Above: Jake and his mum, Charlotte, outside the Fox & Grapes
A brand-new kitchen is firing up at the Fox & Grapes in Sneinton. Not just with great food, but with a whole lot of Castle Rock history behind it.
Because the man stepping in to take over isn’t just any chef. He’s Jake – musician, chef, regular at the Fox, and third-generation Castle Rock team member.
Jake’s connection to Castle Rock goes way back – long before he ever worked a shift.
His grandad, Rolf, kicked off the family legacy in 1994, pulling a few shifts at his local, the Lincolnshire Poacher. Those shifts soon turned into a full-blown career, and Rolf went on to become an Area Manager, helping shape the early Castle Rock years.
Then came Jake’s mum, Charlotte, who joined the business at 15 years old in 1997, starting as a pot washer at the Poacher before going on to work at several pubs across the Castle Rock estate, including the Stratford Haven.
And now? It’s Jake’s turn to pick up where they left off.
Not only has he worked as sound engineer for the Fox & Grapes’ live music events, but he’s also cooked in the kitchens at some of Nottingham’s most loved and respected venues, including the Angel and the Blind Rabbit.
Now, he’s stepping into the spotlight. And this time with a menu he’s truly proud of.
Jake’s launching with a tight, confident line-up of gourmet burgers, fries, chilli and hot-off-the-griddle quesadillas – all made with proper ingredients, cooked fresh to order, and designed for full-on flavour.
No shortcuts. Just great food made by someone who genuinely cares about what’s on the plate.
When we asked Jake how he was feeling about opening his own kitchen, his answer was instant:
“Buzzing. I’m in here all the time anyway – I know the team, I know the regulars. It’s like cooking for mates.”
And his mum Charlotte? Proud doesn’t even begin to cover it.
She told us Jake’s love of cooking goes right back to when he was small. He’d sit on the kitchen counter watching her cook, and before long he was making meals himself – often having dinner ready for her when she returned from work!
Now he’s doing the same thing – just for a slightly bigger family.
If you needed an excuse to visit Fox & Grapes, this is it!
The kitchen opens today, Friday 17th October. Get there early, he’s sure to sell out!
Check out the menu here.
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