Christmas time, mistletoe and..... ALE!

As a follow-up to the fantastic afternoon sampling Nicholson's ale festival specialities, I was cordially invited to sample the company's Christmas ales one evening at the De Hems Dutch Cafe Bar in Soho London.

Accompanying me on this festive delight was long-time school friend Daniel.

Nicholson’s Pubs celebrates the festive season by producing a selection of seven exclusive Christmas Ales in collaboration with some of the UK’s key top brewers.

The speakers line up to present their Christmas ales

The company’s experienced Cask Masters have specially crafted their own ales, brewed in collaboration with Moorhouse, Oxfordshire, Andwells, Broughton, Sambrooks, Vale and Brentwood breweries and available across over 80 pubs nationwide throughout December 2012. 

So our evening involved tasting the seven specialities on offer, and here they are, with a brief description, our thoughts and ratings!

Ding Dong - but did it make the bells ring?

Ding Dong

ABV: 4.5%
Taste: A warm chestnut beer with a rich marmalade aroma
Brewery: Andwell

This was our first Christmas ale of the evening, and was some start. It had a sweet, dessert flavour, and as oppose to some other ales that promises a flavour it can't really provide, the sweet aftertaste of marmelade was delightful.

Scores

Daniel - 7

John - 8

Meads Must

ABV: 4.7%
Taste: A superb dark ruby red ale with a hint of honey and quince.
Brewery: Oxfordshire

Although higher in ABV content than the first, this ale lacked any kind of bite, and had a rather weak aftertaste. We both deduced that unfortunately it's smell, which was rich and sweet, was better than its taste.

Scores

Daniel -6

John - 5

The representatives from those involved with The Only Way Is Santa  put on an enthusiastic presentation

Five Gold Rings

ABV: 4.8%
Taste: A dark mahogany coloured brew with an aroma of roasted malt, the taste of fruit and subtle spice flavours are followed by a long , warm and slightly bitter finish.
Brewery: Vale

A lovely, warm and spicy ale, a real winter special. This had a good, all-round solid taste which could be felt in between drinks. Although early in the evening, we knew this was going to be up there with the best.

Scores

Daniel -7

John -8

 
London Winter Ale

ABV: 4.6%
Taste: A deep red ale which takes its spicy aroma from a blend of English hops.  With a rich sweet and tangy taste this beer is an ideal accompaniment to steak, venison, game and Christmas Pudding.
Brewery: Sambrookes

Both of us had heard of the Sambrookes brewery, so were pleasantly surprised to hear that it had only been brewing from Battersea since 2008. And with this concoction, they are on to a winner. It had a real chocolatey taste, and we felt was one of the more powerful on the palate of the evening.

Scores

Daniel -8

John -7

Elves Bells

ABV: 4%
Taste: A deep chestnut brown coloured ale, brewed with Maris Otter malted barley and crystal malt to give hints of sweet malt, biscuit and caramel tones.  Balanced by the use of cascade hops to give floral and spice notes on the nose, there is a pleasant full bitterness in the aftertaste.
Brewery: Moorhouse

This was the 'most drinkable' ale of the evening - that is to say it was the one most suited to staying on all night. This may be to do with the alcohol content, but it was also to do with its succinct, dessert taaste, where each of the ingredients were discernable. Also, the fact that is was devoid of sugar added to its popularity!

Scores

Daniel -8

John -8

The Only Way Is Santa

ABV: 5.2%
Taste: A rich ruby beer with a smooth malt character, Willamette hops give this beer spicy, blackcurrant aromas and flavours. Plums and cinnamon have been added to compliment the beers character with a delectably rich flavour and a gentle spice. 
Brewery: Brentwood

The highest ABV of the evening, and also, the joint-highest overall score from our ratings! While Joey Essex and Chloe Simms from TOWIE may not choose this tipple on their night out in the Sugar Hut, Essex should be very proud of this particular concoction (could these characters also be labelled 'concoctions' though??). We were told this ale gives you 'one of your five-a-day' and if five glasses of this sorted that out, then we'll raise our glass to that!

Scores

Daniel -9

John -8

Santa's Oatmeal Stout SOS

ABV: 4.8%
Taste: Bursting with oatmeal and chocolate aromas, this dark brown ale uses a blend of five malts and oats, delivering a mouthful of smooth roasted flavours and a lingering rich taste.
Brewery: Broughton

Certainly one of the liveliest ales on the palate of the evening, and with a lingering taste in the mouth and throat, this finished joint-top in the ratings with The Only Way Is Santa. Again, the flavours mingled exceptionally well, and the aftertaste left us wanting more. It felt as strong as the previous ale, and felt, as we did here, it would be the perfect pint to round off an evening with (and probably start off with too!).

Scores

Daniel -9

John -8

The presentations all came across as genuine and knowledgable

After the presentations from representatives from the various breweries were finished, expertly hosted by British Craft Guild of Beer Writers member and author Melissa Cole, those present were invited to help themselves to the casks of Christmas ales. There was no desire to take advantage of the volume of alcohol on offer - it was the kind of night to enjoy the varied tastes of all the respective ales, chat to others present, and then be on our sober way home.

Well, most of that is true!

For more information on Nicholson's Christmas Ales, visit the website at www.nicholsonspubs.co.uk

Nicholson’s offers an historic and distinctive collection of pubs across the UK, with warm and inviting hospitality through its authentic British pub atmosphere.  Delivering quality hearty British classics served with a modern twist, take a break from Christmas shopping and enjoy lunch or dinner at many of the hidden upstairs dining rooms.  Alternatively the festive menus provide a great solution for office get-togethers or groups of friends and family.

Guest ales are expertly matched with dishes from the food menu, or alternatively, experience Nicholson’s equalled passion for fine wine with its impressive cellars containing classics and vintages from the old and new world.  

 

 

 

Could you conquer The Monster?

TGI Friday's, Covent Garden, soon filled up

Covent Garden, London is probably one of the busiest places to be in Autumn/Winter as the area gets ready to celebrate the festive season in its own, flamboyant style.

So a trip to review TGI Friday's left me feeling apprehensive, and the battle-plan was drawn on how to navigate through the tourist-majority crowds and then on how best to attract attention in what would blatantly be a full restaurant.

I was wrong on one count.

Yes, there were plenty of people milling about, making their way to see the Christmas carols being belted out by the market entrance, but once inside the American-themed eatery, there was the pleasant realisation that service should be decent judging by a fair amount of empty seats.

We had booked our table for 7pm on a Wednesday night, and after introducing ourselves to the front desk, we were shown to our seats, given a drinks and food menu with a cheerful smile.

One negative, which was fairly evident, was the size of the table and the close proximity not only to other diners, but also that it was right on the walkway. Also, there were a couple of sticky patches on the table, and a prawn on the floor underneath the table opposite caught my eye. But with the nature of the trade of TGI's it is near-impossible to keep on top of everything all the time, so an issue wasn't made of this.

Obviously the idea of the business is to get as many people in as possible, keeping the service prompt so as to keep a revolving door of custom. But this led to there already appearing to be an atmosphere of rush and bustle - waiters and waitresses were near-jogging around. But we will call this the American-themed enthusiastic atmosphere!


Paradise Punch

Strawberry Surprise

We ordered a cocktail each after being introduced to our friendly waitress for the evening, Bella. I plumped for the Paradise Punch, which was Southern Comfort, Luxardo Amaretto, BOLS Grenadine and SKYY vodka with pineapple, orange and lime juices. My partner was on the non-alcoholic cocktails for the evening, and went for the Strawberry Surprise, which was frozen strawberry, apple and pineapple juices topped with soda. (For cocktail menu, click here).

The only complaint I would say is that, the fruit juices perhaps overshadow some of the alcohol tones, but as some have told me recently, that's the trick of cocktails that keeps you ordering more. The Strawberry Surprise wasn't so much of a surprise as it went down well, although the strawberry flavour was a little too weak, which when the ice melts, tends to get lost completely.

All the while, the place was filling up, the noise-levels were rising, and the walkway next to our table was becoming more trafficy.

The Monster Burger - prior to being attacked

Finished - like a boss

We decided on mains only, and I knew even before getting there, what I was going to choose.

The Monster burger. A 12oz burger heaped with crispy bacon, sliced Colby cheese, Cajun-battered onion rings, and Friday's mayo on a toasted seeded bun with fresh cos lettuce, red onion and beef tomato. All served with crispy fries. (Click food menu, click here).

The menu asked the question 'can you handle it?' and the answer, proved by me, was yes (although it was a struggle)!

I felt like Adam Richman from the hit American TV programme Man v Food. I began to plan how to tackle the mound on my plate. The best idea would be to tackle the burger as priority, eating the chips sparingly even if it meant there would be quite a few left at the end. One plan went out the window immediately - there was no time for messing around with a knife and fork, this had to be done in real cave-man style.

The French Canadian Twisted Burger

So, despite not being able to get my mouth around the full height of the burger, I battled through, enjoying every minute of the succulent and gristle-free meat, perfectly complemented by a cool and refreshing sauce.

And in about 20 minutes, I had completed my task. Albeit some time after my partner, who went for the lighter French Canadian 'twisted burger'.

This was a grilled chicken breast basted with sweet Canadian maple syrup and topped with crispy bacon and creamy melted French brie, on a classic toasted bun with cos lettuce, beef tomato and red onion, served with a creamy garlic mayo.

Purple Rain, back, and Hawaiian Island
Surfer, front

The maple syrup was succinct and just-about sweet, however it was noted that the bun being sweet too, perhaps overloaded that particular taste. The chicken was well cooked and flavoursome on its own, without being overpowering.

During my intense war with The Monster, I ordered in another cocktail, Purple Rain.

This is Bacardi Superior rum, BOLS Blue Curacao, SKYY vodka and Chambord with a drizzle of BOLS Grenadine, it looked good, and tasted amazing - my same criticism that it was hard to distinguish the individual alcohols. However, the mix was refreshing and wickedly-coloured.

My partner went for the Hawaiian Island surfer, Peaches, pina colada, pineapple juice and orange sherbet, with vanilla flavor ice cream. This was a really flavoursome concoction, which maintained it's taste till the very end.

It was decided, after sweating my way through my mound of meat, that we would have hot drinks as our 'dessert,' I want for a cappuccino and my partner, as traditional as she is, went for a tea. They arrived well presented with enough sugar and milk.

The service throughout from Bella was excellent, she was always prepared to come over when I caught her eye, she also, and I think this is vital in the restaurant industry, gave her opinions and recommendations on the food and cocktail menu.

On summing up this restaurant, I would say it is somewhere you should go if you are really hungry. Although I can't make judgement on the salad and lighter options, it is a very main-meat orientated venue, and without trying a sizeable burger, steak or fajita you really would be missing out.

But don't rule out popping in for a cocktail - the variety is excellent, alcoholic and non-alcoholic. And perhaps during the week might be a good idea to beat the queues!

Scores on the doors (out of 10)

Setting - 7
Service - 8
Quality of food - 8
Cleanliness - 7

Total score  - 30/40

To make a booking for TGI Friday's, Covent Garden, click here

Enjoy some top-quality meat at TGI Friday's

 

Warm the cockles with Nicholson's Autumn Ale Festival!

An afternoon sampling ale sounded right up my street. Added to that was the fact that I was scheduled to be meeting up with a couple of old University friends, and the seed was sown, and we were cordially invited to sample the delights of Nicholson's Ale Festival. (Click here for history of the Nicholson's branding on the 'reviews' page).

The Nicholson's London Ale trail runs through Soho and Oxford Street, Theatreland, Piccadilly to Westminster, the Financial District, historical Blackfriars and London Bridge to Tower Bridge, in the city centre.

Add another three sites just outside the centre of London, and there's 43 pubs to sample the delight of Great British ales.

Left to right; Cask ale expert Ben Lockwood, The Clachan manager Greg Yates,
and yours truly

We settled for an afternoon in one of the venues (not lazy, just comfortable), and this was The Clachan, near to Oxford Circus tube station on Kingly Street.

On notifying the bar manager that we weren't just dossers taking an afternoon off to tank up on the super selection of ales on offer, but that I was there to review the festival, we were offered our first sample - a pint of the 24 Carat Gold, a Liverpool-brewed ale.

And a great start that was! The ale was lively and refreshing, the orange notes very clear in the pint, a superb selection from manager Greg Yates.

After finishing a meeting, assistant brand manager and cask ale expert Ben Lockwood joined us at the table - and after being briefed of his experience and enthusiasm for his line of work, I expected a 40-years-old + gent to be joining us.

I was wrong, as shuffling down next to us was a youthful smartly-dressed chap, who, similar to me as I am a youthful, smartly-dressed chap, was 28-years-old.

His knowledge and history in the trade was fascinating, his pride and dedication very evident, and it helped that he asked us questions as well as us quizzing him, and it made it a nicely-settled atmosphere.

After some interesting conversation, Ben decided that we would crack on with sampling some of the ales on offer. And here's how they went down, with scoring courtesy of myself, my home-brewing ale expert Andy, and some geezer we met on the way (joke) Greg.

Proper Job

ABV: 4.5%
Style: IPA
Taste: A powerfully hopped golden bitter that explodes with citrus grapefruit flavours
Location: Cornwall

It is always difficult to score an ale when it is first (discounting our pre-drink) on the menu. Yet all three of us were confident this would be right up there. The ale was crisp, the flavours of the hops spicy, yet not overwhelming, and it left a really strong mouthfeel.

Scores

Andy - 9
Greg - 7
John - 8

There were certainly a few ales to get through...

Lamplighter

ABV: 4.8%
Style: Amber
Taste: Roasted malts, fruity and hoppy
Location: Essex

This beer is brewed in memory of founder William Nicholson, whose original homemade gin, before trying his expert hand to ale, was called Lamplighter. The citric aromas, mixed with an earthy aftertaste made it seem all ends up a sure-fire house ale. The taste however, seemed like it could be of a seasonal nature, perhaps more an autumn/winter warmer, which affected the scoring.

Scores

Andy - 8
Greg - 6
John - 9


Real Blonde

ABV: 4%
Style: Blonde
Taste: Refreshing, balanced, light and fruity
Location: Batley

Admittedly, I went into this taste-test with a bias insofar that Batley is close to where I was brought up. However, this ale turned out to be my least favourite. Nothing to do with its qualities as a blonde ale, but simply that I prefer a heavy, dark ale. We all felt it tasted very 'light' and hit little effect on the palate - but perhaps it is an acquired taste!

I had a go at pulling my own - apparently it was the 'perfect pint'

Scores

Andy - 5
Greg - 5
John - 6


Black Gold

ABV: 3.7%
Style: Mild
Taste: Roasted malts giving a unique rich and luscious flavour
Location: Skipton

Again I wanted to be biased - Skipton is a lovely place not far from my home in Leeds. So I naturally scored it high - but for good reason. I found the ale very flavoursome, like a well-nurtured desert, very grainy and caramel-like. Sadly, I think my colleagues were getting full up as shown in their scoring.

Scores

Andy - 6
Greg - 6
John - 8

Think the lads were happy with the afternoon's entertainment!

Titanic Iceberg

ABV: 4.1%
Style: Pale
Taste: A fantastic wheat beer that holes any passing thirst
Location: Stoke-on-Trent

A really refreshing beer that had a very special zest that makes you forget that it contains any alcohol. This is certainly an ale you could spend a night on and be happy with your choice. However, it might lack that special edge that others might bring.

Scores

Andy - 6
Greg - 7
John - 7


Three Swords

ABV: 4.5%
Style: Pale
Taste: The three hops give a delightful citrus nose
Location: Leeds

Now here it was, the final ale, from my home town, Leeds. And I was not disappointed, and neither were my colleagues, who had no bias whatsoever! This was the clear winner! It is a real thirst-quencher, containing a different sensation on each taste. It was a complex taste with many different flavours on the palate, but each one discernible. A sure fire winner!

Scores

Andy - 9
Greg - 8
John - 9


And so we were shortly on our way. Well oiled for the evening, but with a realisation that we didn't want to ruin it with sub-standard alcoholic beverages. Unfortunately, as we didn't frequent any more Nicholson's pubs on our tour of London, we knew there was no point trying the ales of other establishments as they wouldn't match up. So we decided to stay on water for the evening to as to not spoil the palate.

Well, that might not be wholly true, but our ale-tasting session at The Clachan was certainly the highlight of our meeting. Bravo!

The Autumn Ale Festival runs until November 18 in all Nicholson's pubs in London and beyond. For more information contact visit the website at www.nicholsonspubs.co.uk

How a nightmare turned into a privilege!

The view from the front row - was originally scared

The comedy circuit in London is renowned for its regularity, and having attended a fair few shows on any given night, a Saturday evening at Highlight Comedy, Camden, has always been a particular favourite of mine.

The first point of this blog is that it would be an offence to type jokes and the set of any of the comedians, so that won't happen. What I shall do is review the comedians we saw (you can easily find out where they are scheduled on the circuit) as well as the venue.

The obvious difference in this venue, is that it is set up for comedy, in so far that it is not a big room in a pub, but a well-furnished, stage-led venue, with cameras excellently positioned so if you're ordering a beer at the bar, you won't miss the 'action'.

The entrance I have used previous - down through Camden market in a door at the bottom, has been changed, and now it's a trip up some steps into the famous 'Dingwalls,' or Lock 17 as many might know it, and down some more steps.

The first point of note, and your night may be different, but we were greeted by an annoying queue mostly combined of +40 years-old stag do.

Here is the first constructive criticism of the night - although by the end of the review, you might forgive it.

Jason Patterson - owned it!

The rules were simple; if you're coming in, in a stag group, you will pay your way, you won't heckle, and you will be sitting/standing wherever isn't booked.

Straightforward?

This is where my first encounter came with the more-than-friendly French manager/supervisor occurred. He gave them the time of day! Chat, instructions, chat, more instructions - meanwhile the queue behind us was growing, with the less-than-friendly bouncer making sure people weren't 'blocking the stairwell' and instead snaked them round ridiculously, while we were 'tutting' at the overly-chatty old stag do.

Eventually, obviously noticing the groans, raised eyebrows, and watch-glancing, the oldies were motioned through, and we were there, ready to be sent to our table. Happy days!

Front row!

That's where we were told we were sitting. Front row. Enough to make any man weak at the knees - but this northerner was excited. It is probably where I have always wanted to be!

My partner wasn't so enthused - even asking if there was any chance to move  - of which I dismissed (apparently we had been put there because her surname made the manager think she was French - bravo to him!).

Kerry Godliman - Changed my perception

The compere for the night was Jason Patterson, my first viewing of the fine gent, and he put in a similarly fine performance. Witty, superb with the crowd (which did include a few jokes at my 'lack of commitment' with the missus), and up-to-date, he was one who we thought could go on all night, and we wouldn't get bored.

First on was Kerry Godliman, and (upbringing blamed) I am not not usually a fan of female comedians.

Nothing chauvinistic, nothing sexist, just the simple fact that I have been brought up with a gruff voice, making dirty jokes.

And that's what Kerry was like. Top marks.

While humouring her own lifestyle and odd traits, we could all relate to the everyday things she talked about. She was a crowd-classic and didn't lose the enthusiastic mass, and her brutal honesty, whether acted out or truthful, was refreshing and delightful.

James Redmond appeared on the stage with a few whispers of 'I recognise him,' or 'he's been on the telly,' and he proceeded to confirm that when he re-encated the theme tune to hit BBC hospital drama Casualty - via vibrating lips and shaking head.

Of course, James was the widely-known Abs Denham, from the grim depiction of real life, Casualty.

Erich McElroy  - lovely face and great act

James' set was good, if not a little nervy. Perhaps some will say his gags were long-winded, but as he exited, I wanted more. His return to the comedy circuit  should go well as long as he has more confidence, gets a bit more 'everyday man real life' and extends it to longer than 10 minutes!

Next up was Erich McElroy - the name didn't ring a bell, but his face certainly did.

Not that it's a face of any particular negativity, as it is a beautiful, round face, but it is a recognisable one. And as he entered the stage the bounce, enthusiasm, and an American accent, I remembered him!

A great set, superb crowd interaction, which, as opposed to putting a bracket in, I shall explain.

A heckler. And a very BAD heckler, for no reason, decided to try and be everyone's memory of the night.

'I hate you' rang out. Everyone looked, no-one could really see, but the 'voice' came from what looked like a big group of girls, and most of them looked embarrassed.

She tried to explain 'why' (she obviously had taken advantage of the very reasonably-priced pitchers of lager), which was met by her friends stroking her hair, and telling her to 'go back to sleep'. Now if I was a comedian, I would rinse her, but Erich, experienced as he is, rinsed her for about 60 seconds, then settled, and finished, in great style.

Pete Johansson was the final act one - and what an experience.

If he doesn't come on talking about bears, I advise you to heckle and ask for it. Whether his act was 'actually' meant to be about bears or not, or even how he got on the subject is beside the point. As is the fact that the UK doesn't even have wild bears; his set was hysterical.

And so a fantastic end to a cracking line-up.

And now a word for the French manager as aforementioned. Chatting away to a fellow 'comedy-loving' couple, my drink was inexplicably-taken. So a trip up to the bar, an honest explanation to the lovable (and I am heterosexual man) French man, and a full pint was presented.

Then followed a drink of our choice from Mr manager, a great chat about how things are going at the club, and we were on our way.

I asked the name of the gentleman, but Comedy Highlight are less than forthcoming. Shame. Their manger for the night was a credit just as much as the acts were.