Cheers North East magazine #49 - April 2015

cheers WWW.CHEERSNORTHEAST.CO.UK // APRIL 2015 // ISSUE 49

I T ’ S

A B O U T

P U B S ,

P E O P L E ,

B E E R

–

A N D

Y O U !

PUB FOCUS OLD AND NEW BORROWED AND BLUE

BREWING BEER PULLING PINTS WHERE HAVE ALL THE YEARS GONE?

WELD CHAMPION

THE MAN WHO BUILDS BREWERIES

FREE

PLEASE TAKE A COPY

WELCOME So there we were, sitting at the bar being amazed at the fact that we’ve reached April already. One of us asks where the winter has gone, while another reckons we got off canny, weather-wise. We’re all in high spirits and looking forward to those extended days. Shortened nights are not so attractive, but more pub time is the aggregate opinion.

For once, nobody puts forward a negative view – OK, there’s the odd football moan about Newcastle, Sunderland and Gateshead which is only to be expected (though someone pipes up “what about form team Hartlepool United and North Shields FC in the FA Vase?”), plus the price of this and the lack of that and how low British politics has sunk if a party leader’s kitchen makes headline news.

All in all, though, we’re looking on the bright side.

We’ve got beer festivals galore coming up this month and next – again involving Newcastle and Gateshead – so it’s a real opportunity to sample the odd ale or two and report back to our local and recommend (nay, demand) they get some of the more interesting ones in for everybody to try.

The sharper-eyed among you will have noticed that this issue of Cheers is number 49. Next month’s therefore is a real landmark, so we’re planning a few things to celebrate. We love to involve you in everything we do, so if you’ve got any lightbulb moments for marking the occasion that we possibly haven’t thought of, please do let us know via email at info@cheersnortheast.co.uk.

In the meantime, we’ll see you in the pub.

Alastair Gilmour Editor, Cheers North East

EDITORIAL 01661 844 115 07930 144 846 Alastair Gilmour alastair@cheersnortheast.co.uk @CheersPal www.cheersnortheast.co.uk We are tweeting.

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CONTENTS 16

A FLARE FOR THE JOB

Sam Sampson builds breweries. Actually, that’s not strictly true because he not only welds and fabricates and polishes and installs them, he instills them with a passion for beer that positively influences what pours out of the other end. Sam is such a perfectionist he even designed his own nano-brewery simply to get the flow right in his head. He’s got a bar in his house to keep the momentum going, but whether it’s working out the function of a whisky still or the practicalities of a brewery mash tun, his thoughts always return to the customer in the pub and what they expect. It’s usually perfection – but he’s already done his bit.

COVER: SAM SAMPSON IS THE MAN BEHIND THE MASK. PHOTOGRAPH: PETER SKELTON

IT’S GOING TO BE A FANTASTIC OPPORTUNITY TO EXCHANGE KNOWLEDGE – EVERYBODY HAS DIFFERENT WAYS OF DOING THINGS. I’M HOPING TO SWAP RECIPES AND COME BACK WITH SOME RUSSIAN IDEAS JOHN TAYLOR

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NEWS

John Taylor, left, and Moscow Beer Festival organiser Yuri Shulakov

LINES DRAWN IN THE SAND

TO RUSSIA WITH BOBBY

The Ship Inn Brewery, based at the eponymous pub at Low Newton-by-the-Sea in Northumberland, has helped to launch a Save Druridge Bay campaign in response to plans for an opencast coal mine which would stretch from the Widdrington Inn to Druridge Bay and down the coast to Cresswell.

Brewer Micheal Hegarty has produced a new beer with 10p from every pint donated to the campaign. Brewlab in Sunderland is bottling the beer which will be sold in outlets including The Drift Café in Cresswell Michael, a former mineworker and a veteran of the 1980s nuclear power station protest at the same site, says: “Banks Mining

A North East microbrewery has been invited to take part in the inaugural Moscow Real Ale Festival. It’s a huge coup for County Durham-based Stables Brewery and its operator John Taylor, who will send 20 casks of beer to Russia for the week-long event starting on April 20.

British brewers include Fuller’s, Marston’s, Belhaven, Thornbridge and Brains, so The Stables is rubbing shoulders with the real big boys with its Silver Buckles and Bell Tower ales.

John Taylor originally struck up a friendship with the owners of the Bobby Dazzler pub in the Russian capital when they discovered that Bobby Dazzler was a beer produced

by The Stables to commemorate Sir Robert “Bonny Bobby” Shafto MP,

Group intends to submit planning permission for an opencast mine which will be the largest in the UK. Tourism is worth £700m per annum to the North East and accounts for around 35% of its economy. This also makes up a large amount of sales for local breweries, so I thought I could do my bit to help the coffers.”

The Banks Group says the project will sustain 150 jobs for decades and offer real and lasting development opportunities.

Petitions are available at The Ship Inn, the Black Bull in Maften, The Drift Café in Cresswell, Alnmouth Country Store, and The Puffin Post Office in Alnmouth.

More info is at: www.savedruridge.co.uk www.banksgroup.co.uk

whose family home was Beamish Hall where the brewery is based.

John, who plans to head to the festival, says: “I’m very excited. It’s a fantastic opportunity to show what we can do but also to exchange knowledge – everybody has different ways of doing things. I’m hoping to swap recipes and come back with some Russian ideas.”

Events held in several pubs across Moscow – expected to attract 5,000 ale-lovers – include traditional British pub games, masterclasses from beer experts, pub food classics, English and Scottish breakfasts, afternoon teas, St George’s Day celebrations, and screenings of Doctor Who, Sherlock and Jeeves & Wooster. www.facebook.com/ britishbeerfestival

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NEWS

FREE’S ALL RIGHT NOW

High House Farm Brewery Restaurant, Tea Room, Wedding & Function Venue

Tuesday Lunch Time Special A main course from the specials board, something sweet from our selection of home baked goodies & a cup of tea or coffee.

£6.50 Near Matfen, Northumberland, NE20 0RG T: 01661 886192 E: info@highhousefarmbrewery.co.uk

The Free Trade Inn, perched above the far east end of Newcastle’s Quayside, is “free” at last.

The iconic pub hasn’t been tied on its offerings for yonks – what it has had has been more of a loose arrangement involving pubcos and their equipment – but out has gone the likes of Fosters lager to be replaced by far more interesting beers in the keg category, such as Allendale Adder and Lakeland

Lager from Hawkshead. True independence sits well with manager Mick Potts (pictured above) who rarely ceases in his quest to bring the best of beers to the pub, plus significant brewers to talk about them. Folks will notice a new set of five silver fonts as they walk in the door, then there’s up to nine handpulls available and yet another cluster of bright, shiny keg offerings. Customer choice is admirable, free trade is everything.

THIS BEER OTTER BE GOOD Newcastle-based Tyne Bank Brewery has been invited to supply one of 50 cask beers for the Maris Otter 50th Anniversary Beer Festival.

Maris Otter is a variety of barley grown specifically for beer, and is often referred to as the Rolls-Royce of malting barley, though during its early experimental days from first being grown in 1965, it stuttered and spluttered like a Post Office motorbike.

But it quickly developed a quality and consistency that has

put it at the centrepiece of our best pints and Maris Otter is now internationally celebrated for its depth of flavour. To mark its golden anniversary, the beer festival will take place on September 17-19 in Norfolk, its main growing area.

The 50 invited breweries will use the barley at the core of their ales. “We’re honoured to have been invited to provide the region’s contribution,” says Tyne Bank brewery owner Julia Austin. “We’re going to create a truly special ale in tribute.”

An historic pub with Six Cask Ales, Great Hospitality & Award Winning Food.

Picturesque location & only a couple of miles from Hexham Reservations 01434 602814 www.theratinn.com Twitter:@ratales The Rat Inn, Anick, Hexham, Northumberland NE46 4LN www.cheersnortheast.co.uk / CHEERS / 5

NEWS

PROTECTION IS NO RACKET New laws to protect pubs listed as Assets of Community Value (ACV) in England come into effect on April 6, neatly coinciding with the beer tax cut in the recent Budget and the passing into law of the Small Business Bill which will give pub company licensees in England and Wales a fairer deal on beer prices and rent.

When a pub is listed as an ACV in England it will receive full planning protection, ultimately giving communities a say in what happens if the owner wishes to demolish it or convert it to another use. This is a powerful step towards protecting our valued community pubs. All it takes is a local group or 21 locals to start the process of having a pub listed as an ACV. www.camra.org.uk/list-your-local

UNDERNEATH THE ARCHES An application has been made to Newcastle City Council to open what would be the city centre’s first “micropub”. The Split Chimp – in the regenerated railway arches on Forth Street – will follow the concept of small pubs set up in converted premises, such as Curfew in Berwick.

6 / CHEERS / www.cheersnortheast.co.uk

SADDLE UP IN YORKSHIRE North Yorkshire pubs should see another spike in custom next month to rival that of last year’s Tour de France when thousands of cycling fans flocked to the county and refreshed themselves liberally.

Perhaps during the Tour de Yorkshire (May 1-3) they won’t go as far as Otley did in 2014 when all 19 of the town’s pubs changed their names to their French equivalent. The Fleece

became La Toison for a month and the White Swan morphed into Le Cygne Blanc while Le Cheval Noir was better known as The Black Horse. And it’s encouraging to see many of the pubs, like the One-Eyed Rat in Ripon (pictured) retaining their yellow-painted Tour de France bikes to signify their support for a cycle ride combined with an ale pick-me-up. www.letour.yorkshire.com

NEWS

A LITTLE DEVIL OF A BEER Duvel Tripel Hop (9.5% abv), the much sought-after limited edition sibling of Duvel, the iconic Belgian beer, will be brewed with Equinox hops as its special ingredient for this year’s vintage.

Duvel Tripel Hop 2015, like Duvel itself, is live, unpasteurised and re-fermented in the bottle. It was launched in 2007 as a limited-edition beer, only intended as a one-off, but the vintage sold out in just three days, by which time it was selling at $75

on eBay. Beer lovers challenged the brewery to re-brew Tripel Hop if they could amass 10,000 signatures, a figure they easily surpassed. So you could say it’s here to stay.

This year’s limited edition, like all the others, is based on a hop grist of Saaz (dry, spicy) and Styrian Goldings (waxy lime), but this year the third hop selected to dry-hop the grist is Equinox from the US which has a high oil content and tight cone structure that give intense flavours of citrus and tropical fruit balanced by milder floral, herbal notes.

SOFTWARE SERVED IN PUBS Wedderburn EPoS Systems, the designers and developers who support and supply EPoS software for the hospitality and retail market, has purchased Epositive Solutions Ltd, the company founded by Vishal Patel, a veteran of the sector.

Wedderburn reinvents itself time and again to keep abreast of the latest technologies and the decision to purchase Epositive was all about expanding its offering to serve its current customer base even

better and to support new business opportunities utilising its innovative Orbis software.

Chris Barker, Wedderburn managing director, said: “We have gained experienced and quality personnel to support the growth of our business and Vishal will be joining the board, strengthening our management team. Vishal will manage the operations side at Wedderburn, responsible for support, service and installations.” www.wedderburn.co.uk

RAISE A SPOON OF BROWN ALE A Northumberland company has been given a boost by reaching the finals of one of the country’s highest profile competitions.

Wooler-based Doddington Dairy – which produces, among others, Newcastle Brown Ale ice cream – has been shortlisted in the BBC Food Programme Food & Farming Awards. The final runners and riders bring together some of the most innovative, dedicated and passionate people from around the UK who are changing food for the better.

Doddington Dairy is one of the few farm-based food producers to be represented in the line-up. In fact, the family business is one of a dwindling number of dairy farms left operating in Northumberland.

Run by the Maxwell family, the company produces a portfolio of unpasteurised artisan cheeses, which include the new Darling Blue Cheese. Ice creams are 100% natural and use, where possible, locally grown ingredients which are incorporated into the innovative range.

CAMRA 2015 South West Northumberland Pub of the Year Winner

15 Handpulls, 12 Ciders/Perrys Back by popular demand - PIE & PEAS (scrumptious) Toasties, sandwiches & selection coffees available daily Beer Garden - Dog friendly Karaoke Night -Saturday 18th April Buskers Night - Tuesday 7th, 21st April & 5th May

Don’t forget our beer festival Thursday 2nd - Monday 6th April Station Road, Wylam, NE41 8HR. Telephone 01661 853431 Follow @BoathouseWylam Like us on www.cheersnortheast.co.uk / CHEERS / 7

NEWS

NOW OPEN TO CUSTOMERS OLD AND NEW! Bringing a new look, with new menus, a new chef and a new pub experience to Seaton Delaval Classic Menu served 6 days a week.

Sunday Lunch @ The Hastings 1 Course £6.95 - 2 courses £9.45 3 courses £11.45

Live Music

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OPENING TIMES: Monday to Thursday: 11.00 - 23.30 Friday & Saturday: 11.00 - 00.30 | Sunday: 12.00 - 23.30 Wheatridge Row Seaton Delaval Northumberland NE25 0QH Tel: 0191 2376868

CHEERS LIFTS ANOTHER AWARD The other Cheers North East, Cheers Café Bar & Tavern in Fraserburgh, Aberdeenshire, is no stranger to prize-winning – and the latest came at the Scottish Thistle Awards for Friendliest Bar in Scotland.

That’s some accolade, well done to our namesake! It even prompted Fergus Ewing MSP, Minister for Business, Energy and Tourism to write and congratulate pub owner Dennis Forsyth and his staff in glowing terms.

Cheers, a specialist spirits bar, pictured above, has 30 Scottish gins plus Scottish vodkas and rums regularly on offer plus 200 malts and blended whiskies.

Other recent accolades include Independent Bar, Family Bar and Ultimate Venue national awards from Scottish Licensed Trade News, Dram magazine and Sky Sports PreviewLive Magazine awards respectively. Certainly worth a visit – tell Dennis Cheers sent you. www.cheersbarfraserburgh.com

ANYONE FANCY A BREWERY? Three Kings Brewery owner Ewan McCann tells us that due to expansion plans, he’s putting the whole five-barrel brewing kit up for sale and investing in a 10-barrel plant.

The equipment is approximately two years old and has produced such winners as Silver Darling, Billy Mill Ale and Tyneside Tommy from the North Shields brewhouse.

8 / CHEERS / www.cheersnortheast.co.uk

Tanks are stainless steel, insulated, and include a hot liquor tank, mash tun, kettle, heat exchanger, transfer pumps, underback, pipework, hoses, five fermenting vessels and cask washer. Images and inspection are available.

Ewan is happy to reduce the price of £33,000 plus VAT if all five fermenters aren’t required. www.threekingsbrewery.co.uk

NEWS

Top man: Ellis J Stewart is heading for Everest

BIG STAKES FOR PIE WINNERS

CLIMBER’S DREAM TO COME TRUE An Everest adventurer is being sponsored

by Camerons Brewery as he attempts to conquer the 8,848-metre peak for charity.

Ellis J Stewart is tackling the world’s highest mountain to raise funds for Dreams Come True - and to plant a Camerons flag on top. Ellis has climbed mountains all over the world, from the UK to Argentina and beyond, but for the past 20 years he has focused on this single, once-in-alifetime venture.

Traditional family run pub since 1975

“I can pinpoint the exact moment when this drive for Everest started,” he says. “I attended a talk in the mid-1990s in Hartlepool Town Hall by the British climber Doug Scott, who was the first British subject to reach the top of Everest in 1975.

“I left that talk feeling like I had just discovered a new purpose in life. This resolve has never left me, remaining as strong now as it was all those years ago.”

Groucho Marx said he wouldn’t join a club that would have him as a member – but even he would have made allowances for The Pork Pie Appreciation Society.

The club meets (meats?) every Saturday at The Old Bridge Inn, Ripponden, West Yorkshire, where members discuss the whys and wherefores of the delicacy set in front of them. It’s supposed to be fun, but as strict protocols are adhered to, it’s serious business.

The society’s annual charity competition is held on April 25 with pie makers invited to take part. Prizes donated by Timothy Taylor Brewery include £150 (traditional category) and £50 for an artisan or speciality pork pie.

Fancy a go? Entry forms: www.porkpieclub.com

We’re in the Goo Guide..d. Beer a (2013)gain

Regular Music & Folk Nights

Mon - Fri: from 4pm • Sat: from 12pm Sun: 12pm - 3pm & from 7pm BRIDGE END INN, Ovingham 01661 832219

The Black Horse Low Fell, Gateshead

For futher information please follow us on facebook and twitter Black Horse, Low Fell •

@BlackHorse_GHD

166, Kells Lane, Low Fell, Gateshead, NE9 5HY 0191 491 0534 • blackhorselowfell@hotmail.co.uk

www.cheersnortheast.co.uk / CHEERS / 9

ANNIVERSARIES

WHERE HAVE THE YEARS GONE? We highlight some significant anniversaries that fall this month

MORDUE BREWERY@20 Garry Fawson can’t quite believe the brewery he and brother Matt started celebrates 20 years this month. Mordue Brewery’s first commercial beer was sent straight to the Newcastle Beer Festival in April 2005 and promptly won beer of the festival.

That inaugural brew of Workie Ticket then went on to become the Campaign For Real Ale

10 / CHEERS / www.cheersnortheast.co.uk

Mordue Brewery’s Matt, left, and Garry Fawson

(Camra) Champion Beer of Britain in 1997 and was still at it a couple of years ago, winning a best bitter award at the Great British Beer Festival. In fact, Mordue beers have gained the thick end of 30 awards over that time – the latest announced on page 4.

“The brewery’s been going bonkers lately,” says Garry. “We’ve won a lot of awards, even over the last year, but people are getting more

knowledgeable about beer and the craft beer movement has brought a lot of new custom.”

Another factor is new labelling and pumpclip design which has made the Mordue brand more dynamic on the shelves and pub counters, plus the development of new styles through the Panda Frog concept of exciting and experimental beers led by brewer Rob Millichamp, the self-styled “twisted genius”.

ANNIVERSARIES The original Mordue Brewery was situated on Wallsend village green and run by Joseph Mordue, who started up in 1879 (rather spookily, it’s the last four digits of the present Mordue phone number). The Fawson brothers – keen homebrewers – discovered they were living in Joseph Mordue’s old house, so the name didn’t really take much thought.

Garry says: “Workie Ticket’s success was a springboard and the recipe has not changed at all in these 20 years. We did it all on a homebrew kit, all full mash, working out what we needed.

“We were big fans of Scottish beers, such as Broughton and Belhaven, as they have a softness we particularly liked – so we set out to create a Scottish-type ale, but it came out a lot more complex than intended. We used five different malts which gives

that lovely colour, along with traditional English hops, so we’ve stuck with that.

“Matt and I had been out with some friends and had got sick of drinking really bad beer. We said we did better beer at home.

“When they came round we gave them Workie Ticket and they were gobsmacked. Basically, we wanted to make beer that everybody could enjoy.”

That ethos has followed through the past two decades with new beers and seasonals regularly investigating different styles, such as two German-style beers, a Kolsh and an Alt, plus a French Bière de Garde emerging this year.

“I think our customers are actually pushing us brewers to produce better styles,” says Garry.

“The years have flown by. Twenty years, who’d have thought it?”

THE GREY HORSE, CONSETT@10 Grey Horse licensee Kath Croft

Kath Croft celebrates 10 years in charge of the Grey Horse in Consett on April 18. She took over the traditional, tworoomed former coaching inn – with attached brewery – from Paul and Rosaleen Conroy who had built the pub’s fine reputation for the quality of its ales and, of course, its welcome.

Kath has unquestionably built on those standards. When the Grey Horse became available she jumped at the chance.

“It was my first time in Consett,” she says. “I love it and the pub is doing really well. People here are really friendly, it’s a lovely community, and they come from

far and wide. It’s all real ales we serve here and the Consett Ale Works beers brewed behind the pub by Rufus Thompson are particularly popular.”

Customer and part-time barmaid Lesley Stephenson emphasises the ambience that Kath Croft has fostered. “It’s always a lovely atmosphere,” she says. “It’s the sort of place that new people come back to.”

And, if you’re doing the Coast to Coast by bike, The Grey Horse is so close to the route it not only acts as a “stamping station” but is a well-used refreshment stop. But be careful, you might just hang up your helmet. www.cheersnortheast.co.uk / CHEERS / 11

ANNIVERSARIES

NEWS

NORTHERN POWERHOUSE? IT’S HERE The whoops of delight you may have heard recently came from three of the region’s breweries at BeerX in Sheffield where Mordue, Wylam and Allendale breweries scooped significant awards in several categories of the SIBA (Society of Independent Brewers) 2015 National Beer Competition.

Mordue Brewery won gold for Killswitch 51 in the bottled beer category and bronze for Oatmeal Stout in the dark ales, stouts and porters section.

Wylam Brewery took gold for Haxan Black Wit in the category for speciality beers in keg.

Allendale Brewery was awarded silver for Pennine Pale (Bottled Bitters up to and

THE TANNERY, HEXHAM@1 The Tannery in Hexham has just put in its first 12-month shift.

Formerly The Skinners Arms ( from the town’s glove making days), it had all the hallmarks of a sleeping beauty to tenant Dave Carr’s eye.

He saw potential in its three distinct rooms, its mixed residential location and a desire among locals to be presented with a local they could be proud of.

Dave has also help transform The Branding Villa in South Gosforth, Newcastle, in similar fashion.

Basically, it’s a case of not only

giving people what they want but presenting them with something that makes them feel good with almost personal detail. In came a cider room, gin lounge, and fascinating island-style back bar.

A range of well-proven national and local beers with a hint of rebellion about them excites the main bar (which also features a cheese counter) and customers are loving the whole thing.

A year on and The Tannery has settled well into Hexham’s drinking, eating out and music scene. It fits the town like a glove.

S I N C E

including 4.9%) and bronze for APA (strong bitters).

SIBA holds heats in 10 regions, with only 60 beers receiving a national award from around 2,000 that entered initially.

Wylam’s Dave Stone said: “The North East brewing scene goes from strength to strength, so anything we can do to bring attention to the region is a real plus. We are very proud to have been awarded gold with Haxan Wit. It was a real buzz to win a trophy.”

Cumbria-based Hawkshead Brewery won a best customer support award for its beer sales app, the first in the country.

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WYLAM BREWERY PROPER

PROPER

BEER PUBS IN

CRAFT BEER INNOVATION FROM THE HEART OF NORTHUMBERLAND WYLAMBREWERY.CO.UK JOIN THE REAL ALE

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01661 853377

30/01/2015 10:28

CRAFT BEER CALLING

CALLING ALL BEER LOVERS

Following last year’s sellout event, the organisers of Craft Beer Calling (CBC) have announced its return to Newcastle. The international craft beer festival will again be held at The Boilershop at the Stephenson Works from Friday October 23-Sunday October 25.

The 2015 edition will see more breweries, more beers and an enlarged street food market, as well as a more extensive Meet The Brewer and In Conversation programme. This includes more than 60 of the world’s leading craft breweries, ore than 300 world-class beers, a barrel-aged beer selection served directly from the wood, and a working microbrewery on-site

with “beer school” opportunities.

Event organiser Dave Stone from Wylam Brewery said: “Last year’s event was fantastic given that it was the first Craft Beer Calling. We will be welcoming some amazing breweries to the UK for the first time as well as looking forward to the return of some firm favourites and, of course, ensuring that the North East’s brewing community is well represented.

“We will also have some great speakers – the details will be announced in the coming weeks – however we can confirm that the highly respected author Pete Brown will be hosting an In Conversation session, plus we have a plethora of incredible brewers taking part in the

Meet The Brewer sessions from as far as New Zealand and the US.” There will be a small working brewhouse on site and brewers will be invited to collaborate on small batch brews that will be laid down and aged for consumption at CBC 2016.

Dave Stone said: “We have a vibrant and ever-evolving beer scene in the region and it’s great that Craft Beer Calling can act as a focus for the great work everybody is doing here.”

A full list of breweries attending will be unveiled in due course.

Notable additions include Stone Brewing Co and Sierra Nevada from the US, Mikkeller (Denmark), Nomad Brewing Co (Australia), Brew By Numbers and Moor Beer Company, all from the UK. Among those returning are The Kernel Brewery, Beavertown, Five Points, Camden Town and Magic Rock. The CBC closing party will see the return of international DJ/recording artist Mr Scruff to the turntables..

Tickets are now on sale and available online from: www.craftbeercalling.com

5 Real Ales always on tap.

NEW MENU NOW AVAILABLE Full English served from 6am Monday - Friday in C C Hudsons Open Mic nights - Fortnightly on Tuesdays Function rooms available for private hire Grand Central Station, Neville St, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 5DG

Tel: 0191 2616611

www.centurion-newcastle.com 14 / CHEERS / www.cheersnortheast.co.uk

A SPECIAL OPEN MIC JAMBOREE Thursday April 16th from 8 pm - Celebrating 10 years of local musicians at the Grey Horse All singers and musicians welcome

THE BIG PARTY Saturday April 18th - live music with The Groove A Matics Band Free buffet and a special Consett Ale! The Management and staff would like to thank all of our customers for their continued support over the years Quiz night every Wednesday - free food Music night every Thursday - free entrance Home of Consett Ale Works - White Hot, Red Dust and Steel Town A beer festival every day of the week with 8 hand pulls Visit us on face book - check out our website for details of events www.thegreyhorse.co.uk

HOME TO C O NSETT ALEW O RKS

115 Sherburn Ter, Consett, Co Durham, DH8 6NE

Telephone 01207 502585

THE MAN WHO BUILDS BREWERIES

A WELD CHAMPION The pint in your hand has to come from somewhere.

Alastair Gilmour meets a man who helps brewers make beer happen In a writer’s job you get to meet some extraordinarily talented people. Take the man who built his own house to take full advantage of truly stunning Borders scenery, the welder and fabricator who constructs whisky stills and creates breweries in sizes from nano to regional, the home-brewer whose Blonde is a highly marketable fusion of soft malt and crisp apple flavours, and the Isle of Man TT sidecar racer.

If you roll all of those into one, James “Sam” Sampson comes out the other end. And Sam, as he prefers to be known, even makes the most amazing tomato-rich, ham-heady, rib-sticking soup. It’s tempting to confuse him with a rocket scientist.

For the past four-and-a-half years, Sam has been constructing brewery equipment – mash tuns, fermenters, conditioning tanks, cask washers, you name it – from his Scotia Welding & Fabrication business near Lauder in the Scottish Borders. Breweries he has been involved with – either full kit installations, part-works, or remedial – include Allendale in Northumberland, Tempest in Kelso, Fyne Ales of Argyll, Ushers of Edinburgh, Stonehouse in Shropshire, and The Old Potting Shed in High Spen, Tyne and Wear. His order book bulges to the extent that he’s recently taken on two more pairs of metalworking hands.

His first brewery commission came in 2010. “I was in Inverness, actually at a funeral, when I got a call asking me if I’d be interested in building a brewery,” he says. Not a man to shirk a challenge, Sam decided to have a go. “That was Tempest Brewery, then the consultant on that job asked me if I’d be interested in doing one in Kent.

“It went on from there. I’ve done distillery work for Balvenie, Grants, and the Hendricks gin distillery. I first started work at McMillan’s in Prestonpans (Edinburgh), the coppersmiths and specialist fabricators, where I served my 16 / CHEERS / www.cheersnortheast.co.uk

apprenticeship working on whisky stills.”

Sam works in close collaboration with brewing consultant George Thompson, a hugely experienced brewer himself whose portfolio reaches across the globe and who lands, from time to time in the North East, including, a couple of years ago, overseeing developments at Hadrian Border brewery in Newcastle.

Sam says: “I think people are far more interested in where their beer is coming from these days and we’re heading to the stage where each village is going to have its own microbrewery.”

Whether you trace that educated assumption back to former chancellor Gordon Brown’s small breweries’ tax relief in 2003 that introduced a 50% reduction in excise duty for micros producing under 5,000 hectolitres, or the wave of craft brewing inspiration rolling in from across the Atlantic, it spells good news for Sam Sampson, George Thompson and the simple beer lover.

Scotia Welding’s journey towards the microbrewery sector started with the horrors of the World Trade Centre in 2001.

“I was manufacturing and constructing architectural metalwork for trade fairs, visitor centres and exhibition stands all over the world,” says Sam. “I was in San Diego, Florida, Cannes, Canada, but 9/11 kicked it all in the head.

Within a year, two of the three companies I was working with went bust.”

A man who enjoys a pint, Sam noted that more and more beers were appearing, produced by new, small breweries – and the common denominator was a need for brewing equipment.

Many of them had started up on little more than a shoestring budget and a dusting of enthusiasm, so it would be fair to presume that they would be seeking second-hand vessels to convert for making beer.

Dairy equipment, for example, was widely sought after – that’s how Wylam Brewery in

“PEOPLE ARE FAR MORE INTERESTED IN WHERE THEIR BEER IS COMING FROM THESE DAYS”

Perfectly formed: The 120-litre nano-brewery

Action man: James ‘Sam’ Sampson

Northumberland got started. Similarly with Sulwath Brewery in Dumfries & Galloway – but in that case it was redundant jam kit.

However, those conversions require high levels of skills in adapting to a new use, and Sam, who specialises in stainless steel, aluminium, mild steel, brass and copper, knew he was the man.

Tom Hick, owner of Allendale Brewery, is delighted with the work Scotia Welding has carried out for the award-winning business. He says: “Sam was great to deal with. He extended some of our Grundy tanks which involves not only quite a lot of welding, but maintaining the structural integrity of the vessel to retain its strength. He also reinforced the legs and fitted a sight tube so we could check the levels.

“He not only knows his own job but he’s got a lot of knowledge about brewing, which is what he’s offering.”

Sam Sampson takes his work so seriously he built his own pilot plant to brew beer for himself – obviously to enjoy a beer but also to complete the process in his head. The 120-litre capacity microbrewery installed in his workshop could fit easily into the average sized garage or a large kitchen.

A room in his house has a bar in one corner, an ornate church pulpit which once graced the Guthrie Memorial Church on Easter Road in Edinburgh.

He says: “A friend of mine was in charge of stripping it out (when the church was made redundant) and making sure that everything was properly removed without damaging it. He suggested it would make a nice bar.”

It’s a bolt-hole and ostensibly a contrast to the welding torch and laser cutter, but in reality it’s very much a creative space, a problem-solving den acting as yet another implement in a rocket scientist’s extensive toolbox. www.scotiawelding.co.uk www.cheersnortheast.co.uk / CHEERS / 17

NEWCASTLE BEER FESTIVAL

INDULGENCE TIME AGAIN The Newcastle Beer Festival is one of those events that marks the “shortening” of the years.

It’s difficult to believe that the 39th version – organised by the Tyneside & Northumberland branch of the Campaign For Real Ale (Camra) – is on its way.

The annual real ale jamboree starts on Wednesday April 15 when it opens to the public at 6pm with the results of a Battle of the Beers competition judged earlier in the day. Local brewers have been invited to produce a new beer of any style containing only British ingredients. Some of the region’s top beers have come out of this competition in the past, such as Hadrian Border’s Grainger Ale and Mordue X2, so the standard is extremely high.

Beers are promised from all over the North East but the majority of the 138 examples are on their way from every corner of

the country, including a rarelyfound-in-cask Highland Brewing Whisky Porter (11.5% abv) which sounds like one to fall back on.

Northumbria University Real Ale Society has been brewing two beers – one at Tyne Bank and another at Out There, both Newcastle microbreweries.

The number 39 is an odd one in more ways than one. When the Romans handed out punishments of 40 lashes to their slaves, the poor miscreants would receive only 39, referred to as “40 save one”. Thirty-nine is also the atomic number of the rare-earth element yttrium which is used in making phosphors that create the red colour in LED displays. So, be in your element – number 39 awaits. *The 39th Camra Newcastle Beer Festival, Northumbria University Students Union April 15-18. Details: www.cannybevvy.co.uk

PHOTO: Colin Anderson

LOOKING AFTER THE PENNIES Last month’s Budget cut a penny off a pint but Camerons Brewery has gone further.

Across the 14 managed pubs in its retail estate, customers will be given the choice to receive their 1p back or donate it to local charity, the Hartlepool Special Needs Support Group. In addition, 18 / CHEERS / www.cheersnortheast.co.uk

for every 1p donated, Camerons will match this with a penny of its own. The scheme is set to run for four weeks which takes it into late April and includes pubs in the Head of Steam group (Newcastle, Gateshead, Sunderland and Huddersfield) plus the Ship Isis in Sunderland.

A HOUSE. WITH BEER. WHAT MORE DO YOU WANT? Huge range of draught & cask beers.

Bottled beers from all over the world.

Local & seasonal selections including Tyne Bank Brewery.

Prosecco on tap. Proper stotties with pulled pork and BBQ beef brisket.

We don’t do prim & proper... We just do proper.

Come and have a pint before your flight.

The Beer House is now open at Newcastle International Airport.

Follow us on Twitter @_thebeerhouse

PUBS UPDATE

ANOTHER DOOR OPENS It’s encouraging to see confidence in the region’s pub scene with dreams and ideas being realised. Alastair Gilmour takes a tour around some of the latest developments

McCONNELL’S GIN & ALE HOUSE JARROW If there’s such a thing as a typical Jarrow Brewery-owned pub, McConnell’s Gin & Ale House comes straight out of the mould.

With the emphasis on wood panelling, sumptuous drapery and liberal lashings of nostalgia, this first in a new line of McConnell’sbranded hostelries follows the design ethos of three kings Advert.pdf 1 30/10/2014 The Maltings in South Shields, the Robin Hood

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20 / CHEERS / www.cheersnortheast.co.uk

Vince Long, assistant manager, McConnell’s Gin & Ale House

(Jarrow), Isis in Sunderland – now sold – and to some extent the refurbishment of the Magnesia Bank in North Shields which Jarrow owned for a short time.

Jarrow Brewery owners Jess and Alison McConnell have seen the value in developing their own pub estate – not only as an outlet for 18:33 their own beers, but to capitalise on the deep

affection people have for pubs and the position they hold in society.

McConnell’s Gin & Ale House was formerly The Jarrow Crusaders and sits in a housing estate just off the town centre, so it sings and shouts “community pub”. The exterior has been remodelled using salvaged tiling, while inside the single-roomed pub is rich in timber fittings,

PUBS UPDATE warm carpeting, deep upholstery, shimmering mirrors and a cleverly rendered ceiling. The bar counter is topped in marble, exposed brickwork peeps from crannies, a large fireplace dominates one end and historic images of Jarrow

liven the walls. And as befits the new name, the beer offer ranges through Jarrow Brewery’s superb portfolio, backed up by premium continental beers and lagers – and a range of a dozen gins which is scheduled to expand quickly.

POETIC LICENSE SUNDERLAND

Walter Street, Jarrow (Behind the Town Hall, formally the Crusader)

Open Daily From 12 to Noon Sunderland’s seafront is emerging as a key component in the city’s long-heralded regeneration.

And Poetic License, based at the Best Western Roker Hotel, is a great example of that awakening.

The pub – operated by Tavistock Hospitality, the group that owns Sonnet 43 Brew House – is a prime example of taking a large space and refiguring it into interesting, well-designed areas, each with a slight difference to reflect customers’ moods and tastes. A conservatory sits high above Roker beach and harbour and where you could sit for hours contemplating the waves rolling in and out and the occasional ship sliding by.

On the main bar is a range of Sonnet 43 ales with ever-evolving

guests. Behind the handpulls, on the back bar, is a display of casks and malt bags that trigger the word “beer” in one’s mind. Clever that.

Dining and drinking areas are clearly delineated – high coppertopped tables with tall stools are primarily for drinking, while the hungrier visitor can choose from three distinct portions of the pub.

The promise of craft beer, cocktails and soul food is fulfilled – the menu includes Dropswell Farm bangers and mash in a red onion gravy and the simple pleasures of cottage pie with Parmesan crust and buttered greens. Cocktails range from international classics to locally-conceived twists – and when the gin distillery is fully operational, expect some sensational combos to follow. poeticlicensebar.co.uk

THE LOUNGE, BIN21 HEXHAM

Hexham’s Market Square is a people-watcher’s dream stage.

It acts like a magnet for the town’s visitors for strolling their way around and for its residents to go about their daily business – and one of the best places to take in the view is from The Lounge Café Bar above Bin21 wine merchants The Lounge hasn’t been open

long but it has already become a favourite for diners, drinkers, moochers and grazers, some of whom have already been attracted by the range of wines, spirits and beers on offer in Northumberland’s largest independent wine retailer (there is another Bin21 and Lounge in Morpeth).

The Lounge has ample space and the temptation would have

Jarrow’s Award Winning Ales and Stouts Speciality Gins and Lagers Erdinger & Liefmans on Tap www.cheersnortheast.co.uk / CHEERS / 21

NEW PUBS

THE BLUE BELL CORBRIDGE

been to fill its two rooms to capacity with tables and seating – but more isn’t always the way forward. It’s relaxed with an easy attitude where wine barrels combine with club chairs and framed dramatic landscapes to create the informality that people enjoy, particularly when contemplating 400 wines and 100plus whiskies – a selection that can often intimidate the casual buyer.

Beers at the bar come from Allendale, Wylam and Hadrian

Border breweries which are perfect accompaniments for most of the short menu.

The food focus is on cheese platters, meat platters and nibbles which is bliss for mixers-andmatchers, with choices such as Cahills Porter from Limerick (a brown marbled cheese made with porter) bringing a touch of the unusual. Tapas dishes include pork loin, chorizo and salami – again in sharing portions. bin21.com

The Blue Bell is shaping up to be a pub worth the wait. For most of this month it’ll be subject to a complete refurbishment guided by new tenant Paul Whittle.

His previous role with Punch Taverns was to manage pubs in the short term while tenancies were being negotiated but he saw so much potential in The Blue Bell he decided to take it on himself. He also admits he fell in love with the place, despite the dowdy reputation that has stained its character of late.

And, with the shape and size ripe for creativity and a large rear beer garden that could easily be developed to full advantage, it has potential written all over it. The first inkling of real change will be the signage, followed by a complete internal refurb and an emphasis on real ales. Customers are promised the best-value pub in Corbridge when it reopens on Friday May 1. High definition live sport and music videos should create their own atmosphere.

May the first be with you.

Paul Whittle and partner Sarah Smith at The Blue Bell

“THE LOUNGE” OPENS ABOVE BIN21 WINE SHOP IN HEXHAM

Following the success of our Morpeth branch Bin21, Hexham’s favourite wine merchant, has opened a new “café & wine lounge” above the shop in the Market Place.

Accessed through the shop we serve the best coffee in Hexham* along with food and some lovely nibbles, wines by the glass or bottle with meat platters & cheeseboards too, so…not only can you enjoy our lovely wines at home….you can also enjoy our lovely wines, local ales and lagers, spirits and malt whisky, in our relaxing lounge as well.

Coffee and tea to take away or sit inside is served everyday from 9.00am (10.00am on Sunday) Opening hours for “The Lounge” are: Monday to Wednesday 9.00am to 5.00pm, Thursday to Saturday 9.00am to 11.00pm and Sunday 10am to 10pm.

We look forward to seeing you there.

*Our customers tell us we serve the best coffee in Hexham….. we could not possibly comment !!!

22 / CHEERS / www.cheersnortheast.co.uk

Gigs ’N’ Festivals

THROUGHOUT APRIL TYNEMOUTH TREATS

APRIL 13-14 STONE BREWING CO TAP TAKEOVER

Hexham/Metrocentre/Newcastle bus stops right outside.

Details: 01661 843060

Seaside Sessions (acoustic double sets inc.

Jake Houlsby, JD O’Neill, Kelly Rox, Nick Gladdish), plus new Tuesday Night Music Club, hosted by Liam Fender, starts 9pm.

Turn up and play. The first two weeks of May will feature a Tyne Bank beer festival with the second two devoted to Wylam Brewery.

Head of Steam, Front Street, Tynemouth NE30 4BS Details: 0191 272 8105 www.theheadofsteam.co.uk

Head of Steam, Reform Place Durham, DH1 4RZ April 14, free Stone Brewing Co tasting night and a talk about the beers with the San Diego brewery’s Steve Hock (with dishes cooked in the beer). The Stone style is bold, strong and very hoppy and includes Arrogant Bastard (7.2% abv) and Ruination (8.2% abv).

Details: 0191 383 2173 www.theheadofsteam.co.uk

APRIL 2-6 SCOTTISH BEER FESTIVAL

MAY 7-8 APRIL 15-18 WHITLEY BAY BEER FESTIVAL 39TH NEWCASTLE BEER FESTIVAL Rockcliff RFC, Hillheads, Lovaine Avenue, Whitley

The Boathouse, Wylam, NE41 8HR Legendary annual festival with more than 40 of the finest ales from north of the Border. Live music, sandwiches, real fire too. Details: 01661 853431

Northumbria University Students Union Newcastle, NE1 8ST See feature on page 18.

Details: www.canny-bevvy.co.uk

MAY 1-3 GLENSIDE SPRING BEER FESTIVAL

APRIL 3-6 EASTER TREATS

The Cluny, Ouseburn Newcastle, NE1 2PQ Good Fryday fish and chips, cask ales and live music.

Saturday Market noon-4pm, free. An afternoon of local arts and crafts.

0191 230 4474 www.thecluny.com

The Glenside, Mickley Northumberland, NE43 7BW Local and guest ales and cider. Friday 6pm (live band Gladstone), Saturday 3pm (Rocky), Sunday 4pm (The Bitter Sweet Hearts), plus numerous buskers. Hot food. £5 (entry into all three days) includes festival glass. No10

MAY 1-4 THE OFFICE BEER FESTIVAL

The Office, Castle Square, Morpeth Nine local ales in this new micropub. Times 5-10.30pm (May 1), 12noon-10.30pm (May 2,3), 5-10.30pm, May 4.

Details: 07707 703 182

Bay NE25 8RN Thirty cask ales, ciders and wines. £10 includes three tokens and glass. 5-11pm, live music both nights. Food available. 5pm-11pm. www.Rockcliffrfc.co.uk

MAY 8-9 HOUGHTON BEER FESTIVAL

Welfare Hall, Station Road, Houghton le Spring DH4 5AH Two days of terrific beer and great music.

Tickets: www.houghton-beer-festival.co.uk/buy-a-ticket

NEW BEERS TEMPERED OVER BURNING WITCHES Black Sheep Brewery is preparing for a month-long celebration of Monty Python with a special cask ale release of its popular Holy Grail.

Famously “tempered over burning witches”, Holy Grail was created in 2000 to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the classic comedy team, and is an important element in Black Sheep’s bottled beer portfolio.

Monty Python’s Holy Grail is a light golden beer with a fruity nose, fresh, 24 / CHEERS / www.cheersnortheast.co.uk

zesty flavour and a long crisp bitter finish.

Jo Theakston, Black Sheep’s sales and marketing director, said: “Putting Holy Grail out on cask this April is something we are very excited about. And to make the casks…you must now cut down the tallest tree in the forest… with… a herring!”

SAIL OF THE CENTURY Off to the Mediterranean or the Caribbean on board the new ship Britannia? Apart from being very lucky, you can enjoy a taste of The Lakes while you’re cruising.

Staveley, Cumbria-based Hawkshead Brewery has been approached by P&O to supply the cruise liner with bottles of Brodie’s

IPA recipe which proves strong, hoppy beers aren’t new arrivals.

Beer cocktails are also available.

Prime (4.9% abv) among what is believed to be the largest selection of beers at sea. Britannia, above, was officially named by the Queen last month, her first such event in nearly 20 years, in time for the ship’s maiden voyage on March 14.

BACK IN THE DAY Prohibition in the US ended on April 6 1933 and the date has since been known as New Beers Eve with the next day dubbed New Beers Day. To mark this occasion, The Head of Steam in Durham is featuring a Smuttynose-Stone Brewery collaboration called Clusters Last Stand, a beer based on the original 1930s Ballantine’s

DANKE FOR THE MEMORY Pumberger Black IPA (5.0% abv) was developed as a leaving present for Jarrow Brewery by Tobias Pumberger, a 22-yearold Austrian brewer, following a five-week secondment from Brauerei Hofstetten.

Available widely (including La Taverna in Ryton, below), it has a distinctly roasted malt character punctuated by a fruity hop flavour.

PUB PROFILE

PUB PROFILE CITY TAVERN, NEWCASTLE

Being dog-friendly in the city centre has been a phenomenal success The City Tavern has been open for exactly a year and the staff have since worked hard to earn a place among Newcastle’s top pubs.

Immediately stylish, it also manages to fend off any preconceived ideas of exclusiveness. It’s friendly, embracing and welcoming.

The transformation from its previous pub life has been described by Simon Theakston, chairman of family brewer T&R Theakston, as “the best pub refurbishment I have ever seen”, which isn’t a bad comment to have on your CV. The internal finishes – timber and brick – are traditional, with a not so much a twist but a full plait. Beams, girders, cabling and piping have to be there for the place to function so why not make a feature of them – plus that way they’re so obvious they’re almost invisible. Framed photographs featuring people enjoying themselves are important too, and also add to the ambience. And being dogfriendly in the city centre has been a phenomenal success, attracting customers who have dogs and people who don’t have dogs but appreciate a place – like a country pub – that accepts them gladly.

The main bar is impressive enough, but regulars enjoy saying: “Have you been upstairs?” Upstairs is little short of amazing. Its cleverly designed areas can be simultaneously intimate or all-inclusive and it’s also licenced for marriages, accommodating parties of up to 60. Bookings for private and corporate events already stretch into 2016. An open kitchen adds to the theatre of presentation and an outside terrace with comfortable seating is a treat for smokers.

26 / CHEERS / www.cheersnortheast.co.uk

WHERE IS IT? City Tavern, Northumberland Road, Newcastle, NE1 8JF Tel: 0191 232 1308, www.citytavern.co.uk Just off Northumberland Street, one of the country’s busiest shopping streets, opposite Newcastle’s largest multi-storey car park, and yards from the City Hall. The completely transformed, 1872-vintage building (remodelled in 1923) was for several years known as LYH.

THE BEER

Eight handpulls with plans for two more to reflect local provenance. Popular house ales City Tavern Ale and Bar Hound Ale brewed by Caledonian and Theakstons – light and quaffing or copper-hued with a touch of malt. Whisky and gin are specialities while there are plenty of water bowls and doggy treats for fourlegged companions.

THE REST

Hearty, home-cooked and popular with shoppers and families, the daily menu ranges from steamed mussels with chunky bread through wild mushroom, pea and leek risotto to steak and ale pie.

Sunday lunches offer not only a choice of Northumbrian topside beef, slow-roast rare breed pork or roast chicken breast, but fish and chips, hamburger and sausages.

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www.cheersnortheast.co.uk / CHEERS / 27

A-Z PUB GUIDE

Cheers is all about pubs in the North East and this should be a good place to start...

COUNTY DURHAM BUTCHER’S ARMS

THE CROSS KEYS

Front Street, Esh, DH7 9QR t: 0191 3731279

Middle Chare, Chester le Street, DH3 3QB t: 0191 388 3605

THE CROWN

DUN COW

THE DUKE OF WELLINGTON

37 Old Elvet, Durham, DH1 3HN t: 0191 386 9219

GREENBANK HOTEL

90 Greenbank Road, Darlington, DL3 6EL t: 01325 462624

HALF MOON INN

130 North Gate, Darlington, DL1 1QS t: 01325 465765

HAT AND FEATHERS

Church Street, Seaham, SR7 7HF t: 01915 133040

HEAD OF STEAM

3 Reform Place, Durham, DH1 4RZ t: 0191 3832173

HOLE IN THE WALL

14 Horsemarket, Darlington, County Durham DL1 5PT t: 01325 466720

ITALIAN FARMHOUSE

Mickleton, Barnard Castle, DL12 0JZ t: 01833 640 381

THE QUAYS

Front Street, Sedgefield, TS21 3AT t: 01740 385 6695

THE FLOATER’S MILL

Woodstone Village, Fence Houses, DH4 6BQ t: 0191 385 6695

THE GARDEN HOUSE INN North Road, Durham, DH1 4NQ t: 0191 3863395

THE GEORGE & DRAGON 4 East Green, Heighington Village, DL5 6PP t: 01325 313152

THE GREY HORSE

115 Sherburn Terrace, Consett, DH8 6NE t: 01207 502585

THE HONEST LAWYER

THREE HORSESHOES

Maiden Law, Durham, DH7 0QT t. 01207 520900

YE OLDE ELM TREE

12 Crossgate, Durham City, DH1 4PS t: 0191 386 4621

THE AVENUE INN

Avenue Street, High Shincliffe, DH1 2PT t: 0191 386 5954

THE BAY HORSE

28 West Green, Heighington, DL5 6PE t: 01325 312312

THE BEAMISH MARY INN No Place, Nr Beamish, DH9 0QH t: 0191 370 0237

THE BLACK HORSE

Red Row,Beamish, DH9 0RW t: 01207 232569

THE BRITTANIA INN

1 Archer Street, Darlington County Durham, DL3 6LR t: 01325 463787

THE CLARENCE VILLA

Durham Road, Coxhoe, County Durham, DH4HX t: 0191 377 3773

THE COUNTY

13 The Green, Aycliffe Vilage, County Durham, DL5 6LX t: 01325 312273

Edmundbyers, DH8 9NL t: 01207 255545

THE DUN COW

NUMBER TWENTY-2

Chilton Lane, Ferryhill, DL17 0DH t: 01740 655724

THE PUNCH BOWL INN

THE QUAKERHOUSE

THE HALF MOON INN

SURTEES ARMS

Mountsett, Burnopfield, NE16 6BA t: 01207 570346

Darlington Road, Durham DH1 3QN t: 0191 375 7651

South Street, West Rainton Houghton - le - Spring DH4 6PA t: 0191 5841022 22 Coniscliffe Road, Darlington, DL3 7RG t: 01325 354590 e: rew@villagebrewer.co.uk www.twenty2.villagebrewer.co.uk

THE PLOUGH

86 New Elvet, Durham, DH1 3AQ t: 0191 3741918 Croxdale Bridge, Croxdale, DH1 3HP t: 0191 3783782

THE JOHN DUCK

91A Claypath, Durham City, DH1 1 RG

THE LAMBTON WORM

North Road, Chester le Street, DH3 4AJ t: 0191 3871162

THE MANOR HOUSE HOTEL

The Green, West Auckland, DL14 9HW t: 01388 834834

THE MANOR HOUSE INN

Carterway Heads, Shotley Bridge, DH8 9LX t: 01207 255268

THE MARKET TAVERN

27 Market Place, Durham, DH1 3NJ t: 0191 3862069

THE MILL

Durham Road, Rainton Bridge, DH5 8NG t: 0191 5843211

THE MINERS ARMS

41 Manor Road, Medomsley, DH8 6QN t: 01207 560428

THE NEWFIELD INN Newfield, Chester le Street, DH2 2SP t: 0191 3700565

THE OAK TREE

Front Street, Tantobie, Stanley, DH9 9RF t: 01207 235 445

THE OLD WELL INN

The Bank, Barnard Castle DL12 8PH t: 01833 690 130

28 / CHEERS / www.cheersnortheast.co.uk

2 Mechanics Yard, Darlington, DL3 7QF t: 07783 960105 5 Tubwell Row, Darlington, DL1 1NU t: 01325 461448

THE ROYAL OAK

7 Manor Rd, Medomsley Village, DH8 6QN t: 01207 560336

THE SCOTCH ARMS

Blackhill, Consett, DH8 8LZ t: 01207 593709

THE SHIP

Low Road, Middlestone Village, Middlestone, DL14 8AB t: 01388 810904

CUMBRIA THE BEER HALL

Hawkshead Brewery, Mill Yard, Staveley, LA8 9LR t: 01539 825260

NORTHUMBERLAND ADAM & EVE

BAMBURGH CASTLE INN

THE STABLES

West Herrington, Houghton le Spring, DH4 4ND t: 0191 584 9226

THE THREE HORSESHOES

Pit House Lane, Leamside, Houghton le Spring, DH4 6QQ t: 0191 584 2394

THE WHITE LION

Newbottle Street, Houghton le Spring, DH4 4AN t: 0191 5120735

THE WHITEHILLS

Waldridge Road, Chester le Street, DH2 3AB t: 0191 3882786

WICKET GATE

Front Street, Chester-le-Street, DH3 3AX t: 0191 3872960

THE WILD BOAR

Frederick Place, Houghton le Spring, DH4 4BN t: 0191 5128050

THE VICTORIA INN

86 Hallgarth Street, Durham, DH1 3AS, t: 0191 3860465

NORTH YORKSHIRE THE CROWN INN

Vicars Lane, Manfield, DL2 2RF t: 01325 374243

THE DOG & GUN

Coopers Lane, Potto, DL6 3HQ t: 01642 700232

THE WHITE SWAN

1 West End, Stokesley, TS9 5BL t: 01642 710263

RIVERDALE HALL HOTEL

THE DIAMOND INN

THREE HORSESHOES

BARRASFORD ARMS

THREE WHEATHEADS

Barrasford Hexham, NE48 4AA t: 01434 681237

BARRELS

Thropton nr Rothbury, NE65 7LR t: 01669 620262

TWICE BREWED INN

The Wynding, Beadnell, NE675AX t: 01665 720 272 Humshaugh, Hexham, NE46 4AG t: 01434 681 231 Main Street, Ponteland, NE20 9BB t: 01661 872898

THE DYVELS INN

Station Road, Corbridge, NE45 5AY t: 01434 633 633

THE FEATHERS INN

Hedley on the Hill, Stocksfield, NE43 7SW t: 01661 843 607

Military Road, Bardon Mill, NE47 7AN t: 01434 344534

THE GOLDEN LION

BATTLESTEADS HOTEL

THE ALLENDALE INN

THE GOLDEN LION

BEADNELL TOWERS HOTEL

THE ANCHOR HOTEL

CROSS KEYS

THE ANCHOR INN

59-61 Bridge Street, Berwick, TD15 1ES t:01289 308013

Wark, Hexham, NE48 3LS t: 01434 230209 www.battlesteads.com

Beadnell, NE67 5AY t: 01665 721211

Thropton, Rothbury, NE65 7HX t: 01669 620362

DIPTON MILL INN

DOCTOR SYNTAX

Beamish Hall Hotel, Beamish, DH9 0BY t: 01207 288 750

THE CROWN INN

Stanegate Road, Newbrough, Hexham, NE47 5AR t: 01434 674226

Hathery Lane, Horton, Cramlington, NE24 4HF t: 01670 822410

THE SPORTSMANS ARMS

THE STABLES

RED LION INN

Seahouses, NE68 7SQ t: 01665 720283

Brecon Hill, Castle Dene, Chester le Street, DH3 4HE t: 0191 3857559 Moor End Terrace, Belmont, DH1 1BJ t: 0191 3842667

THE CRASTER ARMS

Front Street West, Bedlington, NE22 5TZ t: 01670 536160

Bellingham, NE48 2JT Prudhoe Station, Low Prudhoe, t: 01434 220254 NE42 6NP t: 01661 832323

Dipton Mill Road, Hexham, NE46 1YA t: 01434 606577 e: ghb@hexhamshire.co.uk www.diptonmill.co.uk

THE SMITHS ARMS

RED LION

Market Place, Allendale, Hexham, NE47 9BJ, t: 01434 683246 Haydon Bridge, NE47 6AB t: 01434 688121 Whittonstall, Nr Consett, DH8 9JN t: 01207 561110

THE ANGEL INN

Main Street, Corbridge, NE45 5LA t: 01434 632119

THE BADGER

Hill Street, Corbridge, NE45 5AA t: 01434 632216 Market Place, Allendale, NE47 9BD t: 01434 683 225

THE HADRIAN HOTEL

Wall, Hexham, NE44 4EE t: 01434 681232

THE HERMITAGE INN

23 Castle Street, Warkworth, NE65 0UL t: 01665 711 258

THE HORSESHOES INN

Rennington, Alnwick, NE66 3RS. t: 01665 577665

THE JOINERS ARMS

Newton-by-the-Sea, NE66 3EA t: 01665 576 112

Street Houses, Ponteland Newcastle upon Tyne NE20 9BT t: 01661 871037

THE MANOR HOUSE

DUKE OF WELLINGTON

THE BLACKBIRD

THE MANOR INN

DYKE NEUK

THE BLACK BULL

THE NORTHUMBERLAND ARMS

ELECTRIC WIZARD

THE BLACK BULL INN

New Ridley Road, Stocksfield, NE43 7RG, t: 01661 842383

Newton, NE43 7UL t: 01661 844446

Meldon, Nr Morpeth, NE61 3SL t: 01670 772662 New Market, Morpeth, NE61 1PS t: 01670 500640

FOX AND HOUNDS

Main Road, Wylam NE41 8DL t: 01661 598060

GENERAL HAVELOCK INN

Haydon Bridge, NE47 6ER t: 01434 684376

Ponteland, NE20 9UH t: 01661 822 684 Matfen, NE20 0RP t: 01661 855395 Etal, TD12 4TL t: 01890 820200

THE BLACK & GREY

Newgate St, Morpeth Northumberland NE61 1BU t: 01670 504312

THE BLUE BELL

Mount Pleasant, West Mickley, Stocksfield NE43 7LP t: 01661 843146

JOHN THE CLERK OF CRAMLINGTON

THE BLUE BELL

JOINERS ARMS

THE BOATHOUSE

Front Street, Cramlington, NE23 1DN t: 01670 707060 Wansbeck Street, Morpeth, NE61 1XZ t: 01670 513540

JOLLY FISHERMAN

Craster, Alnwick, NE66 3TR t: 01665 576461

MINERS ARMS

Main Street, Acomb, NE46 4PW t: 01434 603909

LION & LAMB

Horsley, NE15 0NS t: 01661 852952

NEWCASTLE HOTEL

Front Street, Rothbury, NE65 7UT t: 01669 620334

OLIVERS

60 Bridge Street, Blyth, NE24 2AP t: 01670 368346

PERCY ARMS HOTEL

Main Road, Chatton NE66 5PS t: 01668 215244

Hillstreet, Corbridge, NE45 5AA t: 01434 431143

Wylam, NE41 8HR t: 01661 853431 • 14 Real ales on tap • CAMRA 2013 • Northumberland Pub of the Year Winner

THE BOATSIDE INN

Warden, Hexham, NE46 4SQ t: 01434 602233

THE BRIDGE END INN West Road, Ovingham Prudhoe, NE42 6BN t: 01661 832219

• 5 Real Ales • Traditional family run pub • Folk & music nights

THE CARTS BOG INN

Langley on Tyne, Hexham, NE47 5NW. t: 01434 684338

Caterway Heads Shotley Bridge, DH8 9LX t: 01207 255268 Main Street, Haltwhistle, NE49 0BS t: 01434 322588

The Peth, West Thirston, Felton, NE65 9EE t: 01670 787370

THE OLDE SHIP INN

9 Main Street, Seahouses, NE68 7RD t: 01665 720 200

THE PACKHORSE INN

Ellingham, Chathill, NE67 5HA t: 01665 589292

THE PILOT INN

31 Low Greens, Berwick upon Tweed, TD15 1LZ t: 01289 304214

THE PLOUGH

Village Square, Cramlington, NE23 1DN t: 01670 737633

THE PLOUGH INN

Front Street, Ellington, NE61 5JB t: 01670 860340

THE RAILWAY HOTEL

Church Street, Haydon Bridge, NE47 6JG t: 01434 684254

THE RAILWAY INN

Acklington, Morpeth, NE65 9BP t: 01670 760 320

THE RAT INN

Anick, Hexham, NE46 4LN t: 01434 602 814

THE RIDLEY ARMS

Stannington, Morpeth, NE61 6EL t: 01670 789216

THE RED LION

22 Northumberland Street, Alnmouth, NE66 2RJ t: 01665 830584 www.redlionalnmouth.co.uk

THE RED LION INN

Milfield, Wooler, NE71 6JD t: 01668 216224 www.redlioninn-milfield.co.uk

THE SEVEN STARS

21 Main Street, Ponteland, NE20 9NH, t: 01661 872670

THE SUN INN

Acomb, NE46 4PW t: 01434 602934

THE SUN INN

High Church, Morpeth, NE61 2QT, t: 01670 514153

BEST WESTERN ROKER HOTEL

LA TAVERNA

THE BRANDLING ARMS

BIERREX

• Tapas • Real Ale • Chicken

THE BRANDLING VILLA

Roker Terrace, Sunderland, SR6 9ND t: 0191 5671786 e: info@rokerhotel.co.uk

82 Pilgrim Street, NE1 6SG

BRIDGE HOTEL

31 North Side, Stamfordham, NE18 0QG t: 01661 886051

Castle Square, Newcastle, NE1 1RQ t: 0191 232 6400 e: info@sjf.co.uk

THE TANNERY

BRIDGE TAVERN

THE SWINBURNE ARMS

Gilesgate, Hexham, NE46 3QD t: 01434 605537 • Beer & Whisky room • Live music • Dog friendly

THE TAP & SPILE

Eastgate, Hexham, NE46 1BH, t: 01434 602039

THE TRAVELLERS REST

Slaley, Hexham, NE46 1TT t: 01434 673231 www.travellersrestslaley.com

THE WELLINGTON

Main Road, Riding Mill, NE44 6DQ t: 01434 682531

THE WHITE SWAN

Main Road, Ovingham,Prudhoe Northumberland NE42 6AG t: 01661 833188

THE WHEATSHEAF

St Helens Street, Corbridge, NE45 5HE t: 01434 632020

THE VICTORIA HOTEL

1 Front Street, Bamburgh, NE69 7BP, t: 01668 214431

THE VILLAGE INN

Longframlington, Morpeth, NE65 8AD t: 01665 570268 www.thevillageinnpub.co.uk

TEESSIDE BEST WESTERN GRAND HOTEL

Swainston Street, Hartlepool, TS24 8AA t: 01429 266345 e: grandhotel@tavistockleisure.com

BRITANNIA INN

65 High Street, Loftus, TS13 4HG t: 01287 640612

CLEVELAND BAY

Yarm Road, Eaglescliffe, TS16 0JE t: 01642 780275

THE CLEVELAND HOTEL

9-11 High Street West Redcar, Cleveland, TS10 1SQ t: 01642 484035

TYNE & WEAR ALUM ALE HOUSE Ferry Street, South Shields, NE33 1JR

ASHBROOKE SPORTS CLUB Ashbrooke Road, Sunderland, SR2 7HH, t: 0191 528 4536

BACCHUS

7 Akenside Hill Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 3UF t: 0191 232 1122 • Selection of real ales • Food served daily • Roof terrace

BRIDLE PATH

101 Front Street, Whickham, NE16 4JJ : 0191 4217676

CHESTERS

Chester Road, Sunderland, SR4 7DR t: 0191 5659952

COPPERFIELDS

Grand Hotel, Grand Parade Tyne And Wear, NE30 4ER t: 0191 293 6666

CUMBERLAND ARMS

12 Front Street, Tynemouth, NE30 4DZ t: 0191 2571820 www.cumberlandarms.co.uk

DELAVAL ARMS

Old Hartley, NE26 4RL t: 0191 237 0489

CROWN POSADA

31 Side, Newcastle, NE1 3JE t: 0191 2321269

FIRE STATION

York Road, Whitley Bay, NE26 1AB t: 0191 293 9030

FITZGERALDS

60 Grey Street, Newcastle, NE1 6AF t: 0191 2301350

FITZGERALDS

10-12 Green Terrace, Sunderland, SR1 3PZ t: 0191 5670852

FITZGERALDS

LADY GREY’S

20 Shakespeare Street, Newcastle, NE1 6AQ t: 0191 2323606

MAGNESIA BANK

1 Camden Street, North Shields, NE30 1NH t: 0191 257 4831

MARQUIS OF GRANBY

GOSFORTH HOTEL

High Street, Gosforth, NE3 1HQ t: 0191 2856617

HOTEL DU VIN & BISTRO Allan House, City Road Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE1 2BE

HUGOS

29 Front Street, Tynemouth, NE30 4DZ t: 0191 2578956

ISIS

BENTON ALE HOUSE

IVY HOUSE

26 Silksworth Row, Sunderland, SR1 3QJ t: 0191 5147684 Worcester Terrace, Sunderland SR2 7AW

THE BROAD CHARE

THE CAUSEY ARCH INN

57 St Andrews Street, Newcastle, NE1 5SE t: 0191 260 2490

ODDFELLOWS

7 Albion Road, North Shields, NE30 2RJ t: 0191 4358450

PUB & KITCHEN

Beamish Burn Road, Marley Hill, Newcastle, NE16 5EG t: 01207 233925

THE CENTRAL

Half Moon Lane, Gateshead, NE8 2AN t: 0191 4782543 e: central@theheadofsteam.co.uk

13/14 Albion Road, North Shields NE30 2RJ t: 0191 2573199

THE CENTURION

RED LION

• Real ales • Food available • Live sports shown

Redcar Terrace, West Boldon, NE36 0PZ t: 0191 536 4197

ROCKLIFFE ARMS

Neville Street, Newcastle, NE1 5DG, t: 0191 261 6611

THE CHILLINGHAM

Algernon Place, Whitley Bay, NE26 2DT t: 0191 2531299

Chillingham Road, Newcastle, NE1 1RQ t: 0191 265 3992

ROSIES BAR

THE CLUNY

2 Stowell Street, NE1 4XQ t: 0191 2328477

SHIREMOOR HOUSE FARM

36 Lime Street, Ouseburn, Newcastle, NE1 2PQ t: 0191 230 4474

THE COPT HILL

Middle Engine Lane, North Shields, NE29 8DZ t: 0191 2576302

Seaham Road, Houghton le Spring, DH35 8LU t: 0191 5844485

SUN INN

THE COTTAGE TAVERN

Market Lane, Swalwell, Gateshead, NE16 3AL t: 0191 442 9393

TILLEYS BAR

105 Westgate Road, Newcastle, NE1 4AG t: 0191 232 0692

TOBY BARNES

TRAVELLERS REST

St Lawrence Road, Byker, Newcastle, NE6 1AP t: 0191 265 5764

• Large selection of real ales • Regular food & drink festivals • Food served

NEWCASTLE ARMS

FOX & HOUNDS

FREE TRADE INN

Haddricks Mill Road, South Gosforth, NE3 1QL t: 0191 2840490

25 Broad Chare, Trinity Gardens, Quayside, Newcastle, NE1 3DQ t: 0191 211 2144

2 South Parade, Whitley Bay, NE26 2RG t: 0191 2511255 Coalburns, Greenside, NE40 4JN t: 0191 4132549

176 High Street, Gosforth, NE3 1HD t: 0191 28540

Streetgate, Sunniside, Newcastle Tyne & Wear NE16 5ES t: 0191 257 4831

Durham Road, Sunderland SR2 7RB, t: 0191 5285644 www.tobycarvery.co.uk

42-48 High Bridge, Newcastle, NE1 6BX t: 0191 2611008 Front Street, Longbenton NE7 7XE t: 0191 2661512

Stella Road, Ryton NE21 4LU t: 0191 413 2921

North Road, Wide Open NE13 6LN t: 0191 2366300

TWIN FARMS

22 Main Road, Kenton Bk Ft, NE13 8AB t: 0191 2861263

TYNE BAR

Maling Street, Newcastle NE6 1LP

TYNEMOUTH LODGE

Tynemouth Road, North Shields, NE30 4AA t: 0191 257 7565

THE BEEHIVE

Hartley Lane, Earsdon, NE25 05Z t: 0191 2529352

THE BODEGA

North Street, Cleadon, SR6 7PL t: 0191 519 0547

THE COUNTY

High Street, Gosforth, NE3 1HB t: 0191 285 6919

THE COURTYARD

Arts Centre, Biddick Lane, Washington, NE38 8AB t: 0191 219 3463

THE CUMBERLAND ARMS James Place Street, Ouseburn, Newcastle, NE6 1LD t: 0191 265 6151

DAT BAR

THE PACKHORSE

THE HARBOUR VIEW

THE PAVILION

THE HASTINGS

THE POTTERS WHEEL

Old Penshaw Village, Houghton-le-Spring, DH4 7ER t: 0191 512 6080 Benedict Street, Roker, Sunderland, SR6 0NU t: 0191 5671402 Wheatridge Row, Seaton Delaval, NE25 0QH t: 0191 237 6868

THE HEAD OF STEAM

2 Neville Street, Newcastle NE1 5EN t: 0191 230 4236

THE HEAD OF STEAM

3 The Arcade, Front Street, Tynemouth, NE30 4BS t: 0191 272 8105

THE HOTSPUR

103 Percy Street, Newcastle, NE1 7RY t: 0191 2324352

THE JOB BULMAN

St Nicholas Avenue, Gosforth, NE3 1AA t: 0191 2236320

THE JOLLY STEWARD

Fulwell Ave, South Shields, NE34 7DF t: 0191 427 2951

THE KEELMAN

Grange Road, Newburn, Newcastle , NE15 8NL t: 0191 267 1689

THE KEEL ROW

The Gate, Newcastle, NE1 5RF t: 01912299430

THE KINGS ARMS

Beech Street, Deptford, SR4 6BU t: 0191 567 9804

THE KINGS ARMS

West Terrace, Seaton Sluice, NE26 4RD t: 0191 2370275

Crookgate, Burnopfield, NE16 6NS t: 01207 270283 Hotspur North, Backworth, NE27 0BJ t: 0191 2680711 Sunniside, Newcastle, NE16 5EE t: 0191 488 8068

THE PRIORY

Front Street, Tynemouth NE30 4DX. t. 0191 257 8302

THE QUEEN VICTORIA

206 High Street, Gosforth, NE3 1HD. t: 0191 2858060

THE RAVENSWORTH ARMS

Lamesley, Gateshead, NE11 0ER. t: 0191 487 6023

THE RISING SUN

Bank Top, Crawcrook, NE40 4EE. t: 0191 4133316

THE ROBIN HOOD

Primrose Hill, Jarrow, NE32 5UB. t: 0191 428 5454

THE ROSE & CROWN

North Street, Winlaton NE21 6BT. t: 0191 4145887

THE SCHOONER

South Shore Road, Gateshead, NE8 3AF t: 0191 477 7404 • Handmade food • Toe-tapping tunes • Hip-ster free zone

THE SIR WILLIAM DE WESSYNGTON

THE KING GEORGE

North Parade, Whitley Bay t: 0191 251 3877

2-3 Victoria Road, Concord, Washington, NE37 2JY t: 0191 418 0100

THE LOW LIGHTS TAVERN

THE STAITH HOUSE

THE MALTINGS

THE STEAMBOAT

THE MID BOLDON CLUB

THE TANNERS

Brewhouse Bank, North Shields, NE30 1LL t: 0191 2576038

9 Claypath Lane, South Shields, NE33 4PG t: 0191 4277147 60 Front Street. East Boldon, NE36 0SH

THE MILE CASTLE

52 Westgate Rd, NE1 5XU t: 0191 2111160

57 Low Lights, North Shields, NE30 1JA t: 0191 2708441 27 Mill Dam, South Shields NE33 1EQ t: 0191 454 0134

1 Byker Bridge, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 2NS

THE THREE TUNS

Sheriffs Highway, Gateshead, NE9 5SD t: 0191 4870666

11 Market St, Newcastle, NE1 6JN t: 0191 244 2513

THE MILL HOUSE

THE DUKE OF WELLINGTON

THE MILLSTONE HOTEL

THE DUN COW

THE NEW BRIDGE

• Selection of real ales • Food served daily • Cinema room available

THE FIVE SWANS

THE NORTHUMBRIAN PIPER

THE TURKS HEAD

THE OLD GEORGE

THE VICTORY

THE OLDE SHIPS INN

YE OLD CROSS INN

High Bridge, Newcastle NE1 1EN t: 0191 261 8852

9 High Street West, Sunderland SR1 3HA t: 0191 5672262 St Marys Place, Newcastle, NE1 7PG t: 0191 2111140

THE GREEN

125 Westgate Road, Newcastle, NE1 4AG t: 0191 221 1552

White Mare Pool, Wardley, Gateshead, NE10 8YB t: 0191 4950171

THE BRIAR DENE

THE GREY HORSE

71 The Links, Whitley Bay, NE26 1UE t: 0191 2520926

THE GREY HORSE

Front Street, East Boldon, NE36 0SJ t: 0191 519 1796

Blackfell, Birtley, DH3 1RE t: 0191 415 1313 Hadricks Mill Road, South Gosforth, NE3 1QL t: 0191 285 3429

2 -4 Argyle Street, Newcastle, NE1 6PF t: 0191 2321020 Fawdon House, Red House Farm Estate, Gosforth, NE3 2AH t: 0191 2856793 Old George Yd, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 1EE t: 0191 260 3035 Durham Road, East Rainton, DH5 9QT t: 0191 5840944

THE TOWN WALL

Pink Lane, Newcastle, NE1 5HX www.thetownwall.com

41 Front Street, Tynemouth, NE30 4DZ t: 0191 2576547 Killingworth Road, South Gosforth, NE3 1SY t: 0191 285 1254 Ryton Village, NE40 3QP t: 0191 4134689

www.cheersnortheast.co.uk / CHEERS / 29

FUN STUFF

THE DIRTY DOZEN

SIGN OF THE TIMES

TWELVE QUESTIONS TO TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE

There’s something about this chilli sauce spotted in a Gateshead food store that’s not exactly appealing.

Despite its brand name though, it’s very tasty.

1 A phlebotomist extracts what from the human body?

2 How many feet are there in a fathom?

3 Nariyal is the Indian term for which nut?

4 Who was the eldest of the Marx Brothers?

5 What type of creature is a dugite?

6 In the human body, what is the hallux?

7 What is the name of Moe’s cat in The Simpsons?

8 Who did the television character Lurch work for?

9 How many tentacles does a squid have?

10 If cats are feline, what are sheep?

11 In the song, Heartbreak Hotel is on which street?

12 In The Great Escape, what names were given to the three tunnels?

A MAN WALKS INTO A BAR… …AND THE BARMAID ASKS WHY HIS DOG HAS A BANDAGE ON ITS BACKSIDE. “I ASKED THE VET TO CUT OFF HIS TAIL.” HE SAYS. “WHY?” ASKS THE BARMAID. HE SAYS: “MY MOTHER-IN-LAW IS COMING TOMORROW AND I DON’T WANT ANYTHING TO MAKE HER THINK SHE’S WELCOME.”

EEH! NUMBERS

7 47

The length in inches (seven) and the ring gauge (47) of a Cuban Churchill cigar.

IN PRAISE OF DICK ADVOCAAT Cheers editor Alastair Gilmour writes: Someone in the pub asked me what I thought about Dick Advocaat and I told him I had some fond memories. He seemed impressed.

Many years ago I was a teenage Co-op delivery lad and had been left in the “back shop” for a few seconds with an unlocked spirits cupboard and an accomplice.

We were going to the school dance that night (discos hadn’t been invented), so we scrabbled in the dark, rummaging through bottles of whisky, vodka and rum

– until we found an “exotic” drink that appealed to our adventurous mood and could be easily concealed up a jumper. A few hours later we were walking to the school trying to suck this thick, custard-like liquid out of the bottle neck – and discovered it was Advocaat, a type of egg-nog. It’s 20% abv but horrible.

“What’s that got to do with Dick Advocaat, Sunderland’s new manager?” asked the guy in the pub.

“Sorry,” I said, “I thought you said ‘nick Advocaat’.”

QUIZ ANSWERS 1 Blood. 2 Six. 3 Coconut. 4 Chico (real name Leonard). 5 Snake. 6 Big toe. 7 Mr Snookum. 8 The Addams Family. 9 Ten. 10 Ovine. 11 Lonely Street 12 Tom, Dick, Harry.

30 / CHEERS / www.cheersnortheast.co.uk

Now Open!

Poetic License poet'ic li'cense (verb)

Definition: Be at liberty to deviate from conventional rules Join us to create your story at our alluring seafront location and sample our selection of draught and bottled craft beers. Our premium spirits are lovingly produced by hand and used to create our original cocktails. Then there’s our lip-smackingly good soul food made up of the heartiest locally sourced produce. Come and create your own story at Poetic License.

Regular Cask Sonnet 43 (Steam Beer Amber Ale, India Pale Ale, American Pale Ale, Bourbon Milk Stout)

4 Guest Casks each month (Currently: Infinity by Blue Monkey, Revelation by Dark Star, JHB by Oakham and Simcoe by Anarchy)

4 Guest Craft Keg each month (Currently: Sierra Nevada, Three Hop by Caledonian, Fermata by Allendale and Pilton Cider)

Guest Casks Coming Soon: Justinian and Pegasus by Milton, Inferno by Oakham, APA and Pennine Pale Ale by Allendale, Pelaeolithic by Caveman

Guest Craft Kegs Coming Soon: Gamma Ray by Beavertown, Hells Lager by Camden, Citra Star by Anarchy

#CreateYourStory Poetic License Bar

@PoeticLicenseUK

/PoeticLicenseBar

The BEST WESTERN Roker Hotel, Roker Terrace, Tyne & Wear, SR6 9ND

We’re changing and we’d like to invite YOU to our re-launch

Friday 1st May Doors open at 12 noon

New look, new feel, new Blue Bell tel: 01434 431143 tbbcorbridge thebluebellcorbridge The Blue Bell • Hillstreet • Corbridge • NE45 5AA