Raise a glass to Swift Nick
HE was a true gent among highwaymen – a tall, dashing figure that never used violence and once returned a bag of money to one of his victims in Bakewell.
Now more than 300 years after his death, the legend of John Nevison – aka Swift Nick – lives on in a pint of bitter being brewed in the Dales.
Swift Nick is one of three beers produced by Peak Ales, a family microbrewery that celebrated its first birthday earlier this month.
Husband-and-wife team Rob and Deborah Evans moved to Derbyshire to open the brewery in a converted barn at Chatsworth.
Rob left his job in the health service and Deborah quit her teaching position so they could follow their dream, and a year in the operation continues to grow.
Deborah says: "Rob's always been a huge beer enthusiast and he's always wanted to do this.
"Then there was a change in the law and the duty rates on breweries were reduced.
"That was our opportunity to make it work so we decided to go for it."
The story of Swift Nick goes that he held up a local farmer on his way home from Bakewell market.
The farmer pleaded for mercy because his rent was due and he and his family were on the verge of eviction; to his surprise Nick agreed to pay back the money in time.
Days and weeks passed as the farmer contemplated the impending loss of his land and livelihood.
Then on the final night before the bailiffs were due, as the farmer lay in his bed, he heard the rising sound of hooves approaching and a pocket purse flew through the window and onto the floor.
In the purse he found all of the money that had been taken – and an extra sovereign courtesy of the gentleman thief.
Nick is also believed to have ridden from the scene of a crime in London all the way to York in just one day, a feat widely
attributed to fellow highwayman Dick Turpin.
Rob and Deborah took the name 'Swift Nick' because of the Bakewell connection and because they say it's perfect for a 'swift pint'.
Their twice-weekly brewing sessions also produce two other varieties, Dalesman and Bakewell Best Bitter.
A new stronger beer is in the pipeline and the popular Christmas tipple 'Noggin Filler' should make a comeback for the 2006 festive season.
But does Deborah ever get bored of beer now that it's a full-time job and not just a pastime?
"No way," she says. "I love it just as much as ever, and I have to admit that Bakewell Bitter is my favourite. I enjoyed the Christmas ale too but I had to be careful with that one because it's a bit stronger!"
You can order a pint of a Peak Ales brew at a number of local pubs, including the Devonshire Arms in Pilsley and the Devonshire Arms in Beeley.
By Jim Taylor
Matlock Mercury
22 February 2006