PUB NEWS
TAXIDERMY FOR WANDERING WILLIE
There’s no doubt we’re a nation of dog lovers, particularly with the current fashion for small breeds – “handbag” size – and cute fluffy ones. Virtually all of our best pubs are dog friendly with city-centre venues in particular making a big effort to
attract their owners’ custom. Even those of us who don’t posses a dog like to visit pubs where Towser is made welcome after a brisk walk along the river bank (The Boathouse, Wylam springs to mind) or the seafront (we’re thinking Cock & Bull,
Amble). The ambient tolerance for the world at large is evident. Pubs displaying the skills of the canine taxidermist are no exception. Stuffed dogs have a way of looking at you. So one pub that titles itself The Stuffed Dog simply had to be visited.
Wandering Willie (pictured left) is the star attraction at The Turk’s Head in Tynemouth, Tyne & Wear, though the traditional front street pub’s beer choice, comfort, tidiness and friendly approach all vie for that top spot. Willie is/was a sheepdog immortalised in song and theatre who takes pride of place in a glass case in the public bar. According to the accompanying citation, one day in 1873 he and his master were driving a flock from the Cheviots through to North Shields when the sheep, frightened by the noise of the town, scattered in all directions. While rounding them up, Willie got separated from his master and by the time he returned to the quayside where they had been loaded on board ship, the shepherd had gone. Inconsolable, the dog remained on the spot for months, refusing to allow anyone near him, existing on scraps of food thrown to him by passers-by. Eventually, almost starved to death, he was taken on to the Shields ferry and thrown
South Causey Inn Tap Room & Distillery
“A secret bolthole for an after-work bevvy!’’ South Causey Inn has a new cosy hideout Bar! The Causey Brewery & Distillery is housed in an original stable block conversion within South Causey Inn and is now open to the public as a Bar Monday to Friday from 4 pm till 7 pm and Saturday and Sunday 12 pm till 5 pm. You can enjoy the delicious selection of home-distilled Gins and home-brewed Ales whilst the very beverages you are drinking are ‘cooking’ in the Stills and Vat! Get exclusive discounts on all drinks by becoming a Causey Brew Club Member! Head to www.southcausey.co.uk and sign up.
Make it a very Merry Christmas this year with South Causey Inn’s selection of Gin Hampers and Mini Packs! GIN HAMPER £44.95 2 Engraved RIP GIN Goblets, 2 Tonics, 70cl Bottle of Gin & a discounted RIP GIN Drinks Voucher. FESTIVE GIN HAMPER £44.95 (limited edition) 1 handcrafted RIP Gin Goblet, personalised RIP Gin http://T.Shirt & a 70cl Bottle of Gin. FESTIVE MINATURE SHOT PACK £12.95 (limited edition) Handcrafted RIP GIN Shot Glass & 50ml Bottle of Gin MINIATURE DOUBLE PACK £11.95 2 Tonics & 2 50ml Bottle of Gin
Beamish Burn Road, Stanley, Co. Durham. DH9 0LS For more information, and to purchase a Gin Hamper or Mini Pack, please contact South Causey Inn on 01207 235555!
www.southcausey.co.uk 12 / CHEERS / www.cheersnortheast.co.uk