WORK STARTS ON MICROBREWERY AND DINING ROOMS

Wednesday, September 1st, 2010

We're excited to announce that work has started today on our new Microbrewery.

We're also taking the opportunity to extend the Dining Rooms upstairs to provide much-needed additional space which can be used for parties, functions and meetings.

We'll also have a private dining room seating 12 people for those wanting something extra special, with a facility to extend this to 36 for larger groups.

When the work is complete, we'll have two new staircases in the pub - one connecting the Tap Room with the Microbrewery and the extension to the Dining Rooms, the other linking the existing Dining Room with the extension upstairs.

All very exciting, so if you're planning a bit of a "do" in the not too distant future, or looking for somewhere for your Christmas party, look no further.

With a good tail wind and the gods on our side, we're hoping to be finished in time for Jocktoberfest, our beer festival 24-26 September.....

Whilst the work is being done, there will inevitably be some disruption, although we will do our utmost to keep it to a minimum.

The Dining Rooms will be closed on the following days:
Weds 1 Sept - Thurs 2 Sept
Mon 6 Sept - Thurs 9 Sept
Mon 13 Sept - Thurs 16 Sept
Mon 20 Sept - Thurs 23 Sept

Customers wishing to make reservations for dinner on these nights are invited to do so - we will provide you with full table service if you eat in the Pub.

The Pub will be open as usual throughout, with no interruptions to service and the usual menus being served.

COMPETITION NOW CLOSED

Wednesday, September 1st, 2010

Many thanks to all of you who entered the competition to name our microbrewery and resident ale. We've had over 200 entries - looks like it has definitely caught your imagination! No surprises that lots of the suggestions are based around a "horsey" theme. Lots too on a Chorlton theme.

It'll take us a few days to consider them all, so we'll be announcing the winner on Friday 10 September.

CHRISTMAS IS COMING - MENUS NOW OUT!

Friday, August 27th, 2010

Why not follow the example that several customers have already set and book your Christmas meal or party now? It'll be one less thing to worry about!

This year we're building on the success of last year, with one or two subtle changes, and we're now taking bookings for the three menus we have on offer:

• The FESTIVE MENU will run until Christmas Eve, offering great value with two courses at £14.95 and three courses at £18.95
• We'll be open on CHRISTMAS DAY from 12 until 4.30pm, with a five course lunch for £50
• Lest we forget, our Head Chef, Craig Kirk, hails from north of the border, so we're doing NEW YEAR'S EVE this year in true Hogmanay style. Four courses for £30

We're open too on Boxing Day, New Year's Day and the other bank holidays, and will be running with our usual menus on those days.

Click below for full details of each menu. We've also included a booking form to make things easy.

Happy Christmas!

PETER'S DOING THE GREAT NORTH RUN AND WANTS YOUR MONEY!

Saturday, August 21st, 2010

In Peter's words....

"I'm not doing this for fun you know....I'm doing the Great North Run on Sunday 19 September. A half marathon in the wilderness known as Tyneside. And it'll probably rain.

I'm raising money for the Anthony Nolan Trust, a truly unique charity that helps match donors to patients who desperately need a stem cell transplant. Often, a transplant is the last hope for a person suffering from leukaemia or other blood related disorders. Having lost a cousin to leukaemia, I appreciate only too well how ANT is helping to change lives.

It's often said, but ALL donations, no matter how small, WILL make a difference. If funds are tight, have one pint less in the pub tonight, or skip the skinny latte on your way to work tomorrow. Walk instead of taking the bus. And give us ya money instead. Or make a grand gesture and give me $$$. You know you want to, and I'll love you all the more for it.

To spur me on, why not offer me a bonus if I complete the run in less than, say, 1 HOUR 45 MINS? It'd be a pretty good time and it's what I'm aiming for, but it's my first run so by no means certain.

Whether you're family, friend, business contact I'm blackmailing or Jockey punter, please help me reach my target......

Thank you

Peter"

We're doing our bit to help at the Jockey by holding a fundraising raffle. Prizes include Dinner for 2, wine vouchers, gift certificates and much more, and tickets are on sale at the bar - £1 each or 6 for £5. The raffle will be drawn in the pub at 9pm on Sun 12 Sept.

Or you can make a donation by visiting our fundraising page:


To find out more about the work of the Anthony Nolan Trust, check out its website:
Anthony Nolan Trust

JOCKTOBERFEST! - OUR SECOND BEER FESTIVAL

Saturday, August 21st, 2010

It's six months since we had our first beer festival, and we have to say it was a resounding success, so it's about time we had another one!

We've decided on the last weekend in September, for a number of reasons:
- August Bank Holiday would have been good but quite a lot of people will still be on holiday or doing stuff
- Work starts on the microbrewery next week, and we're hoping to have it ready by the end of September, so people will be able to have a look round and see what we've done
- It coincides with Oktoberfest! If you're not familiar with this annual event, suffice to say it's the world's biggest p!$$ up, attracting over 6,500,000 people. Breweries all over the planet produce beers especially for the occasion, and we've managed to get our hands on some of the best. They're all limited edition beers. Once they've been drunk, they've gone.

So here goes......

THE HORSE AND JOCKEY 'JOCKTOBERFEST'
12pm Fri 24 Sept until 11pm Sun 26 Sept

Oh, a couple of points:

• Last time, we advertised a 12pm start but the beer wasn't really ready until 5pm. This won't happen again. We've ordered the stillage for an extra day, so we WILL be ready for 12pm on Friday.

• Because we're a pub and we're open every day, WE WON'T RUN OUT OF BEER. So please don't write Sunday off. We'll have just as many beers to choose from, and Sunday roasts to boot.

ARE WE THE MOST DOG FRIENDLY PUB AROUND?

Sunday, August 1st, 2010

It can't have escaped your notice that we often have quite a number of dogs around the place! And why not, if the dog is well behaved (and its owner for that matter)?

In the 14 months since we transformed the Jockey, we estimate we get on average 20-25 dogs a day through the doors. That's around 150 a week, so we must be getting close to 10,000 mark by now! We try to make sure every dog gets a biscuit and a bowl of water if needed. And lots of attention! To date, we've had just one 'accident' and, to the best of our knowledge, one complaint.

This week, we started selling Dog Beer, traditionally brewed from hops and barley, but with the booze and the fizz taken out. Add a dash of beef flavouring and it's the ideal refreshment for your best friend. Yum yum.

If you think we've gone that extra mile to make both you and your dog welcome, please nominate us for the Kennel Club's 'Open for Dogs Awards'. We think we're the best and we hope you do too! But hurry, nominations close on 1 Sept.

Thanks!

AUGUST'S ACOUSTIC NIGHT

Thursday, July 29th, 2010

Join us for August's Acoustic Night, Wednesday August 11, 2010.

This month we welcome the fabulous sound of Becca & The Broken Biscuits. Be sure to come down for this event, it's not to be missed.

Set starts at 9 pm.

Hope to see you there!

MONTHLY ARTS & CRAFT FAIRS

Thursday, July 29th, 2010

We have recently changed the hours for the Arts & Craft Fairs to make the most of the summer sun. Come down to the pub and enjoy a day perusing the stalls-we have new vendors every month.

Stay for a refreshing drink and a tasty meal.

The last Saturday of every month, from 11-5 pm.

We look forward to seeing you there.

SUMMER EDITION OF THE BUGLE IS NOW OUT

Saturday, July 17th, 2010

The Summer edition of our seasonal guide to what's on at the Jockey is now out.

Pick up a copy next time you visit us, or you can download one right here.

Amongst other things, we've got exciting news about the forthcoming microbrewery to tell you about. We're so excited!!!

INTRODUCING...THE MICROBREWERY

Saturday, July 17th, 2010

A chance to make Jockey history!

We’re offering our customers the opportunity to help us name our resident ale and to name the actual brewery.

The winner of each will receive a meal for two in the Dining Room, and will be invited to sample the first pint on our opening night.

We’re also working with a local illustrator to design the pump clip for our resident ale. The winner will receive a credit on this too. This is an exciting time for the Horse & Jockey and we want all of our regulars to be a part of it.

So get your thinking caps on and submit your suggestions before the closing date of 31 August.

Suggestions preferably in writing via the website contact page. Alternatively you can use the suggestions sheet behind the bar.

Good luck!