Cheers North East magazine #58 - March 2016

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WELCOME It used to be said that when you utter the phrase “Easter’s early this year” it was an indication that you were getting on in years and had little else in your life to bother about. This issue of Cheers North East will disprove that notion.

Yes, Easter is early this year – and it was the first thing a twentysomething brewery delivery driver said when we asked if he was busy.

It demonstrates, however, that we’ve just about shaken off the winter blues and looking forward to enjoying longer days, a spot of sunshine, and developing a spirit of wellbeing that should translate into the sound of pub tills ringing.

There’s so much to look forward to in March with beer festivals in the diary, St Patrick’s Day, Mothers’ Day, big sports events hotting up and the introduction of new beer styles that reflect the changing season. The Campaign For Real Ale (Camra) Newcastle Beer & Cider Festival celebrates its 40th anniversary in early April which is also an indicator of spring and new beginnings, so there’s a lot to look forward to.

Research from Oxford University shows that the happiest people in society are those who live near a pub and use it as a social hub. They meet friends there (and tend to have more of them than other people), they enjoy better life satisfaction, and are less likely to drink to excess.

By the same token, brewery delivery drivers are a good barometer to the health of the pub industry. Easter is early, right enough, and the driver we met should know – his van was bursting at the seams. Cheers!

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 20

BROOKLYN BREWS SOMETHING SPECIAL

He’s possibly the most charismatic and able brewmaster on the planet, so it was a real privilege to welcome Garrett Oliver to the North East, the man who helped project Brooklyn Brewery into every beer-lover’s conscience. He was presenting his Ghost Beers as a guest of The Bridge Tavern in Newcastle – those beers that brewers tend to make for fun, for themselves and for their friends and colleagues and are never put out into the marketplace. Special tasting occasions like this are where you can listen and learn and experience aromas and flavours that dreams are made of.

COVER: GARRETT OLIVER, BREWMASTER, BROOKLYN BREWERY

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LATEST NEWS GASTROPUBS IN TOP TIER A HISTORY OF ANGELS A LIFE’S WORK

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THE FUTURE IN THREE HOPS THE VISITOR EXPERIENCE THE A-Z OF PUBS FUN WITH FUN STUFF

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NEWS

BIG PLANS UP AND RUNNING Hexham MP Guy Opperman has been visiting the Falkland Islands, along with a cross-party group of politicians to get an insight into the British overseas territory and to strengthen the relationship between the two.

So, what did he take with him on his 8,000 mile trip as a little present?

Bottles of Hadrian Border Grainger Ale, to be precise. While there he met Jeff Halliday, who vigilant Cheers readers will recall from the December 2011 magazine when he was on a Sunderland-based Brewlab start-up brewing course with the intention of creating a brewery in the capital Stanley.

Hadrian Border production manager Martin Hammill is now keen to collaborate with Jeff’s Falklands Beerworks to brew

4 / CHEERS / www.cheersnortheast.co.uk

something special between them.

It’s a watch-this-space scenario.

The Newburn-based brewery actually has enough to be going on with at the moment with the long-running development of The Station Hotel pub in Gateshead, new branding of its products (left), an experimental beers programme, quality assurance certification, and the core business of brewing top quality ales.

Hadrian Border managing director Andy Burrows. says: “We’ve been jumping through so many hoops lately with The Station and a Safe and Local Supplier Approval (SALSA) food safety accreditation.

“Developing the pub is a natural step and a safeguard for our products, but it’s been a bit of a nightmare. We had to get

Beer works: Hexham MP Guy Opperman, left, with Jeff Halliday from Falklands Beerworks the building right; there is no way anybody could have gone in and simply decorated. But it will be worth it and hope to be open for the start of the summer.”

Back at the brewery, a new brewer is well into his stride. Oliver Eltringham was recruited straight from a Brewlab course, but there’s no resting on any laurels in this business as he’s taking Institute of Brewing (IoB) qualifications in May. “We’ve invested a lot in the brewery and elsewhere,” says Andy.

“You’ve got to be proactive these days and if you’re not doing things properly you’ll struggle. We wanted someone well trained with the knowledge and ability..”

That investment includes a pilot brew kit constructed by Scotia Welding from Lauder in

The Borders. The clever piece of equipment has to be seen to be believed – mash tun and copper in one clever construction plus two small fermentation vessels. Sitting in those is an American Red Ale, ready for market, while hard on its heels is an Altbier, a speciality of Düsseldorf in Germany.

The main Hadrian Border plant is now a 35-barrel (8,640 pint) capacity with the ability to create 100 barrels of beer a week. New branding for every beer in the portfolio is being introduced with a contemporary feel that could stand up with any in the nation, while a much-improved website is being built; things that have to be done to maintain upward progression. As if brewing 100 barrels of beer a week wasn’t enough.

NEWS

NEW BEER AVAILABLE FOR A FLY HALF

Newcastle Falcons have announced a sponsorship deal with one of the country’s biggest brewers which includes shirt sponsorship until the summer of 2017. Greene King, the Suffolk-based national brewer whose IPA was runner-up in the Campaign For Real Ale (Camra) Champion Beer of Britain competition in 2004, will also be the main beer on sale at the Kingston Park stadium. The deal also includes the Newcastle Thunder rugby league side.

Beer sales are up at the ground due to increased match-day attendances for both clubs, plus an emphasis on events and the success of the Tap & Tackle bar in the clubhouse.

THE CROWN SLIPS INTO OBLIVION A Grade II-listed Northumberland pub, closed since November 2013, has finally bitten the dust as a going concern. The Crown & Anchor at Horsley – made redundant through what was called at the time “dwindling trade” and despite a last-ditch effort by locals to save it – has been sold with the intention of converting it into a four-bedroom detached house. Previous plans were for office space, but planning permission and listed building consent has been sought for a private house.

The pub, originally opened as a coaching inn in 1805, was put up for sale by Punch Taverns.

The proposed floor plan will apparently adhere to the building’s existing “footprint” with the toilets at the rear becoming a garage.

Touch down: Falcons players model the new kit

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NEWS

SAISON’S TO BE CHEERFUL

Newcastle-based Tyne Bank Brewery is getting involved with The Dirty Reiver, a 200km off-road cycling challenge at Kielder Forest on April 16. Marketing manager Sam Capper says: “It’s still in the planning stages but we hope to be supplying every rider with a well-earned pint as they cross the finish line and supporting the after-party too.”

Sam also reports that Farmhouse Saison is back as Tyne Bank’s March special – 4.5% abv cloudy Belgian ale brewed with orange and coriander which was well received at last year’s Newcastle Beer Festival.

He says: “We are also brewing an imperial version of Northern Porter, ramping this 4.5% abv smoked porter up to the 9% region. The majority of it is destined to be barrel-aged in Islay whisky casks for release later in the year, with a small amount being held back for bottle and cask.” www.dirtyreiver.co.uk

THE SOCIAL CLUB THAT IS THE PUB

Research has found that people living near a pub that they visit are significantly happier, have more friends, better life satisfaction, and less likely to drink excess.

Results from Oxford University commissioned by the Campaign for Real Ale (Camra), highlight the importance of face-to-face interaction and noted that people were more likely to be engaged in conversations in small community pubs rather than larger establishments. The research, conducted in pubs in Oxfordshire, also revealed that social skills improve after a drink.

Professor Robin Dunbar of Oxford University, said: “Friendship and community are probably the two most important factors influencing our health and wellbeing.

“Making and maintaining friendships, however, is something that has to be done face-to-face.

Given the increasing tendency for our social life to be online, having relaxed accessible venues where people can meet old friends and make new ones becomes ever more necessary.”

Tim Page, chief executive of Camra, said: “Whilst we are delighted that such robust research highlights some of the many benefits of visiting a pub, I hardly expect the findings will be a great surprise to Camra members.

“The role of community pubs in ensuring wellbeing cannot be overstated. For that reason, we all need to do what we can to ensure that everyone has a ‘local’ near to where they live or work.” www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/newsbysector/ retailandconsumer/12070694/Londonersswap-pub-drinking-for-chessboxing-andswing-dancing.html

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Campaign For Real Ale (Camra) branches across the region have announced their Pubs of the Year (PotY) for 2016. They’re voted for by members who visit pubs on a regular basis, so they’re folks who know their stuff. There’s a surprise or two among them – very welcome too – and we congratulate them all on their deserved success.

TYNESIDE & NORTHUMBERLAND Tyneside pub of the year: Fitzgeralds, Newcastle North Northumberland pub of the year (and overall Northumberland winner): Curfew, Berwick South East Northumberland pub of the year: The Office, Morpeth South West Northumberland pub of the year: The Boathouse, Wylam (pictured below) Tyneside cider pub: The Free Trade Inn, Newcastle South West Northumberland cider pub (and overall Northumberland winner): The Tannery, Hexham South East Northumberland

cider pub: The Office Morpeth North Northumberland cider pub: The John Bull, Alnwick Tyneside club: Newcastle Cricket club Northumberland club: Haltwhistle Comrades Club SUNDERLAND & SOUTH TYNESIDE Pub of the year: The Steamboat, South Shields. Runner-up: The Alum Ale House, South Shields Club of the year: Ashbrooke Sports Club, Sunderland.

Runner-up: Mid Boldon Club, Boldon

DURHAM Town Pub: Ye Old Elm Tree, Durham City. Runner-up: Tap & Spile, Durham City Country Pub: Dun Cow, Seaton.

Runner-up: Surtees Arms, Ferryhill Club of the year: Tanfield Lea Club. Runner-up: Chester le Street Cricket Club Town cider pub: John Duck, Durham City. Runner-up: Head of Steam, Durham City Country cider pub: Black Lion, Wolsingham. Runner-up: Black Bull, Frosterley.

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NEWS

A PINT A DAY AND THAT’S ALL FOLKS

Last month, on the back of new alcohol guidelines, we posed the question: is there some way of separating beer and wine (and spirits) from “alcohol units”?

We don’t sit in a pub and drink pure alcohol, unless we down glass after glass of neat vodka; we sup glasses of beer and wine and the occasional short.

Surely that’s good for the soul and adds to our wellbeing through sociability, relaxation, conversation, laughter and the occasional rant, even though we all know the risks to our health of excessive alcohol consumption.

Speaking to a Common’s select committee, Dame Sally Davies, chief medical officer for England, said she weighs up the risk of breast cancer before each glass of wine she pours.

Her comments come soon after which saw the recommended weekly allowance for both men and women reduced to 14 units a week.

She told MPs: “Do as I do when I reach for my glass of wine – think ‘do I want the glass of wine or do I want to raise my own risk of breast cancer?’”

Is this the sort of official guidance we’re supposed to swallow? Are we being reduced to spoonfeeding about the wrongs of a couple of pints to wind down and eating bacon sandwiches and watching television, all of which are now supposed to be bad for us.

The new recommendations have drawn strong criticism and completely ignore many other scientific papers that show various health benefits of moderate drinking.

Inset: Dame Sally Davies has some advice for drinkers

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NEWS

ONE OR THE OTHER, NOT BOTH The drink-driving limit in England and Wales may be lowered, the Government has indicated.

Andrew Jones, a transport minister, says the limit could be reduced from its current 80mg – one of the highest in Europe – as is there is “robust evidence” that it has improved road safety in Scotland where a limit of 50mg of blood was introduced in December 2014.

An analysis by the RAC Foundation said that lowering the limit would have saved 25 lives. As welcome as that is, however, the effect on Scotland’s pubs has been described as “the end for hundreds” – and now there are moves afoot to drop the limit there even further to 20mg.

Bar owners have reacted angrily to the news. Michael McHugh, owner of Glasgow’s Station Bar, said: “A 20mg level would be silly. It would spell the end for hundreds of pubs that support

thousands of jobs across the country – even some medicines would put people over the limit.”

Dennis Forsyth, owner of Cheers Café Bar in Fraserburgh, Aberdeenshire, tells us that rural pubs have been particularly badly hit by the limit, rather than town-centre ones like his.

He said: “A busy village local I know has lost a lot of trade as no-one is popping in for a quick one any more. As a consequence, the owner has decided to reduce the bar area by half and make his dining operation bigger.”

WINE HELPS YOUR…

It’s common knowledge that drinking can often lead to a patchy memory, but a neurologist has told how alcohol can actually help improve recall in certain circumstances.

Dr Dean Burnett has said that after a few drinks, people are quicker to remember previously lost memories – but only if those memories were from a time that they had been drinking.

“To put it simply, substances such as alcohol or stimulants or anything that alters brain activity bring about a specific neurological state,” he writes in his latest book, Idiot Brains.

“If you were to be told some interesting gossip or useful information after a couple of glasses of wine, your brain would encode your slightly intoxicated state as part of the memory. In this scenario, a glass of wine can indeed improve your memory.”

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GASTRO PUBS

LEGENDS IN THEIR OWN LUNCHTIME Four North East pubs have made it into a national Top 50 Gastropubs list. Karen Errington from The Rat Inn at Anick, Hexham (number 13), answers a few questions

The Rat Inn was named number13 in the 2016 list – to what do you owe your success?

Keeping the food simple and seasonal, maintaining a great beer list in addition to regularly changing guest beers and having a hard working and personable team. And enjoying doing it.

The North East has been recognised for great pub food – how has that come about?

The pubs are quite diverse in terms

of what they offer so there’s not a hard and fast formula. In general people have a good idea of which pubs are doing it right.

What do you do that’s different to other good food pubs?

I think it’s important to look at those around and try your best to do better. It’s also important to have a definite focus then devise menus which you have the skill and means to deliver successfully.

We are influenced by our location

The Rat Inn crew, left to right, Kevin Mclean, Karen Errington, Phil Mason, Abbi Milburn and Stuart Clark

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GASTRO PUBS and the ingredients available nearby and focus on flavour, not overly complex presentation, and keep the menu evolving.

Does it help business (daft question)?

It’s good in so far as it helps to keep your profile high and builds your reputation so it prompts some new custom and it gives everyone a massive motivational boost. So yes, there is a knock-on positive effect.

What’s next for The Rat Inn? We recently extended our food hours to a seven-day operation.

We’re also introducing a set threecourse lunch menu which we hope will speed up service and alleviate pressure on the kitchen at busy times. As a result we’ve got two chefs positions to fill, so hopefully, the high ranking might help to attract applications.

And next year?

There were 17 new pubs in the rankings this year which means 17 good pubs went out from the previous year, so there is no guarantee – even if you’re quite high up in the list – that you’ll figure. It’s wide open, which is also good.

THE TOP 50

The Rat Inn is the region’s top dog, coming in at number 13 (rising dramatically from last year’s 38) in the competition organised by The Publican’s Morning Advertiser and sponsored by Estrella Damm. The Broad Chare in Newcastle took the number 28 slot, while not far away in 31st place is The Staith House in North Shields where coowner John Calton was awarded gastropub chef of the year. The Bridge Tavern in Newcastle – just over two years old – is a new entry at number 49. Overall winner – for the second year in succession – was The Sportsman in Seasalter, Kent, a Michelin-starred pub. So, competing in that league and doing well shows we’ve got some serious talent in our pubs.

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HISTORY IN THE MAKING

THE LITTLE DOG LAUGHED TO SEE SO MUCH FUN It’s amazing what turns up when you research a pub’s history, writes Alastair Gilmour

The owners of a Northumberland pub have long congratulated themselves on its lengthy service to the local community.

A sundial on its frontage proudly proclaims the year 1726, which is a significant enough pat on the back for anybody.

However, The Angel Inn in Corbridge doesn’t originate in the 18th Century. A recent delve into the history books has discovered that it’s nearly 160 years older than previously thought. And it took a Gulf War veteran from California to find that out.

The hotel and pub’s managing director Kevin Laing says: “I got an email out of the blue in October from Mark Hedgepeth, a former United States Air Force major, who had spent the last 20 years tracing

his ancestry. We had always believed The Angel was dated 1726 as it has on the sundial, but Mark had traced his ancestors owning the pub and a nearby farm right back to 1569. We asked local historian David Waugh to help and within no time he came up with every owner, innkeeper and landlord from then until now.

“He also found nice stories such as the little dog sculpture that used to perch on the roof, which now sits by the fire in the lounge.”

The historical collaboration discovered that a William Hudespethe took over The Hole farm in Corbridge in 1569. The property had been forfeited by John Swinburne following his involvement with the Rising of the North (or Northern Rebellion), an unsuccessful attempt by Catholic

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Time travellers: The Angel Inn, Corbridge. Below: The little dog sculpture that sat at the front of the roof for years

nobles to depose Queen Elizabeth and replace her with Mary, Queen of Scots. Volume 10 of Craster’s History of Northumberland (published in 1914) claims that Hudespethe’s new land holding also included “what can be identified with probability as the Angel Inn”.

A century later, in 1675, a descendant John Hudespethe left for the American Colonies and by intention or mistake his name was changed to Hedgepeth. This is

quite a common occurrence with migrants, mainly caused by slipshod paperwork.

“When I was 15 I did a high school project on family history and after 35 years my passion for the subject has done nothing but grow,” said Mark Hedgepeth at a dinner organised by The Angel in his and his family’s honour.

“The past led me to reach out into the present via the internet to find The Angel website and then to David

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Waugh who has taught us so much more about the history our family had a part in.”

The Hedgepeths are also closely related to Frank Hudspeth who spent 19 seasons playing for Newcastle United, from 1910 to 1929, appearing in 472 games.

This makes him the joint longest servant for the club along with Billy McCracken.

Kevin Laing says: “We found a cigarette card featuring Frank Hudspeth and when we put it beside a photo of Mark Hedgepeth as young man it shows a remarkable likeness.

On a visit to St James’ Park, Mark’s son Mark jnr was presented with a signed Newcastle United shirt.

“When something like this comes together you realise how lovely some people in the world are.”

The history of The Angel, now displayed on two panels in the pub, takes us from the Hudespethes of 1569, through the construction of a bridge over the River Tyne in 1236, which provided easy access to the hostelry, particularly over the threeday annual Stagshaw Fair when

100,000 cattle, horses, sheep and swine were traded. It then includes the Jacobite Rebellion of 1745, the coming of the railway in 1835, and on past John Hall, “innkeeper and farmer” who owned the pub in 1897 when it was sold to John Barras & Co, one of the five founding companies of Newcastle Breweries.

It’s a fascinating journey and a terrific story to tell. Lifelong friendships have now been cemented between Northumberland and California; historian David Waugh has been presented with a life-long voucher so he never has to pay for his beer again at The Angel; the little dog is warm and cosy in front of the fire, and there’s no stopping the success of the pub.

Finally, by utter coincidence and a neat completion of circles, The Angel Inn’s current owner Semore Kurdi (who also owns Newcastle Falcons) now lives with his family in what was The Hole Farm, occupied 449 years ago by William Hudespethe.

As Major Mark Hedgepeth has demonstrated, you couldn’t make it up.

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NEW BEERS

MORE TEA, VICAR? Camerons Brewery has been hard at work producing a range of craft cask ales to complement its permanent stalwarts Strongarm and Gold Bullion. Northern Line Stout (4.4% abv) and A-Hop-Alypse Now (4.3% abv) have also earned their permanent stripes after being part of the Hartlepool brewer’s seasonal range and now promoted to its permanent portfolio.

A full year of newly-developed guest ales and proven favourites has also been announced, while the all-new Tontine Milk Stout (4.1% abv) is set to cause a stir with its “unconventional darkness”.

Camerons’ head brewer Martin Dutoy says: “It’s really stimulating doing new beers. There are a lot of interesting things going on at the moment.

“We obviously listen to sales and marketing but the best way of developing new styles is by

going to pubs to listen to what people are saying and to see what they’re drinking.”

Another one to look forward to teasing the tastebuds is Sleeping BrewTea (4.4% abv), developed in association with an award-winning tea ad cake shop.

Carli McNaught helped develop Sleeping BrewTea from The Olde Young Teahouse in Middlesbrough – voted the nation’s independent shop of the year in 2014.

She says: “The raspberry and rose petal flavours from Sleeping Beauty Green Tea – one of our most popular teas – go well in beer. I’m passionate about pale ale and love that the tea is brewed with something that I really like.”

Carli had been working as a tailor in Savile Row and was smitten by the teashops and small cafes on London street corners. So, on her return to the North East she thought she’d do something like that for a living – and been

Home in on the range: Camerons’ beers at The Head of Steam, Newcastle

New luxury bar for private hire 6 Real Ales always on tap. FOOD SERVED DAILY Full English served from 6am Monday - Friday in C C Hudsons

Tel: 0191 2616611

Grand Central Station, Neville St, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 5DG www.centurion-newcastle.com 14 / CHEERS / www.cheersnortheast.co.uk

NEW BEERS so successful she has already expanded the business.

“We’ve built a community here and we’ve built friendships,” she says.

More than 60 tea blends in The Olde Young Teahouse include Spiced Chai, Earl Grey Blue Flower, Wendy Tea and Lavender Tea – all of which come with encouragement to open the canisters and breathe in the aromas.

The March guest ale from Camerons’ craft cask range is Press Gang (4.0% abv) which has been brewed with an experimental British hop and the Chinook variety to give a light, crisp, gentle citrus flavour.

April’s “special” sees the return of Fridge Magnet (4.5% abv) which has proved an extremely popular beer with its assertive hop crispness – and interactive pumpclip.

We’ll have to wait until May for Sleeping BrewTea (4.4% abv), an amber-coloured pale ale infused with gentle raspberry and rose petal flavours and aromas. It’s a sensational combination.

Another one to look forward to is June’s release of Haze (4.1% abv), a wheat beer that emerged from a Camerons’ employees competition (won by Simon Whittington and Ryan Shore) in tribute to Jimi Hendrix. The cloudy, straw-coloured (not purple..) beer gives off fantastic banana and spice aromas on its way to a full-bodied fruity experience.

WINE OWNER STING SINGS FOR HIS SUP

A red wine produced at the Tuscan estate owned by Wallsend-born singer-songwriter Sting has been listed among the 101 best wines in Italy. Sister Moon (14.9% abv) which comes with a £36 price tag, has been listed among the top picks by US wine magazine Wine Spectator It’s one of four wines produced at the Tenuta il Palagio winery, a 16th Century estate that Sting and his wife Trudie Styler (pictured above) purchased 16 years ago.

The trick behind producing the awardwinning wine may be Sting’s penchant for singing to the grapes.

“I sing in the cellar,” he said. “I like to think the wine’s taking it in.”

Folk Session

Monday 14th March Irish, Scottish, English, European, American etc - Come along and join in the fun (then 2nd Monday in the month)

St Patrick’s Day

Thursday 17th March

AT S U H T I W E T A R B E L E C

TTTT E S E N S O N C O E C R SE O RS H O Y H E Y R E G R E G TTH HE

Live music and shenanigans starts 8pm - FREE food Consett Stout £1.95 pint Come along and enjoy the craic

Easter Weekend Saturday 26th March Ricky Moore Hypnotist Laughter Show from 7.30 pm The most unique audience participation show in existence Sunday 27th March Live Music with Doctor Brown and the Groovecats from 6 pm - 8.30 pm

HOME TO C O NSETT ALEW O RKS

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

Telephone 01207 502585

Open Mic every Thursday from 8 pm Visit us on Facebook - check out our website for details of events www.thegreyhorse.co.uk www.cheersnortheast.co.uk / CHEERS / 15

#35 OF 43 GATHER ROUND BEER IRISH STOUT 5.0%

A full flavour dark ale packed full of a premium malt. Carefully selected hop flavours of molasses, chocolate and spice complement the specialist grains.

Slight smoky notes and a dry finish.

Enjoy this sT. PATRICK’S DAY INSPIRED BEER at a purveyor of fine ale near you!

0191 3773039 | www.sonnet43.com | cheers@sonnet43.com Sonnet 43 Brew House, Durham Road, Coxhoe, County Durham, DH6 4HX Sonnet43BrewHouse 16 / CHEERS / www.cheersnortheast.co.uk

@Sonnet43BrewHouse

@Sonnet43Brew

MICRO PUBS

SPRING BEER FESTIVAL from 12 NOON on FRIDAY 29TH APRIL until 9PM on MONDAY 2ND MAY

Little at large: Wor Local in Prudhoe

SHOWING YOUR SMALLS

The phenomenon that is the micropub shows no sign of levelling off – in fact, the opposite is true. Micropubs, which often take over redundant shops and by their very nature are small and intimate, shy away from televisions, gaming machines and music, but fit perfectly with contemporary pub culture.

The sector was developed by Martyn Hillier at the Butcher’s Arms in Herne, Kent, in 2009 when he took advantage of the licensing act of 2003 which simplified a change of use from a shop to a public house. And the North East is spawning its fair share to the point that the likes of Curfew in Berwick and The Office in Morpeth have recently been presented with Pub of the Year certificates by their local Camra branch, while The Rat Race at Hartlepool Station is a multiple award-winner.

It’s reckoned the sector doubled in size nationally during 2015 (to 200) and will number 800 outlets by 2018. The newest North East micropub, to our knowledge,

is Wor Local (pictured), which opened in February in Prudhoe, Northumberland, where Allison Thear was inspired to transform a former computer game shop into licensed premises after visiting several micropubs herself.

Furniture was scavenged from Felling Social Club which has changed its focus from what used to be termed a “working man’s club” into a live music, cabaret, club and bingo venue (here’s a thought, why are micropubs booming and social clubs dying? Who’s got it right and who’s got it wrong?

Answers to info@cheersnortheast. co.uk” info@cheersnortheast.co.uk headed Not Rocket Science), while encouragement came via Allison’s husband Terry and their three children. Wor Local lives up to its name by offering a selection of local ales from Hadrian Border, Cullercoats, Hexhamshire and Firebrick breweries.

We’re planning a micropubs feature for April’s Cheers, so suggestions for inclusion and all comments are welcome (info@ cheersnortheast.co.uk).

QUOTE “ONCE IN THE BAILEY (PUB), BRENDAN BEHAN VOMITED RIGHT OUT ONTO THE FLOOR IN MIDSENTENCE BUT COMPLETED IT NONETHELESS.” JOHN RYAN

Plus BEER IN THE WOOD CAMRA NORTHUMBERLAND PUB OF THE YEAR 2016

THE OFFICE MORPETH’S REAL ALE & CIDER HOUSE ACTON ALES BREWERY TAP

NO MUSIC JUST GREAT BEER CAMRA SOUTH EAST NORTHUMBERLAND PUB OF THE YEAR

The Old Toll House, Castle Square, Morpeth OPENING TIMES: MON TO SUN 17.00 TO 22.30

www.cheersnortheast.co.uk / CHEERS / 17

LIFETIME AMBITION

HALL IN A DREAM

During a break in one of his regular pub open-mic sessions, singer/songwriter Simma announced he had achieved a long-term goal.

A lifelong ambition is a weird concept. It’s one of those things that you’re meant to have, like a motto, an epitaph or a favourite song that defines you.

I was never going to pick Kilimanjaro or The New York Marathon, and I’m not the bungee jumping or sports-car type. My lifelong ambition was formulated when I was 12, when I went to my first ever gig. I had been interested in music for as long as I could remember, pinching my Ma’s vinyls and playing them on an ancient Dansette record player, and the previous year I’d put on a Lindisfarne album, Magic In The Air, live from Newcastle City Hall.

Apparently they did a Christmas

18 / CHEERS / www.cheersnortheast.co.uk

show, a major event in the Geordie calendar. I became obsessed with the record, learning all the songs and even the stage banter on it.

The final track was the one that did it. It was called Clear White Light, and I formulated a childish dream that I could be there at The City Hall, adding to the cacophony of drums and percussion that was its centrepiece.

When I went to my first gig – one of those Christmas shows – I decided that was it. I wanted to be on stage at that venue, with the band, making that noise. One day.

I have always been a lucky boy and over the years I was fortunate enough to meet and even work with some of the band. I hadn’t come

LIFETIME AMBITION any closer to treading those hallowed boards, but that was OK; maybe ambitions aren’t meant to be fulfilled, just hung in the distance as an impossible target to keep you moving forward.

Then in November I got a call from Lindisfarne’s tour manager. I know what you’re thinking, I thought it too – for about a second – that they’d finally given in to my years of gentle, benevolent stalking and were going to ask me to do a song at the show. I wasn’t quite prepared for the actual request. They wanted me to be Santa.

The show is traditionally compèred by Father Christmas and I’d be stepping into the big black boots of such luminaries as Paddy McDee and Mike Elliott – proper local slebs. I’d be there on the stage with Lindisfarne. Sure, I wouldn’t be making music, but this was massive.

But what if I froze? I can talk, sure, but could I talk to that many people at once? I’d spoken to tens of thousands on the radio, but that was different; it’s OK when you can’t see them, when they can’t talk back.

On the day I arrived super-early and it was among the best decisions I’ve ever made. It was literally a little boy’s dream come true. I went backstage exploring, poking my nose into every corner, imagining the Beatles or Dylan hanging out in the corridors. I sat around chatting with the band. It all felt utterly surreal, but I loved every second of it.

When showtime came, not only was I terrified,

but I was wearing a huge red velvet suit, wig and beard and I was surrounded by my favourite band. For a moment I considered that it might all be a Christmas cheese-induced nightmare.

I can remember almost nothing of the introductions, just that four minutes is an extremely long time, and I never really got off the back foot until the second night. I think I did OK, and everyone said nice things about it.

The greatest moment of it all was completely unexpected; I finally got that that tick in the box. Amazingly, the band invited me on to play percussion on the last song of the night, Clear White Light. There I was, on stage with Lindisfarne at the City Hall, shaking my shaker like I was never going to need that arm again.

They even got me over to take the big bow at the end, and there it was, lifelong ambition complete.

It’s a strange feeling having sat atop my little Everest. I suppose I should find a new ambition, something else apparently unachievable to view from miles away, to keep me going. As long as it doesn’t involve healthy eating or exercise, I’m open to anything. *Simma plays regularly at (among many other venues) Nancy’s Bordello, Newcastle (Saturdays), The Central, Gateshead, on Sunday afternoons, and the Dun Cow in Sunderland (Thursday nights). His latest album Lychnobite has recently been released. www.newcastlesinger.co.uk

The whole beast to be barbecued at Easter

STEAK AND ALE

They certainly go the whole hog for Easter in Hedley-on-the Hill, near Stocksfield. The Feathers Inn Easter Beer Festival (March 2528) is set to begin with a Tempest Brewery tap take-over, followed by more than 20 Scottish ales and ciders. Easter Saturday sees a Farmers’ Market – with Whole Beast Barbecue – then on Sunday the famous Hedley Barrel Race and Quiz Night, with more barbecue then more fun on Bank Holiday Monday. The Whole Beast – a 30-month-old Aberdeen Angus steer – comes from farmer Richard Faill at Hedley West Riding Farm, and is 0.75 tonnes of grassfed animal. Each of its two sides will be cut into eighths and accompanied by kidneys, tongue, liver, heart, oxtail, a lot of fat and bones.

Feathers chef-patron Rhian Cradock says: “Amazing beers made for food from Tempest and fantastic beef – two of my favourite things in one night. Shame I’m cooking.”

ANNUAL BEER

FESTIVAL

6 & 7 May 2016 th

Houghton Beer Festival All in aid for charity

th

d the Over 30 real ales and ciders to try from all aroun All proceeds to two great local charities. at Houghton-le-Spring Sports Centre Welfare Hall, Station Road, Houghton. DH4 5AH Buy your ticket online at...www.houghton-beer-festival.co.uk/buy-a-ticket

country

Opening Times Friday 6th May: 6pm - 11pm Saturday 7th May: 12pm - 5pm & 6pm - 11pm www.cheersnortheast.co.uk / CHEERS / 19

BEER TASTING

OLIVER TWISTS THE FLAVOUR PROFILE Brewers the world over have one man to thank for stirring their passion for beer, writes Alastair Gilmour The man who has been raising the craft beer bar for the past 20 years has been inspired

by Newcastle. Garrett Oliver, brewmaster at Brooklyn Brewery and himself an inspiration to hundreds of brewers around the world, also says that the Quayside is “a fascinating introduction to a city”.

“I was really inspired by what I saw,” he said before conducting a Ghost Bottles tasting of beers at The Bridge Tavern, following an invitation from Wylam Brewery.

“I had a good walk around and down by the Castle Keep. The Quayside is an interesting area. I loved that great arch then dropped into a couple of pubs like the Crown Posada.”

Garrett Oliver is internationally renowned for his elegant lectures on the history of beer and the art of brewing, his extensive knowledge of movies (he even matches beers to film clips), literature and his debonair personal style which includes two hats which travel the world with him (although he can only wear one at a time, as in Newcastle).

He is also the brewmaster of Brooklyn Brewery, editor-in-chief of The Oxford Companion to Beer, author of The Brewmaster’s Table and winner of the 2014 James Beard Award for Excellent Wine, Beer or Spirits Professional. He’s a global traveller, apparently a snazzy dancer, and his colleagues at the Williamsburg, New York, brewery are starting to suspect he doesn’t sleep.

“Ghost Bottles are the things we make for ourselves but don’t sell to the public,” says Garrett.

“There were 70 different styles at the last count 20 / CHEERS / www.cheersnortheast.co.uk

and about 200 cases of every beer. Although some of them are 10% abv and over they don’t drink like they’re that strong.”

The Ghost Bottles mantra is that while modern brewing is wonderful, sometimes a little cavorting is a fine thing which gives brewers a chance to reveal their funky side. Ghost Bottles demonstrate Brooklyn Brewery’s experimental edge; they’re complex, adventurous brews, some fermented with multiple yeasts, and almost always barrel-aged. The beers are shrouded in mystery enhanced by the fact that they are unavailable to the public apart from a few highly selective events where they appear in handlabelled 750ml bottles.

So, the audience at The Bridge Tavern was a privileged assembly of beer lovers, microbrewers, chefs and publicans, ready to listen, learn and appreciate.

The beers included Galahad, a strong Belgianstyle golden ale aged on cider lees (deposits left over after fermentation), Hand & Seal Cognac Edition 2013 (a strong Belgian-style golden ale aged on Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc lees), plus Lancelot, Bedivere Wild Ale, Chichicapa, Caradoc, Bel Air, Saison Kitaya, and Black Chocolate Stout which had been ageing since 2005.

The 9.0% abv Caradoc is an interesting beer – close your eyes and you’d swear you were drinking a sherry-like wine. Curiously, it was regarded as a rare Ghost Bottles failure.

On first tasting, Garret admitted: “This was not what I had in mind. I looked at it and thought

“GHOST BOTTLES ARE WHAT WE MAKE FOR OURSELVES BUT DON’T SELL TO THE PUBLIC”

BEER TASTING

It’s a dog’s life: Frank gets ready to enjoy his bowl of Woof beer Masterbrewer: Garrett Oliver, Brooklyn Brewery Right: Finley is thinking, “Hurry up with that bottle opener”.

I’d re-ferment it. But I left it for five or six months in bottle and didn’t show it to anybody. Then I actually liked it.

“I always try to make something beautiful. If you’ve failed and it’s not the best, don’t worry, because you’ve tried.”

There was a distinct “whoop” from the audience when Bel Air (9.5% abv) was flipped open to sample. Sour beers like this have developed a certain cachet of late among the British drinking public.

“It’s a sour beer but not the most sour beer you’ve ever tasted,” said Garrett. “It has apricot, mango and papaya flavours – it’s a drinker; not a bad thing to have in a beer. I’ve made this several times and I’m getting good at it.

“I’m always reminded of the line from one of my favourite movies, Spinal Tap, ‘There’s a fine line between clever and stupid’. Sour beers are like bacon. Bacon is not an acquired taste. A good sour beer can be aggressive, but can be fun to drink.

Beers that strip the roof off your mouth aren’t any fun to drink, but I could drink this all day.”

Garrett Oliver first fell in love with beer while studying in London in the 1980s while also running the University of London Union concert hall, putting on the likes of Billy Bragg and the Cocteau Twins. Back home in America he realised his native beers did nothing for him any more, so he started making his own flavoursome styles.

In 1993, on a trip to the Manhattan Brewing Company to blag some yeast, he met Mark Whitty, formerly of Daleside Brewery in Harrogate, North Yorkshire. Mark told him his assistant brewer was leaving. Garrett said: “Give me the job.”

Inside two weeks, he went from “a cushy job in a law firm with great views over Manhattan, to less money in a sweaty brewery”. In 1994, Brooklyn Brewery owner Steve Hindy approached him with the prospect of being his brewmaster and helping design their planned Williamsburg brewhouse.

But first came the challenge, the job application, so to speak. Steve invited Garrett to brew a beer for the holidays that people wouldn’t forget. That beer was Black Chocolate Stout which he had been developing at home.

“The owner of Manhattan Brewery had cancelled everybody’s health insurance without telling anybody,” said Garrett. “I was going to leave anyway, so I went in on Independence Day when there was no-one around and brewed Black Chocolate Stout and took it to Brooklyn, saying ‘this is what I would do’. By the time Manhattan could do anything about it I was gone.” He got the job.

“There were almost no examples of a classic imperial stout in the US at that time. I think there were only two, one of them from Sam Smith’s that wasn’t even available in the UK. I thought ‘was it possible to sell more of this type of beer?’ The answer was no, but we thought, ‘well, if they won’t drink it, we’ll drink it’.

“A while later, I asked some of the guys in the www.cheersnortheast.co.uk / CHEERS / 21

BEER TASTING brewery ‘where’s the Black Chocolate Stout?’ They said, ‘It’s gone’. Gone where, I asked. ‘It’s just gone.

Gone, gone, gone.’

“We had to go out into the market and buy our own beer back from the wholesalers and had to pay full retail price for it. Now we’re the largest producer of imperial stout in the western hemisphere.”

The Black Chocolate Stout on show at The Bridge Tavern was ten years old. It was sublime and even at a strength of 10% abv, all too easy to drink, but how could anyone resist the temptation to sneak a batch open?

Garrett said: “Everything is about patience.

You’ve got to be patient when you’re making beer.

I enjoy putting beers down to sleep then see how they wake up. This stout is really nice stuff, there’s a lot coming together like leather, and old suitcases – which sounds terrible – but also dark chocolate and coffee. When a beer gets to this stage you drink them for what they are. I hope brewers today make some of their beers and hold onto them for ten years.

“Beers that are years old like some of them we’ve been tasting in Newcastle should have structure and balance, not just looking to have one flavour and not the most bitter beer in the world. I get bored when people say they’ve brewed a beer with 500 IBUs. A monkey could do that.”

When he’s not travelling the world, Garrett Oliver can be found at the Brooklyn brewhouse

22 / CHEERS / www.cheersnortheast.co.uk

Captivated: The audience at the Ghost Bottles tasting by Garrett Oliver, below

overseeing daily operations, developing recipes, and pushing the bounds of beer.

He says: “I’m still technical and creative head of the brewery, it’s still all my recipes – and there are constantly new ones – and even now I’m on the road I’m in contact with the brewing team several times a day. I don’t drag hoses around like I used to, I have nice young people to do that.”

And a final inspirational message: “Cheers. May your health insurance never get cancelled.” *The Brooklyn Brewery Ghost Bottles were supplied in association with independent beer importer and distributor James Clay (www.jamesclay.co.uk)

NEWS NEWS

THURSDAY 24TH MARCH TO MONDAY 28TH MARCH

Showcasing over 50 cask conditioned ales plus real cider and perry.

Locally Sourced Food Available from our All New Menu Live entertainment Craft, Draft and Bottled Beers available

FREE ADMISSION

NOTHING TO GROUSE ABOUT A Northumberland hotel has been named Britain’s best sporting pub.

The Lord Crewe Arms at Blanchland has been singled out

by The Countryside Alliance and Countryside Life magazine as the nation’s best shooting venue in

a competition sponsored by Pol Roger champagne. Although it’s a highly-popular pub throughout the year, The Lord Crewe, refurbished in 2014, is at its busiest during the grouse shooting season (August till November) when it takes on additional staff – all local.

Arts Centre Washington, Fatfield, Washington NE38 8AB T: (0191) 417 0445 E: thecourtyardbar@aol.com www.facebook.com/courtyardales | www.twitter.com/courtyardales

SUPPORTED BY LEAMSIDE BREWERY

ANOTHER PUB IS SONNET’S WAY

A time-served Washington pub has reopened its doors following £75,000 of investment and creating 20 jobs in the process.

The Three Horseshoes Hotel, just off the A1290 – opposite Nissan – has undergone a transformation at the hands of its new owners, Sunderland-based Tavistock Hospitality.

The venue has become part of the Sonnet 43 Brew House family of pubs, with craft ales produced at its brewery in County Durham, as well as original spirits from sister distillery Poetic License in Sunderland.

After refurbishment by its previous owners just last year that failed to take off, it is hoped with a new, exciting offering and Tavistock

at the helm, that trade will reignite and the pub will once again thrive.

Mark Hird, managing director of Tavistock Hospitality, said: “I’m pleased to be bringing the Three Horseshoes Hotel under Sonnet 43’s umbrella.

“It was, and still is, my aim to have 12 Sonnet 43 venues and I think this pub – with a touch of the unmistakable Tavistock charm – will be a great addition to the business.

“Food-wise, our ethos is to continually excite our diners with seasonal dishes. We’ll have some staple dishes but we also have the flexibility so we can serve what is tasting great right now with our ever-changing specials.”

Add to that a range of Sonnet 43 beers and it’s ripe for success.

EEH! NUMBERS

15

NUMBER 15: A limited-edition, 3.5% abv ale brewed

by JW Lees in 2006 in honour of Nemanja Vidic, the former Manchester United centre-half (now retired). It referred to his squad number.

15: The emergency number used for mobile phones in Pakistan 15: The smallest number that can be factorised using Shor’s quantum algorithm. Oh yes, that algorithm.

MARCH SAT 5 SUN 6 SAT 12 SUN 13 THURS 17 SUN 20 FRI 25 SAT 26 SUN 27

APRIL SAT 2 SUN 3 SUN 10

RAY STUBBS R&B ALLSTARS BUSKERS THE PALOMINOS SOME LIKE IT HOT ACOUSTIC SHOWCASE SESSIONS THE HIPTHRUSTERS SHIPCOTE & FRIENDS STRUGGLE BUGGY THE MEEKATS

8.30PM 4.30PM 8.30PM 4.30PM 8PM 4.30PM 6PM 8.30PM 4.30PM

ANT MUSIC BUSKERS THE LOUNGE LIZARDS

8.30PM 4.30PM 4.30PM

THE BIG RAY AWARD FOR THE FINEST SHITHOUSE IN GATESHEAD

www.cheersnortheast.co.uk / CHEERS / 23

BREWERY FOCUS

WALKING WITH A SWAGGER

The brewers of Deuchars IPA have a renewed confidence in the future. Caledonian Brewery in Edinburgh has gone back to basics, writes Alastair Gilmour Eighteen tonnes of malted barley are delivered to the Caledonian Brewery in Edinburgh every week.

Consider that each tonne will help produce 20,000 pints of beer and it’s a safe guess that 360,000 pints will pass through its pipes, valves and heat exchangers every seven days.

Along with that, however, there has been an incalculable amount of positivity and confidence flowing through those same production lines over the past couple of years.

If breweries could walk, The Caley, as it’s affectionately known, would do it with a kilt-swaying swagger.

The Caley hasn’t always stepped out like that. It has had more ups and downs over its near 150-year history than most, but the current team, under managing director Andy Maddock, appears to have

brought a new self-assurance to the business of making beer.

“We’ve gone through enormous changes over the last two years and not left one stone unturned to drive quality from grain to glass,” says Maddock. “We’ve done a lot of work on our traditional range and our modern range. Even having our offices refurbished helps with a change of culture which is really important to go along with the beer.”

Caledonian Brewery is owned

by Heineken and in a progressive and somewhat refreshing fashion, is being allowed to operate in an arms-length relationship as a stand-alone business.

“We don’t shy away from our relationship with Heineken either in a brewing or a financial sense,” says Maddock. “Brewing for me operates as a separate entity

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 24 / CHEERS / www.cheersnortheast.co.uk

Fri 25th – Mon 28th March

T H E F E AT H E R S I N N , H E D L E Y O N T H E H I L L , NEAR STOCKSFIELD NE43 7SW

BREWERY FOCUS

Twin peaks: Caledonian’s new bottled beers.

Right: Wee George, the new pilot plant

within the Heineken structure. We continue to be independent with guidance and help from one of the biggest brewers in the world.”

A renewed focus on exporting that takes full advantage of the Heineken route to market is a huge advantage, as are the development of new beers, different styles and that word confidence again. There is no restriction on thinking, so ideas come in cask-loads.

Andy Maddock says: “We’ve invested heavily in our core range over the last year, so now that we’re confident our premium traditional ales are at their very best, it’s time to get a little bit creative with our beer innovation. We have always brewed by hand in Edinburgh with ‘relentless inventiveness’.”

A state-of-the-art pilot brewery to drive beer innovation has been installed within the brewery. The highly-efficient kit, commissioned

from Scotia Welding in Lauder in The Borders, has a 400-litre capacity and the ability to produce up to three brews a week. It’s known as Wee George in a nod towards The Caley’s founding father George Lorimer in 1869.

The smaller brew runs will enable the pilot brewers to test and develop both new and existing recipes without the usual constraints of minimum brew length, and will ultimately lead to the most successful results being scaled up for wider production in the main brewery.

“Things are happening really fast in the beer market,” says brewing assistant Ross O’Hara – originally from Rowlands Gill, Tyne & Wear – who was put in charge of the Wee George project when it was still flat sheets of stainless steel.

“There’s no point in doing

anything here if it can’t be scaled up in the main brewhouse. You can’t just multiply 20 of everything.

We have to understand where the flavours and aromas are from and how it works. We tend to brew two or three batches in the main brewhouse before it goes out to market. It’s 800 pints versus 20,000 pints. Testing new recipes is part of the innovation process.”

The installation follows a 12-month reappraisal of the Caledonian core range, led by flagship beers Deuchars IPA, Flying Scotsman and Edinburgh Castle, which ensured consistency across the brands and strengthened Caledonian’s position as a brewer of quality beers.

The renovation also delivered on Caledonian’s quality pledge through its raw ingredients (moving from dried hops to fresh pack full-leaf, for example), improved yeast propagation and consistency in brew runs.

“It’s also important to understand that Deuchars IPA is brewed by Caledonian,” says Andy Maddock.

“We want to bring everything back into the Caledonian fold. At one time Deuchars was seen as a separate part of the portfolio.

“We’re planning two or three new beers conditioned in wood for

2016 and constantly looking at new beers styles and how they will work in the market.”

Caledonian is also extending its range of bottled beers to include the two newest modern craft beers; American-inspired Pale Ale, Coast To Coast and Three Hop Craft Lager. Coast To Coast was the first beer to be developed in the pilot plant. Launched in 2014, Three Hop is Caledonian’s first craft lager. It carries spicy herbal aromas, a hint of honey, and a slight minty note.

Caledonian Brewery still sits on its original triangular-shaped site, bounded by Slateford Road on one side, a railway track ( formerly The Caledonian Line) on the other, and North Merchiston Cemetary on the final stretch. It still employs the finest Victorian brewing equipment – as good as the day it was first used – and is the only remaining British brewery to use openfired coppers, which ensure an impressive and highly-efficient rolling boil.

Confidence is in the air as much as steaming malt aromas, so it’s little wonder that Andy Maddock says: “If you’ve got the right people and the right ingredients you’ll get the right beer. The Caley is a very exciting place to be right now.” www.caledonianbeer.com

A warm welcome 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 every Friday & Sunday.

TASTING ROOM NOW OPEN Friday-Saturday 12-9

OPENING TIMES: Monday to Thursday: 11.00 - 23.30

Selling real ale and craft beers.

Off license open Mon-Thurs 9-5 selling our beers.

Brewery tours and tutored tastings available by appointment.

Wheatridge Row Seaton Delaval Northumberland NE25 0QH

Box Social Brewing, Winnings Courtyard, Walbottle Road, Newburn, NE15 9RU

Friday & Saturday: 11.00 - 00.30 | Sunday: 12.00 - 23.30 Tel: 0191 2376868

Email: info@boxsocial.pub | Tel: 07803791761 | www.boxsocial.pub www.cheersnortheast.co.uk / CHEERS / 25

BREWERY VISITS

TOURING WITH THE BREWS BAND The brewery visitor experience means following the entire beer-making process from start to finish, throwing in a touch of magic and anecdote.

The bigger breweries employ dedicated guides but more than often it’s the person who actually makes the beer who will be showing you round. Either way, you can chat to the people who make the beer in an atmosphere of malty, hoppy headiness.

These days, it’s not enough to simply point prospective visitors in the direction of the nearest pub where they’ll find your beers; you have to excite and entertain, you have to educate and inform. And,

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in the process, you can even earn a little bit of money and, most importantly, raise profiles all round.

We present a snapshot of how some of our northern breweries present their beers to the public: WYLAM BREWERY Nowhere is the brewery tour and visitor centre regarded as integral to the business than at Wylam Brewery.

During the course of 2016 it will undergo another metamorphosis in its 16-year beer journey. The establishment of new brewing premises at The Palace of Arts in Exhibition Park in Newcastle is an exciting prospect and planning is well under way for the installation of

Check in: The bistro at Black Sheep Brewery

BREWERY VISITS a new 30-barrel brewhouse that will sit in perfect harmony with a brewery tap and events space in a stunning location. If you can’t wait till later this year, tours and tastings continue to be well catered for at the current Northumberland site. www.wylambrewery.co.uk KESWICK BREWERY Keswick Brewery is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year with 10 new beers and 10 tasting events.

Beer aficionados are invited to visit the stone-built premises in the centre of Keswick and enjoy a brewery tour, taste one of the new beers on a Tasting Day, and join the beer members’ club where discounts and special offers in the brewery shop simply add to the pleasure.

The brewery visitor area boasts an original sandstone flagged floor, solid beams and a wood-burning stove – a delightful way of enjoying beer where it is brewed.

The Keswick Brewery Company’s first beer in 2006 was Thirst Run (4.2% abv), a golden pale ale which has become a best-seller and introduced the Thirst range through

a misunderstanding when the graphic designer commissioned to design the pumpclip misheard First Run over the phone.

Keswick Brewery also offers a sheep to drive as part of a visit. Its two-seater Twizy vehicle is called Thethera (“three” in Cumbrian dialect), one of 10 buzzing around the area as part of a See More project which encourages visitors to enjoy the region’s tremendous landscape. www.keswickbrewery.co.uk BLACK SHEEP From the foundation of Black Sheep Brewery, giving visitors the opportunity to see the beers being brewed and to sample the ales at source was always a high priority.

Founder Paul Theakston understood perfectly the wider business implications, so in May 1996, the doors were opened to a newlytransformed visitor centre – now a major year-round attraction in the Yorkshire Dales.

Like many visitor centres, Black Sheep is an alternative day out, this time involving a great North

HIGH HOUSE FARM BREWERY, MATFEN, NORTHUMBERLAND, NE20 0RG www.highhousefarmbrewery.co.uk / info@highhousefarmbrewery.co.uk

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BREWERY VISITS Yorkshire beer experience, such as “shepherded” tours that can start and finish in the Bistro with a quick snack, a leisurely lunch, or a full dinner – then a sample of the awardwinning ales in the Baa…r.

Visitors can’t seem to get enough of seeing the traditional brewhouse in action, beer bubbling in the fermenting rooms in Yorkshire Squares developed 200 years ago, the selection of ingredients that produce distinctive tastes and aromas, and learning about the science behind the brewing process.

Even the Sheepy Shop is a “ewenique” experience. www.blacksheepbrewery.com DURHAM Durham Brewery’s head brewer Steve Gibbs is a firm believer in the fact that beer is a fascinating beverage which is deeply embedded in our culture.

“On a brewery visit, you will learn about beer history, beer culture and the way we make it,” he says.

It’s true to say that Durham Brewery has a beer for everyone.

It was a pioneer in the mid-1990s

It’s all about the Beer Beer Clubs, Tasting Days, Brewery Tours, Brewery Shop and our Flying Fox Bar • 4 new Beer Clubs • 10 Tasting Days celebrating each new beer • Brewery Tours run Wednesday - Saturday • Brewery Shop open Monday - Saturday • Flying Fox Bar open each afternoon on tour days. Cheers offer - 50p off per pint Keswick Brewing Co, The Old Brewery, Brewery Lane, Keswick. CA125BY.

017687 80700

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www. keswickbrewery.co.uk

BREWERY VISITS of the light-hoppy style of bitters that have now become an industry standard and consistently grown its portfolio through light bitter to dark stout and wheat beer to Bavarian lagerbier.

Steve takes pride in demonstrating that all beer styles are made authentically, cutting no corners, how diverse they can be, and how constantly renewing plant and machinery for the highest quality end-product is a must. Then, of course, there is the opportunity to sample draught and bottled beers in a tutored tasting – and to buy some to take home.

You can join a two-hour tour on Saturdays and occasionally Fridays and Sundays by checking for available times and dates. www.durham-brewery.co.uk CAMERONS BREWERY Camerons Brewery Visitor Centre is on the site of the former Stranton pub adjoining the huge plant in Hartlepool. It not only offers a remarkable and educational insight into beer production, but is also a fascinating story of entrepreneurial

activity, innovation, social history and political manoeuvring. Interactive displays trace brewing through the ages and the rise of the present company from its origins in 1865 when John William Cameron first entered the Lion Brewery.

The Italian marble-lined brew hall is a sight to behold on its own. The invitation extends to the relaxing, atmospheric, fully-licensed bar to enjoy the likes of award-winning Camerons Strongarm, the flagship beer which is as distinct as Hartlepool itself.

Business-wise, the visitor centre offers three meeting rooms ideal for conferences and private functions. Souvenirs are always a great reminder of a “different” day out and there’s none better than the history of Camerons’ Lion Brewery

by Marie-Louise McKay which is a fascinating, 96-page appreciation of more than 150 years of brewing at the iconic site. www.cameronsbrewery.com HAWKSHEAD BREWERY As a measure of the importance to the core business and the success

of Hawkshead Brewery’s Beer Hall, it won Best Business Development at the Society of Independent Brewers (SIBA) business awards last year. The main focus of the Beer Hall is public access – how the brewery has opened its doors – all the time, not just during a brewery tour – to a brewery and the brewing process.

The Beer Hall has turned out to be the brewery’s single biggest customer, selling eight per cent of all the beer it produces – which is a lot of beer. It is light and airy, with plenty of space spread over two floors, a long bar made for leaning on, and sofas for flopping into.

The kitchen was opened in 2010, with the help of consultant chef Steven Doherty (formerly Albert Roux’s head chef at Le Gavroche) offering down-to-earth, hearty, classic food – tapas or main meals.

A long, beery lunch is positively encouraged.

Most recently, the Beer Hall has been voted Pub of the Year by the Westmorland branch of the Camnpaign For Real Ale (Camra). www.hawksheadbrewery.co.uk

MAXIM BREWERY The natural step for Maxim Brewery was that once the brewhouse was up and running and orders were coming along nicely that a programme of beer tours, tastings and hospitality would follow. A bar that would grace any pub, anywhere, has been installed and groups are entertained on a regular basis and introduced to the future of fiercely independent brewing with a slice of history thrown in for comparison.

Maxim’s 20-barrel brewery at Houghton le Spring, County Durham, was previously the Canongate Brewery located on the Royal Mile in Edinburgh. This was Scottish & Newcastle’s pilot plant built to a very high specification and is probably the best equipment of its size anywhere in the UK. Double Maxim Beer Co bought all the plant and equipment in 2006 and spent most of 2007 commissioning the brewery. Success has led to further success and visitors will quickly understand why Maxim has won several supermarket contracts and been awarded the British Bottlers Institute Gold

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BREWERY VISITS

Medal for its Maximus brew. Best-seller, however, is Swedish Blonde (4.2% abv), named after the brewery’s own Anna Goransdotter – and yes, she is blonde and Swedish. www.maximbrewery.co.uk

THK Brewery Tap Ad 128mm x 190mm_landscape.pdf

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HIGH HOUSE FARM When you’re sitting on a 200-acre working farm in the picturesque Hadrian’s Wall country like High House Farm Brewery is, you’ve got a head start when it comes to visitors. Brewery tours include a little history of the farm, a detailed explanation of the brewing process, and tutored tastings in the bar.

There’s even a bracing three-mile farm walk to build up a thirst or an appetite for what’s on offer – daily specials, evening meals, Sunday lunches and light snacks – in the restaurant and tearoom, plus a gift shop. But apart from some fine ale to sample from a 16-strong portfolio, the big advantage of High House Farm is that it’s licensed for weddings. The setting is beautiful, rural and traditionally Northumbrian with the extra knowledge that your big day is actually a bliss-up in a brewery.

25/02/2016 11:25 www.highhousefarmbrewery.co.uk

T&R THEAKSTON It all started when Robert Theakston leased the Black Bull Inn and brewhouse in Masham, North Yorkshire. In 1875 his son Thomas built the famous brewery that stands on an area of the town known as Paradise Fields – hence The Black Bull in Paradise Visitor Centre.

A brewery visit allows you at first hand to experience the flavours and aromas of malted barley, hops and yeast and to follow the entire brewing process from blending the ingredients through to filling casks and the fascinating craft of the cooper as straight pieces of oak are formed into curved staves to create a perfect cask.

You can chat to the people behind the beer, ask any questions, or simply soak up the atmosphere of the traditional Victorian tower brewery (everything starts at the top and is thereafter moved by gravity).

Then you’ll be invited to have a pint and enjoy the taste of English beer at its best in the brewery tap, warmed by a welcoming real fire. www.theakstons.co.uk

Visit the

Black Bull in Paradise

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TAKE A TOUR ROUND

…and have a pint in our

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Theakston Brewery Tap & Gift Shop, Masham, HG4 4YD W: theakstons.co.uk E: info@theakstons.co.uk T: 01765 680000 Theakston Brewery

Theakston1827

#THETALKOFTHEPUB

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Gigs ’N’ Festivals

GIGS

THROUGHOUT MARCH LOCAL HEROES

Head of Steam, Tynemouth, Tyne & Wear A month of local breweries starting March 1. Week 1: Box Social. Week 2: Out There. Week 3: Sonnet 43. Week 4: TwoByTwo. Tel: 0191 272 8105

MARCH 11-27 THE WORLD’S BIGGEST REAL ALE FESTIVAL The world’s biggest real-ale festival returns to your local Wetherspoon pub with a starstudded line-up of award-winners from a selection of up to 50 ales from the UK and around the world sourced from brewers in Italy, the Netherlands, Australia, the Republic of Ireland and the US. Also new, seasonal and speciality beers, including a chocolate beer, wheat beer, cask lager, fruit porter, rye beer and spiced beer, as well as one brewed with peated malt. www.jdwetherspoon.com/real-alefestival

MARCH 18-20 SPRING BEER FESTIVAL

Hawkshead Brewery, Mill Yard, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria LA8 9LR More than 50 beers with a Northern focus, mixing cask and keg from independent breweries judged to be doing something different and pushing the boundaries with aplomb and skill.

Food, music, free entry, on public transport routes, dog and familyfriendly. Hawkshead’s new Vienna amber-style lager (5.0% abv), commissioned by JD Wetherspoon for its international beer festival, is also previewed. Friday-Saturday 12noon11pm; Sunday 12noon-8pm. www.hawksheadbrewery.co.uk

MARCH 25-28 EASTER BEER FESTIVAL

Surtees Arms and Yard of Ale Brewery, Chilton Lane, Ferryhill, County Durham DL17 0DH The award-winning pub features beer, music and food on a grand scale – and

* Breakfast * Lunches * Evening Meals * Live Music & Entertainment * Functions

the Easter Beer Festival is no different.

Tel: 01740 655724 for details.

MARCH 25-28 SCOTTISH BEER & FOOD FESTIVAL

The Feathers Inn, Hedley on the Hill, Stocksfield, Northumberland NE43 7SW Over 20 cask ales from Scotland’s amazing craft brewers, including Orkney, Black Wolf and Loch Ness. All things Scottish, featuring awesome barbecue, Saturday farmers’ market and legendary Hedley barrel race on Bank Holiday Monday. www.thefeathers.net Tel: 01661 843607

APRIL 6-9 THE 40TH NEWCASTLE BEER & CIDER FESTIVAL

Student Union, Northumbria University, Sandyford Road, Newcastle NE1 8SB A list of goodies around 140 real ales long, plus up to 50 ciders and perries. www.cannybevvy.co.uk/nclbcf/

The Adam & Eve

* Special Offers * Games Room *

Station Road Open Mon - Fri 8am Low Prudhoe Sat - 10am Sun - 12pm Northumberland NE42 6NP

*Children’s Outdoor Play Area *

www.TheAdamPrudhoe.com

* Real Ales * Extensive Drinks Menu * * Cocktails * Late Night Snack Menu *

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NETTLE BEER

A STING IN THE TALE To most people, they are no more than green clumps of vegetation that must be avoided at all cost. Nettles grow where you don’t want them to grow and they bite back when you try and do something about them growing where you don’t want them to grow.

Nettles do, actually, have several redeeming features – and they make excellent beer. John Taylor from The Stables Brewery at Beamish Hall, County Durham, has been growing a crop specially to make beer from – and the result is looking promising.

John says: “We’ve made 20 litres on our little test kit and I’m quite pleased with it so far. What we’ll do is get the chefs at the Stables restaurant and Beamish Hall to try it and see if we need to change it before we brew 1,000 litres.”

There is no trace of green whatsoever in the liquid, but the gentle peppery bite sits well with the malt in the beer. Nettles also replace hops in John’s recipe.

The

“It’s handy having Peter Deihl as my brewing assistant,” says John. “He’s got a degree in horticulture from a German university. He’s keen on using sorrel from hedgerows instead of lemon zest in the nettle beer, so we might have a look at that. The only problem we have is collecting the nettles – Peter does it with his bare hands – but we need colossal amounts for the brew.”

Nettle stalk is extremely fibrous and strong, traditionally made into rope and woven into nets. Nettles also produce a fine cloth when woven and can even be made into paper. According to several sources, cows fed on a diet of nettles produce better milk and meat, and chickens eating them lay more eggs.

Nettles have been used in traditional botanical medicines for diarrhoea, dysentery, scurvy, haemorrhages, kidney stones, liver conditions, bowel problems, rheumatics, and skin conditions such as eczema.

Leaf alone: The raw ingredients

Duke of Wellington

Situated in the beautiful Tyne Valley –

5 Star Accommodation - Award Winning Food - Fine Ales

Food served every day - Lunchtime and Evening Specials available plus A la Carte DATES FOR YOUR DIARY St Patricks Day - Thursday March 17th A Distinctly Irish feel menu will be served - Come and join in the celebrations!

Easter Weekend - Friday March 25th - Sunday 27th An Easter themed menu will be available plus an Easter Egg Hunt for the kids on the Sunday Open Mic Nights - Sunday March 20th & April 3rd - starts 7pm Come and join in the fun!

Quiz Nights - Monday March 14th & 25th entry £1 per person includes free supper!

Wednesday - Steak Night - Drink, Soup & Steak from £35 per couple - served 6 pm to 9 pm

DON’T FORGET MOTHERS DAY SUNDAY 6TH MARCH

Tel: 01661 844446

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PUB PROFILE

PUB PROFILE THE RED KITE, WINLATON MILL

One of Tyneside’s best wildlife areas Bright, fresh and sparkling following a £275,000 refurbishment last November.

Large picture windows light every side of this big roadside pub on the A694 (Rowlands Gill). The leafy Derwent Valley is an inspirational backdrop from the rear dining areas while an impressive beer garden is simply begging for a sunny spell. The Red Kite (formerly The Golden Lion) is unashamedly food-led with three distinct dining areas, although an impressive six cask ale handpulls, keg beer and cider fonts march across the bar to cater for a couple of drinking and conversational areas. A banqueting-style room would suit large parties, while a smaller, more intimate section attracts couples and smaller groups.

The Red Kite soars on the fringe of some of Tyneside’s best walking and wildlife-spotting areas – The Derwent Walk Country Park – where frequent sightings of the birds the pub is named after, plus woodpeckers, foxes, roe deer and badgers attract visitors from all over the region.

The pub is under the same ownership as the award-winning Kings Arms in Sunderland; the Three Horseshoes, Leamside, Durham; the Royal George, Old Shotton, Durham, and The Courtyard at Washington Arts Centre, so quality in everything is assured.

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WHERE IS IT? The Red Kite, Spa Well Road, Winlaton Mill, Blaydon NE21 6RU. Tel: 0191 414 5840.

Web: www.theredkitewinlatonmill.co.uk The pub sits on the A694 Axwell Park, Blaydon/Rowlands Gill road, easily reached from the A1.

THE BEER

Six cask beers on the bar; three from the Theakston stable and all “sessionable” include: Theakston Double Cross IPA (4.2% abv). Rich Tea biscuit base with subtle dry lemon and grapefruit overtones.

Theakston Dirty Tackle (4.0% abv) celebrates Six Nations rugby.

Thwaites Wainwright (4.1% abv).

Delicate fruit flavours and subtle sweetness.

Jennings Cumberland Ale (4.0% abv) is a pale, delicate and aromatic best-seller.

Deuchars IPA (3.8% abv), the pale, hoppy perennial favourite.

THE FOOD

A comprehensive menu with old favourite mains, burgers, grills and a selection for young ones, all made using fresh, locally sourced ingredients from scratch wherever possible. Good old steak and ale pie with chips and mushy peas (£8.75) is as comforting as it gets, while Hunter’s Pork (£10.95) – grilled pork loin is topped with barbecue sauce, bacon and mature Cheddar. Roast chicken with bacon and cabbage fry (£10.50) looks a winner all the way.

Steak nights, Sunday lunches and Evening Specials are popular.

CLASSIFIED: TO ADVERTISE CALL 01661 844115

CLASSIFIED ADVERTS

For more information on how to advertise your services, vacancies and events contact Emma Howe or Gillian Corney on 01661 844 115

Our Knowledge =

Your SucceSS

Traditional family run pub since 1975

threecourses kings Advert.pdf 1 House 30/10/2014 We NOW provide in Cellar Craft for Public Staff & Courses on Beer Dispense for New Brewers - ring for details

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

HAVING A BEER FEST? 2 PINT TAKE HOME BEER HOPPERS These handy biodegradable containers are designed to take out draught beer Box of 100 ex stock just £28+VAT and delivery Buy on-line: www.gnltd.co.uk or Tel: 01233 770780 For further information

GN Packaging

Units B & C, Smarden Business Estate Monks Hill, Smarden, Kent TN27 8QL

Lashbrooks.com BASED IN THE NORTH EAST, SUPPLYING THE NORTH EAST!!

DicK Attlee Real Ale Technical Services T: 0191 597 9668 M: 07722 631787 E: dick@ratsbeer.co.uk

Specialists in Beer Books, Postcards, Posters & Signs

Regular Music & Folk Nights

Mon - Fri: from 4pm • Sat: from 12pm Sun: 12pm - 3pm & from 7pm

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BRIDGE END INN, Ovingham 01661 832219

EPOS SYSTEMS & CASH REGISTERS TILL ROLLS & CONSUMABLES

T: 01642 482629/489720 E: lashbrookuk@hotmail.co.uk www.lashbrooks.com

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A-Z PUB GUIDE

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

WOODMAN INN

NEWCASTLE HOTEL

NORTH YORKSHIRE

OLIVERS

23 Gilesgate, Durham, DH11 1QW t: 0191 680 8317

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

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 CROSS KEYS

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

THE CROWN

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

THE BLACKSMITHS

Station Road, Low Pittington Durham, DH6 1BJ 0191 3720287

THE DUKE OF WELLINGTON Darlington Road, Durham DH1 3QN t: 0191 375 7651

THE DUN COW

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

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

THE OLD WELL INN

91A Claypath, Durham City, DH1 1 RG

THE LAMBTON WORM

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

THE MANOR HOUSE HOTEL

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

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THE BEER HALL

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

NORTHUMBERLAND ADAM & EVE

BAMBURGH CASTLE INN

THE PLOUGH

BARRASFORD ARMS

Mountsett, Burnopfield, NE16 6BA t: 01207 570346

THE PUNCH BOWL INN

Edmundbyers, DH8 9NL t: 01207 255545

THE QUAKERHOUSE

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

THE QUAYS

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

THE SMITHS ARMS

Brecon Hill, Castle Dene, Chester le Street, DH3 4HE t: 0191 3857559 Moor End Terrace, Belmont, DH1 1BJ t: 0191 3842667 Beamish Hall Hotel, Beamish, DH9 0BY t: 01207 288 750

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

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

RED LION

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

RED LION INN

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

Seahouses, NE68 7SQ t: 01665 720283 Barrasford Hexham, NE48 4AA t: 01434 681237

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

THE DIAMOND INN

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

THE DYVELS INN

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

THE FEATHERS INN

THE FORESTERS ARMS

THREE WHEATHEADS

Thropton nr Rothbury, NE65 7LR t: 01669 620262

TWICE BREWED INN

West Sleekburn NE62 5XE 01670 813345

THE GOLDEN LION

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

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

THE GOLDEN LION

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

THE ALLENDALE INN

THE HADRIAN HOTEL

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

THE ANCHOR HOTEL

THE HEART OF NORTHUMBERLAND

Beadnell, NE67 5AY t: 01665 721211

THE ANCHOR INN

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

THE HORSESHOES INN

BARRELS

BATTLESTEADS HOTEL

BEADNELL TOWERS HOTEL

CROSS KEYS

Thropton, Rothbury, NE65 7HX t: 01669 620362

DIPTON MILL INN

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

DOCTOR SYNTAX

Market Place, Allendale, Hexham, NE47 9BJ, t: 01434 683246 Haydon Bridge, NE47 6AB t: 01434 688121

THE ANGEL INN

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

THE BADGER

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

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

THE BLACKBIRD

Newton, NE43 7UL t: 01661 844446

Matfen, NE20 0RP t: 01661 855395

DUKE OF WELLINGTON

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

GENERAL HAVELOCK INN

Haydon Bridge, NE47 6ER t: 01434 684376

JOHN THE CLERK OF CRAMLINGTON

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

JOINERS ARMS

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

Ponteland, NE20 9UH t: 01661 822 684

THE BLACK BULL

THE BLUE BELL

Horsley, NE15 0NS t: 01661 852952

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 OFFICE

The Old Toll House, Castle Sqaure, Morpeth

THE OLDE SHIP INN

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

THE PILOT INN

Hillstreet, Corbridge, NE45 5AA. t: 01434 431143

THE BOATHOUSE

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

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

LION & LAMB

5 Market Street, Hexham, NE46 3NS. t: 01434 608013

THE BLUE BELL

MINERS ARMS

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

Wall, Hexham, NE44 4EE t: 01434 681232

THE PACKHORSE INN

THE WILD BOAR

Craster, Alnwick, NE66 3TR t: 01665 576461

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

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

JOLLY FISHERMAN

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

THE CROWN INN

THREE HORSESHOES

Bellingham, NE48 2JT t: 01434 220254

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

THE VICTORIA INN

The Wynding, Beadnell, NE675AX. t: 01665 720 272

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

West Road, Ovingham Prudhoe, NE42 6BN t: 01661 832219

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

THE CRASTER ARMS

RIVERDALE HALL HOTEL

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

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

THE STABLES

THE MANOR HOUSE INN

THE BRITTANIA INN

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

THE JOHN DUCK

THE BEAMISH MARY INN

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

THE OLDE SHIPS INN

THE SPORTSMANS ARMS

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

THE BLACK HORSE

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

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

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

No Place, Nr Beamish, DH9 0QH t: 0191 370 0237

THE OAK TREE

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

THE CARTS BOG INN

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

Ellingham, Chathill, NE67 5HA t: 01665 589292 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

THE SUN INN

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

THE SWINBURNE ARMS

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

BRIDLE PATH

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

CHESTERS

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

COPPERFIELDS

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

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

THE TRAVELLERS REST

CUMBERLAND ARMS

THE TAP & SPILE

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

THE WELLINGTON

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

THE WHITE SWAN

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

DELAVAL ARMS

Old Hartley, NE26 4RL t: 0191 237 0489

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

CROWN POSADA

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

THE WHEATSHEAF

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

THE VICTORIA HOTEL

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

FITZGERALDS

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

FITZGERALDS

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

FOX & HOUNDS

Coalburns, Greenside, NE40 4JN t: 0191 4132549

FREE TRADE INN

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

GOSFORTH HOTEL

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

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

HUGOS

Ferry Street, South Shields, NE33 1JR

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

ASHBROOKE SPORTS CLUB

ISIS

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

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

IVY HOUSE

Worcester Terrace, Sunderland SR2 7AW

LA TAVERNA

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

BIERREX

• Tapas • Real Ale • Chicken

BRIDGE HOTEL

LADY GREY’S

82 Pilgrim Street, NE1 6SG Castle Square, Newcastle, NE1 1RQ t: 0191 232 6400 e: info@sjf.co.uk

BRIDGE TAVERN

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

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

ROCKLIFFE ARMS

FITZGERALDS

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

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

FIRE STATION

THE VILLAGE INN

BEST WESTERN GRAND HOTEL

NEWCASTLE ARMS

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

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

TEESSIDE

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

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

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

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

MARQUIS OF GRANBY

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

MAGNESIA BANK

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

MARKET LANE

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

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

ROSIES BAR

2 Stowell Street, NE1 4XQ t: 0191 2328477

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

THE BRANDLING VILLA

THE HASTINGS

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

THE HEAD OF STEAM

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

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

THE CLUNY

SUN INN

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

THREE MILE INN,

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

Market Lane, Swalwell, Gateshead, NE16 3AL t: 0191 442 9393 Great North Road, Gosforth, Newcastle, NE3 2DS t: 0191 255 2100

TILLEYS BAR

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

TOBY BARNES

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

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

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

THE BRIAR DENE

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

THE BRANDLING ARMS

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

Sunderland, SR6 0NU t: 0191 5671402

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

THE COPT HILL

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

Wheatridge Row, Seaton Delaval, NE25 0QH t: 0191 237 6868 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

NE27 0BJ t: 0191 2680711

THE POTTERS WHEEL

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 RED KITE

Spa Well Road, Winlaton Mill, NE21 6RU. t: 0191 414 5840

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 KING GEORGE

• Cask/Craft/Ciders • Food/Live Music • Chicken friendly

THE LOW LIGHTS TAVERN

THE SIR WILLIAM DE WESSYNGTON

North Parade, Whitley Bay t: 0191 251 3877 Brewhouse Bank, North Shields, NE30 1LL t: 0191 2576038

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

THE STAITH HOUSE

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

THE MERCHANTS TAVERN

1 St Peters Wharf, Newcastle NE6 1TZ. 0191 5971212

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

THE CUMBERLAND ARMS

THE MID BOLDON CLUB

THE STEAMBOAT

THE MILE CASTLE

THE TANNERS

THE MILL HOUSE

THE THREE TUNS

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

DAT BAR

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

THE DUKE OF WELLINGTON High Bridge, Newcastle NE1 1EN t: 0191 261 8852

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 GREY HORSE

60 Front Street. East Boldon, NE36 0SH 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

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

THE OLD GEORGE

Killingworth Road, South Gosforth, NE3 1SY t: 0191 285 1254

Old George Yd, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 1EE t: 0191 260 3035

THE GREY HORSE

THE PACKHORSE

THE HARBOUR VIEW

THE PAVILION

Benedict Street, Roker,

1 Byker Bridge, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 2NS

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

Front Street, East Boldon, NE36 0SJ t: 0191 519 1796 Old Penshaw Village, Houghton-le-Spring, DH4 7ER t: 0191 512 6080

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

Crookgate, Burnopfield, NE16 6NS t: 01207 270283 Hotspur North, Backworth,

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

THE VICTORY

THREE HORSESHOES HOTEL

Washington Road, Sunderland Tyne & Wear, SR5 3HZ 0191 519 2006

YE OLD CROSS INN

Ryton Village, NE40 3QP t: 0191 4134689

www.cheersnortheast.co.uk / CHEERS / 37

FUN STUFF

THE DIRTY DOZEN

SIGN OF THE TIMES

TWELVE STINKERS TO TEASE YOUR BRAIN AND IMPRESS FRIENDS

1 2 3 4

We’re not sure which pub this sign was spotted outside, but it certainly tickled us.

Vanessa Cardui is an orange and black what?

In which country was the motor scooter first introduced?

The Dickin Medal is better known as what?

Suzy & The Red Stripes issued a single in 1977 called Seaside Woman.

What was the band’s real name?

5 What was banned in France in 1748 because it was thought to cause leprosy?

6 Which part of New York was named after a Dutch city?

7 Sheffield lies on which river?

8 Siderodromophobia is the irrational fear of which form of transport?

9 A titi is which kind of animal?

10 Whose daughters are called Malia and Natasha?

11 What replaced the iron as a counter in Monopoly?

12 What type of car did Starsky & Hutch drive?

A MAN WALKS INTO A BAR…

…SPORTING TWO BLACK EYES. “HOW DID YOU GET THOSE?” ASKS THE BARMAN. THE MAN SAYS: “MY WIFE FOUND A PIECE OF PAPER IN MY POCKET WITH ‘CINDY LOVE’ WRITTEN ON IT. SHE HIT ME ON MY RIGHT EYE BEFORE I HAD THE CHANCE TO TELL HER IT WAS THE NAME OF A HORSE I’D BACKED.” “SO, WHAT ABOUT THE OTHER EYE?” ASKS THE BARMAN. THE MAN SAYS: “I WALKED IN LAST NIGHT AND SHE HIT ME AGAIN. SHE SAID ‘YOUR HORSE HAS JUST PHONED’’.”

PUB NAMES A-Z: BRANDLING VILLA

B

is for Brandling Villa. The South Gosforth, Newcastle, corner pub derives its name from the local Brandling family whose lineage is certainly impressive if members of parliament, high sheriffs and coalmine owners is your thing.

The pub describes itself as “an independent beer and whisky house, specialising in live music, home-made burgers, cask and bottled beers and one of the biggest selections of whisky in the north”.

A huge permanent choice of cask ales divided between local breweries, old favourites and new brews “from gaffs all over the country” keeps regulars very happy indeed. www.brandlingvilla.co.uk

QUIZ ANSWERS 1 Butterfly (Painted Lady). 2 Italy. 3 The Animals’ Victoria Cross. 4 Wings. 5 The cultivation of potatoes. 6 Harlem (Haarlem). 7 The Sheaf. 8 Trains. 9 Monkey.

10 Barack Obama. 11 A cat. 12 Ford Gran Torino.

38 / CHEERS / www.cheersnortheast.co.uk

Dates for your diary ST PATRICKS DAY

March 17th Come and celebrate with us!

EASTER BEER FESTIVAL

Thursday 24th March - Monday 27th March Pie & peas, toasties and sandwiches available every day Enjoy a pint while sitting round our real ďŹ re!

Buskers Night

Tuesday March 8th & 22nd April 5th

CAMRA 2015 South West Northumberland Pub of the Year Winner Presentation Night Wednesday 25th March - all welcome Station Road, Wylam, NE41 8HR. Telephone 01661 853431 Follow @BoathouseWylam

Like us on

www.cheersnortheast.co.uk / CHEERS / 39

Taste the new season With the new season comes our sumptuous new spring menu from our talented team of chefs - full of fresh ideas created with the freshest and finest ingredients.

You can also savour a handsome selection of beers, handpicked ales, wines, spirits and cocktails all served in a warm, family-friendly atmosphere.

Come and join us at one of our Great Food Pubs across the North East or stylish Café Royal restaurant and enjoy hospitality the way it should be.

www.sjf.co.uk

RIDLEY ARMS TWIN FARMS SHIREMOOR HOUSE FARM

• THE PAVILION • THE GREEN • THE MANOR HOUSE

• CAFÉ ROYAL