Over the past 400 years, the Flying Horse Walk Arcade in the city centre has seen some changes. With its iconic walkway, the now upper class shopping boutique (it’s probably the only place an assistant in a clothing store has addressed me as ‘Modam’) was once home to the Flying Horse Inn from where the name originates as well as five other pubs, including the Blue Ball, Eight Bells and the Punch Bowl Vaults which can be dated back to 1758. Now 30 years after ale was last served from the pub on the site, it seems fitting that a new venture is filling its drinking shoes.
The Brew Cavern, a new craft beer shop is the brainchild of owner Matthew Hinton.
Matthew came up with the idea after spending time in Sheffield and seeing similar successful ventures take off. From its premises in the Flying Horse Walk, Matthew feeds his love for bottle conditioned real ales as well as craft beer from a range of local breweries, such as From The Notebook (Nottingham) to Bevog beers from Austria/Slovenia.
Along side other businesses for the discerning shopper including White Wall Galleries, The Cheese Shop and another newbie 200 Degrees coffee shop, The Flying Horse Walk is the perfect spot for this small but passionate venture. If you’re happy with a pint of cold Fosters you might not grasp the concept. Compared to supermarket beer, yes you may pay a little more, but the beers, ales and ciders on offer are all lovingly brewed to a high standard using different techniques and from different areas making each one individual. The range includes German beers, Gluten free beers from Daas Beer and Celia Lager. Vegan – friendly beer, flavoured beer and even a beer that has been brewed to aid wildlife conservation. With bottled conditioned and craft beer seeing a huge increase in popularity during recent years Brew Cavern looks set to be a success.
Stuck for a Christmas present idea? The shop also offers gift boxes for beery presents to make your loved one merry. Why not pop along and see for yourself what’s on offer.
By Tanya Raybould
