Kipper

The Vat & Fiddle is a historic Art Deco pub in Nottingham, primarily known as the brewery tap for Castle Rock Brewery. While the pub is a local landmark, it gained international attention in late 2025 due to an "adventurous" cat named Peanut (though some may know him by nicknames) who repeatedly travelled over 30 miles from Lincoln to visit the pub. 

Castle Rock Brewery

Castle Rock Brewery

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The "Pub Cat" Legend: Peanut (Screech)

Origin: Peanut, a one-year-old cat from North Hykeham, Lincoln, first appeared at the pub's gates on 9 July 2025.

Nickname: Staff originally nicknamed him "Screech" due to his loud, distinctive meow and as a nod to the brewery’s Screech Owl IPA.

The Journey: Despite being returned home to his owners (Charley Rawlings and Sam Bhamra), Peanut made the journey back to the Vat & Fiddle a second time in late August 2025.

Method of Travel: It is widely theorised he may have hitched a ride in a delivery van or walked along train tracks, as he appeared "sooty" upon arrival. 

BBC

BBC

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The Vat & Fiddle Background

Architecture: The current building was constructed in 1938 in the Moderne style of Art Deco, designed by architects W.B. Starr & Hall.

Site History: It stands on the site of the former Grove Tavern (built around the 1860s), which was owned by the original Nottingham Brewery.

Modern Era: It was renamed the Vat & Fiddle in 1997 after being acquired by Tynemill (now Castle Rock Brewery).

Key Features: It is a Grade II listed building featuring three distinct rooms, a bar billiards table, and a large beer garden that spills into the brewery yard. 

Castle Rock Brewery

Castle Rock Brewery

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Location & Visit Details

Address: 12 Queensbridge Rd, Nottingham NG2 1NB.

Proximity: Located about a five-minute walk from Nottingham Railway Station.

Offerings: Serves the largest range of Castle Rock beers (up to 13 cask ales) alongside pub food like pies and Sunday roasts. 

Castle Rock Brewery

Castle Rock Brewery

 +2

To help you further, could you clarify if you are looking for a cat specifically named Kipper, or if you were referring to the famous resident cat Peanut/Screech?

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Lincoln cat travels over 30 miles to Nottingham pub - twice - BBC News

BBC

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Castle Rock Brewery

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