Rock Solid

Just after the trip to Norwich, United's fixture at Notts County allowed for some midweek Castle Rock action.

I love Castle Rock: they brew some delicious beers including former national champion and personal favourite Harvest Pale. They also have an excellent range of pubs selling their own brews alongside various guests. Finally, the beer is always well priced and discounts are offered to CAMRA members - a great example of a well run brewery. Just opposite Nottingham station is their brewery tap, The Vat and Fiddle.

 

I opted for the magnificent Harvest Pale and found it on fine form. Being a Tuesday night with a football match to attend, time was limited. We managed a couple after as well though. Firstly, the Trent Navigation, just next to the ground.

A pint of Fernandes (who I think have something to do with Ossett Brewery) Smooth English was quaffed before it was time to move on to another Castle Rock gem, The Newshouse.

This is the other side to station as the Vat and Fiddle but just as worthy of your time. The tap room contains a bar billiards table, rarely seen these days (unless you live in Northampton, which is apparently a bar billiards oasis). I opted for a guest ale in the form of Burton Bridge's Stairway to Heaven.

With the last train looming we made a swift exit. The last train back from Notts means an hour stopover in Derby. Resisting the urge to visit popular 'sauna' Bubbles opposite Derby station, we headed for the Friary, always reliable for a late drink.

The pint of Golden Best from Timothy Taylor was the hundredth drank in a real ale pub this year (this was back in March, more progress has been made since then). So Notts provided a nice caveat to the weekend's nonsense in Norwich. Nest time you're there be sure to seek out some Castle Rock - you won't regret it!