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The Castle celebrates local distillers at first Gin Festival

Posted on May 16, 2022May 16, 2022 by admin

The Castle at Edgehill, Gin Festival, Pinnock Distillery

LOCAL producers will be celebrated at the first Gin Festival hosted by The Castle at Edgehill in Oxfordshire, on July 2nd.

The brand new event, which brings together gin brands from across the county, will include plenty of G&Ts to sample as well as live music and food in the gardens, which overlook the historic Edgehill battlefields.

There will also be the opportunity to join guided tours of The Castle’s new micro-distillery and gin school, run by Pinnock Distillery, which opened in the tower earlier this year. It marked an expansion for Kineton’s Dan Beckett whose collaboration with The Castle at Edgehill also celebrates the brands’ shared historical connections.

The Castle sits at a location overlooking the spot where Charles 1^st raised the standard at the Battle of Edgehill in 1642 – the first major battle in the English Civil War between the Royalist forces and the Parliamentarian Army commanded by the Earl of Essex. King Charles was the first ruler to tax alcohol in the 1630s when many people took to distilling in their kitchens.

The Castle at Edgehill, Gin Festival, Pinnock Distillery

As well as Pinnock, the range of gins available on the day includes: Warwickshire Gin Company and Newbold Spirit, both in Leamington and Rugby Distillery.

Dan Beckett said: “It’s been a busy start for the gin school here at The Castle so we wanted to extend our celebration of this fabulous drink by inviting other producers to join us to showcase their brands. It is set to be a great event and we hope to see as many people there as possible, especially if the weather’s kind to us.”

Distilled using a small batch method and traditional copper pot, Warwickshire Gin Company celebrates the county with its five exclusive recipes: Leamington on Parade, Kingmaker, Peeping Tom, Pelota and The Philosophers Daughter.

Director Dave Blick said: “It’s great being able to get out to events, giving tasters and talking about our exciting dry gin flavour profiles. It’s been a tough few years for everyone so this is very exciting!”

Local history is also at the heart of Rugby Distillery, with its range of gins themed around the story of the town and its famous game, including Wasps Gin, distilled exclusively for the Coventry-based Wasps team.

Richard Wilson, who runs Rugby Distillery with his sister Emma, said: “We’re thrilled to be involved at the Gin Festival at The Castle at Edgehill. To have our gins featured alongside some of the great gins from our area at such a great venue that is offering a brilliant gin school is a real highlight.”

The ethos behind Ian and Victoria Black’s award-winning Newbold Spirit is a collection of small-batch gins – and rums – that reflect the flavours they wanted to drink themselves.

Victoria said: “Warwickshire has an amazing artisan food and drink culture which will be highlighted by Dan and his team at the festival. It’s going to be great fun – all we need now is a bit of sunshine!”
Tickets, which are £20pp, include a G&T on arrival and food token as well as a free gin balloon glass to take home.

The venue is one of five under the ownership of The Free Spirit Pub Company founded by Mark Higgs.

Mark said: “Here at The Castle we are looking forward to launching our first Gin Festival to celebrate the launch of our nano distillery and Gin school. We have handpicked a small selection of local artisan producers, selected some great live music and of course some delicious food.

“It’s the perfect way to enjoy a relaxing afternoon in the gardens with a beautiful view, great gins, entertainment and great company.”

Tickets to the event, which runs from 2-9pm, are available through Eventbrite here

For more information about The Castle and The Gin School visit here

Further Information about The Castle Gin School:

Visitors to The Castle can choose from a one-hour Pinnock Gin Taster Session or three-hour Gin School (for parties of up to 14 people) in which they’ll learn about the history and provenance of the product and location, before being guided by Dan through the gin-making process using a range of botanicals. As well as enjoying plenty of Gin samples along the way, they will get to take home a 70cl bottle of their own unique recipe, which can also be reordered at the distillery on a later date.

Former site of Civil War now sought-after oasis of harmony

Posted on May 10, 2022May 10, 2022 by admin

HISTORY is integral to the story of the tiny village of Edgehill in Warwickshire, the scene of the bloodiest battle in The English Civil War.

Today, the din of muskets and cannons are, thankfully, confined to those history books and the battlefields instead offer idyllic views from one of the most impressive vantage points in the country, The Castle pub.

Perched on the summit overlooking the infamous battlefields, The Castle at Edgehill is also renowned for its exceptional hospitality. With award-winning food, four-star accommodation and now, a brand new gin school, it was time to see for myself what was putting Edgehill back on the map four centuries later.

The Castle at Edgehill,gin school, Pinnock Distillery, review — The Cromwell Suite

Accommodation

There is an abundance of character and opulence on display in each of the Castle’s five uniquely decorated boutique rooms.

My friends and I were able to congregate for a proper girlie catch up in the grandeur of The Cromwell Suite, offering a huge space in which to spread out, set across the entire first floor, with connecting lounge and double bedroom, plus en suite.

Perfect for small groups, this is their biggest room which can more than comfortably sleep up to four people by turning down the bed settee.

Two of our party stayed one floor up in the tower’s Prince Rupert room, highlights of which are the four-poster bed (a better choice for romantic weekends!) and its breathtakingly stunning vista. I can count on one hand the number of times I’ve woken up to a view like this one.

Both offered comfort and luxury in equal measure – and were well equipped with SMART TVs and a useful mini fridge. The quirky décor in Cromwell proved a fun talking point.

It would be remiss not to mention the tight spiral staircase guests have to negotiate to reach their quarters however, unless staying in the ground-floor Verney room.

But it’s important to remember, most of the accommodation is within a tower. Access is something which should be carefully considered by the less able-bodied when selecting their room choice here. Fear not though as help is at hand from friendly staff so you won’t be left to hoist your bags aloft up unaided. Two of our group had some mobility issues and managed okay.

For those willing to put in the work, I refer you back to the picture-perfect views from Prince Rupert’s windows. Aspects like that don’t come from ground level! (And not bad for your daily step count either!)

Restaurant

The team in the Castle kitchen pride themselves on going that extra mile when it comes to culinary creativity and excellence – a fact born out by their many awards and strong local reputation for supreme pub fare.

The chef’s pledge to produce a full seasonal menu using ingredients sourced within a 30-mile radius showcases some of the best local suppliers – and if the impressive plates of food served to us are anything to go by, long may that continue!

The post-gin school treat became probably, the most memorable chapter of our stay at The Castle. We devoured our Starters of Seared Scallops (with Houmous, Black Pudding Bon Bon); Asparagus (& Crispy Hen’s Egg & Hollandaise Sauce); Chef’ Soup (with Artisan Bread) and Goats Cheese (with Mango Curd, Toasted Brioche & English Micro Herb Salad) followed by, in my case, simply the most exquisite Blade of Beef (& Creamy Mash & Braised Red Cabbage), literally melting in on the tongue.

In fact, all of the mains – including 6oz Beef Fillet (Parmesan Gnocchi & Spring Greens) and Asparagus, Pea & Mint Risotto and Crayfish, Crab and Lobster Bisque Linguine all won very high praise all around the table for Head Chef Pawel Neumann and his kitchen crew.

We’d been determined to leave room for desserts (if the rest was anything to go by we didn’t want to miss out!), and the Vanilla Panna Cotta (with Warm Raspberry Compote); Vegan Chocolate Brownie (& Vanilla Ice Cream) and Sticky Toffee Pudding (with Vanilla Ice Cream) left us feeling full to the brim – but justified in our decision.

My friend’s British Cheeseboard selection came complete with more ample ingredients than many I’ve seen in my time. (My husband is a cheese lover so I’ve seen a few!)

For those lucky enough to be staying the night, there’s also a small, but delicious, breakfast menu to refuel you for the next day of exploring ahead.

The only aspect which in any way enhanced our dining experience brings us back to the views. I never tired of enjoying these.

Gin School

One of the main reasons for our stay was so, like many, we could take full advantage of The Castle’s fabulous new gin school, situated in the highest point of the tower. (Yes, I’m going to bang on about those views again!)

I defy anyone to show me somewhere else in the country where you can distil your own gin recipe whilst looking out across five (yes five!) counties. The Castle tower, also known as the ‘Radway’ or ‘Round tower’, was intended to replicate Guy’s tower at nearby Warwick Castle and, after sitting derelict for 40 years, it is now home to Pinnock Distillery founded by Dan Beckett.

I suppose you could say Dan is proud to have realised the ‘height’ of his ambitions a few months ago by also opening the gin school in this truly unique (an oft overused word but NOT in this case) premises.

It marks a collaboration for Dan and Castle owner Mark Higgs- and, from what I’ve experienced, it’s a partnership of pure genius. The Ultimate Gin Experience package that we enjoyed includes gin school, dinner, overnight stay and breakfast. After all, who wants to be the designated driver for this one? Especially when I tell you what the gin school entails. . .

Dan comes across as extremely passionate, knowledgeable and affable in his approach to his classes. After explaining the provenance of his products and their historical connections to The Castle (no spoiler alerts here!), we are guided through his three gins, enjoying samples along the way. Well, it would be rude not to!

The Castle at Edgehill, Pinnock Gin, review

Then, after a short toilet and snack break (nibbles are also laid on) Dan offered helpful advice on flavour infusions and, before we knew it, it was time to pair up and create our own unique gins armed with our recipe of botanicals and a small copper still. Plus there was plenty more gin flowing to help inspire us along the way. (Do watch those spiral stairs on your way back down from the top of the tower though!)

Three hours goes by in a flash but it’s with a sense of pride that, with a 70cl bottle of our gin concoctions in hand (plus a few extra purchases) we wend our way back downstairs to prepare for dinner. (By this time we were definitely ready to line our stomachs!) What a hugely satisfying way to spend a Friday (or Saturday) afternoon with friends.

Shorter one-hour Gin Tasting sessions are also available at a lower price point.

Summary

All in all, our Castle experience could not be faulted, with comfort, character and attentive service from General Manager Dariusz Remiz and his team throughout.

While not a rambler myself, this is also the perfect base from which to explore miles of beautiful walks – and some of the rooms are also dog friendly.

It would be only too easy to let the views do all the talking here, but The Castle has found a way to make establish its position as a must-visit destination pub in its own right.

The Castle may sit in a former site of conflict – but there’s nothing you’ll find here anymore that’s remotely disagreeable!

Visit: https://castleatedgehill.co.uk/ and https://castleatedgehill.co.uk/gin-school

Visit Pinnock Distillery at: Pinnock Gin | Pinnock Distillery | Kineton, Warwickshire

The Castle at Edgehill, Pinnock Gin, review — Historic battlefield is now a view to die for from the bedroom windows!

Background

The Battle of Edge Hill was fought on Sunday, 23rd October 1642 and was the first major battle in the English Civil War between the Royalist forces of King Charles I and the Parliamentarian Army commanded by the Earl of Essex.

The King’s army had to descend from the edge of the escarpment if they wished to engage the Parliamentarians in battle, because the escarpment was far too steep for Essex to consider an attack against the Royalist army while it was on the edge. At the time of the battle, there were far fewer trees. The battle was inconclusive, with both sides claiming victory. It would take several more years and many more battles before the Parliamentarians won the war.

The Castle first became a pub in 1822, when it was sold by Sanderson Miller and acquired by the Hook Norton Brewery in 1922, with Mark Higgs, the current tenant, taking over the lease in 2013.

Now, the venue is one of five in the Midlands under the ownership of The Free Spirit Pub Company founded by Mark Higgs.

The others are: The Bell at Ladbroke https://bellinnatladbroke.co.uk/

The Seven Stars at Marsh Baldon https://sevenstarsatmarshbaldon.co.uk/

The Sun Inn, Hook Norton https://thesuninn-hooknorton.co.uk/

The Red Lion, Hellidon https://redlionathellidon.co.uk/

History at the heart of new Castle Gin School collaboration

Posted on November 23, 2021November 23, 2021 by admin

AN award-winning gin distiller whose business started from his Kineton kitchen three years ago, is joining forces with the hotelier who became his first customer – for the launch of a new Warwickshire gin school.

A transformed formerly derelict 17^th-century castle tower is the unique setting for The Castle Gin School, which opens on February 4th.

It marks an expansion for Pinnock Distillery’s Dan Beckett whose collaboration with The Castle at Edgehill, also celebrates the brands’ shared historical connections.

Dan, who now runs his distillery from the Grade II-listed tower on the border of four counties overlooking the battlefield, said: “This was our local and we’ve been coming here for about eight years. It is the first pub I got the gin into and a very special place to me.

Mark Higgs and Dan Beckett have launched their new gin school on the site of the historic Battle of Edgehill — Mark Higgs and Dan Beckett have launched their new gin school on the site overlooking the historic Battle of Edgehill

“It couldn’t be a better fit. We’re going to be making the gin at a location where Charles 1^st raised the standard at the Battle of Edgehill in 1642. He was the first ruler to tax alcohol in the 1630s when many people were distilling in their kitchens and regulated it all. The fact that the gin school will be overlooking the very spot where he stood at the top of the hill in the battle is unique.

“When I started out I was quite keen to keep things as traditional as possible and use a recipe from around that period. I found a recipe book that had been republished from 1636 – so based all my botanicals from that period.”

Local provenance runs through the heart of Pinnock Gin. The 11 botanicals used in its original Warwickshire Dry gin include Cotswold Lavender from Snowshill, near Broadway, quince from Warwick and honey from Red Road Nursery pick your own farm in Little Kineton.

The distillery also sources local ingredients for its Rhubarb and Strawberry and Sloe, Damson and Honey blends and is soon to introduce a new rum recipe which gin schoolers will be among the first to try.

Dan said: “It offers the whole experience with the gin school, restaurant and rooms you can stay in so you don’t have to drive into the countryside somewhere and then worry about how you’re going to get back or that someone has to be the designated driver and can’t participate properly.”

The Castle Gin School, which was supported by a grant from Warwickshire County Council, is the latest offering from The Castle at Edgehill, which also boasts an award-winning restaurant, four-star accommodation and wedding licence.

The venue is one of four under the ownership of The Free Spirit Pub Company founded by Mark Higgs.

Mark said: “I’m over the moon we have managed to team up with Dan, a genuine Gin boff! I’m super excited about growing both the Castle and Pinnock brands and offering something truly unique and special to our wonderful guests.

“Pinnock Gin is a great product and we’re both on a journey where we can each bring different elements to the project. It’s great to be able to offer something more and add another aspect to the business and this certainly offers something a little bit different. I don’t know of any other pub that offers a nano distillery. This new project will allow us to continue to evolve and grow.”

It also marks a return to teaching for former Warwickshire College lecturer Daniel, who, two years ago, walked away from his career to pursue his dream of running a distillery.

“It’s a great opportunity to tap into my wider skillset share my passion for gin and gin-making with other people. But the main aim is for everyone to have fun and for people to walk away at the end with a bottle of gin that they’ll enjoy.

“Together, we knew we had the potential to create one of the most iconic and breath-taking micro gin distilleries and so, the Castle Gin School was born.”

The Gin School is initially available for Friday and Saturday afternoon sessions but group or corporate bookings outside these times can be requested.

For more information and vouchers, which are available to purchase now, visit The Castle at Edgehill or Pinnock Distillery.

Further information:

The Castle Experience costs £325 for two and includes Prosecco on arrival , a night’s stay, the Gin School Experience , three-course dinner, cooked breakfast.
The Castle tower, also known as the ‘Radway’ or ‘Round tower’, was intended to replicate Guy’s tower at nearby Warwick Castle. The Castle first became a pub in 1822, when it was sold by Sanderson Miller and acquired by the Hook Norton Brewery in 1922, with Mark Higgs, the current tenant, taking over the lease in 2013.
Other venues under the Free Spirit Pub ownership are: The Sun Inn, Hook Norton; The Seven Stars. Marsh Baldon and The Red Lion at Hellidon.
The battle of Edge Hill was fought on Sunday, 23rd October 1642 and was the first major battle in the English Civil War between the Royalist forces of King Charles I and the Parliamentarian Army commanded by the Earl of Essex.
The King’s army had to descend from the edge of the escarpment if they wished to engage the Parliamentarians in battle, because the escarpment was far too steep for Essex to consider an attack against the Royalist army while it was on the edge. At the time of the battle, there were far fewer trees. The battle was inconclusive, with both sides claiming victory. It would take several more years and many more battles before the Parliamentarians won the war.

CORONAVIRUS: Joining forces to ward off effects of pandemic

Posted on March 20, 2020March 20, 2020 by admin

A GROUP of enterprising small business owners in south Warwickshire have joined forces in the fight against the Coronavirus pandemic.

Winchcombe Farm glamping retreat in Upper Tysoe, has risen to the challenge of surviving the economic impact of the outbreak by inviting other neighbouring businesses to work together.

Winchcombe Farm, Jo Carroll, Steve Taylor, Coronavirus, Tysoe — Steve Taylor and Jo Carroll.

Owners Jo Carroll and Steve Taylor have teamed up with five other small businesses who will now offer a delivery service directly to the doors of their four holiday lodges – from hot meals through to artisan gin.

Jo said: “Due to our remote rural location, we remain open because the very nature of our business means you can stay in a tranquil private lodge or tree house amongst nature in an isolated location.

“Normally the only deliveries we receive are from the postman, but now other businesses like ourselves, are having to diversify to stay in business, and are offering delivery services”.

The enterprising couple are working around the clock to ensure their guests continue to enjoy safe and enjoyable stays on their farm and don’t miss out on any of the local delicacies on offer – including dry from the Pinnock Distillery in the nearby village of Kineton.

Dan Beckett, owner Pinnock Distillery, said: “In what is undoubtedly the most challenging of times for small businesses, it is also heartening to see support and collaboration in action in this way and I am delighted to be working with Winchcombe Farm. This luxury holiday retreat is the perfect partner for our brand and we’re proud to be able to do our bit, along with other local businesses, to even further enhance their visitor experience.”

Jo added: “We’ve teamed up with our local gastro pub. Why go out to the pub, when it will come to you! The Peacock at Oxhill is now delivering all their delicious meals directly to guests in our holiday homes.

“Their chef has designed a takeaway menu fit for a king, including lots of lovely comfort food such as homemade steak and ale pie with creamy mash and sticky toffee pudding.

“Guests can give us a call and we will drop down linen tablecloths and napkins, plus a candelabra so you feel like you are really there!”

Winchcombe Farm, Ofishial Foods, Tysoe, Shenington, Coronavirus, Jo Carroll — Susie Medcalf hands over a delivery from Ofishial Foods to Kate Ashfield of Winchcombe Farm.

The local butcher – HC Lewis in Kineton, (www.lewisbutchers.co.uk) is geared up to make meat deliveries directly to guests and home-cooked frozen meals from Ofishial Foods are also available to pre-order.

Jo said: “This wonderful company is based just up the road from us in Shenington and have a dropped a couple of samples down for us to try so we can highly recommend them to guests. They will take orders and payment over the phone and then deliver your meals to us in time for your arrival. We’ll pop them in the freezer for you so they’ll be ready and waiting for you.”

John Hartley, of Ofishial Foods, said: “We are delighted to supply a wide range of tasty ready meals to Winchcombe Farm Holidays guests. Our meals are hand made in our kitchen just up the hill and we are so local we could deliver them on foot.”

Tommy Hewitt, butcher at H.C Lewis Butchers based in Banbury Street, Kineton said: “We sell a huge range of local reared meats, as well as eggs, savouries such as pies and deli treats. We introduced a delivery service in response to the recent situation and it’s proved such a huge hit with customers, we are looking into making it a permanent feature of our service. People clearly want good quality, fresh meat delivered directly to their door.”

Shipston-on-Stour baking company Sweet Heart Bakes are also on hand to deliver their fresh homemade quiches, tarts and puddings directly to the door when pre-ordered.

Winchcombe Farm is home to four bespoke luxury holiday homes, including Warwickshire’s only tree house, nestling in an idyllic Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in the rolling Warwickshire countryside on the North East tip of The Cotswolds, and lies beneath the famous landmark battleground of Edgehill.

For more information and bookings visit: http://winchcombefarm.co.uk or call 01295 680190.