Grape vs Grain at the Bunch of Grapes

GRAPE VS GRAIN: The two greats go head to head at an award-winning Welsh pub


Tuesday, June 19 at 7pm at the Bunch of Grapes, Pontypridd
Flagship pub of the Otley Brewing Company, the Bunch of Grapes, in Pontypridd, is inviting people from across south Wales to an evening of fine dining with a twist. This evening will allow diners to judge which tipple tastes best with fine food- real ale or wine.

Diners will be served both ale and wine alongside each of the five courses and will be asked to judge which compliments each dish best. This evening has not been designed for real ale or wine experts but is an evening for everyone to learn more about the wonderful worlds of finely brewed ale and quality wine.

Each course will be carefully prepared by critically acclaimed head chef of the Bunch of Grapes, Sebastien Vanoni where he will use locally sourced produce to produce some of the Bunch of Grapes’ most memorable, signature dishes. MD of the pub and of the Otley Brewing Company, Nick Otley, will head up the real ale team with bar manager Gareth Hutt and they will go head to head with wine connoisseur Max Lloyd of Bibendum Wines and Manager of the Bunch of Grapes, Nina Richards.
With over 27 million* Britons being classed as wine drinkers compared with only 7.8 million** real ale drinkers, the Otley Brewing Company is campaigning to change this by highlighting the diversity of real ale and how it is just as satisfying as a cold glass of high quality white wine.
Nick Otley, said: “It’s a known fact that a good wine can make a great dish taste even better but we want to get people thinking about the wonders of real ale too and how its flavours can really enhance certain dishes.
“We’ve used the ale we brew in meals at the Bunch for quite some time now and our customers can’t get enough of our Otley beer ice cream, O6 porter reduction and Oxymoron jus. If they enjoy the ale so much in their meals then we can guarantee that they will enjoy them as accompaniments too.
“It’s also great having Max on board, he’s so passionate about quality wine which means he’s a great match for Gareth and I when we take centre stage in convincing diners which drink works best with each course. We’re sure that the evening will be a memorable one and I’m sure that both teams will work as hard as possible to ensure their tipple reigns supreme.”
The ultimate battle between ale and wine will begin at 7pm on Tuesday, June 19 at the Bunch of Grapes. The evening costs just £40 per head (or £140 for four) which includes the five course meal, ales and wines. Places are limited so it is advised that those wanting to attend book their places as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.

Please book your place by contacting the Bunch of Grapes on 01443 402934.
Five course meal to include:

On arrival
Live Colchester oyster

1st course
Nightingale bush nettle soup
Peppered crème fraiche
Sourdough bread

2nd course
Seared Carpaccio of welsh beef fillet,
Pickled girolle mushroom, watercress
3rd course
Filo papillotte of Anglesey farmed seabass, ginger, chilli and coriander
Wild and red Camargue rice

4th course
Confit leg of free-range Wye valley chicken
Pea, broad beans and Swiss chard
Mustard jus

5th course
British Raspberry crème brûlée
Lavender shortbread