Hello from The Free Trade
Hey, Hello, Hi, Hej…
It’s been a minute since we’ve sent out a pub newsletter, almost 9 months in fact.
I’m sure many of you follow us on various other social media platforms, but if this is the first you’re hearing of us in that time, sorry it’s been so long.
Summer seems like a distant memory but we’ve had our heads down here with a lovely busy autumn so far, all fuelled by some great beer events, and the unseasonably mild weather. Special highlights were our takeover with the lovely Julie and Les from Neptune Brewery, a bonkers busy bonfire night, and being a launch venue for the legendary Thomas Hardy’s Ale, in cask for the first time.
So after all of that, here we are at the beginning of December, which seemed like a great time to get back in touch and update everyone on what’s coming up. That, and I’ve finally got some time to do it 😊.
Christmas Opening Times…
It may be a few weeks away yet but it’s as good a time as any to get the word out. Our Christmas and New Year opening times haven’t actually changed for a few years, but here’s a quick reminder…
Pastore Brewing & Blending - Sour Beer Showcase - THIS FRIDAY & weekend
This Weekend we welcome Cambridge’s Pastore Brewing & Blending to the pub. We’ve framed it as a ‘Sour beer Showcase’, but in truth Pastore are much more than just a sour beer maker. They specialise in mixed fermentation beers from the old-world and new, which means we can expect everything from trendy Smoothie Sours, through Barrel Aged Rarities and even a rice lager co-fermented with sake kasu and lager yeast.
Joining us on Friday will be Newcastle brewing Alumni Joe Summerfield (Bridge Tavern / Full Circle) who is now Lead Brewer at Pastore, and also the fab Goodtimes Tacos, who will be serving from 4.30. We’d expect most of the beers to last through the weekend but there’s a few we know will be in demand and finish quickly, so Friday is your best chance to try everything.
Ouseburn Late Night Shopping - THIS THURSDAY
Not directly pub news but there’s a late night shopping event in the Ouseburn this week with most of the shops, studios and galleries opening their doors.
The evening’s entertainment includes a 60 strong choir starting outside The Cluny at 5.30 for an hour or so before moving onto the Toffee Factory for their Christmas Market.
There’s events on too at 7 Stories, Biscuit Factory, Bottleworks, Ernest & just about everywhere else, and of course we’ll be here with the fire on and the first Gluhkriek of the season.
T-Shirts & Christmas Gifts
Talking of shopping; We’ve just had a little restock of Tshirts and have opened the webshop for collection and delivery orders. There’s new stock of the ‘Dogs of the Free Trade’ Tshirts and Tote Bags, and our bestselling ‘Pub’ design in a nice autumnal Mustard.
There’s a lot of our other designs on there too including some end of line reductions, but we’re working on new stock of other favourites too and will update when these arrive. T-shirts can also be bought in the pub.
As usual we also have a nice selection of beer gift packs in the pub which will be on sale from Thursday onwards along with other celebratory treats, perfect for special occasions or special gifts.
Looking further ahead…
Double Beer Release - NEXT FRIDAY 13th December
Next week we’re pouring two special beers, one brand new, and one annual release.
Firmly at opposite ends of the spectrum we have Donzoko’s brand new Nitro Dark beer and the return of the imperious Double Jakehead, which sold out in 4 hours last year !!
And that, as they say, is that…for now.
I’m sure there’s stuff we’ve forgotten but we’ll try and get this newsletter out a little more regularly anyway to keep everyone in the loop with what’s happening.
I hope you’re all well, and maybe see you soon.
Mick & The FT Team