tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-83960205750071481362024-03-06T04:09:29.676+00:00Grog BlogNews, views, rants and general irrelevance from Fort William's favourite High Street Alehouse.Ed Dayneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00911540680645896194noreply@blogger.comBlogger97125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8396020575007148136.post-3607666849877228102011-03-07T09:39:00.002+00:002011-03-07T09:40:47.162+00:00Cheers' Theory of IntelligenceIt works for us!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpKlSF0UHcf9E2ZiY9hEpYToChSF4ZcblJL1hu3innYxM_0g515SgVR8FrkSs-V8wPi99PtdG8SY9n2pWij7xAqKjfu5tRFIhy9xWXvlCjjJLvr3XYOLT46JEYSI0kqAaxw5cHdUF1jKYv/s1600/cheers.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 162px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpKlSF0UHcf9E2ZiY9hEpYToChSF4ZcblJL1hu3innYxM_0g515SgVR8FrkSs-V8wPi99PtdG8SY9n2pWij7xAqKjfu5tRFIhy9xWXvlCjjJLvr3XYOLT46JEYSI0kqAaxw5cHdUF1jKYv/s320/cheers.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581270503199301778" border="0" /></a><br /><div> <div> <div> <div> <div> <div> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: arial;" lang="EN-US"> <b><span>'Well you see, </span></b>Bob</span><b style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;" lang="EN-US">, it's like this . . . A herd of buffalo can only move as fast as the slowest buffalo. And when the herd is hunted, it is the slowest and weakest ones at the back that are killed first. This natural selection is good for the herd as a whole, because the general speed and health of the whole group keeps improving by the regular killing of the weakest members. In much the same way, the human brain can only operate as fast as the slowest brain cells. Now, as we know, excessive intake of alcohol kills brain cells. But naturally, it attacks the slowest and weakest brain cells first. In this way, regular consumption of beer eliminates the weaker brain cells, making the brain a faster and more efficient machine. And that, Bob, is why you always feel smarter after a few beers.'</span></b></span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"></span></p></div></div></div></div></div></div>Ed Dayneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00911540680645896194noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8396020575007148136.post-30721916724281919482011-02-11T11:41:00.011+00:002011-02-11T12:40:47.693+00:00New Year, New LookThe dust has finally settled, the builders have all gone, and the Council have stopped shouting at us for daring to paint the front of our building without paying an exorbitant and totally ludicrous fee for the privilege. Yes, it's a new year at <a href="http://www.grogandgruel.co.uk/"><span style="font-weight: bold;">The Grog & Gruel</span></a>, and a new look.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvjQJc5Wjbi6CufIgAs0oRuRlsFMGINqH5xxnN_FA1AOOBIOQryiuplrVyVstosV6UEjVtMOiFu2StqBSB3ezZMg97VU_DMq36800xZ8UN2KsZbOxcWxgEPY_XN-FulYJocbBRBqIiKI1I/s1600/Alehouse_1.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvjQJc5Wjbi6CufIgAs0oRuRlsFMGINqH5xxnN_FA1AOOBIOQryiuplrVyVstosV6UEjVtMOiFu2StqBSB3ezZMg97VU_DMq36800xZ8UN2KsZbOxcWxgEPY_XN-FulYJocbBRBqIiKI1I/s320/Alehouse_1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5572402799403316178" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1lIbyW0c5Lp9cDKV0czFthxbAA64guj5XxfN6-1uHcZPKUWW4odq7RwZ0yBm6czKJpqm-U0sgdzR6SnW7qxclQU1Z7wsDb-VhIKqn2rtl4WU03_qtautJJR9IhvZjptV4lBNGYbmU1VNj/s1600/IMG_0091a.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1lIbyW0c5Lp9cDKV0czFthxbAA64guj5XxfN6-1uHcZPKUWW4odq7RwZ0yBm6czKJpqm-U0sgdzR6SnW7qxclQU1Z7wsDb-VhIKqn2rtl4WU03_qtautJJR9IhvZjptV4lBNGYbmU1VNj/s320/IMG_0091a.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5572404680221622834" border="0" /></a><br />The impossible brief has been delivered. Congratulations to <a href="http://www.burns-design.co.uk/"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Burns Design</span></a> who were asked to modernise the traditional alehouse, but not to break it, to change it but not to detract from what we are. We must admit, we thought we'd got them stumped when we came up with that one, but actually, it all seems to have turned out rather well.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj41dGMNrm9FmQMpUab_zteSHKlCEGJlCjI3lvfqv5kzo9Ki38nEROZoinJoilviHnONQJADQnb4snSRL7jvzZ-UmOyL2etx7xiVKGaRhDSwm40qOL4MRjiR6lzFfqaU9CVbLWyhBjF133G/s1600/IMG_0037a.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj41dGMNrm9FmQMpUab_zteSHKlCEGJlCjI3lvfqv5kzo9Ki38nEROZoinJoilviHnONQJADQnb4snSRL7jvzZ-UmOyL2etx7xiVKGaRhDSwm40qOL4MRjiR6lzFfqaU9CVbLWyhBjF133G/s320/IMG_0037a.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5572402983558208162" border="0" /></a><br />But maybe it's not so surprising after all. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Burns Design</span> actually created <span style="font-weight: bold;">The Grog & Gruel</span> back in 1994 when we first brought the <span style="font-weight: bold;">Traditional Alehouse & Restaurant</span> concept to <span style="font-weight: bold;">The</span> <span style="font-weight: bold;">Rock & Luigi's</span>, as it was known then. Their working knowledge of the business and our aspirations is probably better placed than anyone else's as a result.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoqEcnUhq7kG9ZPzzEI6U4TRGqqw6no69Brt9cE1EOxLdbPzgKwGbXaOVQ4wDiO619hRnXGoohw6b9HHF-kEP32x8A8QWSwprvgTbhnorLWGLk1HQnzNGUTwqrsptb8qCIQFwmAQG5vs7v/s1600/middle_shelf.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 261px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoqEcnUhq7kG9ZPzzEI6U4TRGqqw6no69Brt9cE1EOxLdbPzgKwGbXaOVQ4wDiO619hRnXGoohw6b9HHF-kEP32x8A8QWSwprvgTbhnorLWGLk1HQnzNGUTwqrsptb8qCIQFwmAQG5vs7v/s320/middle_shelf.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5572404555029997538" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsLcvfsetufBPvFaHilGBLkpKLj8PYKKnvEKhs2n8_4egG_sMFZ8ebJdokrpnDCSRK3AJN4Pz2AqB_OY9SITqt4UaGekh9T_X0Sj7EsdXEsy-m-g3sPPbf3HaDImkVsYW6e3tomU01znyg/s1600/Alehouse_2.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsLcvfsetufBPvFaHilGBLkpKLj8PYKKnvEKhs2n8_4egG_sMFZ8ebJdokrpnDCSRK3AJN4Pz2AqB_OY9SITqt4UaGekh9T_X0Sj7EsdXEsy-m-g3sPPbf3HaDImkVsYW6e3tomU01znyg/s320/Alehouse_2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5572402624107201570" border="0" /></a><br />The change has been fairly comprehensive. A new gantry in the <a href="http://www.grogandgruel.co.uk/p/v/great-beer/"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Alehouse</span></a> sets the scene as you walk in through the double doors. The puggy machine has been cast out and in it's place we've now got <span style="font-weight: bold;">Chuffer's Corner</span>, possibly the best seat in the house. And the fire helps to add a certain cosiness to the place.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif3wlTgeVzG7PdC63M9Smy1zqpuYWZpygKG4nBAwWoLDhy97d94RrIteO71ESnT2y2b6Gz_6pG8tYK2-JwbbuiXB_jfmKx9ZifD9Fg4VFWT8Rlr1KX-_lbyFszM5PHYrtv7dHKV4ZBRaMH/s1600/IMG_0049a.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif3wlTgeVzG7PdC63M9Smy1zqpuYWZpygKG4nBAwWoLDhy97d94RrIteO71ESnT2y2b6Gz_6pG8tYK2-JwbbuiXB_jfmKx9ZifD9Fg4VFWT8Rlr1KX-_lbyFszM5PHYrtv7dHKV4ZBRaMH/s320/IMG_0049a.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5572403477587898418" border="0" /></a><br />All change in the entrance too. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Horace</span> still watches over you as you enter, and we still have a few finishing touches to add here to really make you feel welcome.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9otZOwpesX5qM3Iw4TlQPUJ7vROGoPosDJaZy9DYCOCGnhqtopB-_z4tQ1tfoEcyl1yM1KLnHebqUqkqipN8Mb7AzOXk1fk-6jPSuxePhmUYVCuaJwLjLhA0LicFZA-NY3dqJLZBTzC68/s1600/IMG_0044a.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9otZOwpesX5qM3Iw4TlQPUJ7vROGoPosDJaZy9DYCOCGnhqtopB-_z4tQ1tfoEcyl1yM1KLnHebqUqkqipN8Mb7AzOXk1fk-6jPSuxePhmUYVCuaJwLjLhA0LicFZA-NY3dqJLZBTzC68/s320/IMG_0044a.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5572404003966655954" border="0" /></a><br />Upstairs in the <a href="http://www.grogandgruel.co.uk/p/v/mouth%28-%29watering-food/"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Restaurant</span></a> there's a new look too. A new servery, new colour scheme, a few more larger tables to help us accommodate you and your friends when you come in together, but, we're pleased to say, still the same smiley helpful waiting staff!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiILnRL7yzLq0eaRYpo_Byrun0iNjbx-Di5EvpzmR8TMRLC7aPFrH_U77E-boidifk8rO5cNeYHk8RWwvvvnwCZKxz3QN0e85J9BNf-nmgNV6tesRje3Cla4ppdHcNt8t51LwSjsNWVNMgq/s1600/IMG_0083a.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 222px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiILnRL7yzLq0eaRYpo_Byrun0iNjbx-Di5EvpzmR8TMRLC7aPFrH_U77E-boidifk8rO5cNeYHk8RWwvvvnwCZKxz3QN0e85J9BNf-nmgNV6tesRje3Cla4ppdHcNt8t51LwSjsNWVNMgq/s320/IMG_0083a.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5572403248988594946" border="0" /></a><br />The guys in the <span style="font-weight: bold;">kitchen</span> were feeling a little left out, so we took the opportunity of the downtime to bring in a brand new pizza oven, Well, two of them actually. And the difference is, well, you'll need to find out for yourselves!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6i4uEFDsq5R5sSDPvbrRtSRYPPLPPgrWIXnDvd_l_Q2yl3HGHTy0LbtjTfKdwRjFBvPpXQrWhpDOYPSTo2O6_PjHy5rEwot30KKC8zHyWzDaJqhuja5AMlt9DeaV5tlJrSqz8hJHxooEr/s1600/IMG_0085a.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6i4uEFDsq5R5sSDPvbrRtSRYPPLPPgrWIXnDvd_l_Q2yl3HGHTy0LbtjTfKdwRjFBvPpXQrWhpDOYPSTo2O6_PjHy5rEwot30KKC8zHyWzDaJqhuja5AMlt9DeaV5tlJrSqz8hJHxooEr/s320/IMG_0085a.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5572406263920425506" border="0" /></a><br />So, when you're next on <span style="font-weight: bold;">Fort William's High Street</span>, do pop in for a look see. You'll still recognise <span style="font-weight: bold;">The Grog & Gruel</span>, though you might (hopefully!) spot a few differences.<br /><br />Hope to welcome you back soon!Ed Dayneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00911540680645896194noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8396020575007148136.post-5966952164269824382010-12-11T17:35:00.004+00:002010-12-11T17:52:02.198+00:00Work in progressWorking through the weekend, the end of the refurbishment project is now in site. It's all a bit chaotic, but out of the dust and the debris, there are glimpses of the finished product.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbG723cHkI_i3iAXj_jAGD1KNdDtBfKlmfaNXpfIlE7oBTWZ92ZblowV9brMDrhTM3W0lwqxadWZ3XKxrTSJZ3r1Q8QaeOrlemk_ZHfDkkfQ0DGm1F0naNTZg3FfDFi4EwgYoluylOFhtH/s1600/front.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 244px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbG723cHkI_i3iAXj_jAGD1KNdDtBfKlmfaNXpfIlE7oBTWZ92ZblowV9brMDrhTM3W0lwqxadWZ3XKxrTSJZ3r1Q8QaeOrlemk_ZHfDkkfQ0DGm1F0naNTZg3FfDFi4EwgYoluylOFhtH/s320/front.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5549482692820754466" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Now the frost has gone, the decorators get outside.</span></span><br /></div><br />We don't want to give too much away - but we can tell you it's going to look fantastic!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlXBa2XEG6bU8cCqUCaVhP6kxXgmKAdR9-K9FbLSK9adWjJgnu-KLsn0z4-Nbve6c-36otzBJqtm4WgU_rXIqHHSn6wEsnKpk5p5V40VK20P6b6Sx0OqTAiRb1JynX8_SMVzgbgLSIQ7qs/s1600/flock.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 227px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlXBa2XEG6bU8cCqUCaVhP6kxXgmKAdR9-K9FbLSK9adWjJgnu-KLsn0z4-Nbve6c-36otzBJqtm4WgU_rXIqHHSn6wEsnKpk5p5V40VK20P6b6Sx0OqTAiRb1JynX8_SMVzgbgLSIQ7qs/s320/flock.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5549482687444358946" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">The new flock wallpaper has gone on well! (Yes, it's the real thing!)</span></span><br /></div><br />All will be revealed this coming Thursday. Probably!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6YhyphenhyphenFcarsczIKHAIOtBD1v00d1B7qIQw0Nmk-pglBaDA_dmr_pgVeT09GLzo5_hIlYAGYjyfbqfLtMyYL0JXOAvHCi813VZIL_4AUn2UlvMqrn-H9PR4xAQh-PmFm82Qh5b46SYVe9i4H/s1600/fire.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 250px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6YhyphenhyphenFcarsczIKHAIOtBD1v00d1B7qIQw0Nmk-pglBaDA_dmr_pgVeT09GLzo5_hIlYAGYjyfbqfLtMyYL0JXOAvHCi813VZIL_4AUn2UlvMqrn-H9PR4xAQh-PmFm82Qh5b46SYVe9i4H/s320/fire.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5549482683472979842" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Can you tell what it is yet?</span></span><br /></div>Ed Dayneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00911540680645896194noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8396020575007148136.post-77854432191492360072010-11-16T13:41:00.005+00:002010-11-16T14:09:29.308+00:00Time for a makeoverIt could be too much day time TV that's done it, but after 16 (long!) years at <a href="http://www.grogandgruel.co.uk/"><span style="font-weight: bold;">The Grog & Gruel</span></a> we reckon that it's now time we had a bit of a makeover.<br /><br />The <span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">Alehouse & Restaurant</span> will be <span style="font-weight: bold;">closed</span> from <span style="font-weight: bold;">Sunday 28th November</span>, and, assuming all goes to plan, which lets face it is a bit optimistic at best, will <span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">re-open on<br /><br /></span></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Thursday 16th December</span></span>.<br /></div><br />Make it a date in your diary. Maybe it's appropriate to bring in the new with a "Bjorn Again" party? 70's flares it is then.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzuuGHXZT2vQEPSf9O1MkUQzA2DnyZfyVvEmzkI5XdMC6Wdgcvkldr3szJfYI-xjyZ3-5KgTxYabNZf9RRfg6EL5Blvgnj4EqUXdMlbGrORkVP2F1V6wh-kQ0_mTZt2eSPY8JxeayaEl9v/s1600/rock_luigis.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 276px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzuuGHXZT2vQEPSf9O1MkUQzA2DnyZfyVvEmzkI5XdMC6Wdgcvkldr3szJfYI-xjyZ3-5KgTxYabNZf9RRfg6EL5Blvgnj4EqUXdMlbGrORkVP2F1V6wh-kQ0_mTZt2eSPY8JxeayaEl9v/s320/rock_luigis.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5540147672281016210" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Artist's impression of the new look exterior</span></span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:78%;" ></span><br /></div><br />No, sorry, forget that. We will have a bit of a re-opening party on Thursday 16th December, but you don't need to come in your flares. Not unless you want to, that is.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0dhrDK7T0Bu-__0HYEL1oFX4qlj6HhJNqrQugHKwpFbHgPCons7_jqXP5XmrnEAeFW-XoXazU_I1raNveINEXRHLHgvpKnGc1_HhTIXEb-EZ8ouRulltUS9h164Bztqagt2HBTT4BTy19/s1600/rock.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 227px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0dhrDK7T0Bu-__0HYEL1oFX4qlj6HhJNqrQugHKwpFbHgPCons7_jqXP5XmrnEAeFW-XoXazU_I1raNveINEXRHLHgvpKnGc1_HhTIXEb-EZ8ouRulltUS9h164Bztqagt2HBTT4BTy19/s320/rock.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5540147677240627554" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">The Alehouse will be brought to life with the new karaoke equipment. </span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Full height, full length wall mirrors will effectively double the size and ensure that you can always check that you're looking hot.</span></span><br /></div><br />Quit being flippant and tell us what's happening I hear you say?<br /><br />Back in 1994 we had a clear vision of what <a href="http://www.grogandgruel.co.uk/"><span style="font-weight: bold;">The Grog & Gruel</span></a> was going to be all about. The clue was in the name. Food and drink. <a href="http://www.nofussevents.co.uk/"><span style="font-weight: bold;">No fuss </span></a>(not an advert for a local events company, but a statement of policy!), no frills, but good honest food and drink in a relaxed environment with a little bit of fun thrown in for good measure. 16 years, we reckon we've got there, and with that in mind, we're not about to change it.<br /><br />We'll still be <span style="font-weight: bold;">The Grog & Gruel</span>, we'll still be an Alehouse and Restaurant, we'll still sell a superb range of real ales, the menus aren't changing, and we'll still be the <span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">best pub in town</span>.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhWre20VTZHOL_VSzviajBn1uON2sN5ZTWShuN7ne3Qc3JkJccdAxuRSDVgFDTvpZPH9caH7r2vPBfrYqnlzVWeE5wZ6caSZuaVccC4vJ-tAvgiwVkM2G3eYOp-lSUBlRviWRTtZv4CbAs/s1600/luigi.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 237px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhWre20VTZHOL_VSzviajBn1uON2sN5ZTWShuN7ne3Qc3JkJccdAxuRSDVgFDTvpZPH9caH7r2vPBfrYqnlzVWeE5wZ6caSZuaVccC4vJ-tAvgiwVkM2G3eYOp-lSUBlRviWRTtZv4CbAs/s320/luigi.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5540147683046249666" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">We're going for a more retro Italian look in the restaurant, but note that we've made the seats more comfy.</span></span><br /></div><br />What will change is a little bit of what you see. A lick of paint here, a lick of paint there... And perhaps a little bit extra too. Some stonework, a black stove to huddle round on the very few rainy days we get in Fort William, and..., well you'll just have to wait and see!<br /><br />Join us on <a href="http://www.facebook.com/grogandgruel"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Facebook</span></a>, and so long as it doesn't all look too scary and off putting, we'll keep you up to date with progress. Now go and find your platforms and iron those flares... Gimme, gimme a man after midnight...Ed Dayneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00911540680645896194noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8396020575007148136.post-4347732873659873092010-08-19T13:52:00.001+01:002010-08-19T13:56:51.034+01:00West Highland WaySo, it's been a busy old summer. Perhaps everyone has come into the Alehouse to shelter from the rain. Perhaps we've just come of age and the word is now out that <a href="http://www.grogandgruel.co.uk/"><b>The Grog & Gruel</b></a> is just a damn good pub. Or perhaps, it's because the end of the <a href="http://www.grogandgruel.co.uk/p/v/west-highland-way/"><b>West Highland Way</b></a> has moved from the Glen Nevis roundabout (was that ever official?) to just outside the doors of the pub. Well, nearly.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjaOMEFKdoGq2rnZ0khdJ0SmdqliE6hK_dw_7U0uUjaB8gLhhBm5XgcVKVV-28uLp5ZG13CB577AZ6xhQdhycbk07Om_tviQykG4VBPikrLoCmgzsdSrgwj_EEaI4zg6uo6C_a5ln1i6C_/s1600/not+the+WHW+statue.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjaOMEFKdoGq2rnZ0khdJ0SmdqliE6hK_dw_7U0uUjaB8gLhhBm5XgcVKVV-28uLp5ZG13CB577AZ6xhQdhycbk07Om_tviQykG4VBPikrLoCmgzsdSrgwj_EEaI4zg6uo6C_a5ln1i6C_/s320/not+the+WHW+statue.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5507104088252385938" border="0" /></a><div style="text-align: center; font-style: italic;"><span style="font-size:78%;">The new statue in Gordon Square, Fort William</span></div><br />Regardless of quite why we've been enjoying the sweet sound of cash registers ringing, it's quite refreshing to see a bit of effort being made to welcome tens of thousands of walkers at the end of their ramblings. They've even made a bit of effort to sort out Gordon Square. And look, they've given us a <b>new statue</b> too.<br /><br />Err..., anyway, <b>The Grog & Gruel</b> is now the end checkpoint (or the first one if you're walking downhill) for getting the final stamp in your <a href="http://www.grogandgruel.co.uk/p/v/west-highland-way/"><b>West Highland Way Log Book</b></a> and claiming your certificate.Ed Dayneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00911540680645896194noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8396020575007148136.post-65945689819055419712010-06-17T17:47:00.003+01:002010-06-17T18:07:01.049+01:00Friends of NevisA quick thank you from the <a href="http://www.friendsofnevis.co.uk/"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Friends of Nevis</span></a> to <a href="http://www.grogandgruel.co.uk"><span style="font-weight: bold;">The Grog and Gruel</span></a> for being the top fund raiser in the town. But it's not us that should be thanked, it's our customers! So, thanks!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyPiiSkynR-A__JgsH68KDBvnD3wV-JCwxm-2eE5ELf9kPkucWLaw2GhFHwNuUxrt2aeo4EiB9gx4NgwUzTnByaGccpV4YGQjzQ9n_Qv-wDO4ff25hfd6l44zW6KVr0phu2fpZJqciNez7/s1600/red_burn_track.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyPiiSkynR-A__JgsH68KDBvnD3wV-JCwxm-2eE5ELf9kPkucWLaw2GhFHwNuUxrt2aeo4EiB9gx4NgwUzTnByaGccpV4YGQjzQ9n_Qv-wDO4ff25hfd6l44zW6KVr0phu2fpZJqciNez7/s320/red_burn_track.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483786409464884322" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Path repairs 25ooft up a mountain don't come cheap!</span></span><br /></div><br />Apparently the total to the beginning of June from the bar top collections and trolley token donations is a fairly substantial <span style="font-weight: bold;">£617.70</span> (plus 10 Euros!) Here's a quick note from FoN:<br /><pre style="font-style: italic;" wrap=""><span style="font-size:100%;">Please pass on my thanks to your team there, because it is definitely the attitude and enthusiasm in promoting/placing the items that really helps. So many times I have been into other outlets to find our leaflets and/or boxes are either under the counter or shoved behind stuff in a corner!</span></pre>Well, no point doing something if you're not going to do it well. And we're glad to help. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Ben Nevis</span> is Fort William's biggest asset. We'd dread to think of the town without it, so it seems only natural that we'd choose to get behind something that helps to protect that asset for now and for future generations.<br /><br />So, thanks to everyone who's donated. And if you haven't already, see the <a href="http://www.friendsofnevis.co.uk/"><span style="font-weight: bold;">FoN web site</span></a> for more easy ways to help out, not all of which involve cash!Ed Dayneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00911540680645896194noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8396020575007148136.post-24245613414834172382010-05-24T23:22:00.005+01:002010-05-24T23:36:35.239+01:00I believe the children are our future.I believe the children are our future, teach them well and let them lead the way. So, after much discussion with our lisencing board and paperwork, The Grog and Gruel will now welcome children into our Alehouse during the day in the company of a 'responsible' adult. We hope this is something our customers will find of benefit and also allow parents to enjoy our range of food and drink without having to tie their children up outside.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9Jb3EHDBp_1QumAQ6orvo0LZtmB_SYGOrNTQznxQ5dnQFsbry67Na7bRWP5jSk0l68AyFwY2v8v2TPWiwAQi_bQnOeijHIMfrlWptNtE2vw9VrWHmrJ4o9B940oqcN5Lq8uI-3AEWIkgE/s1600/children.gif"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 175px; height: 141px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9Jb3EHDBp_1QumAQ6orvo0LZtmB_SYGOrNTQznxQ5dnQFsbry67Na7bRWP5jSk0l68AyFwY2v8v2TPWiwAQi_bQnOeijHIMfrlWptNtE2vw9VrWHmrJ4o9B940oqcN5Lq8uI-3AEWIkgE/s320/children.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5474967333622814290" border="0" /></a>Although children have always been welcome into our restaurant, getting the green light from the lisencing board to having children into our alehouse took a change in the law to come about. Although under 18's will never be allowed alcohol whilst in The Grog and Gruel a fine range of soft drinks and and excellent hot drinks menu is available as well as a children's menu. We also have a high chair for those tiny wee Grog and Gruel customers. So a trip to the Grog and Gruel will no longer be reserved for the older generation it can be a grand day out for all the family.Neilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09369960879252024094noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8396020575007148136.post-17455041242734790542010-05-17T00:44:00.004+01:002010-05-17T12:01:31.912+01:00Brand New Ales At The GrogMay is a good month for cask ale. A wonderful range of seasonal ales are on offer from our local Highland breweries to add to their usual listings. One of these to be featured this week is <span style="font-weight: bold;">White Lady</span> wheat beer from <a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.cairngormbrewery.com/"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Cairngorm</span></a> brewery. A classic light bodied session bitter. This copper coloured beer has a delicate malt flavour and a hint of caramel from crystal grains. It is traditionally <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">bittered</span> with <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Goldings</span> and has a dry slightly spicy finish. It's proving very popular even for a wheat beer.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5m8cpAUnkFf5wtlXkgxv82N71Bj0vvCNfV8JJtTVPLBTW1_nzfHXHqQ41JkDjHBnhRgMSs_CO7a2izVz2-haRi-VD2vm1z0JroE_fP06arfGNUDPP_hyphenhyphengiwRsrKoAiIeloB3Q3cyWBd9T/s1600/gtft.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5m8cpAUnkFf5wtlXkgxv82N71Bj0vvCNfV8JJtTVPLBTW1_nzfHXHqQ41JkDjHBnhRgMSs_CO7a2izVz2-haRi-VD2vm1z0JroE_fP06arfGNUDPP_hyphenhyphengiwRsrKoAiIeloB3Q3cyWBd9T/s320/gtft.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472022731326351170" border="0" /></a><br />To add to our great range of ales this week we also have <span style="font-weight: bold;" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Hebridean</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"> Gold</span> from <a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.skyebrewery.co.uk/">Isle of Skye Brewery</a>. A distinctively different ale, brewed with porridge oats for exceptional smoothness, with a deep and creamy head.<br /><br />Both ales are selling extremely well so worth popping down to <a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.grogandgruel.co.uk">The </a><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.grogandgruel.co.uk">Grog and Grue</a><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.grogandgruel.co.uk">l </a>before we sell 'oat' !!Neilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09369960879252024094noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8396020575007148136.post-88295760522410624402010-04-07T20:23:00.003+01:002010-04-07T20:39:02.403+01:00Quiz night resultsAnother great evening of cask ale and intellectual jousting at <a href="http://www.grogandgruel.co.uk">The Grog and Gruel</a> last night as another quiz night was held as part of our Easter Ale Festival. Quiz mistress Dr Jacqui Hill was hosting the evening and, after a few half pints of ale and a Wild Boar Chilli, she was in fine form. We had 10 teams in all, including last years winners and reigning champions "The Guessers" and a team of about 12 students from Lochaber College.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjylVBkW6wrTkjOBegfijow3D8SOYtWqfM-45Vf6VZhJb5s9f8mM6Glo358y_brr3MMugLRJCiKY5iP-S5d0MlT0OKKl2FoettM2ewFgjCci19bsJINej-EZxaN6id084jABtO49fX3bYto/s1600/OPENMIC+050.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjylVBkW6wrTkjOBegfijow3D8SOYtWqfM-45Vf6VZhJb5s9f8mM6Glo358y_brr3MMugLRJCiKY5iP-S5d0MlT0OKKl2FoettM2ewFgjCci19bsJINej-EZxaN6id084jABtO49fX3bYto/s400/OPENMIC+050.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5457480305896951522" border="0" /></a>So.. what did we learn?? Well, The teletubby with the hat is Dipsy, A laxton Superb is an apple NOT a laxative,and Elvis Presley was did infact die at age 42 and is NOT still alive. Well done to all those who took part especially to the winners "The Guessers", runners up "Trumpton Fire Brigade" and a special round of applause for the 12 Lochaber college students who came in 3rd place (even after trying to use mobiles to get answers)<br /><br />Our next quiz night will be held as part of our mid summer ale festival.Neilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09369960879252024094noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8396020575007148136.post-54282469709220682762010-04-03T02:18:00.004+01:002010-04-03T02:46:39.529+01:00Opening Up or Closing Down ??How can you tell it is getting into the busier trade season in Fort William? Judging by the snow it's certainly not the warmer weather. The easiest way is to look for the shops which open for the season with closing down sales. Like a blot on the landscape.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeHCBp1tYzEv12EW7nYZbEgjukhomNixyv97d72NuGSWYQGhlhrVHPL7OTK2PKv3J-WyIS1uJOsNhxMBkd-15qcsXqy-IAqPLnAMeH5KorRTMKdlOia9r9dZVLrhIj87niIACHrDfncInK/s1600/OPENMIC+039.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 239px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeHCBp1tYzEv12EW7nYZbEgjukhomNixyv97d72NuGSWYQGhlhrVHPL7OTK2PKv3J-WyIS1uJOsNhxMBkd-15qcsXqy-IAqPLnAMeH5KorRTMKdlOia9r9dZVLrhIj87niIACHrDfncInK/s320/OPENMIC+039.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5455717011400364290" border="0" /></a>Everyday of every month of every year there is some kinda of sale on. I too find it hard to understand. Opening a business with damaged stock seems like a very poor business decision. In some small way I suppose its better than having another empty premises, but not by much. So far they have not stuck balloons on the front of the building, which only make it look worse. For anyone wanting to buy quality outdoor equipment (undamaged) in Fort William <a href="http://www.ellis-brigham.com/fort-william.htm">Ellis Brigham</a> and Nevisport are well worth a visit.Neilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09369960879252024094noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8396020575007148136.post-19412948583980145492010-03-24T10:41:00.003+00:002010-03-24T10:53:50.132+00:00Grog GiftsHaving sold out (such is demand!) we've been without any of our much loved <a href="http://www.grogandgruel.co.uk/p/v/grog-gifts/"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Grog & Gruel t-shirts</span></a> for a few weeks now. However, all that changes this next week as the new stock is due for delivery very soon.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnwsveQYT_vv5JYLQDt1JyEdLMbyDIkCHXQz0uegRAH1Uk6ZD_egV8h_OYhkGvggTiylztSpNWBDLXdKbSDeVoKYA6HqV_OiBnbpqPUtWOBzdoVQ2RTdVMnefzAUE70zxNMGNWYtfGBPiZ/s1600/Grog_Shirts_March_2010.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 190px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnwsveQYT_vv5JYLQDt1JyEdLMbyDIkCHXQz0uegRAH1Uk6ZD_egV8h_OYhkGvggTiylztSpNWBDLXdKbSDeVoKYA6HqV_OiBnbpqPUtWOBzdoVQ2RTdVMnefzAUE70zxNMGNWYtfGBPiZ/s320/Grog_Shirts_March_2010.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5452149809942871938" border="0" /></a>We've made a couple of small changes to our design for this batch, the first such change in 16 years. We've replicated the colour logo on the front left breast for a bit of extra impact and added in our web address just in case you forget it. And if you find yourself lost and can't remember where you live they can always post you back to us as our address is now on the sleeve.<br /><br />Now taking orders at the bargain basement price of just <span style="font-weight: bold;">£9.75</span><br /><br />Grog fans can also indulge themselves with one of our <span style="font-weight: bold;">navy blue polo shirts</span> with embroidered <a href="http://www.grogandgruel.co.uk"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Grog & Gruel</span></a> logo for that smart understated look, or buy a <span style="font-weight: bold;">coffee mug</span> for that highly caffinated traditional hot drink receptacle.Ed Dayneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00911540680645896194noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8396020575007148136.post-31205960057114943582010-02-17T22:23:00.004+00:002010-02-17T22:37:23.955+00:00Could ale be good for you ?Researchers have found recently that beer, in particular light ales, contains a substance that boosts bones and could mean they are less likely to suffer from osteoporosis. The finding, published in the Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture, backs up previous research which also showed that the drink was good at fending off brittle bones – especially in women. Silicon which is present in pale ales from the high volume of hops is responsible and may have other health benefits.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF8sDNz43CvUfSmaptd5Ph4rdA3HPLKozZIY6_x4c4ZAnz39gY0XH-Zqef1AVTyaa4jW08bDtThF0zXy6BIDWMmTryqYWDzzzUCTpOVcR-_BmWu05L8HfwXwib33MGZuSFIJtGgvJ5m5Nr/s1600-h/Pint.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 152px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF8sDNz43CvUfSmaptd5Ph4rdA3HPLKozZIY6_x4c4ZAnz39gY0XH-Zqef1AVTyaa4jW08bDtThF0zXy6BIDWMmTryqYWDzzzUCTpOVcR-_BmWu05L8HfwXwib33MGZuSFIJtGgvJ5m5Nr/s200/Pint.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5439343603971565602" border="0" /></a>As we move, slowly, from winter into spring the number of lighter ales on sale increases here at the <a href="http://www.grogandgruel.co.uk">Grog and Gruel</a> as customers look for a lighter, refreshing session ale. So good news for all our ale drinkers. Now you can remove guilt from a trip to the pub as you fend of brittle bones with a trip to your favorite award winning cask ale house.Neilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09369960879252024094noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8396020575007148136.post-87121039553638217472010-02-14T10:08:00.005+00:002010-02-15T00:48:46.703+00:00Lochaber's Favourite Watering HoleA big thanks to all the<a href="http://highlandcamra.webnode.com/"> CAMRA </a>members who have recently voted for <a href="http://www.grogandgruel.co.uk/">The Grog and Gruel</a> to be crowned winner of the Fort William and Lochaber Pub of the year 2010. Although we are regular winners, every year there are more folk selling cask ale which makes the competition even tougher. As far as we at <a href="http://www.grogandgruel.co.uk/">The Grog and Gruel</a> are concerned the <a href="http://highlandcamra.webnode.com/">CAMRA</a> good beer guide is the bible for ale drinkers and awards given by <a href="http://highlandcamra.webnode.com/">CAMRA</a> are the only ones to be taken seriously.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzWKg-XU1RLrJD9NGGzqPqbrM-AvWcnRrrpnbIfztMtMpR-N7_XbFtSf7OLfnGNKbKuJe7tIXS7f4uAkhO5pAaLVn-YXAcDDs52RNHTz8dR92KkrjFKD8kpVfv9AFGH4Bb50XwM9-YJn1G/s1600-h/jjutfg.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 222px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzWKg-XU1RLrJD9NGGzqPqbrM-AvWcnRrrpnbIfztMtMpR-N7_XbFtSf7OLfnGNKbKuJe7tIXS7f4uAkhO5pAaLVn-YXAcDDs52RNHTz8dR92KkrjFKD8kpVfv9AFGH4Bb50XwM9-YJn1G/s320/jjutfg.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5438044599634006386" border="0" /></a>Our formula for success has never changed. Take only the highest quality<a href="http://www.grogandgruel.co.uk/p/v/great-beer/"> local cask ale</a>(and the odd cask of Tetley's..(I do like the odd pint of Tetley's), treat it with love and care and sell it in relaxed, comfortable friendly surroundings. Nice to see our customers agree with our philosophy and chose to vote us winners again. We have a great line up of local, seasonal cask ales over the next few weeks, there is no better time to visit the award winning <a href="http://www.grogandgruel.co.uk/">Grog and Gruel</a>.Neilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09369960879252024094noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8396020575007148136.post-81644397088453556972010-02-04T21:11:00.003+00:002010-02-04T21:24:36.904+00:00Open Mic Night !!We're always being asked when we at <a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.grogandgruel.co.uk/">The Grog and Gruel</a> will be having another open mic night. Although bands and live music are easy to organise open mic nights are not so easy. It requires a very reliable and talented host able to accompany people when required as they perform and to gloss over those performances we would rather forget.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV96as86OrIp5fJOxVNS-EI1zZDCMtrCEyUoiOYs2UWbQL-cXio6QTs76ghTt9sRGOwKQVA5D8y_JPQAEZeUmZ-oQOfRtrZi5phadbKn7MqqYyJjF1Ix3d6bImRp3sHwIoBfAoob1-kUvO/s1600-h/JC1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 190px; height: 159px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV96as86OrIp5fJOxVNS-EI1zZDCMtrCEyUoiOYs2UWbQL-cXio6QTs76ghTt9sRGOwKQVA5D8y_JPQAEZeUmZ-oQOfRtrZi5phadbKn7MqqYyJjF1Ix3d6bImRp3sHwIoBfAoob1-kUvO/s320/JC1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5434500453872103858" border="0" /></a>Luckily on <span style="font-weight: bold;">Thursday March 4th</span> we have a date with a great performer and Host <span style="font-weight: bold;">"Ian Stretch MacFadyen" who will not only be performing some cracking western swing but also letting members of the public perform.</span> We usually get a great turn out and a good few performers, like our London beat box fellow, and the German poet and of course many great rock ballads from Ryan "skelf" McFall. So come along on March 4th to see open the musical pandoras box that is open mic night. I'll even give a free gift to folk who give us a performance.Neilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09369960879252024094noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8396020575007148136.post-8907124423257946722010-02-01T10:53:00.005+00:002010-02-01T11:01:18.276+00:00Visit Fort WilliamGo on! You know you want to!<br /><br />A cracking advert! Have a quick peek at this short promotional video clip. What a cracking advert for the place!<br /><br /><object height="300" width="450"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/2KyAE9GOajQ&hl=en_GB&fs=1&"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/2KyAE9GOajQ&hl=en_GB&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" height="300" width="450"></embed></object><br /><br />For more information check out the <a href="http://www.outdoorcapital.co.uk/"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Outdoor Capital of the UK</span></a> web site and the <a href="http://www.mountainfestival.co.uk"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Fort William Film Festival</span></a>, coming your way very soon.Ed Dayneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00911540680645896194noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8396020575007148136.post-69678457266491085892010-01-27T12:59:00.007+00:002010-01-27T13:15:31.564+00:00ChampionHappened to be browsing the Mountain Bike tabloids, scanning the <span style="font-weight: bold;">bike porn</span> for more sexy (and very expensive) bits of kit that are a must have for all avid bikers, when I came across another little feature on <a href="http://www.grogandgruel.co.uk/"><span style="font-weight: bold;">The Grog & Gruel</span></a>'s favourite World Champion, <span style="font-weight: bold;">Steve Peat</span>. Check out the <a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.imbikemag.com/issue3/">digital magazine</a><span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span>here and pay particular attention to the bottle of malt on the spread over <span style="font-weight: bold;">pages 5 & 6</span>.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUQQEwzQn8PWCJC3NVAUQ6b7RJHBOwwF1KxG7F8Cls7uLbalNrxjrnu-t9sDhhK4p4xuH0i0OaHx1uJ164y_JZU6cRr5salvlwFAz6Tv5GZ8v0ruNey5794WgCd_1kXdOs9H2BP1ELhEj2/s1600-h/Peaty_Malt_front.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 234px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUQQEwzQn8PWCJC3NVAUQ6b7RJHBOwwF1KxG7F8Cls7uLbalNrxjrnu-t9sDhhK4p4xuH0i0OaHx1uJ164y_JZU6cRr5salvlwFAz6Tv5GZ8v0ruNey5794WgCd_1kXdOs9H2BP1ELhEj2/s320/Peaty_Malt_front.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431404635987500978" border="0" /></a>We thought it would be a little fun to create a <span style="font-weight: bold;">Peaty Malt</span> in homage to our hero when the World Championships came to Fort William a couple of seasons ago.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii4UqZo-BsYVH-Uy99_sZdfrHjHTdNK_Lu_ehzDfMkJWZz6cMypt8k1V0ZhyphenhyphenscJNgQpGwxt9MG3uWKZTh-zBXQHgqtDUftdwIFNNEYZrxv7NxHIYyQF2w42Ef1IbyoMXiX-S891XiyfvZo/s1600-h/Peaty_Malt_back.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 191px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii4UqZo-BsYVH-Uy99_sZdfrHjHTdNK_Lu_ehzDfMkJWZz6cMypt8k1V0ZhyphenhyphenscJNgQpGwxt9MG3uWKZTh-zBXQHgqtDUftdwIFNNEYZrxv7NxHIYyQF2w42Ef1IbyoMXiX-S891XiyfvZo/s320/Peaty_Malt_back.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431405937922298514" border="0" /></a><br />Apart from Nick's rather embarrassing spelling of the word 'Whisky', it turned out a treat! Unfortunately it didn't inspire Steve to put in a win on home ground. Cheer Steve on when the <a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.fortwilliamworldcup.co.uk/fwwc_home.html">Mountain Bike World Cup</a> come back to <span style="font-weight: bold;">Fort William</span> later in <span style="font-weight: bold;">2010</span>.Ed Dayneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00911540680645896194noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8396020575007148136.post-48443682766041644422010-01-24T18:39:00.004+00:002010-01-24T19:22:09.330+00:00West Highland Way Gains a Mile !People travel to Fort William for many reasons, mostly to take part in some kind of outdoor activity in the wonderful natural surroundings in and around Lochaber. One of the most popular activities is walking and by far the most popular route is the West Highland Way. For those who don't know the West Highland Way is a 95 mile walk from Milngalvie, North of Glasgow, to Fort William. The walk uses old Drovers paths, military roads and coaching routes to take you through some of the most spectacular scenery Scotland has to offer.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTD9Qd441X-cTrdc6zM5WzrDAjCKLrNnIc1B3jJNJl95YAut2yn4ZsMYx2PuB3NeNuUhAVaVBW8EySbo8WIudHMpg4mXD83jxpq3cxUVxh1dvtg3YHoZqLcN4ErOqbnY2FKJPSEI6IGunt/s1600-h/gordonsqur.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTD9Qd441X-cTrdc6zM5WzrDAjCKLrNnIc1B3jJNJl95YAut2yn4ZsMYx2PuB3NeNuUhAVaVBW8EySbo8WIudHMpg4mXD83jxpq3cxUVxh1dvtg3YHoZqLcN4ErOqbnY2FKJPSEI6IGunt/s200/gordonsqur.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430384029772673586" border="0" /></a>Since its official opening in 1980 the walk was 95 miles and terminated at a roundabout at the end of Glen Nevis about a mile out of Fort William. Not the best end to a hard 95 mile walk. So, after many meetings and discussions, the end of the West Highland Way has moved 1 mile to terminate at the end of Fort William High Street at Gordon Square (pictured here on a cold January morning). Not only is this a much more central location for the 85,000 walkers who use the path every year but also leaves you seconds away from <a href="http://www.grogandgruel.co.uk">The Grog and Gruel</a> and a hearty welcome. We think this will prove to be a great move and when the "iconic feature" is unveiled for Gordon Square I'm sure you'll agree.Neilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09369960879252024094noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8396020575007148136.post-72290669392735710682010-01-14T23:19:00.005+00:002010-01-14T23:40:37.487+00:00Japanese Whisky ?With over 70 bottles of single malt whisky on the shelves at <a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.grogandgruel.co.uk">The Grog and Gruel</a>, we try to feature whisky from every area available. As whisky gets a lot of its flavour from the water of the area it is produced in, regional variations give each whisky a distinct unique flavour. We have a couple bottles of Irish whisky hidden away for those who wish to drink whisky from our celtic cousins and now we have a <span style="font-weight: bold;">Japanese whisky</span> available also.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2rz1ZNx2Zew7ZKOTIFeR6WlTgnN4LR8uNpRk63RRseKtkni8IvYMsAUOVzkDIxtsqMOkUIJTiq3DcDdQjgcSTlDTlnwfVVQQfl76u4yNt1iVJK7WQPd6v8CQwUH0d60P7IkItWKDbCS-0/s1600-h/jj.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 74px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2rz1ZNx2Zew7ZKOTIFeR6WlTgnN4LR8uNpRk63RRseKtkni8IvYMsAUOVzkDIxtsqMOkUIJTiq3DcDdQjgcSTlDTlnwfVVQQfl76u4yNt1iVJK7WQPd6v8CQwUH0d60P7IkItWKDbCS-0/s200/jj.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426742204912459458" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /><a href="http://www.suntory.com/yamazaki/main.html">YAMAZAKI</a></span> single malt whisky is made from the purest natural ingredients distilled through the art of Japanese craftsmanship in perfect harmony with nature. The whiskies are handcrafted at Japan’s oldest distillery, built by Suntory founder Shinjiro Torii in 1923. The distillery is situated in the Vale of <a href="http://www.suntory.com/yamazaki/main.html"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Yamazaki</span> </a>on the outskirts of Kyoto, an ideal environment for whisky production where the same exceptionally pure waters used in Japan’s most esteemed tea ceremonies are used to produce <a href="http://www.suntory.com/yamazaki/main.html"><span style="font-weight: bold;">YAMAZAKI</span></a> whiskies.<br /><br /><br /><br />So if you are looking for a good dram in Fort William, <a href="http://www.grogandgruel.co.uk"><span style="font-weight: bold;">The Grog and Gruel</span></a> is the place to go. Choose from our massive selection of great Scottish whisky or for something more unusual, why not try Japanese whisky?? Maybe one day we'll be brave enough to stock English whisky too <span style="font-style: italic;">(but probably not :))</span>Neilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09369960879252024094noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8396020575007148136.post-45430948728621453382010-01-10T22:55:00.006+00:002010-01-10T23:16:50.836+00:00Fort William Mountain Festival 2010The big freeze is here. Fort William is covered is frosty snow and Scottish skiing conditions haven't been so good for years. Attention is being turned to the winter mountain sports like skiing and sledging (when I was young it was plastic animal feed bags instead of sledges, sore on the bum but a much greater sense of danger). So just a quick reminder to folk that Fort William will be hosting it's annual <a href="http://www.mountainfestival.co.uk/index.asp">Mountain Festival</a> from February 11th - 15th.<br /><br /><br /><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 108px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 130px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425251034113677442" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-exEYUZMxOaR6HW_yLJncCcmn92WieDjpona_Ma7My-1iJBP4rZqCgf5VPU065aEuXyQ2Ejo9LlfhB3-oE-Zc_TbbpH6YFVt7rcR9yzxknkyvAdbPyHUT4OquKhLS-Ud7XvkgNW1_Q3tY/s200/Image1.jpg" />Although this is a festival for those with a keen interest in the outdoors, most of the lectures, workshops and events are entertaining for anyone and well worth supporting. A full list of events can be found <a href="http://www.mountainfestival.co.uk/programme.asp">here</a>. You'll also find events to keep the children amused. Over the past few years <a href="http://www.mountainfestival.co.uk/index.asp">Fort William Mountain festival </a>has made a great reputation for itself.<br /><br /><br />Hopefully you'll find something at the festival you'll find interesting and maybe pop into <a href="http://www.grogandgruel.co.uk/">The Grog and Gruel</a> for a pre-event meet up or post event discussion. I hope I'll get a chance to see some of the festival myselfNeilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09369960879252024094noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8396020575007148136.post-70989320776053354592009-12-16T00:06:00.006+00:002009-12-16T00:28:51.656+00:00Festive Williams BrewThis weekend at <a href="http://www.grogandgruel.co.uk/">The Grog and Gruel</a> we will be featuring a great winter brew from The <a href="http://www.grogandgruel.co.uk/p/v/great-beer/williams-bros.-brewing/">Williams Brothers Brewery</a>. <strong><em>"Yule Smile"</em></strong> at 4.5 % has become available over the past couple of weeks to tie in with the festive period. With a great evening of music from <a href="http://www.myspace.com/sandramacbeth">Sandra <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">MacBeth</span> on Friday night</a>, we thought there would be no better time to try it out.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFjiOBIcqdYZfqVrnR2oFzqjOGRo4gq9JJt-suc-fHmAyzB7tnJx_2PY1IkJpgy7MLhcaxyiyQg4u0lR3Yniz5rlvJmzsmo-UaCD5Qy9Gh3uPWZeEtUI5UiJCrcismjqQnoK6z-993aAUr/s1600-h/Picture+016.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5415622261082669458" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFjiOBIcqdYZfqVrnR2oFzqjOGRo4gq9JJt-suc-fHmAyzB7tnJx_2PY1IkJpgy7MLhcaxyiyQg4u0lR3Yniz5rlvJmzsmo-UaCD5Qy9Gh3uPWZeEtUI5UiJCrcismjqQnoK6z-993aAUr/s200/Picture+016.jpg" /></a>So if you are out and about over the weekend and fancy a nice beer, awesome music in great surroundings then <a href="http://www.grogandgruel.co.uk/">The Grog and Gruel</a> is the place to be. Only a limited supply of this great ale is available so try it while you can.Neilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09369960879252024094noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8396020575007148136.post-66218020717446659692009-12-12T00:36:00.007+00:002009-12-13T00:49:02.003+00:00Hot Festive drinks.So finally I put up the decorations in the bar. Before folk started calling us "Bar Humbug". Now full of festive cheer its time to unveil the <a href="http://www.grogandgruel.co.uk/">Grog and Gruel </a>Hot Winter drinks selection, made from the very best quality ingredients to old <a href="http://www.grogandgruel.co.uk/">Grog and Gruel </a>recipes.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw-0l4X4uN_VyxJF9yOMxWNsKF8HgUefc5KInDxPEfF4f21ckfpgTIhcmDUwIxLYnZF7y_TSgsieLW18mi5LdHFc8PqRMmmAku-rnxDCPc4kn7kboYRRYQXJSbORKyP494JDFBJmHLQXb_/s1600-h/wineytoddy.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 239px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5414144920104742226" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw-0l4X4uN_VyxJF9yOMxWNsKF8HgUefc5KInDxPEfF4f21ckfpgTIhcmDUwIxLYnZF7y_TSgsieLW18mi5LdHFc8PqRMmmAku-rnxDCPc4kn7kboYRRYQXJSbORKyP494JDFBJmHLQXb_/s320/wineytoddy.jpg" /></a><br /><div>You can choose between either our hot mulled wine or our warming hot toddy. Both guaranteed to keep you warm on the coldest of days. Both are available in the bar and the restaurant and will be available until the warm weather returns. Well worth popping in for.<em></div></em><br /><em></em>Neilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09369960879252024094noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8396020575007148136.post-34672504422031568652009-12-08T00:16:00.004+00:002009-12-08T00:42:42.119+00:00Stuck for a present at Christmas??Only a few weeks till Christmas, I bet there are still folk rushing about looking for those last minute stocking fillers. Some people can be so hard to buy gifts for. Here at <a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.grogandgruel.co.uk">The Grog and Gruel </a>we can help with our limited edition "Champagne Heather Ale" made to celebrate 20 years of Williams Brothers Brewing Scotland's wonderful <a href="http://www.grogandgruel.co.uk/p/v/great-beer/williams-bros.-brewing/">Heather Ale </a><br /><br /><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikhMooUbOmGmHWb3iMaufvpm_h4scQfZItpqntNEeacE9nih3GvcGcd53lcsxMJw9C84Dq_fJMrtLwaR-7TeEL9XwX4n1NxCYM4teVvTfkp1qbulh3VSySCR1u8ZMXqMxHjAv9hAi-5rO9/s1600-h/12845_1079186438254_1784078673_174171_3574786_n.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 240px; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5412655526392282066" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikhMooUbOmGmHWb3iMaufvpm_h4scQfZItpqntNEeacE9nih3GvcGcd53lcsxMJw9C84Dq_fJMrtLwaR-7TeEL9XwX4n1NxCYM4teVvTfkp1qbulh3VSySCR1u8ZMXqMxHjAv9hAi-5rO9/s320/12845_1079186438254_1784078673_174171_3574786_n.jpg" /></a></p><p align="left">We have only managed to get our hands on a very small number of these bottles, which are individually numbered, and there is already interest in them. At 11% and matured in ex-sherry casks used to mature single Speyside malt, these unique bottles of ale will prove to be a memorable gift for any ale enthusiast. At only £9.95 per 75cl bottle, you won't want to miss out on this rare opportunity to taste part of <a href="http://www.grogandgruel.co.uk/p/v/great-beer/williams-bros.-brewing/">Heather Ale </a>history.</p>Neilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09369960879252024094noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8396020575007148136.post-45534202004376860672009-11-27T22:44:00.002+00:002009-11-27T22:57:23.531+00:00Piggy GiftsOn trips to <a href="http://www.grogandgruel.co.uk/">The Grog and Gruel </a>you may notice the many pigs and pig related items around. Since before we opened Horace the Hog was planned as the mascot for <a href="http://www.grogandgruel.co.uk/">The Grog and Gruel</a>. Customers seem to really identify with our piggy friend and most of the pig gifts and items around the bar have been given to us by customers and friends. You may notice The Mighty Boar head of Sven above <a href="http://www.grogandgruel.co.uk/">The Grog and Gruel bar</a>, a gift from our local boar farm upon Sven's "retirement".<br /><br /><br /><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSXCOwGFnkMmB8L6fQYaDW2uUxh7PNu9-X3K4DOV6o7ZqVYNEDRINN69yPwS-YzKmBXaoSbzSLhg8RLez2luwQOERlu0L5EsPV8fYvnqfoN0NaHbqYP1H3-9J1e4hQ71eiKPmkbKthBD6u/s1600/piggy.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5408918110571752370" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSXCOwGFnkMmB8L6fQYaDW2uUxh7PNu9-X3K4DOV6o7ZqVYNEDRINN69yPwS-YzKmBXaoSbzSLhg8RLez2luwQOERlu0L5EsPV8fYvnqfoN0NaHbqYP1H3-9J1e4hQ71eiKPmkbKthBD6u/s320/piggy.jpg" /></a></p>So just a note of thanks to one of our regulars who gave us this amusing salt and pepper set in the style of an amusing "piggy back" ride. Yes, that's what I said, "piggy back" ride. We are not an adult only blog. They will join the ranks of other piggy <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">collectibles</span> in the bar helping us pay homage to Horace The Hog !!Neilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09369960879252024094noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8396020575007148136.post-45616158881341206322009-11-18T15:20:00.003+00:002009-11-18T15:29:38.922+00:00Over my dead body...Don't you get it? We're a <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Traditional</span> Alehouse. We do traditional things. We don't do new. We don't do different. We don't do modern. We've got nicotine stained walls and we certainly don't do silly things like <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">online social networks</span>. Over my dead body...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjqQOJV_tR_Vb0epp8-gXGfrKza7QoGXH-XHmLG-sMnRSOltaXf1tAftouhRFMnh3ZAp64uA91FoLe8EZHcpssbwj0BPvPTejmr6SRFUZWJQxaS8an_Etnb1NmlEqxOR2ubXOR4NaG26kS/s1600/Grog_Facebook.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 241px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjqQOJV_tR_Vb0epp8-gXGfrKza7QoGXH-XHmLG-sMnRSOltaXf1tAftouhRFMnh3ZAp64uA91FoLe8EZHcpssbwj0BPvPTejmr6SRFUZWJQxaS8an_Etnb1NmlEqxOR2ubXOR4NaG26kS/s320/Grog_Facebook.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5405465639822999890" border="0" /></a><br />Oh bugger! That's me out voted again!<br /><br />Become a fan of <a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.facebook.com/#/group.php?gid=171778423923">The Grog & Gruel on Facebook</a>. Whatever that means!Ed Dayneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00911540680645896194noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8396020575007148136.post-12757328682890375942009-11-06T00:06:00.004+00:002009-11-06T00:54:42.694+00:00Winter openingAs usual Winter is creeping up on us. The nights are getting darker. The mornings are getting colder and you can already see crazy people putting up Christmas Decorations. Another Summer has passed us by in a flash and the time to hibernate is upon us. Although you may think that this means it is time for <a href="http://www.grogandgruel.co.uk/">The Grog and Gruel </a>to completely switch off you'd be wrong. It's time for all the maintenance jobs, staff training, menu reviewing and planning for next year to take place.<br /><br />As <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">a lot</span> of this cannot take place during trade we will be closing on quieter trading nights. <strong><em><a href="http://www.grogandgruel.co.uk/p/v/grog-hours/">So from Nov 8<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">th</span> till Dec 17<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">th</span> we will be closed all together on Sundays</a>.</em></strong> This is great for staff morale as we now can all watch antiques roadshow together.<a href="http://www.grogandgruel.co.uk/p/v/grog-hours/"> <strong><em>From November 8<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">th</span> till Dec 17<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">th</span> the restaurant will only be open Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights</em></strong>.</a> Unless we have prior knowledge of a <strong><a href="http://www.grogandgruel.co.uk/p/v/christmas-bookings/">Christmas booking</a></strong>. Food will be available as usual from Noon till Nine in our Alehouse and closing time in our alehouse will be dependant on trade. So the more customers we have the later we will open (nudge, nudge).<br /><br />This should not have a dramatic affect on our customers as the changes have been made after analysis of trade and after we have a few very quiet nights playing "Win, Lose or Draw" with customers. <a href="http://www.grogandgruel.co.uk/p/v/christmas-bookings/">To view our opening hours for The Christmas/festive period click here.</a>Neilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09369960879252024094noreply@blogger.com0