Cheers North East magazine #54 - October 2015

cheers WWW.CHEERSNORTHEAST.CO.UK // OCTOBER 2015 // ISSUE 54

I T ’ S

A B O U T

P U B S ,

P E O P L E ,

PALACE OF ARTS & CRAFT

B E E R

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WYLAM BREWERY HANDED THE KEYS

A N D

Y O U !

SCENE AND HEARD THEATRE IN THE ROUNDS BEST IN BRITAIN NORTH SHIELDS PUB ON TOP

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WELCOME What an exciting time to be in the pub and brewing business.

There’s so much going on you’d be forgiven for not being able to keep up with everything that’s been happening lately.

North Shields, for example, has found itself with a pub that’s been voted one of the tops in the country. The Staith House on the Fish Quay has been nominated Britain’s Best Food Pub by the Publican’s Morning Advertiser – and it doesn’t get much more prestigious than that.

The title normally goes to a gastropub whose chefs have a mantelpiece lined wth industry rosettes and stars, so for John and Kimberley Calton and James Laffan, it’s a dream come true.

And Wylam Brewery’s dream of opening a new brewery and visitor centre at the former Palace of Arts in Newcastle’s Exhibition Park has been given the green light.

A two-year search for new premises that would reflect the breadth and scope of the Northumberland brewery’s ambitions was given the nod by Newcastle City Council.

Like everything we strive for, it’s particularly satisfying to get to the point of success where we can say “the hard work starts here”.

This month we’ve got another great issue for you. As normal, it’s been great getting out and about and meeting readers who really engage with the publication.

You seem to get almost as much enjoyment reading Cheers that we do putting it together.

So, here’s to North East pubs breweries and customers – you’re all the best in Britain!

Alastair Gilmour Editor, Cheers North East

CONTENTS 16

The demand for Wylam Brewery beers had reached the point that a whole new set-up was needed. It had outgrown its Northumberland farm-based home and was groaning at the seams. Now, however, the keys to the former Palace of Arts in Newcastle’s Exhibition Park have been handed over for an exciting new chapter in the brewery’s history.

It’s no fanciful thought that the city site could become one of the most prestigious in Europe. The opportunities for tourism, employment and local pride are enormous, so it’s a big thanks from Cheers North East to a far-sighted Newcastle City Council for peering into the future.

COVER: WYLAM BREWERY CREW AT THE NEW FACILITY IN NEWCASTLE’S EXHIBITION PARK. PHOTO, PETER SKELTON

I’VE BEEN WORKING AT THE BRIDGE HOTEL FOR THREE YEARS – IT’S MY FIRST EVER JOB – AND I LOVE IT ANDY HALL, GRUNKLEKLAUS THEATRE

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

Follow us @cheers_ne

THE KEYS TO THE PALACE

04 10 12 18

LATEST NEWS SINGING FOR THEIR SUPPER THE PUB AT PLAY BEST IN BRITAIN

22 24 26 28

WINES BY THE CLASS CUMBRIAN CLASSICS FUN WITH FUN STUFF THE A-Z OF PUBS

PUBLISHED BY:

ADVERTISING 01661 844 115 Gillian Corney gillian@offstonepublishing.co.uk Emma Howe emma@offstonepublishing.co.uk

Publishers: Jane Pikett & Gary Ramsay Unit One, Bearl Farm Stocksfield Northumberland NE43 7AJ

Photography: Peter Skelton

enquiries@offstonepublishing.co.uk twitter: @offstonepublish www.offstonepublishing.co.uk

OUR SPONSORS

Wylam Brewery

While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, the publisher cannot accept responsibility for omissions and errors. All material in this publication is strictly copyright and all rights reserved.

When you have finished with this magazine please recycle it

NEWS

MURAL MURAL ON THE WALL…

Rail pint: Craig Oliphant, left, and Andy Hughes at Ye Old Elm Tree A Durham City pub has a new feature – and it couldn’t be more appropriate. A vast mural has been installed at Ye Old Elm Tree which features local landmarks and specific events woven into Durham’s railway history.

The artwork that covers the full back wall of the pub in Crossgate was put together by local photographer Craig Oliphant and includes Durham’s spectacular viaduct.

Further images show the Sunderland-Bishop Auckland branch line’s construction, taken only some 15 years after the invention of photography itself. Others include Shincliffe Town, the first station to serve Durham, Gilesgate and Elvet stations.

Local events are covered, including the Miners’ Gala – once the busiest day of the railway calendar (365 trains passed Newton Hall signal box alone on Gala Day, 1954).

Craig is a devotee of Ye Old Elm Tree, admitting it has been his favourite for years.

He says: “It has a fine range of real ales, friendly staff and a warm atmosphere. I hope to see you there sometime.”

BREWERS’ CRAFT STARTS IN SUNDERLAND A group of international students at Brewlab, Sunderland, has completed a nine-week course in brewing, and not only passed their exams, but one of their beers was voted best in show at the Durham Beer Festival.

Now, fledgling brewing collaborations have already been set up back and forth across the Atlantic – providing they all either get jobs or succeed in setting up their own outfits, that is.

For their final projects they brewed everything from Witbiers to IPAs and all points in between and appeared to gel as one hard-working, genuinely enthusiastic unit. That togetherness was regularly fostered by visits to pubs around Sunderland – especially the Dun Cow which

became a firm favourite because by all accounts it was such a welcoming place to visit.

As Katie Collard from Ottawa – pictured above – said about the large contingent from the US and Canada, plus an Australian, a Greek, a chap from Dubai, a Londoner, and a lone Geordie: “We came in as a bunch of strangers and will now always have a place to stay around the world”.

All agreed the course filled in the science between the hard graft and the enjoyment of the end product.

Katie’s “final show” wheat beer, the Durham festival winner Manneken, apparently stood out from the rest, with one student remarking: “We cheered, it was awesome”.

Sean, Jane & the Quality Family would like to offer you a warm welcome to the Woodman Inn Cask Ales – Light Bight Menu Large Beer Garden – Events / Functions

What’s On

Sat: Mr Q’s Karaoke Sun: Free Pool (3pm - 6pm) / Bingo / Quiz Mon: Marston’s Monday Games Night Tue: Killer Pool Night Wed: Mr V’s ‘Let’s Play Darts’ Thurs: Poker Night 23 Gilesgate, Durham, DH11 1QW | M: 0191 680 8317 www.woodmaninn.co.uk | E: info@woodmaninn.co.uk Find us on:

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CRAFT & CASK ALES/FRESH BRITISH PUB FOOD LIVE FOLK/JAZZ/BLUES/ACCOUSTIC SESSIONS EVERY TUES 7.30PM PUB CLASSIC DISHES £7.50 MONDAY’S FROM 5PM OKTOBERFEST 14TH-30TH OCT SPOOK NIGHT SPECIAL ON HALLOWEEN THE HEART OF NORTHUMBERLAND 5 Market Street, Hexham, NE46 3NS Tel: 01434 609336 www.thehearthexham.com Follow us on Facebook & Twitter

NEWS

WELD CHAMPION’S VESSELS LAUNCHED

All aboard: The Tyne Idols crew – Julie Clay, Cheers editor Alastair Gilmour, Paul Irwin, Wallaw duty manager Kelly Graham and Radio Northumberland presenter Keith Newman.

Photo Dave Webb

IDOL HANDS HAVE PLENTY ON THEIR PLATE The Tyne Idols and Cheers North East ale tours have hit the ground running. After only the second event visiting pubs renowned for their beers and character – with a microbrewery thrown in for good measure – a regular last-Thursday-in-the month slot has been agreed for the big yellow double-deck bus. It’s more of a mystery tour and something of a whistle-stop, so October’s venues won’t be revealed until we arrive at the door, but if

the previous two are anything to go by, there’s a whole lot of fun involved. Most recently, we visited Three Kings Brewery in North Shields before heading off for the Three Horseshoes at High Horton, Northumberland, then on to the Wallaw at Blyth and the Kings Arms, Seaton Sluice – every one of which treated the full bus load like a royal party.

Keep an eye out for the latest news at www.tyneidols.com

Caledonian’s new pilot plant has been installed at the Edinburgh brewery, receiving a big thumbs up in the process.

Short-run and experimental brews will be tried and tested on the 400-litre kit manufactured

by Sam Sampson, the Borders-based welding and fabricating expert. It’s expected to be brewing two or three times a week.

Sam, who cut his teeth on whisky stills, runs Scotia Welding & Fabricating and his reputation for quality is such that he now specialises in brewing vessels of every size.

Caledonian Brewery’s managing director Andy Maddock, said: “We’re thrilled that our new pilot brewery, affectionately known as Wee George in a nod to our founding father George Lorimer, is up and running after 12 months of careful planning and a total investment of over £100,000.

“This allows us to remain fleet-of-foot in the market and help Caledonian in the world of modern craft on the back of continued success of Three Hop Lager, with credibility through the new products we’re developing.”

www.cumberlandbreweries.com Telephone:(01228) 5608991

Cumberland Breweries Ltd., The Green, Great Corby, Carlisle, Cumbria CA4 8LR www.cheersnortheast.co.uk / CHEERS / 5

NEWS

SUBLIME BREAKFAST IS EURO WINNER The World Beer Awards 2015 have announced Fish Tale Ales Beyond The Pale (5.0% abv) as the winner.

The medium-bodied pale ale from the Washington, US, brewery is described as presenting “a rich and complex malt character derived from a bold blend of four different types of grain wonderfully balanced by five complementary varieties of hops”.

Huge congratulations, though, to Morpethbased Anarchy Brew Co and its Sublime Chaos Breakfast Stout (7.0% abv) for taking the award for best European stout.

Anarchy co-owner Dawn Miles says: “We couldn’t believe it. All of us at Anarchy are so proud that a small brewery in the North East of England has won this award. It’s coming up to four years for the brewery and we’re going from strength to strength with an emphases on quality.”

Wetherspoons’ favourite: The William Rufus, Carlisle

OCTOBER FEST IS A REAL ALE-LOVER’S TREAT Wetherspoon pubs across the region are serving ten beers from around the world alongside beers from the UK during a 17-day festival. The beers on offer at the pubs between Friday October 16 and Sunday November 1 have been sourced from brewers in New Zealand, Japan, South Africa, Australia, Canada, Holland, Norway and the US and have been brewed under strict control at British breweries. They include Nordic Noir, Zulu Blonde, Low Blow, Yakima Sun, Minagof Smoked Porter and the amazing Sixpoint Bengali

IPA. Complementing those are up to 40 beers from across the UK from a list that includes Owl & The Pussycat from Oakham Ales, King Goblin (Wychwood), Old Man (Long Man), Infallible (Theakston), Ale of Arrows (Coach House), Easy Weasel Ale (Hook Norton) and three Rugby World Cup ales Liberation Brewery Sin Bin, Tight Five from White Horse Brewery and Woodforde’s Tap & Go. And there’s more… seasonal and speciality beers will see a spiced ale, a cherry porter, two rye beers and two smoked porters on the bar.

Many of the beers are in the pubs for the first time, having been brewed exclusively for the Wetherspoons festival.

the TOWN WALL Public House & Eatery

YOUR CHRISTMAS PARTY IN THE HEART OF THE CITY...

To view our Festive menu you can visit the CHRISTMAS BOOKINGS section at www.TheTownWall.com or request a copy by emailing info@thetownwall.com - we look forward to assisting you

The Town Wall, Pink Lane, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 5HX search The Town Wall

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@TheTownWallPub

NEWS

MATTERS ARISING – COASTERS FIND A NEW HOME BANKSY OF THE TYNE

A collection of beer mats kindly donated by Cheers reader Peter Kinghorn in last month’s magazine was snapped up – despite fierce competition – by Tony Wilde from Morpeth who, in turn, made a contribution to The Schooner (Gateshead) annual rock’n’roll bike ride charity fund, which now stands at £6,932. Tony immediately identified a few mats that would interest fellow member of the British Beermat Collectors’ Society (BBCS) which met in Burton upon Trent last month for its annual conference.

The first British beer mats were produced by

Watneys Stag Brewery in Pimlico, London, in 1922, although other breweries had previously produced them for the export market.

Apparently, they don’t count.

The BBCS was formed in 1960 and the organisation now boasts more than 1,000 members. The first presidents were elected in 1963 – none other than Morecambe & Wise, who claimed they had more than 1,000 items in their individual collections. Beer mat of the year (2014-2015) was awarded to Dark Star, Sussex. www.britishbeermats.co.uk

This chap was spotted in a doorway next to the Excelsior Working Men’s Club in Dunston, Gateshead. If it’s a real “Banksy” it’s worth a fortune and could become a major attraction in Gateshead Council’s culture programme. If it’s not… well, it makes us laugh.

WE’VE GOT CHRISTMAS

WRAPPED UP IN THE PUB

NEW

OCTOBER

SAT 10 THE WANDERERS SUN 11 THE REGALS SAT 17 HONEY BOP TRIO SUN 18 THE UNDERSTUDIES FRI 23 ME ‘N’ PAUL SAT 31 ARCHIE BROWN + THE YOUNG BUCKS

NEW

8:30 4:30 8.30 4:30 6:00 8.30

cherry STOUT

4.30 8:30

EVERY WEDNESDAY IS QUIZ NIGHT AND FIRST THURSDAY OF THE MONTH IS AULD ROCKERS MUSIC QUIZ CHECK OUT OUR WEBSITE WWW.THESCHOONER.CO.UK TO GO WITH ALL THIS GREAT LIVE MUSIC WE HAVE GREAT FOOD, 6 REAL ALE HAND PULLS, 4 REAL CIDERS AND AN EXTENSIVE RANGE OF KEG & BOTTLED BEERS & CIDERS

DECEMBER

NOVEMBER

MINI KEGS

BAG IN BOX

BOTTLE PACKS

FIRKIN

HIRE

ABV

ABV

A special edition of Silver Dollar using one of the world’s favourite hops

HOUSE PARTY

lo v

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BUSKERS FRACTURED VALVES

simcoe DOLLAR

5.7%

Rich, dar Ric dark rk and luxurious uxuri stout. toutt.

Crème Brulee C me B ulee in a gglass. s

5%

wit

NOVEMBER

ABV

OCTOBER

HANDPULL

SUN 1 SAT 7

creme CARAMEL

5.2%

Rich dark velvet oatmeal stout, infused with real cherries.

T SHIRTS

THE PERFECT GIFT

AT HOME

& VISIT OUR BREWERY SHOP

CRAFT MARKET SAT 12TH DEC 11-5

OPEN TUE TO FRI 9 TO 5

Tel: +44 (0)191 265 2828 Email: julia@tynebankbrewery.co.uk Unit 11, Hawick Crescent, St. Lawrence Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE6 1AS, UK Festive opening hours 22nd/23rd and 29th/30thDec unitl 7pm, closed 25th-28th December and 31st Dec-4th Jan

www.cheersnortheast.co.uk / CHEERS / 7

NEWS

RUNNERS AND RYDERS IN CRAFT ALE CHASE A Newcastle architectural practice has gone down the craft beer route to continue its commendable charity thrust. A recent evening of beer and pub quizzes at Ryder Architecture, based at Cooper’s Studios on Westgate Road in Newcastle, raised £1,500 for the Prince’s Trust.

Ten Ryder employees have collectively dubbed themselves Coopers Craft Ale with a self-imposed task to raise £10,000 in six months. The team is well on the way with their Prince’s Trust Million Makers Challenge which helps support young people in the UK get into work or education.

An Oktoberfest beer event has already taken place, but next up is a race night on November 12 with a flutter or two plus food and specially-conceived Cooper’s Craft Ale which is all in the name of charity.

For further information, check @ryder1953 and www.justgiving.com/cooperscraftale

LET’S SAY GRACIE BEFORE DINNER A Sunderland gin distillery has launched its craft spirits products at the Boutique Bar Show in London to great acclaim. Poetic License Independent Small Batch Distillery (pictured above) which opened last March, is based in the bar of the same name on the revitalised Roker seafront. Its 500-litre pot still – called Gracie – is situated in full view of customers and will create only 400 bottles at a time.

Northern Dry Gin with its big kick of juniper and citrus is 43.2% abv; the sweeter, rosegold tinged, oak-aged Old Tom Gin comes

Festive Menu Revealed...

Your Christmas Party in the Heart of the City visit TheBridgeTavern.com for further details

8 / CHEERS / www.cheersnortheast.co.uk

in at 41.6%, abv while the gloriously smooth Graceful Vodka is 40.4% abv. Poetic License also has plans for dark and white rums and an absinthe, as well as limited-edition flavoured gins and vodkas.

Poetic License is the brainchild of Mark Hird, craft beer and spirits enthusiast and managing director of Tavistock Hospitality. He says: “We developed our gins with the idea of offering something very different to mainstream brands, so they’d really pack a punch in terms of flavour.”

NEWS Open 10am - 11pm, Monday - Saturday, food served between 12 noon - 9pm.

Sunday, food served between 12 noon and 8pm.

Andy and Susan Smith, and staff would like to welcome you to the new Twice Brewed.

Van man: Campaigner Brian Burney

BREWERY IN BRUSH WITH CHARITY Hadrian Border Brewery continues its Charity Series of ales with Daft As A Brush (4.2% abv), with proceeds from every pint sold going to the charity set up by North East philanthropist Brian Burney, above.

The North East description of a bit of a lad (or lass) gained national fame when Bobby Robson, as England manager, described Paul Gascoigne as “daft as a brush” due to the manner the player’s wit and wisdom helped consolidate international get-togethers.

Hadrian Border brewery manager Martin Hammill says: “Daft As A Brush is the terrific charity set up by Brian Burney to

transport terminally sick cancer patients from the remote areas of Northumberland to their hospital treatments. We are donating 5p per pint to this cause, so buy some of the delicious beer.”

Martin also brings us up to date with developments at the Station Hotel, the Gateshead pub bought late last year by Hadrian Border.

“The foundations for the steel framework were due to start at the end of September,” he says. “The framework is under manufacture and plans for the roofing have been approved for construction, so future customers passing by should soon see some sort of development going on.”

The Steamboat CAMRA NORTH EAST REGION PUB OF THE YEAR 2015 REGIONAL PUB OF THE YEAR PRESENTATION WILL BE HELD ON 31ST OCTOBER AT 2PM

DOG

FRIENDLY

PUB

freshly made food with a twist, new wine list, 6 real ales, world beers and spirits. Bar, restaurant and beer garden.

16 letting bedrooms.

Open as normal during refurbishment

Phone: (+44) 01434 344534 Email: twicebrewedinn@outlook.com

The Blacksmiths A Fa mily owned and ran pub in the heart of Durha m.

Fantastic fresh, locally sourced food served seven days a week Lunch and dinner, all day Friday & Saturday Bar menu available all week Al La Carte menu available Wed to Sat Sunday lunch served between 12 - 4 Homemade bar snacks always available.

Beer garden - Functions catered for, we even give full private use of pub, contact us for more details.

4.5 Station road, Low Pittington, Durham DH6 1BJ, 0191 3720287

HALLOWEEN BEER FESTIVAL THURSDAY 29TH OCT SUNDAY 1ST SEP 27 MILL DAM, SOUTH SHIELDS, NE33 1EQ

(0191) 454 0134

www.cheersnortheast.co.uk / CHEERS / 9

NEWS FEATURE

BEER AND MUSIC ARE WELL IN TUNE A song praising the produce of a popular Northumberland brewery has been included in a new CD. Each Little Thing by Jack Wilkinson is a celebration in music and song offering the best of the North East in carefree, heartwarming and thought-provoking style – with a particularly memorable tribute to Wylam Brewery.

The jaunty number’s chorus goes something like: “Wylam Breweree, Wylam Breweree, The ale is grand, best in al the land, Wylam Breweree.”

Produced and arranged by Rod Clements, founder-member of the legendary Lindisfarne, the 15-track collection also includes Rod’s own compositions Old Peculier Feeling

and Whisky Highway, so something of a pub pattern emerges alongside numbers such as Rothbury Hills (written by Jack) and the Ralph McTell classic From Claire To Here.

Jack Wilkinson’s songwriting celebrates his Northumbrian roots – he originates from Wylam – with an easily accessible style which Rod Clements has long acknowledged.

The pair regularly meet up at a folk club in Netherton in the north of the county and it was perhaps inevitable that they got together on this project.

“One day he asked me if fancied recording an album,” says Jack, whose son Ben happens to be Wylam’s head brewer. “I said ‘yes’ straight away. I’m well pleased with it. I was amazed at the performance when I first heard it. Rod’s help and

Folk tradition: Jack Wilkinson, left, and Rod Clements

advice have been tremendous.”

Jack Wilkinson has been entertaining folk audiences all over the North East for six decades – beginning, he admits, as a ten-year-old choir boy. He started playing on his father’s banjo-ukelele and was swept up by the 1950s skiffle boom before his group, The Northumbrians, appeared on television’s Opportunity Knocks, Wally Whyton’s Walk Right In, and

S I N C E

at the Royal Festival Hall. He has never stopped performing in pubs and clubs since.

The album took around four days to record and mix by Ron Angus at his recording studio in Durham and is available at www.rodclements.com

2 0 0 0

WYLAM BREWERY PROPER

PROPER

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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

NEWS

THE COMPETITION IS GETTING OTTER Maris Otter barley – used in 10 of the last 15 Campaign For Real Ale (Camra) Champion Beers of Britain – is a relation of a potato. Well, sort of.

The Maris Piper potato and Maris Otter barley varieties were both developed in the 1960s by a Dr Bell, in Maris Lane, Trumpington, Cambridgeshire.

Maris Otter, celebrating its 50th anniversary with this year’s harvest, was developed for its taste and to repel diseases and pests and although it yields less than new varieties, what it does yield is considered the best malting barley available.

Maris Otter is beloved by British brewers, and increasingly by their flavour-mad

compatriots in the US because its soft honeyed flavours set it apart from other varieties. Even so, it was saved from almostcertain extinction in 1990 by Hampshire maltsters Appel and Barham who knew flavour when they tasted it – such as in Elland Brewery’s 1872 Porter (6.5%), a chocolaty beer style; or Jeffrey Hudson Bitter (JHB) from Oakham Ales with its delicate Maris body in a Sauvignon Blanc/Pinot Grigio-like beer; or No9 Barley Wine from Coniston Brewery which is sweet, and unctuous – heaven-sent to accompany pâtés, pork pie, quiche or tarte tatin.

As for Maris Piper, the versatile, creamy white potato is regarded as the best “chipper”.

TAP ON THE SIDE TO PUT OUT THAT THIRST

A classic fire engine was the centerpiece of Box Social Brewing’s recent open weekend.

But it wasn’t in attendance for its original use or for big kids of all ages to clamber around, as six taps have been installed along the side to pour beer from. The Newburn, Newcastlebased brewery (the one with pages from Cheers wallpapered onto the toilet walls), held the three-day event to thank everyone who has helped the microbrewery get off to a flying start – mostly by drinking its beers.

Box Social is run by Ross Holland and his dad Steve, a former fireman, hence the fire tender which will be used to extinguish thirsts at events and festivals across the region.

Neenaw, neenaw, fancy a beer?

SCOTIA WELDING & FABRICATION Micro Brewery equipment from individual components to a turnkey application.

All aspects of brewing consultancy if required. admin@scotiawelding.co.uk | www.scotiawelding.co.uk | 01578 722 696 www.cheersnortheast.co.uk / CHEERS / 11

NEWS

CAMRA 2015 South West Northumberland Pub of the Year Winner

12 Handpulls, 12 Ciders/Perrys Back by popular demand - PIE & PEAS (scrumptious) Toasties, sandwiches & a selection of coffees available daily Beer Garden - Dog friendly Buskers Night - Tuesday October 6th, 20th & November 3rd Karaoke Night - Saturday October 10th Halloween Karaoke Saturday 31st October - Fancy dress optional Saturday 24th October from 8.30 pm - Live Band Riff Raff (celebrating the music of AC/DC) tickets £3.00 Get yours now as they’re selling out fast Station Road, Wylam, NE41 8HR. Telephone 01661 853431 Follow @BoathouseWylam Like us on

Dress rehearsal: Peter Allan, left, and Andy Hall practice their lines

WHAT’S SCENE IN THE PUB A Newcastle bar supervisor and two former college colleagues are taking their first steps into the world of theatre. Andy Hall, who works at The Bridge Hotel in Newcastle, has teamed up with Andrew Ehala and Peter Allan to form GrunkleKlaus Theatre with their first public creation being Dez & Del, a comedy about two lads sharing a flat.

The production – with touches of Blackadder and Bottom – will be performed next month at The

Bridge. Del (played by Andy) is the sole wage-earner until he is fired from his job and discovers that loafer Dez (Peter) has spent the rent money, so the pair set off to raise the cash from wherever they can. A certain amount of slapstick is guaranteed.

“We want to get our foot in the door,” says Andy, “and we’ve had a lot of interest. We’d also like other people to get involved with us.

“It’s great to be able to put the play on at The Bridge. I’ve been

Freshly prepared food served everyday until 9pm (5pm Sundays) Amazing Sunday Lunches Minstrel Gallery function room available to hire 6 Handpulls Serving a rotating selection of local ales and ciders Christmas Menu Available from 1st December New Years Eve bookings now being taken Over 2 dozen gins with an extensive range of tonics Dogs (and their well behaved owners) welcome Free Wifi

@BlackbirdPontNE Blackbird Ponteland Tel: 01661822684 bookings@theblackbirdponteland.co.uk www.theblackbirdponteland.co.uk

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NEWS

working here for three years – my first-ever job – and I love the place. We’ve got really good beers and really good customers, so I particularly enjoy it.”

Andy Hall admits that becoming interested in drama at Emmanuel College, Gateshead, would be a bit of a skive, but got really bitten by the craft and took a BTEC in Performing Arts at Newcastle College which lead to a degree at Northumbria University (a path also followed by Andrew and Peter).

The trio are putting anything they earn from the production back into the company to develop it and they’ll no doubt have a collection bucket on hand at their productions.

Dez & Del is performed on Thursday November 12 and Friday November 13 (7.30pm) at The Bridge Hotel, Castle Garth, Newcastle NE1 1RQ. Tickets are £2 each and seats can be reserved by popping into The Bridge (good excuse to visit) or by emailing gktheatre@yahoo.co.uk

BOOK YOUR COPY The newly-published Campaign For Real Ale (Camra) Good Beer Guide 2016 lists 184 pubs in Northumberland, County Durham and Tyne & Wear, plus an amazing 55 breweries, seven of which are new to the book along with 45 new pub entries.

A regular entry is the region’s 2015 champion, The Steamboat in South Shields, which was judged against numerous other local Camra branch winners and voted the best overall. The pub goes forward against 15 others nationally to find National Pub of the Year. Winner will be announced in February 2016.

The Fox & Hounds

(COALIES) • 6 REAL ALES ON TAP • SUNDAY LUNCHES • BEER GARDEN - CHILDREN WELCOME • QUIZ NIGHT - WEDNESDAYS (FRIENDLY BANTER) COALBURNS, GREENSIDE, TYNE AND WEAR, NE40 4JN, TELEPHONE 0191 4132549

Traditional family run pub since 1975

Small batch Gin and Vodka from the North East’s first craft distillery Available from all good stockists or from www.durhamdistillery.co.uk

www.durhamdistillery.co.uk info@durhamdistillery.co.uk

We’re i Good Bn the Guide... eer 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 www.cheersnortheast.co.uk / CHEERS / 13

Gigs ’N’ Festivals

THROUGHOUT OCTOBER SUNDAY SESSIONS

The Head of Steam, Front Street, Tynemouth NE30 4BS The Head of Steam, Front Street, Tynemouth NE30 4BS Sunday music continues. Oct 11, look out for The Casinos and Lauren Amour (6pm); Oct 18, Bethany Simpson (4pm) and Rachael Danson, and (Oct 25) Eve Simpson, Jenny Lescelles, Aimee Lambet and Olivia Devine (4pm-7pm). www.theheadofsteam.co.uk

OCTOBER 8-10 OCTOBERFEST

Bonded Warehouse, Low Street, Sunderland Sunderland & South Tyneside Camra Branch’s annual event with more than 30 real ales and ciders. The festival celebrates Sunderland’s “forgotten heroes” – this time it’s the 150th anniversary of the birth of Ernest Vaux, veteran of the Boer War (1900-01) where he commanded the Maxim Gun Troop of the Imperial Yeomanry on more than 80 missions –

hence Vaux Double Maxim (now brewed by Maxim Brewery)! www.camra-angle.co.uk.

OCTOBER 18 THE ANNUAL NORMAN WEATHERBURN GARDENING CLUB TINNED FRUIT AND VEGETABLE SHOW

The Boathouse, Station Road, Wylam.

Northumberland NE41 8HR This is a truly fun event, so if you want to be saddled with can of spinach from Jamaica or stewed turnip from South Korea, go along to bid for the magnificently creative exhibits in the charity auction. Judging 1pm, auction shortly after. Details: 01661 853431.

OCTOBER 23-25 CRAFT BEER CALLING

The Boiler Shop, Stephenson’s Works, South Street, Newcastle NE1 3PD For one weekend only, 60 of the world’s leading craft breweries under

one roof, plus a Gin Palace, worldclass DJs, street food market and artisan cider cellar. Breweries include Crooked Stave, Garage Project, Partizan Brewing, Roosters, Nomad and Stone Brewing. Friday, Saturday day Saturday night sessions £10, Sunday day £8.50, evening closing party £11. Full weekend pass (five sessions £39). www.craftbeercalling.com

NOVEMBER 6-8 THE GLENSIDE BEER FESTIVAL,

Main Road, Mickley, Prudhoe NE43 7BW Great selection of local beers, live music from The Ranters (Friday), Grace Under Pressure (Saturday) and open mic (buskers) on the Sunday. Hot food also available. Open Friday 6pm, Sat 4pm, Sun 6pm. Entry £6 includes festival glass and entry to all three days. The No10 bus (NewcastleMetrocentre-Hexham) stops outside both ways. Details: 01661 843060 or The Glenside Facebook page.

2015 CAMRA DURHAM TOWN PUB OF THE YEAR 2015 CAMRA NORTH EAST PUB OF THE YEAR RUNNER UP 2015 TRIP ADVISOR CERTIFICATE OF EXCELLENCE

LOCAL REAL ALES ANGEL INN 53 CROSSGATE DURHAM 14 / CHEERS / www.cheersnortheast.co.uk

HOME COOKED FOOD

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AWARD WINNING BEERS

our bottle range won Silver!

NOW AVAILABE TO ORDER 0191 3773039 | www.sonnet43.com | cheers@sonnet43.com Sonnet 43 Brew House, Durham Road, Coxhoe, County Durham, DH6 4HX Sonnet43BrewHouse

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Our Gold Medal Award Winner

COVER STORY

PALACE OF ARTS AND CRAFT

One of the region’s most significant leisure and tourism developments will have world brewing looking on in envy, reports Alastair Gilmour A business that started with an advert in a shop window pleading for help with an unfathomable computer has been handed the keys to one of Newcastle’s most iconic buildings.

Wylam Brewery, set up 15 years ago by John Boyle and the late Robin Leighton, is about to be recognised as a national, European and world force following permission from Newcastle City Council to develop the former Palace of Arts in Exhibition Park, pictured above, into a brewing centre of excellence.

The implications for the wider North East are enormous. It’s estimated that more than 26,000 visitors a year from Holland and Germany visit the region to watch Premier League football at St James’ Park and the Stadium of Light, spending a total of £22.6m in the process. Imagine how those beer-loving nations will react to being able to enjoy a city-centre brewery with all the trimmings. The sensible folks might just ditch the football.

16 / CHEERS / www.cheersnortheast.co.uk

The Palace of Arts was built in 1929 for the North East Coast Exhibition and is the only structure left from that attempt to revitalise the city and its environs after the Great Depression.

In latter years it had been leased by Shepherd Offshore Limited to house its classic car collection, but plans to create a microbrewery, weekend brewery tap, brewing education facility and visitor centre have been recognised as a more attractive proposition for Newcastle’s appetite for vibrant, indigenous enterprises.

“It’s all come together after three years of hard work to reach the finished article,” says Wylam Brewery director Dave Stone. He and business partner Rob Cameron invested in the company three years ago because the saw its huge potential in a developing beer market. They also genuinely loved the products.

“We were looking for somewhere to expand the business and where we could also have a brewery tap and visitor centre. The farm where Wylam has been based since the beginning was

an idyllic location but it was difficult for people to get to.”

Stone, Cameron and brewery business development manager Matt Boyle set out on a mission to study other brewing operations that shared the Wylam vision. Other staff members needed no encouragement to contribute their ideas.

“We went to Portland in Oregon, to San Francisco, Santa Rosa, New York – Manhattan, Brooklyn and Williamsburg – and soaked it all up,” says Dave Stone. In the manner of a Method actor he also studied at Brewlab in Sunderland to broaden his background. “We looked for inspiration and learned a lot about what’s happening in the global beer movement. We had a few beers too; it was all part of the journey.”

Wylam Brewery directors looked at several sites in Newcastle, ranging from everyday industrial units to an almost-ideal facility at Hoults Yard in Walker.

“That exercise took us to the Palace of Arts which we fell in love with as soon as we walked in,” says Stone. “It was an empty space, Shepherd Offshore had refurbished it back to a shell. That secured its future in the short-term and it’s the last building still standing from the Great Northern Exhibition in 1929.

COVER STORY

“WE LOOKED FOR INSPIRATION AND LEARNED A LOT ABOUT WHAT’S HAPPENING IN THE GLOBAL BEER MOVEMENT’”

“It was good that such an asset was protected and it’s going to be great to be able to bring a building back into the public use that it was originally intended.”

Nothing of this scale and emotive experience could progress without organised opposition and differences of opinion which Wylam were acutely aware of. They went out of their way to accommodate a tide of strong feelings, particularly from residents’ associations.

Dave Stone says: “We held consultation meetings and an open day which resulted in a very positive attitude towards the project. We consulted with everybody and amended our plans to alleviate their concerns where possible.

“The main objection was about traffic and it became apparent that we needed to have the minimum disruption for park users and to keep our distribution and cask washing separate from the brewing at the Palace of Arts. We’ll be brewing onsite twice a day before 8am with the rest of the operation continuing from our current site.

“At the end of it we’ll have a 30-barrel brewhouse and a brewery tap that will be open at weekends.”

Wylam Brewery supplied its first customer – the Boathouse at Wylam in Northumberland

– with its first brew on August Bank Holiday Monday, 2000. The 18 gallons of Landlord’s Choice didn’t see Tuesday.

John Boyle and Robin Leighton, both from Wylam, had taken early retirement – John was happy to fix computers for anyone who asked, while former sea captain Robin had tried his hand at a few ventures but always returned to his 30-year passion for home brewing. When Robin couldn’t get his new computer to work he answered John’s shop window advert offering IT advice.

Robin admitted at the time: “As the hours ticked past, I thought ‘this is going to cost me a fortune’. So, to keep John happy I pulled him a pint of home brew. Four hours later – computer right – I asked him how much I owed. He liked what he had tasted so much we settled on five gallons of the Weiss Bier I was making at the time.”

And so in this rather ordinary way significant businesses are born.

John Boyle says: “It’s now a very exciting time.

Wylam Brewery has a great reputation, but it’s still a great leap forward for a small business.

Dave Stone, Rob Cameron and Matt (Boyle) are entrepreneurial spirits, so we decided to do something really special together; something

to look forward to that would take us into the future.”

Dave Stone is adamant that the Palace of Arts project will proceed with careful planning and respect for the city. It’s in Wylam Brewery’s best interests to bring a centre of excellence to Newcastle and to deliver a programme that is acceptable to all.

“We’ll do it properly as we do everything else,” he says. “We’ll do it carefully and organically because we only want to make proper beer.

“We will be keeping the residents’ groups informed about what we’re doing. We want to attract people from all over the world because now we’re competing on a world stage. It’ll benefit the whole region as the North East will be recognised as one of the go-to places for great beer.

“There are a number of exceptional breweries in the North East and we feel that the regional brewing scene will benefit en masse from this development. It’s a brother and sisterhood; we share all the ideals and we are very pleased that the city has understood and engaged with our vision.”

The new facility is expected to take six months or so to complete. It’s the North East’s gain and the Premier League’s loss. www.cheersnortheast.co.uk / CHEERS / 17

AWARD WINNER

HOUSE HOME TO BEST IN THE COUNTRY Hats off to North Shields. It’s barely five months since the town’s football club came home from Wembley with the prestigious FA Vase, but now it can boast the best food pub in the country.

The Staith House on North Shields Fish Quay was judged top of its category by the Publican’s Morning Advertiser Great British Pub Awards 2015. And the pub is barely two years old.

It’s a highly significant award – previous winners have included those run by “celebrity” chefs dripping with accolades, so for the title to come to the North East is a wonderful achievement. It’s very well deserved too.

“We still can’t believe it,” says

Staith House co-owner John Calton. John was a Masterchef: The Professionals finalist in 2010 and has progressed even from those lofty heights along with his business partners, his wife Kimberley and James Laffan.

He says: “We’re ambitious. We let the ingredients speak for themselves, but there are always little surprises. We’re even rocking on a week-night.”

The pub menu changes every day depending on what is available – and what is right for the kitchen. The food is honest, clear and simple – fanciful it’s not – and there’s a drizzling of wit about it, such as mussels with ale and kale.

Being positioned mere

Ambitious: John Calton, front, with business partners, wife Kimberley and James Laffan

• GREAT LOCATION, NEXT TO CORBRIDGE STATION - to book call 01434 632888 • LOCAL CASK ALE

EN-SUITE ROOMS

FRESH HOMEMADE FOOD

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EXCELLENT BOTTLED CRAFT- BEER SELECTION

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FOOD SERVED 12-9PM MON-SAT & 12-4PM SUNDAYS Follow us: @thedyvels

ROAD, CORBRIDGE, NORTHUMBERLAND NE45 5AY • • THE DYVELS INN, STATIONthedyvels@gmail.com • •

18 / CHEERS / www.cheersnortheast.co.uk

Like us on facebook

AWARD WINNER yards from boats landing fresh fish on the quayside means there’s an emphasis on seafood, but that is well supported and complemented by the likes of roast loin of fallow deer, slow roasted marinated beets, in-house cheese, peas and pied bleu mushrooms.

The Staith House bread is homemade (and delightful), as are the cheeses, butter and salt derived from a technique learned from an awardwinning restaurant in Norfolk. Lamb, beef, rare-breed pork and game are all locally-sourced while sublime desserts set the bar high.

John Calton and James Laffan are currently studying wine and its background to raise their sights further, with food and wine pairing sessions often oversubscribed. Staith House beers – the pub is leased from Heineken Stars Pubs & Bars – include Theakstons Lightfoot, Deuchars IPA and Robinsons Dizzy Blonde.

“We’ve got a better sense of direction than we’ve ever had,” says John Calton. “We’re more comfortable and better organised now and virtually every member of staff has been here since day one.”

Catch it while it’s hot.

QUOTE

“I REALLY HAVE TRIED... WE HAD A MICROWAVE TO HEAT THINGS IN DURING FILMING, BUT ACTUALLY WE USED IT MAINLY TO KEEP THE ASHTRAYS IN. I THINK THEY TAKE THE SOUL OUT OF FOOD.” DELIA SMITH, THE TIMES, 1990.

� SPECIALITY FOODS � FRESHLY BAKED BREADS � FRESH FRUIT AND VEG � FINE WINES

@COPPERS STOCKISTS OF THE BEST LOCAL BREWERIES & BEERS & WINES FROM AROUND THE WORLD HUGE RANGE OF SPECIALITY GIN

COMING SOON COPPERS NEW PRIVATE TASTING LOUNGE! SAMPLE SOME OF THE BEST BEERS THE NORTH EAST HAS TO OFFER QUOTE CHEERS AND RECEIVE 10% OFF ALL LOCAL BEERS THROUGHOUT OCTOBER & NOVEMBER WE STOCK LOCAL SO YOU CAN SHOP LOCAL 17 PRINCES ROAD GOSFORTH NE3 5TT TEL 0191 217 0043

OPEN 8AM - 8PM

FOLLOW US @COPPERS@GOSFORTH AND FIND US ON FACEBOOK

THE WHITE SWAN CHRISTMAS FAYRE MENU

Cream of Leek & Potato Soup, served with warm bread roll & butter Crayfish Cocktail, crayfish tails bound in a citrus mayonnaise, nestled on a mound of dressed salad and served with brown bread & butter Chicken Liver Pate, served with salad garnish, Cumberland sauce & melba toast Creamy Garlic Button Mushrooms served in a filo basket

Roast Northumbria Turkey Breast, served with traditional trimmings & pan jus Slow Braised Daube of Beef, cooked with tomatoes, mushrooms & tarragon Poached Cod Fillet knapped with a saffron & crayfish sauce Lemon & Thyme Risotto All served with potatoes & season vegetables Christmas Pudding & Brandy sauce Sherry Trifle Dark Chocolate Brownie & Ice Cream Trio of Blackberry’s Ice Cream

Real Ales styled on a Theakstons theme with rotating Guest Ales. Served alongside a wide range of Beers, Wines & Spirits • Karaoke Fortnightly • Motorcycle Meets alternate Tuesdays • Live Music • Beer Garden • Traditional Menu • Live BT Sports • Large Car Park

£18.95

OPENING TIMES Mon - Sun 12pm - 23pm Sun Lunch - 12pm - 3pm Restaurant Monday - Saturday 12.00 pm - 8pm

Main Road, Ovingham, Northumberland, NE42 6AG tel: 01661 833 188 www.whiteswan-ovingham.co.uk

Telephone: 01670 813 345

Coffee & Sweet Mince Pies

www.cheersnortheast.co.uk / CHEERS / 19

NEWS: BEERS

WINNERS ALL THE WAY The Society of Independent Brewers (SIBA) held its North East region beer competition at the York Beer & Cider Festival – and although the geographic spread reaches west past Leeds and across to Scarborough, Hull and beyond, several of our local breweries came home with accolades galore.

Most prolific top-three finisher was Sonnet 43 Brew House which won a gold award for Bourbon Milk Stout (4.3% abv), a silver for American Pale Ale (5.0% abv), and three bronzes for both of those beers in different categories.

Other gold medallists were Mordue IPA (5.1% abv), Cullercoats Jack The Devil (4.5% abv) and Rudgate Ruby Mild (4.4% abv).

Maxim Brewery Maximus (6.0% abv) took a silver medal as did Allendale Adder Lager (5.0% abv), while Black Sheep Best Bitter (3.8% abv) picked up a bronze in

the standard bitters and pale ales section.

Overall regional champion, however, was Mordue IPA, so a big round of applause for the team from North Tyneside. Winners go forward to the national finals in March 2016.

Sonnet 43’s sales manager Alan Brown is understandably pleased with the award of five medals for the County Durham brewery.

He says: “In addition to the SIBA results, our American IPA received a bronze award from the International Brewing Challenge. A previous Great Taste Award and success at The Publican awards last year are also great achievements for a threeyear-old brewery.

“The launch of Trail Blazer, the first beer from the S43 Craft Keg range has being meeting with outstanding feedback. Up till now Sonnet 43 has being very much cask-led but we wanted to show there is much more to come.”

Three gongs: Michael Harker, Sonnet 43’s brewer

The Blue Bell A warm welcome to customers old & new

New Summer Menu Available - Open All Day For Food 3 Casks . Dogs Welcome . Beer Garden .

Wednesday Quiz Night - 9pm includes Free Supper

Artisan Ales and Craft Beers Core range available now, plus seasonal specials.

OPENING TIMES: Monday closed Tue - Sun 12 -11, Food served 12-9, Sunday lunch 12 -3

Tel: 07803791761 e: info@boxsocial.pub www.boxsocial.pub Twitter: @boxsocialbeer Find us on facebook: boxsocialbrewing

17 Mt Pleasant, West Mickley, Stocksfield

tel: 01661 843146 20 / CHEERS / www.cheersnortheast.co.uk

NEWS: BEERS

BREWERIES SHOW THEIR BOTTLE The British Bottlers Institute (BBI) has awarded gold medals to two North East breweries in its annual search to find the nation’s top bottled beers..

Maxim Brewing Company’s Maximus took first place in the category for ales between 6.0% abv and 7.4% abv, while Durham Brewery’s Bede’s Chalice scooped the 7.5% abv ales and over section.

Bede’s Chalice (9.0% abv), a Belgian-style tripel ale laced with coriander notes, derives its name from St Bede who is buried in Durham

POUNDS’ PEDAL POWER

The Schooner, Gateshead, Rock’N’Roll Charity Bike Cruise in August (25 miles to Wylam Boathouse and back – calling at four pubs and one brewery) raised a whopping £6,932 for the Alzheimer’s Society, the Stroke Association and Daft As A Brush cancer charity (as at October 1). It’s a magnificent effort, so big thanks to all 130 bikers.

Cathedral. Monks were brewers of ale, which they referred to as “liquid bread” as it was part of their daily diet.

Maximus (6.0% abv), from the Houghton-leSpring Maxim brewery, is the “big brother” of the legendary Double Maxim brown ale first brewed in 1901 to celebrate the return from the Boer War of the Maxim Gun detachment commanded

by Major Ernest Vaux. Maximus is dark ruby in colour, smooth and sweet, with a hint of Demerara sugar and liquorice. It’s a real easydrinker, so watch out for its hidden strength.

UKRAINE ALE, ARSENAL TOO Cheers reader Nick Snaith brought this beer back from a recent trip to Ukraine.

It’s called Arsenal, it’s high in alcohol and comes in bottles of 1.25 litres, so it’s a bit of a Premier Leaguer.

“It’s marketed as ‘strong’,” says Nick, “and at 7.4% abv, that’s certainly true. I bought it in a bar in Lutsk in the north west of the country. It cost 17 hryvnia, which is almost exactly 50p. Surely this must go down as one of the cheapest beers in the world?

And, it was very palatable, too.”

Arsenal is brewed by Lviv Brewery which was founded by monks in 1715, so it’s now 300 years old. Lviv has been part of the Carlsberg empire since 1999.

Anybody found a cheaper beer? info@ cheersnortheast.co.uk

COME & JOIN US FOR GREAT FOOD, GREAT ENTERTAINMENT & GREAT COMPANY BOOK NOW FOR CHRISTMAS JOIN US FOR A FANTASTIC FESTIVE FEAST! visit our website for more details www.thehastingsarms.com

Wheatridge Row Seaton Delaval Northumberland NE25 0QH

Tel: 0191 2376868 TheHastings

OPENING TIMES: Monday to Thursday: 11.00 - 23.30 Friday & Saturday: 11.00 - 00.30 | Sunday: 12.00 - 23.30 www.cheersnortheast.co.uk / CHEERS / 21

NEWS

FIVE OF THE BEST AND MORE TO COME With Cheers North East having passed the five-years-old stage earlier this year, we have been taking an interest in the performance of other businesses reaching the same vintage.

Carruthers & Kent, who specialise in fine and exclusive wines from their shop in Gosforth, Newcastle, hit the magic number on November 19.

“The business has changed quite a lot in that time,” says Claire Carruthers. “But what has remained the same is our passion for good wine.”

Having worked for Oddbins for 16 years Claire and with Mo O’Toole (the Kent in the partnership) having enjoyed an international lecturing and studying career, they were experienced enough to understand

22 / CHEERS / www.cheersnortheast.co.uk

that selling wine alone isn’t enough – even 450 handpicked ones which can be bought by the glass.

“For the first year we just had the shop, then in our second year we gutted the upstairs to create a tasting room,” says Mo, recalling the days of hammers, crowbars and friends armed with paint rollers.

“Then, by listening to people, particularly the tasting panel we set up, we changed the shop around and have added an enoteca, an Italianstyle wine and food bar.”

No self-respecting Italian would think of drinking wine without some very good food so the Carruthers & Kent blackboard includes terrines, pies, scotch eggs, potted sea trout and pheasant liver pate from the celebrated Feathers Inn at Hedley-

Great range: Claire Carruthers, left, and Mo O’Toole

NEWS on-the-Hill, near Stocksfield, Northumberland.

“The biggest difference over our five years is the number of young people we’re attracting,” says Claire.

“People are not just coming from all over Newcastle and the North East, but from the likes of Edinburgh.

They’ve found us through being here for the Great North Run and from visiting family who study here – and they keep coming back. It’s great.”

The Carruthers & Kent success is partly down to the quirky range of wines from Croatia, Macedonia, Lebanon and Turkey which have proved extremely reliable and popular – plus their selection of North East beers is a real find among the reds, whites and rosés.

“One of our real stars is Italy,” says Mo. “Some of the Italian wines are

stunning. People even come in and tell us they want to visit a vineyard somewhere near where they’re going and ask us to set it up. Because we’re independent and source from small, boutique wineries a little off the beaten track, we can do that, too.

And we have tasted every wine in the shop.”

A chiller counter offers quality cheeses and charcuterie; 18 new wines arrive each month, artisan chocolates are available; a book club meets regularly, and wine and champagne tastings – mixed with a gin laboratory – are hugely popular.

Paradoxically, five years can seem to have gone in a flash but it’s also a lengthy learning period. Like any one of those 450 handpicked wines, some days are ripe for drinking while others sit back and improve with age.

EXTRA TIME KEEPS BREWERY BUSY A tiny North Yorkshire brewery has passed a real landmark.

Mithril Ales, based at Aldbrough St John, near Darlington, has produced its 500th brew.

Brewery owner Pete Fenwick conjures beers for any occasion, such as Hammertime (3.9% abv), a pale ale that celebrates 25 years since he was a film extra in Robin Hood Prince of Thieves. But October’s thrust is

the Rugby World Cup with the likes of Odd Shaped Balls (3.7%), Hairy Hooker (3.8% abv) and Grapple Tackle (3.7% abv), respectively golden, brown ale and amber ales.

Joggers Tipple (3.9% abv) is a pale ale named by a member of The Swaledale Runners for the annual Richmond 10K race.

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

DARLINGTON SNOOKER CLUB

CAMRA CLUB OF THE YEAR 2015 Darlington Snooker Club present

Snooker World Champion Stuart Bingham – Thursday 5th November – Tickets £20 available to book from the club now

Telephone 01325 241388 1 Corporation Road, Darlington, DL3 6AE

HERITAGE RANGE

MYSTICAL RANGE

GREAT BEER LOCALLY BREWED Tel: (0191) 447 6543 Email: contact@firebrickbrewery.com www.firebrickbrewery .com Units 10-11 , Blaydon Business Centre , Cowen Road , Blaydon on Tyne . NE21 5TW www.cheersnortheast.co.uk / CHEERS / 23

CUMBRIA CALLING

LAKELAND BEER IS MOUNTAIN HIGH New Liberal Democrat leader Tim Farron – also member of parliament for South Lakes – has praised the pub and brewing sector as a “major driver” of the Cumbrian economy.

Figures show that local pubs and breweries “top up” the region’s economy by more than £60m per year.

Research by Oxford Economics show that the Lake District has the fourth highest number of breweries in the UK – a total of 38, reaching diagonally across the county from Silloth to Kirby Lonsdale and alphabetically from Appleby to Yates.

The gross value added by pubs and breweries in Cumbria was £62.3m providing a tax take for the exchequer of £26.1m. The

figures also show that wages paid by pubs and breweries put £28.5m back into the local economy, while these businesses in turn have invested around £3m in more facilities and services. No doubt Tim Farron will enjoy the following: BLONDE MOVES TO KENTUCKY Cumberland Breweries, the producer of Corby Ale and Corby Blonde, have new American owners. But what was it that attracted Dr Pearse Lyons to invite the craft brewer into the Alltech Lexington Brewing and Distilling Company?

The brewer of Kentucky Ale – “the beer of bourbon country” – was simply a big fan of Northern ales and had been since his days studying in Birmingham. Company president

Lyons actually sensed an opening in Cumberland Breweries’ limited output, attracted by its size and the quality of its workforce.

“We see the opportunity to build on the brewery’s reputation,” said Lyons. “We will produce a series of very special beers that can be marketed across the world just as some of Scotland’s single malt whiskies have been.”

Cumberland Breweries – based in an 1833, grade II-listed village forge at Great Corby, six miles east of Carlisle – brews the delightful Corby Blonde (4.2% abv), Corby Ale (3.8% abv) and Corby Noir (4.5% abv) a superbly chocolatey Irish-style stout stout.

Following successful forays throughout Cumbria, Northumberland, County Durham and Lancashire, a second brewery was opened two years ago behind the railway staion at Newry, County Down, Northern Ireland.

BEER FOR A LAUGH Chuckleberry Sour (3.3% abv) is the latest rare one-off beer from Hawkshead Brewery. The limited-edition Berliner Weiss-style beer has been aged with whole, fresh chuckleberries – yes, there is such thing as a chuckleberry. They look and grow a bit like blackcurrants but are a cross between redcurrant, gooseberry and jostaberry stocks which produce high yields of a dark currants displaying flavours from all three fruits in its parentage. They make fantastic jam – and even better beer.

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 24 / CHEERS / www.cheersnortheast.co.uk

NEWS

REEL ALE GOES TO THE MOVIES

PROUD TO BE NAMED REGIONAL CIDER PUB OF THE YEAR 2015

Movie star: Mark Anderson, right, with Sunderland council’s deputy leader councillor Harry Trueman Maxim Brewery works closely with Sunderland City Council to support events across the borough – indeed, it produces an annual Mayor’s Ale for civic purposes.

So, to celebrate Sunderland Shorts Film Festival that Maxim sponsors, the Rainton Bridge brewery produced Reel Ale, a special

Double Maxim edition. The topmost rated films were then sent to the DC Shorts event in Washington DC. Maxim director Mark Anderson said: “It was great to support the event. We don’t produce many special editions because it’s not easy to do small bottle runs but we do enjoy producing the special event ales when we can.”

NEW SHIFT PLANNED AT BREWERY Plans have been submitted to relocated Hexhamshire Brewery from its current site at Ordley, Northumberland, to the Dipton Mill Inn, Hexham. The pub is still run

by Janet Brooker, whose husband Geoff died earlier this year. It was always Geoff’s ambition to brew

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

his beer in outbuildings at the side of the pub, so the move will be an appropriate reminder of an enormously popular figure. The plan is also that it will create jobs, become a tourist attraction, and safeguard the future of the Dipton Mill Inn.

Picturesque location & only a couple of miles from Hexham Now open on Mondays serving food 12-2 and 6-9.

A range of snacks available throughout the afternoon.

Reservations 01434 602814 www.theratinn.com Twitter:@ratales The Rat Inn, Anick, Hexham, Northumberland NE46 4LN

THE WHITE SWAN (OVINGHAM) Only a 2 minute walk from Prudhoe train station! Open every day from 12 noon REAL ALES ON TAP NEW Menu - food served everyday - Daily Specials Board Traditional Sunday Lunch 12 noon - 5 pm Beer Garden with childrens play area - Families & cyclists welcome - Dog friendly QUIZ NIGHT EVERY TUESDAY - starts 9.15 pm free supper!

ENTERTAINMENT NIGHTS OCT: Sat 10th -The Pedantics, Mon 12th - Buskers Night (all ages & standards welcome), Fri 16th - Frankies Cafe, Sat 24th - Tommy & The Oddballs Sat 31st - Jo James Band NOV: Sat 7th - Robbie Williams Tribute

Main Road, Ovingham, Northumberland, NE42 6AG tel: 01661 833 188 www.whiteswan-ovingham.co.uk www.cheersnortheast.co.uk / CHEERS / 25

FUN STUFF

SIGN OF THE TIMES

THE DIRTY DOZEN

TWELVE QUIZ QUESTIONS TO GET ONE OVER ON YOUR FRIENDS. OR NOT

1. Genuphobia is the fear of what part of the body?

2. Which country only switched to the modern Gregorian calendar on January 1, 1927?

3. Used to measure the height of horses, how many inches are there in one hand?

4. In Morse Code what letter is represented by a single dot?

5. Who painted The Potato Eaters (right)?

6. Which unit of the Roman army consisted of 480 men?

7. How many X chromosomes do women have?

8. In 1872, which country played England in the first-ever international football match?

SPOTTED: A Tyneside Mini owner with perhaps a penchant for the 1950s American comedy, The Phil Silvers Show.

9. What was the score?

10. What organisation was founded in 1953 by Chad Varah?

11. The Mekon, a super-intelligent ruler of the Treens, was whose archenemy?

12. The Golden Spurtle is the annual world championship in making what?

A MAN WALKS INTO A BAR… …ORDERS A PINT AND SAYS TO THE BARMAN: ‘CAN YOU TELL ME WHAT TIME IT IS, PLEASE?’ THE BARMAN LOOKS AT THE CLOCK AND SAYS: ‘HALF-PAST SIX’. THE MAN SAYS: ‘REALLY? THAT’S WEIRD. I’VE BEEN ASKING THAT SAME QUESTION ALL DAY AND EACH TIME I GET A DIFFERENT ANSWER.’ QUIZ ANSWERS 1 Knees. 2 Turkey. 3 Four. 4 E. 5 Vincent Van Gogh. 6 A cohort. 7 Two. 8 Scotland. 9 0-0. 10 The Samaritans. 11 Dan Dare. 12 Porridge.

26 / CHEERS / www.cheersnortheast.co.uk

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...

THE VICTORIA INN

NEWCASTLE HOTEL

THE CARTS BOG INN

NORTH YORKSHIRE

OLIVERS

THE CRASTER ARMS

RED LION

THE CROWN INN

RED LION INN

THE DIAMOND INN

RIVERDALE HALL HOTEL

THE DYVELS INN

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

THE CROWN INN

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

CUMBRIA COUNTY DURHAM BUTCHER’S ARMS

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

DUN COW

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

South Street, West Rainton Houghton - le - Spring DH4 6PA t: 0191 5841022

NUMBER TWENTY-2

22 Coniscliffe Road, Darlington, DL3 7RG t: 01325 354590 e: rew@villagebrewer.co.uk www.twenty2.villagebrewer.co.uk

SURTEES ARMS

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

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

THE COUNTY

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

THE CROSS KEYS

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

THE CROWN

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 OLDE SHIPS INN

NORTHUMBERLAND

Bellingham, NE48 2JT t: 01434 220254

THREE HORSESHOES

Hathery Lane, Horton, Cramlington, NE24 4HF Prudhoe Station, Low Prudhoe, t: 01670 822410 NE42 6NP t: 01661 832323

ADAM & EVE

THREE WHEATHEADS

Thropton nr Rothbury, NE65 7LR t: 01669 620262

THE BLACKSMITHS

THE OLD WELL INN

BARRASFORD ARMS

TWICE BREWED INN

THE DUKE OF WELLINGTON

THE PLOUGH

BARRELS

THE ALLENDALE INN

THE DUN COW

THE PUNCH BOWL INN

BATTLESTEADS HOTEL

THE ANCHOR HOTEL

Station Road, Low Pittington Durham, DH6 1BJ 0191 3720287 Darlington Road, Durham DH1 3QN t: 0191 375 7651 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 HALF MOON INN

86 New Elvet, Durham, DH1 3AQ t: 0191 3741918

THE HONEST LAWYER

Croxdale Bridge, Croxdale, DH1 3HP t: 0191 3783782

THE JOHN DUCK

The Bank, Barnard Castle DL12 8PH t: 01833 690 130 Mountsett, Burnopfield, NE16 6BA t: 01207 570346 Edmundbyers, DH8 9NL t: 01207 255545

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

THE MILL

THE ROYAL OAK

Thropton, Rothbury, NE65 7HX t: 01669 620362

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

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

THE BADGER

DOCTOR SYNTAX

THE BLACKBIRD

5 Tubwell Row, Darlington, DL1 1NU t: 01325 461448 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

THE SMITHS ARMS

Brecon Hill, Castle Dene, Chester le Street, DH3 4HE t: 0191 3857559

THE SPORTSMANS ARMS

Moor End Terrace, Belmont, DH1 1BJ t: 0191 3842667

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

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

WICKET GATE

THE MINERS ARMS

THE WILD BOAR

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

28 / CHEERS / www.cheersnortheast.co.uk

Haydon Bridge, NE47 6AB t: 01434 688121

THE QUAYS

THE STABLES

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

Market Place, Allendale, Hexham, NE47 9BJ, t: 01434 683246

Beadnell, NE67 5AY t: 01665 721211

2 Mechanics Yard, Darlington, DL3 7QF t: 07783 960105

THE LAMBTON WORM

THE MANOR HOUSE HOTEL

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

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

THE QUAKERHOUSE

91A Claypath, Durham City, DH1 1 RG North Road, Chester le Street, DH3 4AJ t: 0191 3871162

Barrasford Hexham, NE48 4AA t: 01434 681237

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

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

THE MANOR HOUSE INN

THE BRITTANIA INN

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

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

Seahouses, NE68 7SQ t: 01665 720283

THE BEAMISH MARY INN

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

THE OAK TREE

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

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

BAMBURGH CASTLE INN

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

THE BLACK HORSE

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

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

Durham Road, East Rainton, DH5 9QT t: 0191 5840944

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

28 West Green, Heighington, DL5 6PE t: 01325 312312 No Place, Nr Beamish, DH9 0QH t: 0191 370 0237

THE NEWFIELD INN

THE BEER HALL

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

Front Street, Chester-le-Street, DH3 3AX t: 0191 3872960 Frederick Place, Houghton le Spring, DH4 4BN t: 0191 5128050

BEADNELL TOWERS HOTEL

CROSS KEYS

DIPTON MILL INN

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

DUKE OF WELLINGTON Newton, NE43 7UL t: 01661 844446

DYKE NEUK

Meldon, Nr Morpeth, NE61 3SL t: 01670 772662

ELECTRIC WIZARD

New Market, Morpeth, NE61 1PS t: 01670 500640

FOX AND HOUNDS

Main Road, Wylam NE41 8DL t: 01661 598060

THE ANCHOR INN

Whittonstall, Nr Consett, DH8 9JN t: 01207 561110

THE ANGEL INN

Street Houses, Ponteland Newcastle upon Tyne NE20 9BT t: 01661 871037 Ponteland, NE20 9UH t: 01661 822 684

THE BLACK BULL

Matfen, NE20 0RP t: 01661 855395

THE BLACK BULL INN Etal, TD12 4TL t: 01890 820200

THE BLUE BELL

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

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

THE FEATHERS INN

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

THE FORESTERS ARMS West Sleekburn NE62 5XE 01670 813345

THE GOLDEN LION

Hill Street, Corbridge, NE45 5AA t: 01434 632216

THE GOLDEN LION

Market Place, Allendale, NE47 9BD t: 01434 683 225

THE HADRIAN HOTEL

Wall, Hexham, NE44 4EE t: 01434 681232

THE HEART OF NORTHUMBERLAND

5 Market Street, Hexham, NE46 3NS t: 01434 609336

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

THE MANOR HOUSE

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

THE MANOR INN

Main Street, Haltwhistle, NE49 0BS t: 01434 322588

THE PACKHORSE INN

Hillstreet, Corbridge, NE45 5AA t: 01434 431143

• 14 Real ales on tap • CAMRA 2013 • Northumberland Pub of the Year Winner

Wansbeck Street, Morpeth, NE61 1XZ t: 01670 513540

Main Street, Ponteland, NE20 9BB t: 01661 872898

THE BLUE BELL

JOHN THE CLERK OF CRAMLINGTON

JOINERS ARMS

Humshaugh, Hexham, NE46 4AG t: 01434 681 231

THE OLDE SHIP INN

THE BOATHOUSE

Front Street, Cramlington, NE23 1DN t: 01670 707060

The Wynding, Beadnell, NE675AX t: 01665 720 272

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

GENERAL HAVELOCK INN

Haydon Bridge, NE47 6ER t: 01434 684376

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

Wylam, NE41 8HR t: 01661 853431

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

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

Acomb, NE46 4PW t: 01434 602934

BRIDGE TAVERN

THE SUN INN

7 Akenside Hill Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 3UF t: 0191 232 1122

THE SWINBURNE ARMS

• Selection of real ales • Food served daily • Roof terrace

High Church, Morpeth, NE61 2QT, t: 01670 514153 31 North Side, Stamfordham, NE18 0QG t: 01661 886015

THE TANNERY

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

42-48 High Bridge, Newcastle, NE1 6BX t: 0191 2611008

BENTON ALE HOUSE

Front Street, Longbenton NE7 7XE t: 0191 2661512

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

BRIDLE PATH

101 Front Street, Whickham, NE16 4JJ t: 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

MARKET LANE

72-74 Pilgrim Street, Newcastle, NE1 6SG t: 0191 232 0251

MARQUIS OF GRANBY

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

NEWCASTLE ARMS

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

ODDFELLOWS

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

OSBORNES BAR

61 Osborne Road, Jesmond, Newcastle, NE2 2AN t: 0191 240 2811

PUB & KITCHEN

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

RED LION

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

FIRE STATION

ROCKLIFFE ARMS

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

FITZGERALDS

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

FITZGERALDS

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

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

THREE MILE INN,

Great North Road, Gosforth, Newcastle, NE3 2DS t: 0191 255 2100

FREE TRADE INN

TILLEYS BAR

GOSFORTH HOTEL

TOBY BARNES

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

105 Westgate Road, Newcastle, NE1 4AG t: 0191 232 0692 Durham Road, Sunderland SR2 7RB, t: 0191 5285644 www.tobycarvery.co.uk

TRAVELLERS REST

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

TWIN FARMS

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

26 Silksworth Row, Sunderland, SR1 3QJ t: 0191 5147684

TYNE BAR

IVY HOUSE

TYNEMOUTH LODGE

Worcester Terrace, Sunderland SR2 7AW

LA TAVERNA

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

BRIDGE HOTEL

LADY GREY’S

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

THE HARBOUR VIEW

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

THE HASTINGS

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

THE BROAD CHARE

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

THE CAUSEY ARCH INN

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

THE CENTURION

Neville Street, Newcastle, NE1 5DG, t: 0191 261 6611 • Real ales • Food available • Live sports shown

THE CHILLINGHAM

THE CLUNY

SUN INN

Coalburns, Greenside, NE40 4JN t: 0191 4132549

THE BRANDLING VILLA

SHIREMOOR HOUSE FARM

FITZGERALDS

FOX & HOUNDS

THE GREY HORSE

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

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

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

2 South Parade, Whitley Bay, NE26 2RG t: 0191 2511255

THE BRANDLING ARMS

2 Stowell Street, NE1 4XQ t: 0191 2328477

ROSIES BAR

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

BIERREX

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

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

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

• Tapas • Real Ale • Chicken

82 Pilgrim Street, NE1 6SG

MAGNESIA BANK

Maling Street, Newcastle NE6 1LP Tynemouth Road, North Shields, NE30 4AA t: 0191 257 7565

THE BEEHIVE

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

THE BODEGA

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

THE COPT HILL

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

THE COTTAGE TAVERN

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

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 DUN COW

9 High Street West, Sunderland SR1 3HA t: 0191 5672262

THE FIVE SWANS

St Marys Place, Newcastle, NE1 7PG t: 0191 2111140

THE GREEN

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

THE BRIAR DENE

THE GREY HORSE

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

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 ROSE & CROWN

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

THE RUNHEAD

Holburn Lane, Ryton, Tyne & Wear, NE40 3HJ t: 0191 413 9517

THE SANDPIPER

Farringdon Road, Cullercoats, Tyne & Wear, NE30 3ER t: 0191 253 5050

THE SCHOONER

South Shore Road, Gateshead, NE8 3AF t: 0191 477 7404

THE SIR WILLIAM DE WESSYNGTON

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

THE KING GEORGE

North Parade, Whitley Bay t: 0191 251 3877

THE LOW LIGHTS TAVERN

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

THE MID BOLDON CLUB

60 Front Street. East Boldon, NE36 0SH

THE MILL HOUSE

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

THE POTTERS WHEEL

THE KINGS ARMS

DAT BAR

THE DUKE OF WELLINGTON

Hotspur North, Backworth, NE27 0BJ t: 0191 2680711

• Handmade food • Toe-tapping tunes • Hip-ster free zone

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

THE MILE CASTLE

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

THE PAVILION

THE KINGS ARMS

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

125 Westgate Road, Newcastle, NE1 4AG t: 0191 221 1552 71 The Links, Whitley Bay, NE26 1UE t: 0191 2520926

Old Penshaw Village, Houghton-le-Spring, DH4 7ER t: 0191 512 6080

52 Westgate Rd, NE1 5XU t: 0191 2111160 Blackfell, Birtley, DH3 1RE t: 0191 415 1313

THE MILLSTONE HOTEL

Hadricks Mill Road, South Gosforth, NE3 1QL t: 0191 285 3429

THE NEW BRIDGE

2 -4 Argyle Street, Newcastle, NE1 6PF t: 0191 2321020

THE NORTHUMBRIAN PIPER Fawdon House, Red House Farm Estate, Gosforth, NE3 2AH t: 0191 2856793

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

THE STAITH HOUSE

57 Low Lights, North Shields, NE30 1JA t: 0191 2708441

THE STEAMBOAT

27 Mill Dam, South Shields NE33 1EQ t: 0191 454 0134

THE TANNERS

1 Byker Bridge, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 2NS

THE THREE TUNS

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

THE TOWN WALL

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

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

THE TURKS HEAD

41 Front Street, Tynemouth, NE30 4DZ t: 0191 2576547

THE OLD GEORGE

THE VICTORY

THE PACKHORSE

YE OLD CROSS INN

Old George Yd, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 1EE t: 0191 260 3035 Crookgate, Burnopfield, NE16 6NS t: 01207 270283

Killingworth Road, South Gosforth, NE3 1SY t: 0191 285 1254 Ryton Village, NE40 3QP t: 0191 4134689

www.cheersnortheast.co.uk / CHEERS / 29

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Specialists in Beer Books, Postcards, Posters & Signs Our product range covers material from England, Belgium, France, The Netherlands, Germany and the U.S.A. They will be of interest to beer drinkers, memorabilia lovers, brewers, publicans, bar designers plus many more beer enthusiasts.

We deliver by mail order and can also ship abroad.

Beer-Inn Print (Est 1997) Long High Top, Hebden Bridge, West Yorkshire, HX& 7PF Tel: 01422 844437 Email: beerinnprint@gmail.com order online at: www.beerinnprint.co.uk

30 / CHEERS / www.cheersnortheast.co.uk

SJF Christmas 15 260x190 "Cheers" 23/09/2015 14:05 Page 1

Eat, Drink and be Merry

Join us this Christmas at one of our Great Food Pubs across the North East or stylish Café Royal restaurant.

Proudly serving locally produced homemade food using only the freshest and finest ingredients. Our Christmas menu is available between 1st - 24th December.

With festive hospitality the way it should be, you can also savour a handsome selection of beers, handpicked ales, wines and spirits all served in a warm, family-friendly atmosphere.

To book the place to be this Christmas, pop into one of our venues for a menu or visit

www.sjf.co.uk

RIDLEY ARMS TWIN FARMS SHIREMOOR HOUSE FARM

• THE PAVILION • THE GREEN • THE MANOR HOUSE

• CAFÉ ROYAL

Share our passion for great wine and good food in Newcastle’s first Enoteca.

Over 450 handpicked wines, plus premium spirits and beers, to choose from Quality cheeses, meats and condiments to eat in or take away 18 new wines each month, by the glass, to drink at our tables Gifts, hampers and gift wrapping for every occasion Tue/Wed 12-7pm, Thur 12-8pm, Fri 10-8pm Sat 10-7pm and Sun 12-5pm Carruthers and Kent 3a Elmfield Rd, Gosforth, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE3 4AY T: 0191 2131818, e: info@carruthersandkent.com, www.carruthersandkent.com @candkwines