April's Newsletter

Our Beer Garden is officially open for the season, come sunshine or April's inevitable rain - We're ready for long afternoons in the sun, a crisp pint of your favourite ale, or a refreshing cocktail crafted just for the season. So, whether you’re here for a craft G&T, a new cocktail, or a proper pint, we’ve got just the thing to toast the season. Plus, our dog-friendly patio means your four-legged friends are always welcome to join in the fun!

Originally this day wasn't about breakfast in bed or bunches of flowers- though, whose mum would say no to that! It started as a religious tradition where people would return to their "mother church" for special services.

Nowadays, the focus has shifted to the mothers themselves, and by the 20th century has blossomed into the celebration we know today.

Mothering Sunday is a time for families to come together, whether that's through a classic Sunday Roast, a heartfelt card, or even simply spending time with dear Mum.

We are choosing to celebrate this year by sharing a few photos of our Mums and this piece of British tradition with you all. The American Mother's Day is right around the corner on May 11th, so let's be sure to keep our mums, grans, and all those who nurtured us in mind, and feeling truly appreciated.

After all, where would we be without them?

Happy Mothering Sunday, mum!

Spring is here, summer's on the horizon and the Smoked Brisket, Cheddar & Jalapeño pie is on the menu! Not to mention in our bellies.

That's when I remembered my childhood passion, and culinary training.

My signature dish is Seafood Newberg - it's a rich mix of scallops, shrimp, lobster, cognac cream sauce stuffed in a puff pastry shell, maybe look out for a British take on that in the near future!

From basil & rose in the Beauty & the Beast, to orange blossoms & agave in our Orange Blossom Bourbon, and even an icy and spicy Thai chili Watermelon Cooler. From blackberries & thyme in It's Play Thyme to a potent summertime Mead New Fashioned in the Rose & Reverie, there's a little something for everybody.

In a game best described as a landslide, Newcastle took Liverpool and the Hawk & Griffin by storm. With so many Magpies about, it was hard to see around the feathers, but when they scored and the bell rung - You could feel the air shiver with the excitement of the crowd. 

Thank you all for coming, both Liverpool fans and Newcastle alike, and for making this League Cup Final one to remember.

Howay The Lads!

From thundering hooves at Aintree to oar-splashing rivalries on the Thames, from rugby battles on the pitch to snooker showdowns at the Crucible in Sheffield; April is a time to don your flat cap, place bets (responsibly, of course) and pretend to know far more about sports than your peers - It's a sporting feast for all nations.

Whether it's The Grand National, a three-day horse racing event where even your nan might place a bet on a horse named "Intense Raffles" or the Oxford and Cambridge Boatrace, where two esteemed universities row it out in a battle that has been going since 1829. Or even the Women's 6 Nations Rugby tournament, where the England Roses have dominated in recent years or to the oddly formal dress code of the Snooker World Championship; where tactical geniuses plot their next impossible shot; April's sporting calendar has a little something for everyone.

So, even if you can't tell your stern from your bow, whether that was a forward pass or not, if that's the angle you would have shot, or even if you placed the right bet, all of these sports have one thing in common; 

They are best enjoyed from a British pub, pint in hand, and with the company of good friends.

We hope to see you here this April, and if there's an event you want to watch, don't hesitate to ask.

Although the Premiership title is almost certainly heading to the red side of Liverpool, the Hawk and Griffin Fantasy Premier League is a much closer race.

Long time league leader Tillet X1 managed by Liam Tillet is still heading the pack with 1943 points.

But there are several teams snapping close on his heels attempting to top the league to win a $100 H&G gift card.

Currently in 2nd place and only 6 points behind is Autogol managed by Dennis Messier.

In 3rd place Gettin Slotte in here managed by Stuart Reid is 27 points behind the leader.

Snapping close on their heels is Oilcastle managed by Abee Fekade, and Nuno Bring Us Home managed by Patrick Thurston.

My team is stuck with mid table mediocrity, a bit like Man Utd and Spurs, but I’ll be chopping and changing my team in the next few weeks to try and ensure it’s a top half of the table finish.

We look forward to seeing you at the pub supporting your team in the final few weeks of the season."

Steve Harwit-Whewell

After a year here of dashing between tables, bringing joy (and an extra side of gravy) to our guests, she and her husband, Dan are starting a brand-new chapter in Richmond, VA and with their very own house to go with it!

Annie has been more than just a brilliant server, she's really become a true part of the pub and the atmosphere here at The Hawk & Griffin.

Whether it was juggling busy dinners, charming our regulars with her personality, her endearing humour in Expo, and her company at the end of the shift after the last orders have been called; she left her mark here in the best way possible.

Richmond may not know it yet; but they've just gained a top-notch addition to their hospitality scene.

So let's raise a glass to Annie Cates, may your new home be as filled with laughter as your section on a Friday night, and may you find a great spot for a well-earned post-shift drink! Any time you're in town, you & Dan will always have a seat at our bar!