Each update I seem to spend a while explaining how shocked I am that time is passing so quickly. I won't bore you with the same old tale, but suffice to say, our Halloween events are scheduled for this weekend, which means it's probably time I finally take the factor 30 out of my handbag, as the chances of it being needed in the next 6 months are slim to none! The clocks go back this Sunday and whilst I am sure, once Halloween, Christmas and New Year are behind us, I will be sick to death of the cold and dark, at the moment it feels cosy and welcoming. We have fired up the heating for our non-event times (during our events, the air con is still definitely required!), brewed up our hot spiced apple juice, whacked some boozy hot chocolates on the menu and embraced our winter schedule of fantastic indoor events! We have some corkers lined up to take us through to 2023 and plenty booked in for next year, so we will be releasing the details in the coming weeks.
We are trying to strike a balance with offering events that have proven to be popular and also trying new things (new bands/more theatre/movie nights/drag etc). I'm not keen on the "Use It or Lose It" advertising campaign, (it feels too aggressive and anyone who knows me, knows I'm more of a sunshine and rainbows kind of gal... honest!!!), but in this instance, there is a lot of truth in it. With limited resources, finances and availability, not all events will be able to have a permanent fixture, so if there is anything scheduled that takes your fancy, get down and support it!
Last week we had some cracking events from our talk (Journeys), on Wednesday as part of Black History Month, to our Cafe Vibes session on Thursday with the phenomenal, Robert J Hunter, classic punk from The Expletives on Friday night and 90s Britpop from Popscene on Saturday.
We are over the moon to report that the summer trade was definitely less bumpy than expected and we are pretty optimistic about our survival. We still have a few projects left to launch that we have been busy working on, which should help us make more of our non-event times and it is vital that we now have a good Christmas and New Year to create a buffer for the dreaded Dead Zone, (the inevitable drop in trade the hospitality/entertainment industry faces each January/February). But whilst we still long for normality: a period of trading that could give us a sense of what the future has in store, having seen over the last few weeks a new monarch, 3 Prime Ministers and more cabinets than an IKEA showroom, we are starting to realise that normality might just be a myth! It would seem that everything can change in just a few short weeks and whilst it's good to have a plan in place, really, we just have to hope for the best and roll with it!
Anyway, enough musings! Here's a quick bit of housekeeping before we let you know what juicy events we have lined up for you this week:
Our last few Saturday nights have been absolutely heaving! Whilst we don't like to be turning people away at the door, once we have reached capacity, we have no choice but to do so, which also means that we are unable to allow those people to buy drinks to sit outside. So, get down and see us nice and early to ensure entry and please don't take it personally if you aren't able to get in (it's just numbers, not personal)!
Our evening events are for over 18s only. Over 16s and dogs are welcome at non-event times.
It's been asked quite a lot recently, but just a reminder that Saturday nights are always free entry. Live music tends to start between 9-9.30pm and we close at midnight. Friday nights and midweek events are sometimes ticketed, but if in doubt, all details are on our website.
And finally, whilst we do have locally roasted coffee, boozy hot chocolates and other hot drinks on our menu, we do not serve them during standing gigs (for fairly obvious reasons)!
THIS WEEK:
WEDNESDAY 7.30PM: CASTLE COMEDY NIGHT
Have you got your tickets for Wednesday yet? 3 award winning comedians are going to bring the comedy thunder!
Doors 7;30pm
Comedy from: ALISTAIR WILLIAMS, MARK CRAM & VLAD ILICH
Your host for the show is Paul Revill
The Crooked Crow will be doing a pre-show meal offer of a Pieminster Pie & mash with a pint for only £12 (at Castle Comedy Night only). Message us to book! Food served 6-7pm.
THURSDAY, 8PM: DRAG QUEEN BINGO
If only there was a night, filled with great beer and cocktails, with crap prizes, lipsyncs and bingo....!
We hear ya!
This Thursday.
Doors 8pm.
Hosted by Sassafras Nitro Jet.
SOLD OUT.
FRIDAY: THE HIP HOP LOUNGE
8pm-12am
Entry: £5
Merch available on the night
With open mic slots for singers, rappers and freestylers, guest performances, live band and DJ.
Hosted by April Blue and The Crazy James
SOMETHING FOR THE WEEKEND?!
The Pie Nest will be landing Saturday & Sunday 12-4pm, serving tasty pie & mash (with vegan and gluten free options).
Saturday 12-6pm: BYO VINYL
Come and give your favourite vinyl a spin on our twin Technics 1200s (+mixer) and hear it through our fantastic Studiomaster PA. All genres welcome. Friendly atmosphere. Free entry. Over 16s only. No pre-booking. We keep it chilled, so no superstar DJ skills needed!!!
Saturday 8.30pm: Halloween at The Crooked Crow Bar.
Dig out your spookiest fancy dress and come and bop like a banshee to some fantastic live music from The Zeroes (alt 80s, alt 90s, a few dance-friendly originals and great party covers with a Latino twist). Over 18s only. Free entry
Sunday 12-4pm: Pie & Mash Up
Great beer, cocktails and a brilliant soundtrack of Northern Soul, ska, soul, mod & punk classic vinyl from DJ Double Deckers. Free entry. Over 16s only.