandi, manager of The Buddle Inn, for a few words on how she makes the weekend so special…

Coach Museum, others from enthusiasts who bring their own vintage buses to the island for the event. The buses are free to ride and you can buy a programme for £6 which gains you access to all the bus routes plus many promotions within the pubs.

The public are asked to vote for their favourite pub and I have been lucky enough to be the winner of this prestigious event for the three years that it has been running – the shield can be seen proudly hanging on the Buddle wall!

What are the secrets to my success I hear you ask? Well I am very lucky to have one of the most beautiful pubs on the Island – set in an area of Outstanding natural Beauty with a sea view that’s not too shabby either.

The beer is very important too, a lot of work goes into thinking about what ales customers might like to try and keeping it so that it is served to perfection. a lot of work goes on behind the scenes prior to the event so that the weekend runs smoothly, but I can’t let you into all my secrets in case the other pubs get a hold of this and knock me off top spot!

Mandi O’Reilly The Buddle Inn, niton

PICK UP YOUR FREE BEER & BUSES LOYALTY CARD All of our pubs are taking part in this years event. Unfortunately though, due to logistical problems our friends at The Crab & Lobster won’t be able to. We didn’t want The Crab & Lobster to miss out though – that wouldn’t be cricket. In its simplest terms, buy a pint at all seven venues and redeem a L O YA L TY CA RD FREE pint at The Crab & Lobster any time before Christmas – that tastes good doesn’t it!

FRE PIN INTE !

AT AT TH TH & LLO E CR O BS C R AB SEE SEE B S TTE A B RE RE VE VE E R RS RS E

CHARACTER Life / issue 1 / 11

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THE YACHTSMAN THE BUGLE INN, Yarmouth THE SUN INN, Hulverstone THE BUGLE INN, Brading THE CROWN INN THE BUddLE INN CAULKHEAdS

Route A Route B Route C Route F & G Route J Route K Route L Route P Route S Route V Route X Route Y Route Z

03

Calbourne

Shalfleet

Gurnard

Quay

Newport

Chale

St Catherines 06

Sandown

Shanklin

G

Yarbridge 07

Ventnor

Seaview

F

Culver Down

St Helens

S

Bembridge

IW Bus Museum

Esplanade

Ryde

Old Village

Branstone

Godshill Wroxall

04

Y

Brading

Binstead

Arreton

Whitwell

Parkhurst

Wootton

Northwood

Cowes

01

Rookley

Shorwell

05

Carisbrooke

Porchfield

Brighstone

Ningwood

Hulverstone

Yarmouth

02

We have most of the Island covered, please use this route map to plan your journey…

Route Map

IW Beer & Buses 2017

FESTIVE SEASON

CHRISTMAS WITH

Character

We know, we know… Summer has only just passed but we wouldn’t be doing our job if we didn’t mention it!

With excitement and sighs in equal measure, it’s impossible to ignore the Christmas juggernaut. "

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M

2 COUR S S TA R T

E:

AS

Each venue has created their own special pre-Christmas menu which runs right through to Friday 23rd december.

Venues are available to book lunch and evening time. prices for a 2 course meal start from just £15 per head.

ST

Pre-Christmas

RI

Starts on Friday 1st December. decorated sympathetically to their surroundings, each venue will have a truly magical feel with Christmas trees, presents, lots of decorations and even some mistletoe for those that fancy it!

CH

Christmas With Character

E-

So what’s new this year you may ask? Well plenty is the quick answer.

CHrIstMa s BrOCHure PR

With some leaving things until the last minute, here at Character Inns we’ve been planning Christmas from as far back as april – scary and sad in equal measure we know.

But that’s how we make sure things go right with no nasty last minute surprises!

£16

Menu

ERS

Ventno Mini Crabr Haven A

B

C

A

Spiced Buttern ut Squash

With parma Soup ham crisps and local crusty bread

Roasted ParmesanParsnip & Cheese Brusch

D

With dressedetta leaves

Roast

DESSE

Turkey Sliced and presented with cranberr stuffing, pigs y potatoes, within blankets and roast a rich red wine jus

Duck & Chicke n Liver

With an apple Pâté chutney, servedand sultana with melba toast and dressed rocket

3 COUR S

MAINS

Cakes With a lime chilli and dressed dressing leaves

B

A

B

Trio of

Pork Grilled loin, roasted belly pudding served and black honey and with roast potatoes, cider reductio n

£19

cream sauce

Baileys Crème

Brûlée With fresh berries oatcake biscuit and C

C Fillet of Smoke Natural

Served with d Haddock and glazed dill mashed potato wholegrain cream sauce mustard D Homem ade & Buttern Mushroom ut Squash Golden Glazed & With dauphin Carrot Tart

E:

RTS

Christmas Pudding brandy

With a rich

Homemade Chocolate Double & Rum

Cheese With vanilla cake ice cream D

Winter Berry

Eton Mess Laced with crispy meringu ice cream e, and fresh fruits

oise potatoe s

10%

E

10

With triple oz Rump Steak cooked grilled tomato, chips, mushro peas and onion oms, (£4.00 supplem rings ent)

BIRD E A R LY U N T DISCO 4

All served vegetables with seasonal except steaks

SEE PAGE

7

Now available to collect from any of our venues and is also available to download at characterinns.co.uk

COMMunItY LunCH Please note that we have a Community Lunch day scheduled for Thursday 14th December where we invite friends old and new to come together. You can book as an individual or a party of 50 with lunch being served from 1pm.

There’s also a Christmas Raffle Draw taking place on Thursday 21st at 8.30pm. There will be prizes galore plus food and drink promotions on the night.

Christmas Day

New Year’s Eve

All of our pubs will be open Christmas Day for food and drink. So if you’re cooking your meal at home you can pop in for a pre-lunch drink at the bar with friends and family.

We have a choice of beautiful menus available on the day which will be served from midday onwards at a time to suit. Please note that pre-booking is required and spaces are limited on a first come, first served basis so make sure you book early!

New Year’s Eve offers a choice of a 3 course meal back-dropped to live music or a Gala Buffet with live music followed by a dJ – the choice is yours.

CHARACTER Life / issue 1 / 13

WHAT PRICE LOYALTY? Well none actually – to the member that is We’ve had more discussions and debates over the fairest way to run our loyalty scheme than you can imagine – all in good spirit though. ultimately, everyone wants a scheme that is fair, transparent and rewards loyalty. With all of this in mind and having spoken with a broad range of existing and non-existing members we have the solution – so buckle up, here goes!

The new system will be two fold: CHARACTER LOCAL The first part will be called ‘Character Local’ – which will be available to ‘Locals’ who live in close proximity to any of our pubs. As an example, If you live in Yarmouth you would automatically qualify for a card at The Bugle Coaching Inn – subject to applying. This Character Local card allows you to receive a 10% discount off food and drink.

CHARACTER REWARDS The second part of our loyalty system will be called ‘Character Rewards’ – Character Rewards will be available to everybody and can be used in addition to the Character Local card – subject to applying.

The card can also be transferable to our sister pubs.

For example, if you are a ‘Character Local’ at The Bugle Coaching Inn, Yarmouth, you will also receive the same 10% discount across the Character Family of pubs.

• Complimentary Birthday Drink • Complimentary Anniversary Drink • Free kids Meals at Certain Times • Discounted Drinks • 1st Drink Free at Events • Discounted Food Orders • Discounted Accommodation

A full list of qualifying postcodes will be available on our website from 1st November 2017.

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Character Rewards has many benefits to include, but not be limited to:

W NE !

Y LT RS YA DE LO L R HO FO RD CA

Join us every day between 3pm and 6pm and enjoy a massive ONE THIRD OFF ALL DRINKS!*

afternoon Club is available at all Character Inns across the Island. Wine, Beer, spirits or soft drinks, you name it all are eligible!

Please note that the new system will be web based meaning that you will only receive these offers via email. If we don’t have your email address, unfortunately you will not receive any offers. We will be working hard over the next few months to migrate the two systems together to ensure everything rolls out as smoothly as possible and shall keep you posted on a ‘go live’ date!

*FOR LOYALTY CARD MEMBERS ONLY

CHARACTER Life / issue 1 / 15

FEATURE PUB

The newest member of the Character Inns family is set to undergo a transformation this November.

The famous Crab & Lobster Inn is set to close for up to a month in november to undergo a major renovation scheme. architects plans are currently being signedo and contractors appointed.

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Glen Walker and his merry band of men (and women) will be heading up the project.

Glen not only resides in Bembridge but more recently he’s worked on Character Inns refurbishment projects such as The Bugle, Brading, The Sun Inn, The Buddle Inn, The Caulkheads and The Yachtsman. In spite of such projects, Glen still has some energy left to re-vamp The Crab & Lobster. So what motivates Glen, other than a hearty breakfast?

THE CRAB & LOBSTER

“THE LOCALS ARE THE REAL OWNERS SO IT’S IMPORTANT WE REMAIN FAITHFUL TO WHAT THE PUB IS” Pictured above: Paul Hayward, Head Chef at The Crab & Lobster Inn preparing menu ideas whilst overseeing his executive chef duties at The Sun Inn.

Glen commented — I’ve worked very closely with rob for a number of years now. Our first job at The Caulkheads just clicked really. I brought some ideas to the table that rob loved and things just grew from there.

I suppose I gained his confidence and the rest is history. Between rob and I we manage to deliver a project on time and on budget. I know how rob works and vice versa. rob generally briefs me as to the layout and floor plans and we mutually agree the materials and finishes we are going to use. I’ll bring in subcontractors and take the hassle of the day to day running of the site away from him. don’t worry though – he keeps a very close eye on me!

Once the refurbishment is finished I pass the keys over and rob and his team furnish it with fixtures and fittings.

The guys don’t want a manufactured feel to the pubs, they want something that appeals to all generations and a finish that is sympathetic to the history of the pub itself. Many times we have

spent more than needed just to get the right finish. If you visit the Yachtsman and The Bugle Inn, Brading in particular you will see the eye for detail taken.

This project will be slightly different though as it’s on my doorstep. so in many ways the pressure to get it right is on as I’ll have to justify it when I have a meal or drink there! We’re all really excited at the prospect of turning the pub around though.

Glen Walker

Rob went on to comment — When we took the pub over we knew it had been underinvested in for a number of years.

The pub itself has a great following both locally and nationally. To have the opportunity to give it a new lease of life is quite humbling in many ways. I always say we are mere custodians of such pubs.

We may be here today but who knows what the future holds so we have to be respectful of that. The locals are the real owners so it’s important we remain faithful to what the pub is. We’ve got some exciting plans though and we’re confident everyone will like what we deliver – well hopefully so!

The Crab & Lobster will be closed from Monday 30th October, re-opening Friday 1st December

CHARACTER Life / issue 1 / 17

FUN TIMES

2017 A Year Full of Character

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Sun Inn Charity Fun Day Cowes Week Party Sun Inn Charity Fun Day Cowes Week Dining Cowes Week Finale Crown Inn Duck Race

Well what a Summer it’s been at Character Inns! There’s been fireworks and duck races, an Old Gaffer’s Festival, Scooter Rally and dancing in the rain – plus a whole load more! Take a look at some of the highlights of Summer 2017!

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03

05

04

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2017 – A YEAR FULL OF CHARACTER

“TO HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO CHAMPION AND BE PART OF SO MANY LOCAL ISLAND EVENTS IS QUITE HUMBLING” Mike Benwell

02

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Nakamarra at The Sun Inn Summer rain didnt stop the fun Scooter rallyists at Caulkheads Scooter Ride-Out Yarmouth Summer fun at The Crown Inn The Old Gaffers Festival Character Team at The Sun Fun Day

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06

CHARACTER Life / issue 1 / 21

LIVE MUSIC

G LY N TAY LO R –the King of Music 01

That’s what we call him anyway… Not only is Glyn a popular voice on IOW Radio but more importantly he’s also an authority on the Island’s music scene.

This winter we have taken the decision to really invest in live music across our pubs – more than any previous year in fact. So how do we co-ordinate such a plethora of musical talent to ensure the right band turns up at the right place at the right time? The answer’s easy really – we ask Glyn to co-ordinate things.

So having accepted the challenge, Glyn has created a musical masterpiece for your ears. You’ll find our gig guide over the following pages but before we get to that we thought we’d ask Glyn to explain a little more about who he is. Over to you Glyn…

22 / CHARACTER Life / issue 1

I’m a Husband, dad and Grandfather, born and bred here on the Island, although I have ‘escaped’ a few times! One of those times was when I joined the army at 16 as a musician. I’ve always, in one way or another, been part of the music scene on the Island.

I’ve been booking bands and running events across the island for a number of years now, which makes me the perfect choice to run and source the Character Inns music diaries.

I look after many different events and venues, from pubs to corporate events to Cowes Week entertainment, so I’m well placed to keep the musical offering at Character Inns fresh throughout the year.

When I’m not booking bands I can be heard on Isle of Wight radio with my drivetime show. radio is when I started working closer with local bands and went from interviewing them to booking them for various locations around the

Island. We have so much talent on this Island, I just had to get involved, I would say that per square mile we have more musicians and venues than anywhere else in the country.

I also play in a band myself, so I’m perfectly placed to know what each individual venue requires – Character Inns have an amazing group of pubs, which all of our acts love playing in, whether it be The sun Inn Hulverstone on a cold winter’s day, or The Crab & Lobster in Bembridge in the height of the summer, we have musical acts that will suit all tastes, and I am very much looking forward to working with them going forward.

If you’re an aspiring band or are looking to get on our circuit then please contact Glyn: glyn@tailoredentertainment.co.uk

01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09

Glyn Taylor at the drums Nakamarra Company B Blues Anonymous Live music at The Crown Inn The Buddle Inn Music Dave Waight Dave Priddle Acoustic music is always popular

02

03

06

“WE HAVE SO MUCH TALENT ON THIS ISLAND… PER SQUARE MILE WE HAVE MORE MUSICIANS AND VENUES THAN ANYWHERE ELSE IN THE COUNTRY”

04

05

08

Glyn Taylor

07

09

"

CHARACTER Life / issue 1 / 23

LIVE MUSIC

Your Character

Gig Guide

Oct/Nov/Dec 2017 Evenings 8-10pm, Sundays 1-3pm

Please note certain dates and bookings are to be confirmed, please see Facebook for latest listings.

THE BuDDLE INN

THE SuN INN

THE CROWN INN

CRAB & LOBSTER

October 6th dave Waight 7th Tapestry 13th The Outfit 14th Tasha 20th Jake Winsor 21st Black daniels (duo) 27th Alex Katsi 28th Cornerstone (duo)

October 1st Sunny & Nik 7th Tash (solo) 8th Tapestry 14th dave Priddle 15th John Wroath 21st The Outfit 22nd Usual Suspects 28th Mark Cook 29th Claydon Connor

October 1st Tash (solo) 6th Cornerstone (duo) 8th Gary decoursey 13th Black daniels (duo) 15th Nik Potts 20th Graham McCullogh 22nd Jake Winsor 27th dave Waight 29th dave Priddle

October 1st dave Priddle 7th Graham McCullogh 8th Cut Loose (solo) 14th The Outfit 15th dave Priddle 21st Tapestry 22nd damien Paul 28th Jules Nelson 29th Alex Katsi

November 4th Cornerstone (duo) 5th Rick Harris 11th Becky Bexter 12th Abacus 18th Graham McCullogh 19th Alex Katsi 25th Mojo Mammas 26th Gary decoursey

November 3rd Alex Katsi 5th Powdercoat (solo) 10th Mojo Mammas 12th Cut Loose (solo) 17th Jake Winsor 19th dave Priddle 24th Mark Cook 26th damien Paul

November Closed For Refurbishment

December 2nd dave Priddle 3rd Serenity 9th The Outfit 10th Sunny & Nik 16th Alex Katsi 17th Claydon Connor 23rd Mark Cook 24th TBC 30th Sunny & Nik 31st Live Music TBC

December 1st Gary decoursey 3rd dave Priddle 8th Graham McCullogh 10th Cut Loose (solo) 15th Mojo Mammas 17th Powdercoat 22nd The Outfit 24th Gary decoursey 29th Powdercoat (solo) 31st Live Music TBC

November 3rd Gary decoursey 4th Cut Loose 10th dave Waight 11th Tapestry 17th Alex Katsi 18th Jake Winsor 24th dave Waight 25th dave Priddle December 1st Powdercoat (solo) 2nd Cut Loose 8th The Outfit 9th Mark Cook 15th Tapestry 16th Last Orders 22nd Cornerstone (duo) 23rd Gary decoursey 24th TBC 29th damien Paul 30th TBC 31st Live Music TBC

24 / CHARACTER Life / issue 1

December 2nd Graham McCullogh 3rd Tasha 9th Cornerstone (duo) 10th Gary decoursey 16th Mark Cook 17th damien Paul 23rd Tapestry 24th TBC 30th TBC 31st Live Music & disco

The Caulkheads NEW YEAR’S EvE Live music from Rhythm valley, 9.00pm until 12.30am, sure to keep you rocking into 2018!

popular Artists THE YACHTSMAN October 1st Alex Katsi 6th Cut Loose 7th Ollie & Blue 8th dave Priddle 13th JC & Angelina 14th Mark Cook 15th Tash (solo) 20th Black daniels (duo) 21st Mark Cook 22nd Powdercoat 27th Tapestry 28th Sunny & Nik 29th damien Paul November 3rd Cut Loose 4th Mark Cook 5th Jake Winsor 10th Powdercoat 11th Sunny & Nik 12th Gary decoursey 17th Tapestry 18th Gary decoursey 19th damien Paul 24th Ollie & Blue 25th Black daniels (duo) 26th Rich Murphy December 1st The Outfit 2nd Alex Katsi 3rd Powdercoat (solo) 8th JC & Angelina 9th Tapestry 10th Jake Winsor 15th Skin deep 16th Nik Potts 17th Rich Murphy 22nd Jake Winsor 23rd Black daniels (duo) 24th Bad Mans Soul 29th Nik Potts 30th TBC 31st Gary decoursey & disco

Mojo Mammas/Tasha duo or solo depending on venue, playing pop, blues and country.

THE BuGLE INN Yarmouth

Dave Priddle (solo) Playing everything from pop to country, a loop pedal and vocal which can work in any venue.

October 1st Becky Bexter 7th dave Priddle 8th Mark Cook 14th TBC 15th damien Paul 21st Jake Winsor 22nd Gary decoursey 28th Mojo Mammas 29th Cut Loose (solo) November 4th Graham McCullogh 5th damien Paul 11th Cornerstone (duo) 12th Alex Katsi 18th Mojo Mammas 19th Mark Cook 25th Jodie & Sam 26th dave Priddle December 2nd Tapestry 3rd Gary decoursey 9th Alex Katsi 10th Graham McCullogh 16th Becky Bexter 17th Ollie ducie 23rd Ollie & Blue 24th TBC 30th TBC 31st Live Music & disco

Mark Cook Fairly new to the island music scene, but you wouldn’t think that when you hear him, he plays a mellow selection of classics from across the decades.

Powdercoat (solo/duo) These guys are really amazing, male and female vocals with acoustic guitar backing, great for any venue.

Dave Waight From La to Ventnor, dave has played all over the world, now settled back on the Island, his amazing guitar and vocal can be heard right on your doorstep.

Gary Decoursey a veteran of the Islands music scene, he can play acoustic or with backing tracks, and brings a party to wherever he plays.

Alex Katsi a seasoned professional, you may have caught him with his band Brando. solo he is guaranteed to get your attention!

Sunny & Nik a duo who are half of Lucid, the half with violin! another one of those acts not to miss.

Jodie & Sam a young duo straight out of the Islands music college Platform One, they play a mix of covers and fit nicely in all venues.

Tapestry Playing acoustic covers or even a country set, female vocals with guitar backing.

The Bugle Inn, Brading LIvE MuSIC Every 1st Sunday of each month from 2.30pm Please see Facebook for up to date schedule: facebook.com/BugleBrading

Claydon Connor a young singer songwriter with amazing skills, he’s even played nashville!!

Cut Loose (solo/duo) a great act either solo or duo, both musicians have been around the Island’s music scene for many years, they play a mix of old and new songs to fit the audience.

CHRISTMAS pARTIES 15TH & 22ND DECEMBER Live Music & Disco plus Hot & Cold Buffet for just £12.95 per person from 8pm until late

NEW YEAR’S EvE Live Music & Disco

characterinnsiow G))))))))))))g CHARACTER Life / issue 1 / 25

DINING OUT

CURRY WEEK

–Spicing things up!

This October sees our first National Curry Week get into full swing. Full of spice and flavours, our chefs have prepared a choice of four different curries available all week.

For those that like it mild, try one of our delicious Chicken Kormas – they really are lovely. For the braver amongst you there’s a Beef Madras – be prepared! In between these we have prepared a Lamb rogan Josh and a vegetarian spiced Vegetable special. These delicious curries are all accompanied by rice and poppadoms or naan bread. We’ll also have the following sides available for £1.75 each; Bombay Potatoes, sag aloo, Cucumber and Mint raita.

But the experience doesn’t stop there… For curry week only we have drafted in the classic Indian beer Kingfisher to accompany your curry.

all Loyalty Card holders can enjoy a Curry and speciality Beer for just £10 per person at all eight Character venues – enjoy!

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saMPLe

BEEF MADRAS

CHICkEN kORMA

LAMB SH ROGAN JO

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M O N D AY 9 T H T O

S U N D AY 1 5 T H O C T O B E R

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Curry a a Beer FOr

Four different Curries (including vegetarian) plus an Indian beer available all week *FOR LOYALTY CARD MEMBERS, £15 NON MEMBERS

FEATURE PUB

The Yachtsman

One year on Just over 18 months ago a vision was born. a vision that began the process of turning a dated premises – formerly Lugleys of Cowes, into a Character Inns venue. so, just over one year on since its launch, just how did the Yachtsman come to life? rob Benwell went on to explain…

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Creating the Yachtsman was an interesting project to say the least. essentially, we inherited an empty shell of a business with no staff at all. The building was a large open space that was tired and dated. The facilities were poor and in need of an urgent upgrade.

With the best will in the world it wasn’t going to be a quick fix.

In saying that, the venue has one of the best outlooks that Cowes has to offer so we knew the potential was there. It just needed a clear vision which fortunately we had. Planning was applied for and granted allowing the removal of the old frontage and the creation of new bifolding doors. For me, this was the most important aspect in being able to bring the outside ‘indoors’ and create an alfresco vibe.

Instantly, the building took on a new lease of life. The second objective was to create a feeling that the Yachtsman had been there for years.

We wanted a rustic, sort of timeless feel that appealed to all walks of life. I like to call it mutually inclusive. We’d already created a rustic feel at The Bugle, Brading which worked amazingly well.

We instructed architects to create a floor plan with nooks and crannies and also asked them to raise the floor level to improve the view. This they did. Working with Glen Walker (Project Manager) a brand new pub was created in the Character style. a venue that we’re all very proud of!

The next challenge was to build a team capable of doing the venue justice. Our preference is always to promote from within for a whole variety of reasons. Firstly, they understand us and what our philosophy is and equally as important, if not more so, it demonstrates to all our staff that there is progression and opportunity within the company. I feel that’s really important. enter The Yachtman’s new manager – Liam White. Liam earned his stripes as assistant Manager at The Bugle Coaching Inn, Yarmouth, for a number of years. We had many conversations with Liam about the opportunity at The Yachtsman and his dedication and professionalism shined through in abundance. The rest as they say is history!

Liam has built a fantastic team offering table service all year round. The feedback we have received has proved nothing short of phenomenal and for a fledgling business, it’s had an extremely strong first year. still, Liam and the team won’t rest on their laurels and already we are working on key events for next year – we’ll be sure to keep you up to date.

THE YACHTSMAN

“TO HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO SET UP AND MANAGE SUCH AN EXCITING NEW VENTURE REALLY IS A DREAM COME TRUE!” Liam White

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Cowes Week Diners 2017 Manager Liam White Al fresco dining on the terrace Cowes Week Gala Buffet A Yachtsman’s special dish!

Kristine, front of house team Spectacular views of The Solent

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CHARACTER Life / issue 1 / 29

PUB HIRE

FUNCTIONS

Did you know we cater for functions?

all eight of the Character Inns family are able to cater for functions. With a variety of packages available throughout the year, we regularly accommodate celebrations, wedding receptions, wakes and business meetings.

We can cater for a minimum of 8 people up to 150, subject to the type of hire required. A choice of menus are available from hot and cold buffets through to sit down Ă La Carte meals.

Each venue has a dedicated event co-ordinator who 01 becomes your point of contact both before and during your time with us.

They will advise and guide you through the options available to ensure your time with us goes smoothly.

Please feel free to ask a member of the team about our range of packages available to you.

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Wedding Reception The Bugle Inn, Yarmouth Gala Buffet at The Yachtsman Corporate and Charity Events Traditional and Contemporary Party Catering Family Birthdays at The Caulkheads Our Chefs’s tasty buffet bites Private function areas You eat with your eyes!

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OUR EVENTS

OLD GAFFERS

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Street entertainers Bugle Coaching Inn team Old Gaffers in the harbour Relaxing in the harbour Old Gaffer’s festival tent Yarmouth eccentricity Cyborgs in the square!

Character Gaffer’s team Friendly pirates joined in

The Bugle Coaching Inn is at the heart of the Old Gaffers celebrations in the Square. This year Character Inns took on the running of the main bar on the Quay for the first time – an amazing weekend was had by all…

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“RUNNING THE BAR FOR THE FIRST TIME WAS A REAL EXPERIENCE. WE LOVED IT AND SO DID THE VISITORS – WHAT AN ATMOSPHERE!” Toby Wren

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SPECIAL EVENT

GHOSTS AND GHOULS

The Caulkheads will be holding their annual kids disco which always proves popular and all of our other venues will have lots going on, including some ghoulish food dishes and drink promotions on the night.

Check out our Facebook pages nearer the time for what’s on!

Get into the spirit (we couldn’t resist) of things this Halloween. All of our venues will be sympathetically dressed up – including our team members, to celebrate this year’s Halloween.

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KIDS HALLOWEEN

PARTY

Saturday 28th October

Free Entry • kids Disco Fancy Dress Competition party Games and more from 6–8pm

KIDS EAT FREE!

*

AT ALL EIGHT CHARACTER INNS

Join us on Saturday 28th and Tuesday 31st October

*One Free kids meal per adult meal purchased at £9.95 or above. available to loyalty card holders only. e&Oe characterinnsiow G))))))))))))g

CHARACTER Life / issue 1 / 35

DINING OUT

YOUR PERFECT SUNDAY! Roaring log fires, live music and a choice of fabulous roast dinners – what more can you ask for!

We’re not afraid to say that sundays are our favourite day of the week. There’s just something magical about friends and family meeting up and relaxing over a pint or two.

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Glyn, working his musical magic, has booked some of the Island’s best live artists to play background music this winter. All Character venues will host live music every Sunday lunchtime to make what we believe will be an unrivalled atmosphere.

But it gets better. Each venue will have a choice of at least three meats every week so you can enjoy your favourites like Lamb, Beef and Pork or perhaps some Gammon. For the undecided we will be offering a mixed meat roast which features all three of the chefs meats.

Not only that though. If you’re a Loyalty Card holder you can enjoy a Roast and Dessert from just £11.95 at selected venues (see ad on page 37) and if you want to upgrade to a cheese board its just £2 extra – wow!

Join us every Sunday for a great roast, music and atmosphere. Bookings are highly recommended.

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SUNDAY ROASTS Roast & Dessert *£11.95 at Caulkheads & Bugle Inn (Brading). All other Character Inns £13.95. Add £2 for Cheese Boards

ENJOY A CHOICE OF FRESHLY PREPARED SUNDAY ROASTS WITH ALL THE TRIMMINGS!

Served from 12noon until they’re gone!

Available at all Character Inns:

*FOR LOYALTY CARD MEMBERS ONLY

characterinnsiow G))))))))))))g CHARACTER Life / issue 1 / 37

THE UK’S NO.1 CASK AND BOTTLED ALE* One year after the Sharp’s story started in 1994, Sharp’s brewers took two of their existing beers, the light and hoppy Cornish Coaster and the dark and malty Sharp’s Own and blended them to create a perfectly balanced and moreish beer. Doom Bar was named after a notorious sandbank where the river Camel meets the Atlantic Ocean on Cornwall’s rugged north coast.

Doom Bar is now loved by drinkers throughout the UK for its flavour and drinkability and by publicans for its quality and consistency, making it the UK’s Number 1 Cask Ale since 2013.* It’s also now the fastest selling premium bottled ale in grocery retail.**

Brussels Beer Challenge Bronze 2015 People’s Choice Award Gold 2016 *Number 1 Cask Ale in the UK in volume and value, CGA on trade, MAT to 05.11.16. **Number 1 Premium bottled ale in the UK in volume and value, Nielsen Scantrack, MAT to 31.12.16.

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JOIN US EVERY THURSDAY AND

Third Off Thursdays!

Too good to be true? Sometimes it is, but not on this occasion… every Thursday from October we will be offering our Senior Citizen* friends ONe tHirD OFF all food and drink at eVery Character inns venue. it’s our own small way of saying thank you.

There are no catches or gimmicks. All you have to do is become a loyalty member and show your card on the day – leave the rest to us. you can order two meals per loyalty card holder each and every Thursday.

SO COME ALONG AND JOIN US EVERY THURSDAY HERE AT CHARACTER INNS FOR THE BEST IN FOOD, DRINK AND AMBIENCE!

*65 YEARS OLD AND OVER ONLY – PROOF OF AGE MAY BE REQUESTED. MAXIMUM OF 2 MEALS PER LOYALTY CARD HOLDER.

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Carefully selected

Weekly local

local produce

live music

Our pubs serve up to

Famous traditional

six REAL ALES

sunday roasts

Historic

Isle of Wight P u b s

TEL: 760272 TEL: 407359 TEL: 741124 TEL: 730243 TEL: 740293 TEL: 405080 TEL: 872244 TEL: 299618 G)))))))g G)))))))g G)))))))g G)))))))g G)))))))g G)))))))g G)))))))g G)))))))g

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