Nottingham’s largest independent brewery announces its next chapter ahead of two landmark anniversaries, and invites customers to help tell its stor
Nottingham-based independent brewery and pub group Castle Rock has received planning approval for its proposed relocation to a historic brewing site in Old Basford.
Planning permission was granted on Wednesday 26 August, allowing Castle Rock to confirm that it intends to move its brewery to the former home of Murphy & Son during 2027.
The building has deep roots in Nottingham’s brewing history. Originally constructed for the Prince of Wales Brewery in 1891, it remained a working brewery into the early 20th century. Castle Rock’s arrival will return brewing to the site more than 100 years later.
Castle Rock’s lease on the brewery and head-office section of its existing city-centre site expires in March 2027, and the business had been unable to secure a renewal. The move will enable Castle Rock to invest in new brewing equipment, improve efficiency, develop its range of beers and continue reducing its environmental impact, all while remaining firmly rooted in Nottingham.
The Vat and Fiddle pub will continue to operate as normal. Arrangements concerning some of its adjoining spaces, including the Old Cold Store, remain subject to separate negotiations.
Colin Wilde, Managing Director, said:
“Moving to Old Basford is an incredibly exciting next step for Castle Rock. The site has a remarkable brewing heritage, and the opportunity to bring beer production back to it feels very special.
“While our surroundings will change, the things that matter most will not: brewing great beer in Nottingham, running safe and welcoming pubs, and bringing people together. Our new home will remain firmly within the city and is only a few stops along the tram line from our current brewery. We’re excited about what this move will allow us to achieve and look forward to sharing much more about our plans over the coming months.”
The move comes as Castle Rock prepares to celebrate two major milestones in 2027: 50 years as a pub group and 30 years as a brewery.
Castle Rock’s story began in 1977, when founder Chris Holmes opened the Old King’s Arms in Newark with a commitment to serving quality real ale. Twenty years later, Castle Rock began brewing its own beer and has since built a reputation for producing distinctive, award-winning favourites including Harvest Pale and Elsie Mo.
A programme of anniversary celebrations is now being planned, including special beer collaborations, events across Castle Rock’s pubs, and opportunities for customers, colleagues and friends of the business to come together throughout 2027.
The current city-centre brewery will also be given a fitting farewell before production moves to Old Basford, with further details to be announced.
Remember When… Castle Rock calls for customers’ memories
To help mark its anniversaries, Castle Rock is inviting people to share the moments that have made its pubs and beers part of their lives. From first pints and favourite beers to friendships, celebrations, weddings, wakes and live music, Castle Rock wants to hear the stories its customers have gathered over the past 50 years.
Jessica Bailey, Marketing Manager, said:
“Our pubs have always been about much more than what is served at the bar. They are places where laughter bounces off the walls, friendships are made, and families and communities come together.
“Last year, I got married at one of my favourite Castle Rock pubs, the Embankment. Ten years before that, I was pulling my first pint for a customer at the Poppy and Pint and building my confidence ‘in the real world’.
“So many people will have stories like mine, because so many of life’s stories begin in the pub. Whether it’s a milestone occasion or an everyday moment that has stayed with you, we want to hear it. These memories are part of Castle Rock’s history, and we would love the people who created them to help us tell it.”
Customers can submit written memories, photographs and other pieces of Castle Rock history through the Castle Rock website.
Selected contributions will be shared through Castle Rock’s social media channels throughout 2027. They may also appear in a special anniversary relaunch of the Castle Rock Quarter, the brewery’s much-loved in-house publication, which will be available to read in Castle Rock pubs throughout the year.
To share your Castle Rock story, visit www.castlerockbrewery.co.uk/remember-when.
Posted on 04 September 2026
