June's Newsletter

Hello, June!

Summer’s knocking, and June’s already shaping up to be a cracker! We’re raising a glass to Father’s Day, serving up spice and nostalgia with our Chicken Balti Pie of the Month, and shaking things up behind the bar with some fresh summer pours, including the bright, zesty arrival of Drumshanbo California Orange Gin. In fact, we’re so excited about it, we’re throwing a Drumshanbo Bentley Barcar bash—swag, specialty cocktails, and a whole lot of spirited fun await. We’ll also take a cheeky look back at May’s footie madness and gear up for all June’s got in store. So grab a pint, scroll on, and be sure to follow us on social media to stay up to date; you never know what we’ll be pouring (or posting) next…

Father's Day is around the corner!

We know what Dad wants this Father's Day. Dad doesn’t want another tie. He wants a pint.

This one’s for the blokes who taught us how to ride a bike, grill a sausage, and (mostly) keep our cool.

On Sunday, June 15th, bring Dad in for a proper pub meal. Buy any entrée, and we’ll buy him a beer. Simple as that. Because nothing says “thanks for everything” like a hearty plate and a well-earned pint. We'll see you here.

Cheers to one successful weekend!

We’re just about recovered from the Memorial Day Weekend extravaganza known as Viva Vienna. This was meant to be our first outing with the Hawk & Griffin chippy trailer; however, unforeseen delays meant that we were back to hauling all the equipment out of the trailer and in to a tent. It was double the work but boy was it worth it. 

The Hawk & Griffin chip cone was well received, and despite the extra work we had a lot of fun. Was great to see so many of our regulars and to introduce the best fish and chips this side of the Atlantic to a whole new audience. A big thank you to the Rotary club for putting on such a phenomenal event. And a big thank you to all who came down. We will be back next year. In the meantime keep your eyes peeled for the chippy trailer.

If you find yourself in D.C on June 14th, we'll be back at it again at The Taste Of The DMV, alongside some of the region’s top food trucks, musicians, and artists for a proper day out in the capital. 

Come and experience the rich culture, music, and culinary delights that the DMV has to offer. Don't miss out on this fantastic community celebration!

For more details, visit the official event website: A Taste of the DMV

You spoke, and we listened!

We know, International Burger month was celebrated in May, and it's now June...

And we don’t know who makes these crazy holidays up but it was a good excuse for us to launch Chef Nicks specialty Hawk & Griffin lamb burger. From the brilliant mind in our kitchen comes the naturally raised, grass-fed juicy Colorado lamb burger, seasoned with garlic and rosemary, topped with creamy tzatziki, pickled red onions, fresh arugula, and his house-made mint, lime, and mango chutney, all nestled in a toasted brioche bun.

Take a page out of Owner Euan Armstrong's book and pair with a Hawk & Griffin Pilsner; it's been his lunch almost everyday in May! It’s been so well received that we have decided to keep it on the menu all Summer. 

So don’t worry if you missed the ‘official’ burger month, we’re still celebrating.

The footie may be over, but this June we’re serving up a pie made for the sport. Beloved by fans across the terraces, the Chicken Balti Pie rose to fame in football stadiums up and down the UK. It's where curry meets crust, and halftime never tasted so good.

Now back by popular demand, our version blends tender chicken thighs with a rich, fragrant tomato Garam Masala sauce. It's the perfect combination of tomato, and spice, fresh coriander, ginger, mustard seed, onions and garlic, all wrapped in our flaky golden pastry hug. It’s a proper nod to Britain’s brilliant curry culture and the beautiful game.

Pair it with a pint and a bit of pub banter, and you've got yourself a slice of Hawk & Griffin heaven.

Only here, all June long. Come get it while it's hot!

National Fish & Chips Day is June 6th!

Mark your calendars, mates, as we join the UK in celebrating the 10th anniversary of National Fish & Chip Day. This annual event pays homage to one of Britain's most iconic dishes and the hardworking individuals behind it.

Established in 2015 by the National Edible Oil Distributors’ Association (NEODA), a non-profit organization founded in 1947, recognizing the cultural significance of fish and chips, NEODA initiated this day to celebrate the dish and support the industry.

Over the past decade, National Fish & Chip Day has grown into the UK's largest food awareness day. In 2024, the event reached over 150 million people through various media channels. The celebration acknowledges everyone involved in bringing this beloved dish to the table from fishermen and farmers, even to your favourite local pub.

So join us Friday, June 6th as we raise our forks to National Fish & Chips Day and celebrate in full, flaky, golden beer-battered glory.

Fun fact, during World War II, Winston Churchill made sure that fish & chips were never rationed, because they were considered vital to national morale. 

The idea was that even in the darkest days of the Blitz, a warm, comforting portion of fish & chips could keep spirits high and bellies full when Britain needed it most.

So, whether you grew up near the seaside or just fancy a taste of British tradition, there’s nothing quite like the comforting crunch of fish & chips done right.

Be here. Be hungry. Be proud!

Denizens Critter Hazy IPA

We’re chuffed to be continuing our cracking partnership with our mates over at Denizens Brewing Co, and this June we’re raising a pint (or two) to their Critter Hazy IPA now flowing fresh from our rotating seasonal tap.

Affectionately dubbed the "baby brother" to Denizens' flagship Animal IPA, Critter offers a more approachable take on the hazy IPA style. This seasonal stunner is a juicy, tropical delight with notes of citrus, guava, pineapple, and kumquat with a soft, pillowy finish that makes it the perfect sipper for those long, lazy summer evenings on the patio. Lightly bitter and brilliantly balanced, the Critter brings just enough hop-forward mischief to please both IPA lovers and the hazy-curious alike. Even it’s name reflects its playful and approachable nature, embodying the brewery's creative spirit and commitment to crafting beers that are both distinctive and delightful.

Whether you're cooling off after a sun-soaked stroll through the Town of Vienna or pairing it with our Fish Bites on the patio, the Critter fits right in with our June lineup of brews and proper good times.

Come give it a go. We wouldn’t be surprised if it becomes your summer fling.

Drumshanbo California Orange

As we ride the fizzy tailwinds of the Critter Hazy IPA, we’re also getting into the “spirit” of things with a gin that’s positively bursting with summer. We’re thrilled to now pour Drumshanbo California Orange Citrus Gin, finally available in Virginia and well worth the wait. This "Authentic American" spirit from the curious minds at The Shed Distillery (yes, the same delightful folk behind a house favourite Drumshanbo Gunpowder Gin) is packed with zesty Californian orange citrus, exotic botanicals, and that signature Drumshanbo innovation.

It’s not just a gin - it’s sunshine in a glass.

Come toast with us on Thursday, June 19th from 5-8pm as the distributers that make Drumshanbo possible on the East Coast, Palm Bay, are here at The Hawk & Griffin to help us host our very own Drumshanbo Bentley Bar Car Event!

Inspired by Drumshanbo’s globetrotting pop-up gin bar housed in a vintage Bentley (yes, really), we’re bringing a taste of the eccentric to right here to you! Expect signature cocktails, surprise swag, photo ops, and a bit of that Irish magic that makes Drumshanbo spirits feel like they’ve been kissed by a leprechaun, and approved by Bond.

These Bentley events have popped up in Dublin, London, and across the States featuring their mobile bar car, their botanicals galore, and a generous pour of hospitality. So come join us Thursday, June 19th and sip, swirl, and swan about in style with us.

A taste of California sunshine and Irish curiosity right here in the Town of Vienna!? 

We’ll drink to that.

Try it today as a G&T paired with Fevertree Premium Tonic and a slice of grapefruit to highlight its citrusy notes!

Thank you for joining us on the last day of the 2024/25 Season!

Fantasy Premier League Winner!

Well, here we are, this seasons Premier League has ended, and football withdrawal symptoms are kicking in already.

The last week of games produce a fascinating finish to the real Premier League, with the pub full of supporters of numerous teams all cheering on the games. If you weren’t here, you missed a great atmosphere.

Much like the real Premier league, our Fantasy League had a long-time leader, and although Liverpool were easy winners of the Premier League Title, the leader of the Hawk and Griffin League, Tillet X1 - managed by Liam Tillet had a closer run in to win the title, with 5 players separated by only 31 points.

The top 5 final placings are...

Liam wins the $100 H&G gift card. But we have a small problem, we can’t find his email address to contact him. Liam is a Gooner (so at least Arsenal won something this season!). If there are any Arsenal fans, or anyone else, who knows him, can you ask him to write to info@hawkgriffin.com so we can send him his well-earned prize.

Thanks to all of you who took part. We look forward to seeing you at the pub supporting your team next season, and taking part once again in the Hawk & Griffin Fantasy League 2025/26. Don’t be strangers in the summer off season, pre-season friendlies will be here before you know it.

FA Cup Winner: Palace reigns Supreme!

Would you believe it? 

Crystal Palace took on the mighty and won the FA Cup! In a final that had more twists than a plate of curly fries, the Eagles soared above Manchester City and made history. It’s their first ever FA Cup triumph, and what a way to do it. With grit, heart, and a touch of South London swagger.

Up the Palace!

Just when you thought it was safe to get off the pitch…. 

Dadum Dadum Dadum!

The FIFA World Club Championships are here for the summer.

After various formats over the years to determine the “Best“ football club in the world, this year sees the start of a quadrennial competition, and being played here throughout the US between Jun 15 and July 13. No excuse to have footy withdrawl over the summer, get down to the pub and get your fix!

The new format, which will come into effect with the 2025 edition, features 32 teams competing for the title at venues within the host nation; 12 teams from Europe, 6 from South America, 4 from Asia, 4 from Africa 4 from North and Central America and Caribbean, 1 from Oceania and 1 team from the host nation. The teams are drawn into eight groups of four, with each team playing three group stage matches in a round robin format. The top two teams from each group advance to the knockout stage, starting with the round of 16 and culminating with the final.

The teams for 2025 will be…

And for our Rugby fans we have the British and Irish Lions Rugby Tour to Australia

The British and Irish Lions are a team selected from players eligible to represent England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales who are scheduled to play a three-match test series against the Australian national team as well as matches against Australia's four Super Rugby franchises, one against an invitational side made up of players from Australia and New Zealand, and another match against a side made of players with First Nations and Pasifika origin.

The Australia tour begins with the first game on June 28th, but in the lead up to the tour, on June 20th The Lions will play Argentina in Dublin, Ireland as a warm up game.

Beer and Rugby have always been a great pairing, so we'll see you at the pub for some great matches and great beer!

What makes a great pub? That’s what we asked ourselves from the beginning. Of course there had to be great English beer, great food and a sense of history. There needed to be horse brass, Victorian glass, darts, snugs, a great bar serving gin & tonics, union jacks, music, quiz nights, English football, Sunday roasts and everything else you would find in a proper British pub and we are proud that Hawk & Griffin has all those things. But, we didn’t really think about what actually brings all these things to life…..people. The people who inhabit this space from guests to staff are the lifeblood that make an ordinary pub extraordinary. Guests meeting other guests for the first time while enjoying a “quick pint” and staying the afternoon becoming friends. Staff forming bonds with each other and with their regulars. And….. the person that makes everything work on a daily basis. That person is Alexis Miller. Alexis joined us in 2022 and in 2024, she became our general manager. From the beginning, she was destined for bigger things. With years of experience in the restaurant industry she certainly had the bona fides for the job but there are managers and then there are Managers. Alexis quickly became all things Hawk & Griffin. Slow to take credit and even slower to place blame, she manages with a grace and ease intuitively knowing what people need to thrive. She is tireless, working long hours sweating the details, always with the goal of making Hawk & Griffin a better experience for guests and staff. She’s “one of the guys”, always in on the joke, but always bringing us back to the task at hand. Keep calm and carry on……..Alexis is in charge!