cheers WWW.CHEERSNORTHEAST.CO.UK // FEBRUARY 2015 // ISSUE 47
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WELCOME It’s all over at last. We’re not talking about winter winds or Newcastle United’s managerial shenanigans but a plague that’s getting more virulent year by year. Dry January. We recognise that some people might feel they have to have some time away from alcohol and to “detox” their bodies (which has been proved to be utter nonsense), but anyone who has the slightest interest in the licensed trade, the brewing industry and the leisure sector knows that concentrated efforts by “health” groups are kicking pubs when they’re at their lowest ebb. It could spell the end for some teetering on the brink. January is traditionally a slow month for the pub business as customers count the cost of the festive season when they perhaps spent a lot more than they could afford. Again, we understand that belts sometimes have to be tightened, but if people were implored by road safety groups not to buy cars in the first month of every year, like they’re persuaded to shun beer, you’d have the motor industry up in arms, crying “restraint of trade”. The Government wouldn’t hear of it and would quote the importance of cars to the British economy, so why are our MPs sitting on their hands – and some of them even smugly joining in with such nonsense. The #Tryanuary social media initiative got off to a great start by highlighting what’s great about pubs in January, so let’s fight back and get stuck into #FeBREWary. 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. Follow us @cheers_ne
CONTENTS 16
YEAR OF THE GOAT/SHEEP
As if we needed an excuse to write about beer, we celebrate the Chinese New Year on February 16 by highlighting the traditional lucky symbols associated with it. The next 12 months of the lunar calendar are given over to the Year of the Goat (or Year of the Sheep as many Chinese observers prefer). We’re hedging our bets by involving Black Sheep Brewery on the sheep side, obviously, and Velkopopovicky Kozel, a superb Czech beer gaining popularity in the North East. Kozel means “goat”, so we’ve got both bases covered.
COVER: JO THEAKSTON, BLACK SHEEP BREWERY. PHOTOGRAPHY BY PETER SKELTON
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NEWS
ALL ROADS LEAD TO DRUMNADROCHIT Rob Jenner, who memorably – and appropriately – officially retired from his sales job at Fyne Ales at the Scottish Beer Festival in Edinburgh in July 2013 is back on the Scottish brewing beat. The lure of the B(eer) road has proved irresistible and’s he’s now director of sales at Loch Ness Brewery, based at Drumnadrochit in Inverness-shire (try saying that after a couple of Darkness Black Stouts). “I’m proud to be part of this exciting new company,” he says. Rob spent nearly 40 years in sales, working for the likes of Harviestoun and Orkney breweries as well as Loch Fyne, covering an estimated three million miles. Loch Ness Brewery was founded in 2011 mainly to provide beer for the Benleva Hotel on the shores of Loch Ness.
TANKS ARRIVE IN GREAT CONDITION Wylam Brewery has installed some impressive new kit at its Heddon on the Wall, Northumberland, site. It’s a huge investment, driven purely by a nationwide demand that appears to be insatiable. “The four new 10-barrel, cylindro-conical, unitanks are to increase our kegging capacity to 60 barrels,” says Wylam business development manager Matt Boyle. “We’ve had calls from all over the country from pubs and distributors looking to get their hands on our kegged beers.
“Jakehead IPA in particular seems to be getting a tasty little reputation for itself nationwide. Also with Haxan Wit winning a gold award at SIBA North we have been inundated with enquiries for it. “So the install is a reaction to demand, which is obviously a nice thing to have to react to. Having sold proper beer in the North East for well over a decade it’s great to now be able to reach out further and see our beer served in proper pubs all around the UK.”
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NEWS
THE SPRING FESTIVAL TO HEAD FOR The folks at Hawkshead Brewery, Staveley, Cumbria, are deep in preparation for their Spring Beer Festival which runs over the weekend of March 6-8. More than 50 beers are promised from independent breweries – some appearing at the Beer Hall for the first time – with food from The Beer Kitchen and live music. Staveley is on bus and rail routes, so best synchronise timetables for
a 12noon start each day (no tickets required). The brewery’s newest offering is Hop Black (5.6% abv) which may be dark in colour but is hopped with Chinook, Citra and Simcoe varieties and is available in cask, keg and bottle. Additionally, Hawkshead Cumbrian Five Hop has won yet another award – this time at the Manchester Beer & Cider Festival, where it came home with silver in the competition for Overall Champion Beer of the North West 2015.
HI HONEY, I’M HOME-BREWING In recognition of their support and participation in home-brewing, the American Homebrewers Association (AHA) has gifted lifetime memberships to President Barack Obama and outgoing White House chef Sam Kass. Obama made history when he purchased a home-brewing kit and – under the eye of chef Kass – began to brew White House Honey Ale, the first beer believed to have been brewed in the White House. Kass – personal chef to the Obama family and senior adviser for nutrition policy –
announced in December he was stepping down. Gary Glass, director of the AHA, says: “As chef Kass finishes his tenure at the White House, we hope his AHA membership will allow him to stay engaged in the hobby. Home-brewing is a model example of a bipartisan, pro-community and pro-business activity that all kinds of people can be passionate about and enjoy. “President Obama and chef Kass are among the nation’s 1.2m home-brewers. We look forward to seeing the president continue to brew beer from the most famous and important home in the world.”
SIGNS LOOKING GOOD FOR TILLEYS Tilleys Bar in Newcastle is the latest of The Head of Steam pubs to benefit from a bit of spit and polish. Others in the group, such as The Dun Cow in Sunderland, have undergone major – and expensive – refurbs, but Tilleys has come up trumps with a good old wash and brush-up. New signage, fresh paintwork, more emphasis on cubicle-style
seating, a new menu and a general sparkle have made a real difference (and does the floor space seem bigger?). Star attraction, though, is the back bar fridge with world beers from every continent. Just look at those babies. That and seven handpulls plus lots of lovely keg fonts, all combine to keep Tilleys on top as a great city bar.
12 HANDPULLS, 12 CIDERS/PERRYS Continental Lagers and Strongbow Dark Fruits on draught BUSKERS NIGHTS Tuesday 10th & 24th February KARAOKE NIGHT Saturday 28th February FREE function room available - catering on request at competitive prices Toasties & sandwiches available daily
Station Road, Wylam, NE41 8HR
Telephone: 01661 853431 Follow us @Boathouse Wylam Like us on
www.cheersnortheast.co.uk / CHEERS / 5
NEWS
HELPING SCAPA FLOW WHISKY TAKES CENTRAL ROLE The recently-refreshed Central in Gateshead picked an appropriate night to launch its new whisky lounge – Burns Night. More than 80 whiskies are now available in the Buffet Bar with expressions that will tease and please the most demanding uisge beatha devotee. Plans include tastings, “meet the maker” and beer matching events.
6 / CHEERS / www.cheersnortheast.co.uk
The Bacchus, Newcastle, filled its counter with Orkney-based Highland Brewery beers for a special 21 Beers In 21 Days event recently. On hand to answer questions was brewer Lewis Hill, whose father Rob started the brewery in 2006. The North East is well acquainted with the likes of the mighty Orkney Blast and summer fruity Dark Munro, but a rather special visitor was Scapa Bere, made from 100% barley grown on Orkney. “Distribution is an odd situation,” says Lewis, right. “We drive right by pubs in the far north of Scotland then take the beer to a depot where some of it is brought back to the pubs we’ve just passed. Sometimes it can add 200 miles to the beer’s journey. “Similarly with the barley we use in Scapa Bere – it grows on Orkney and is sent to Morayshire for malting then brought back across to make the beer. It’s just one of those things when you’re based where we are.”
NEWS
NEW PLATFORM FOR BREWERY Developments at the Station Hotel in Gateshead are anything but stationary at the moment. The tiny pub on Hills Street was bought at auction by Hadrian Border Brewery in late 2014 and the task now is to rip out what was left, so architects and builders can have a good look. And there has been a discovery or two. Brewery manager Martin Hammill is project managing the scheme with an opening date of this summer but a huge amount of work has to be done before
any fitting out is started. He has uncovered some interesting architectural features – such as stone roundels – set in the Victorian bridge structure that the pub nestles into. “It would be a shame not to make a feature of them,” he says. “We’ve also found more space than we anticipated as the purchase involved renting a railway arch from Network Rail. We’re working with them and various other agencies to maximise the potential. It’s really exciting.”
NEW ROLE FOR BUDVAR’S BARNES Budweiser Budvar sales representative Jonathan Barnes is leaving his present post to join Timothy Taylor, brewers of the legendary Landlord and Boltmaker, the current Camra Champion Beer of Britain. It wasn’t a decision Jonathan took lightly after 12 years with the iconic Czech brand, but
as he says: “I have enjoyed every minute with the company and have worked with some amazing customers and colleagues over that time.” Jonathan’s new role with Keighley-based Timothy Taylor will be looking after North Yorkshire, the North East and Scotland. He leaves Budvar on March 13.
IT’S A FARMER’S LIFE FOR SEAN Sean Schofield is back as manager for the Sir John Fitzgerald (SJF) group. Formerly at The Green at Wardley where he built a reputation for community engagement, Sean took over the management of the Duke of Wellington in Durham on behalf of Ember
Inns. He is now manager of the prestigious Shiremoor House Farm on North Tyneside. The pub is known for its welcoming and relaxed attitude, the consistently high standards of its menu, and its reputation for quality wine and perfectly conditioned cask ales.
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NEWS
UP UP AND HOWAY Flying to New York, Paris, Brussels, Amsterdam, Dublin, Copenhagen, Dubai or any one of 80 other destinations? Relax in style before you board. Newcastle International Airport is progressing impressively with a £14m departure lounge development with a host of new bars, restaurants and retail outlets already open or due to open shortly for passengers. The latest phase of the work sees new bar/restaurant The Cabin open its doors alongside retail outlets Traveller, Cuba Lily, Travelex and WH Smith which complement last year’s development of The Beer House, Flying Hippo and Aspire lounge. It’s all part of a massive development programme, purely with the aim of providing the passenger with a better travel experience from the word go. The Cabin features several interesting beers (including Harviestoun Old Engine Oil and Einstock Toasted Porter from Iceland) working alongside a
8 / CHEERS / www.cheersnortheast.co.uk
carefully selected wine list with champagnes and cocktails that sit perfectly with a range of food – outstanding dishes made from locally-sourced ingredients where possible – such as meat from Dropswell Farm, County Durham, and cheese from Northumberland. It’s an oasis of calm drinking and dining – a premium experience without being exclusive and sniffy. The range of drinks doesn’t shove brands in your face – there’s only one example of every spirit, for instance – and a wine list that doesn’t bamboozle. Bar 11, based on the idea of 11 great things about the North East (including a seating section resembling a Metro carriage), is set to open in late March, so there’s no letting up on the huge new configuration of the departure lounge. The Beer House and Flying Hippo which opened last year are high on Tyne Bank Brewery beers with an enviable selection of draught and bottled offerings
NEWS
OUT OF AFRICA
that include Meantime London Stout and Czech classics Kozel and Pilsner Urquell. Food is “handheld”, drizzled in local provenance, with pulled pork and roast beef “proper stotties” fresh from the artisan Geordie Bakers, plus burgers, ribs and bacon from Manners Butchers.
“We like to relate to the region,” says Lucy Knowles, SSP group marketing director (the company that pulls the food and drink strings). “The Cabin allows travellers to relax and enjoy a little bit of luxury before their flight. They’re going away but we want it to feel like home.”
QUOTE “MY GRANDMOTHER IS OVER 80 AND STILL DOESN’T NEED GLASSES. DRINKS STRAIGHT OUT OF THE BOTTLE.”
While we’re in travelling mode, Cheers reader Nick Snaith brought this beer back from a recent trip to Burkina Faso in West Africa. Landlocked Burkina Faso is a poor country, even by West African standards. Nick says: “Brakina is the most popular brand of beer in Burkina Faso. It’s 4.0% abv and it’s hardly going to win a beer of the year award – however, at 600 West African francs (75p) for 65cl, it’s not going to break the bank either!” Burkina Faso has significant reserves of gold, but cotton is the economic mainstay for many Burkinabes. A military uprising forced long-term leader Blaise Compaore from office in October 2014 and an interim administration put in place for a year, after which elections are to be held.
HENNY YOUNGMAN
THE BRIDGE TAVERN BREW PUB & EATERY
www.thebridgetavern.com
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NEWS
DOWN THE BROWN AND PUT AWAY THE BLACK Darlington Snooker Club celebrates a significant anniversary this year. The club is 100 years old and although its amazing bar lags some way behind the green baize in terms of years, it is certainly a winner when it comes to enjoyment. Owner Peter Everett is staging a 100 Beer Festival this month (Thursday February 26 – Sunday
March 1) to mark the occasion. A rolling 50 beers will be on handpump at any one time with Campaign For Real Ale stalwarts even coming from North Shields to lend a hand behind the bar. The club on Corporation Road, which actually opened on February 27 1915, has been named North East regional club of the year every year – bar one – since 2004. Peter
has run the club for 15 years and says it’s a constant effort to keep standards high. “There are always new pubs and clubs popping up, so we can’t take anything for granted,” he says. He had been working as a chef at Holme House Prison near Stockton when the Snooker Club came on the market. “I was actually after a pub,”
S I N C E
he says, “but the snooker club came up first – and it was a lot cheaper. I saw it as a good business opportunity. “It’s the oldest surviving snooker club in the North East. It was built for Willie Smith, a local billiards champion. It’s been largely a snooker club since then though it had a spell as a prize bingo club then a pool room in the 1960s. We’re hoping to get a big crowd. We like to support local microbrewers and some of them are doing oneoff specials for us, such as Mithril Brewery Pot Black 100 (7.0% abv), a strong, flavoursome Imperial Stout, but we’ll also have some beer from North and West Yorkshire.” A newspaper cutting from 1915 says of the club: “The building is illuminated in electric light and a gas heating apparatus preserves an even temperature.” So, this month, go in off the cushion then down the brown and pot the black. *Darlington Snooker Club tel 01325 241 388
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NEWS
IT’S THE BEER THAT KEEPS YOU WRITE Cheers editor Alastair Gilmour has been presented with one of the beer and pub industry’s top prizes. He was named Regional Writer of the Year by the British Guild of Beer Writers (BGBW) at the organisation’s annual dinner in London. The award recognises his contribution to the North East’s pub and brewing sector which the judging panel said is “the envy of the country”.
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Alastair says: “This latest award is really for the brewers, publicans and beer lovers I write about in the North East. Pubs and microbreweries in the region are doing some remarkable things and I couldn’t have gained this success without their support and influence.”
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FEBRUARY MUSIC TBUSKERS THE BONNEVILLES THE ALLEY CATS ACOUSTIC VALENTINE’S NIGHT FEATURING 3 LOCAL ARTISTS THE GROOVE-A-MATICS FRACTURED VALVES THE SOUR MASH TRIO GEORGE SHOVLIN
4.30 8:00 4:30 8:00 4:30 8:30 4:30 8:30
EVERY WEDNESDAY IS QUIZ NIGHT FIRST THURS OF THE MONTH IS THE AULD ROCKERS MUSIC QUIZ GREAT FOOD SERVED MON-SAT 12-8 AND SUN 12-4
A PHEASANT WAY TO ENJOY THE GAME Battlesteads Hotel at Wark, Northumberland, is hosting a real country-style event this month. The award-winning pub and restaurant run by Richard and Dee Slade (once of the Magnesia Bank in North Shields) presents a Game Taster Evening with the opportunity to sample some of the finest traditional dishes from the
winter table. The six-course menu will be preceded by canapés and fizz on arrival and accompanied by speciallyselected wines or beers. During the evening, wine merchant Richard Pickles from Bibendum Wines will talk customers through how his choice of wine or beer is perfectly paired with each course on the menu.
*Wednesday February 11, 7pm for 7.30pm, £45pp (overnight offers available). Details: tel 01434 230 209, www.battlesteads.com www.cheersnortheast.co.uk / CHEERS / 11
GEOFF BROOKER
RAISE A GLASS TO A REAL CHARACTER The passing of one of the region’s best-loved publicans reminds us how lucky we were to know him, writes Alastair Gilmour
One of Northumberland’s most popular landlords and brewers has died. Geoff Brooker, 67, owned the Dipton Mill Inn and award-winning Hexhamshire Brewery near Hexham with his wife Janet for more than two decades, building an enviable
reputation for the quality of their home-cooked food, superb ales and genuinely hearty welcome. Geoff was a great supporter of North East beer festivals and more often than not would be awarded a certificate in some category or other for the likes of Blackhall
English Stout and the speciallyformulated Lightside. In fact, the stout gained so much popularity in the pub he had to make Guinness redundant. Geoff was invariably described
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GEOFF BROOKER
chuckled at his own jokes. He’d drape a tale in wit and whimsy. Customers would join the laughter; they’d heard the stories before, but that was half the fun. That was Geoff Brooker. He didn’t just laugh, he guffawed and hooted, giving vent to great cackling peals of the stuff. And it didn’t go unappreciated; a framed poem hanging in the pub commemorates the couple’s 20th anniversary in charge and is recited to the tune of The Kinks’ 1968 hit Village Green Preservation Society. One line goes: “God save the Brooker laugh to keep us from anxiety”. He used to roar at that. Geoff and Janet took over the Dipton Mill Inn just before Christmas 1989, with Geoff starting Hexhamshire brewery three years later. The Dipton Mill Inn is the quintessential English country pub – ivy-covered, middle-of-nowhere, sitting by a stream, woods and farmland. A mill race loops round the building and its enchanting, suntrapped beer garden. There has been a corn mill and a fulling mill – for the treatment of animal skins – here since the 1300s and licensee
records show it has been a pub since 1820. Again, if you had to draw a coaching inn, this would be it. There are normally four Hexhamshire beers on the bar – such as Devil’s Water (4.1% abv), a slightly fruity, copper-hued best bitter; Devil’s Elbow (3.6% abv), a hoppy, dark amber brew with a bitter finish; Shire Bitter (3.8% abv), an easy drinker with a delicious hop and fruit balance, and Whap Wheasel (4.8% abv), hoppy with slivers of citrus and a long bitter finish. All are named after local beauty spots. Geoff also brewed Old Humbug (5.5% abv), a winter ale. “That one’s named after me,” he would say. Hexhamshire Brewery uses a Thomas Bewick 18th century woodcut as its logo, a charming device showing two men in hats and breeches with a wooden barrel suspended on ropes between them. It was in use for quite a while before an elderly female visitor referred to Hexham’s once-thriving leather tanning industry and that what they were lugging wasn’t beer as Geoff had been given to understand. “It’s urine,” she said. Needless to say, he laughed long and loud at the revelation. Geoff was a lovely, lovely man and a real source of inspiration. The North East pub and beer community will miss him enormously. Losing Geoff is terribly sad, but when we think of him now we just have to join in his laughter.
GAME FOR A NEW BREW
Yet another seasonal range of ales has been launched from the tiny Mithril Brewery based at Aldbrough St John, near Darlington. Brewer Pete Fenwick has produced Scrum Dog (4.1% abv) a brown ale, named by members of Darlington Rugby Club for their inaugural beer festival that coincides with the first match of the Six Nations international series on Saturday February 14. Heading Home (4.2% abv) is a golden beer, only available at the beer festival, but this time in honour of Darlington FC, in celebration of the club’s return next season to Darlington (playing at the rugby club).
DARLINGTON SNOOKER CLUB 2015 Beer Festival
Thursday 26th Feb - Sunday 1st March Celebrating 100 years at Corporation Road, Darlington! FREE ENTRY 100 Beers to try supplied by local Micro Brewers Bar snacks available • 100 Years old? There’s a FREE pint waiting for you!! Come along and enjoy possibly the biggest beer festival in Darlington For further details telephone 01325 241388 • 1 Corporation Road, Darlington, DL3 6AE www.cheersnortheast.co.uk / CHEERS / 13
NEWS
SHY NOT. RETIRING YES
One of the region’s most prolific pub entrepreneurs of recent times has stepped back completely from involvement in the licensed trade – but putting his feet up is not an option. Tony Brookes, the former transport planner who set up Legendary Yorkshire Heroes real ale off-license chain and distribution company in the early 1980s, has retired after selling the resultant Head of Steam group of pubs to Cameron’s and spending the past year as a consultant to the Hartlepool-based brewer. Legendary Yorkshire Heroes bought a portfolio of 18 pubs from Scottish & Newcastle in the 1990s, but the property crash soon after saw him sell on the bars and the wholesale business. Out of that came the Head of Steam concept – pubs and bars set up in disused spaces in railway stations. The business would go on to buy the Express Bar opposite Newcastle Central Station in 1995 as well as a pub on Huddersfield
Station, and also taking up leases on pubs in Liverpool Lime Street and Euston Station in London, and operating The Cluny and Tilley’s Bar in Newcastle plus The Central in Gateshead. Cameron’s has added Whitby, Sunderland and Leeds to the HoS thrust. “I’m properly retired now and not coming back as some people do as a consultant and working twice as hard,” says Tony, pictured left on a Cheers cover. “Anyway we’ve got our eighth grandchild due. Family life opens up a whole new vista. “I’m not someone to sit in front of the fire; I want to keep active. There’s lots I want to do, such as golfing, cycling, motorbiking, gardening and all the sporting activities I was interested in before but never had the time – tennis, table tennis and cricket.” Liverpool’s Head of Steam was sold to JD Wetherspoon in the last few weeks, while one of the latest refurbishments has the Brookes approval. “The Dun Cow in Sunderland is the jewel in the crown,” he says. “What a magnificent pub that is. There are lots of other things in the pipeline with the Head of Steam group – and the Neville Street, Newcastle, one gets a facelift in March – the scaffolding is down at last and a hotel upstairs is opening shortly, so with the wider pavement outside as a result of the redevelopment of that part of the city, the pub should get a new lease of life.” A bit like himself.
EEH! NUMBERS
0
The amount of songs The Beatles wrote and recorded together that mention beer. Zero, zilch, nada, nil, nowt. Wine and gin, yes. Beer, Sweet Fanny Adams. www.cheersnortheast.co.uk / CHEERS / 15
FEATURE: THE YEAR OF THE GOAT/SHEEP
SHEEP AND GOATS THE WONDER OF WOOLIES According to the Chinese calendar, this year is going to be a good one for sheep and goats, writes Alastair Gilmour The Chinese New Year begins on February 19 and brings with it a fortnight of celebrations across the world. The next 12 months commemorates the Year of the Goat. Or should that be the Year of the Sheep? The Chinese calendar (a lunar one, so it’s a moveable feast) counts on a cycle of 12 years, each one named after an animal – Rat, Snake, Horse, etc – but there appears to be some confusion about 2015. Google “Chinese New Year 2015 Goat” and you’ll find just over nine million references. Do the same, substituting “Sheep”, and it’ll turn up the thick end of 10 million. When we’re talking seven figures, there’s not a lot of difference. A Chinese dictionary refers to both sheep and goats as: “Ruminant animals with horns on their head.” Let’s call it a draw. So, we invited North Yorkshire’s Black Sheep Brewery to tell us what it has in store for the next 12 months and also put a call in to Velkopopovický Kozel, a superb example of a Czech beer that’s gaining popularity in the UK and here in the North East. Kozel translates as “goat”, so that’s Google covered straight away. Black Sheep performed a sharp intake of breath last year when it posted a loss for the first time since the brewery was founded by Paul Theakston in Masham in 1992. The reasons for the unexpected handbrake are many and varied, but as the beer market has shifted considerably over the past few years, many national operators have been caught unguarded while regional brewers are unable to benefit from the government’s progressive beer duty (50% tax relief) because they’re too big. Additionally, Black Sheep doesn’t have a pub estate to support the business. 16 / CHEERS / www.cheersnortheast.co.uk
“We’ve improved on last year and taken positive steps forward,” says Black Sheep sales and marketing director Jo Theakston (pictured right). “The results were a combination of lots of different things, so we looked at overheads, keeping things as tight as possible, and looked closely at our beer range. We’ve been cutting through the noise.” The Black Sheep range has always represented quality and brands such as Yorkshire Square Ale, Holy Grail and Golden Sheep which could arguably have slipped under the drinkers’ radar have been given a branding make-over and a prominent place in the annual calendar of special and seasonal beers alongside solidly performing stalwarts Black Sheep Best Bitter and Black Sheep Ale. Significantly, though, they rub shoulders with Hoptacular (3.6% abv), a big-in-flavour session ale that makes great use of hop varieties Polaris, Magnum, Ella and Galena. Similary, Blind Side (4.3% abv) will celebrate the Rugby World Cup later this year – a brew that contains eight different English hop varieties (the same number as in a rugby pack, we note). Jo Theakston says: “We’re working through the brands. Golden Sheep was always a good selling beer and with new branding and a look at tweaking the liquid to give it a bit of oomph, we can make it really sharp.” But it’s also the Year of the Goat, a fact not lost on the citizens of Bohemian town of Velké Popovice, situated some 25km from Prague. Historical references to local beer production can be traced to the 14th Century and it eventually came into the “modern” era in 1874 with the building of a new brewery. It had been bought four years previously by Baron Frantisek
“WEEK IN. WEEK OUT, THEY’RE PRODUCING ABSOLUTELY TOP QUALITY BEER”
Ringhoffer, a wealthy industrialist and mayor of Smichov (now a suburb of Prague) seeking a new challenge. With ready access to new technologies, he rebuilt the brewery, breathing a new lease of life into it. Ten wells in the woods that surround Velké Popovice provide a pure and consistent source of water, naturally filtered through layers of granite. The malt used in Velkopopovický Kozel is pale, caramelised and coloured, while the famous Zatec hops (Saaz in German) and Ustek varieties are “double hopped” – first using the bitter variety then the sweet which gives the beer its unique aroma. The yeast is cultivated and preserved at the brewery’s own laboratories with the end process prompting one employee to scrawl on a quality control department wall: “A fine beer can be judged with only one sip. But it’s better to be thoroughly sure.” After the First World War, the Ringhoffers realised their brewery could stand out by embracing the local tradition of a strong, dark beer known as a billy goat (Kozel). A Kozel spokesperson says: “Around this time, a French painter was passing through Velké Popovice and was touched by the townsfoks’ hospitality. To say thank you, he offered to make an emblem for the brewery. “Using the Kozel goat as his inspiration, he created our mascot that has now lasted for nearly a century. Since this time, the beer has been registered as Velkopopovický Kozel.” Black Sheep is also a badge of quality. The imagery has been modified and modernised over the years – and recently undergone an overhaul – but brewing great beer is much more than coming up with bonny graphics. For example, a five-barrel microbrewery nestling inside the brewhouse is used for experimentation. Crucially, it’s an exact scaled-down version of the main 50-barrel plant. “We get a pretty accurate idea of how any beer will perform when in full batch production,” says Jo Theakston. “Our Yorkshire squares – open fermenters – have such a tangible effect on our beers, so if you don’t get it right on the microplant you’re not going to get the flavours to transfer. We’re pushing the kit to its limits and our brewers are loving the challenge. “Week in, week out, they’re producing absolutely top quality beer but they still need that challenge.” A new Black Sheep website was launched last month – clean lines and image-led for easy access on tablets. Hop varieties new to the brewery are driving experimentation and building on the success of the likes of Velo (brewed specially for last year’s Yorkshire stages of the Tour de France) are all part of 2015’s Positive: Jo Theakston, Black Sheep Brewery www.cheersnortheast.co.uk / CHEERS / 17
FEATURE: SHEEP AND GOATS NEWS
and the original Kozel goat image
WE GOAT RHYTHM
Pampered: The current Olda
thrust. Year of the Sheep, then? The brewery still has its own flock of black sheep regularly turned out for festivals and agricultural shows in immaculate condition. In the 1930s, in an effort to further establish Kozel as the best “billy goat” beer, a young buck was brought to the Czech brewery. A caretaker regularly combed the animal’s hair and polished its hooves, ensuring the well-groomed beast was a star visitor attraction. The brewery has kept one ever since. In the 1970s, bottle-filler Oldrich (Olda) Lenca was appointed the goat’s caretaker. In honour of his dedication, every goat that has taken up residence has been named Olda. At risk of creating the worst link ever – “hope I die before I get Olda” – Black Sheep is again looking to the future through a collaboration with industry marketing specialist Jonny
Introducing our 2015 patented system that makes line cleaning even easier by automatically bleeding fob chambers
Kirkham to create My Generation Beer Company, a brand new “label” aimed at what it believes is an untapped audience of drinkers. My Generation is the signature brew (with a big, fresh aroma and a cracking bitter finish) and will be the official beer of Record Store Day 2015 in April – a nationwide celebration of vinyl records. A three-month seasonal listing has been agreed with Mitchells & Butlers’ collection of Castle and Nicholson’s pubs from March, while there will also be a selective on-trade distribution with a bottled version, ahead of a planned 330ml can offering. A programme of My Generation activity around festivals and other music-related events is being scheduled for throughout 2015. “It’s all positive,” says Jo Theakston. “We’ve now got to keep the momentum going.” Who said sheep are followers?
Wylam Bohemia is a Czech-style lagered beer made with Pale and Carpils malts, and using a Pilsner strain on the yeast. Delicately balanced with Saaz and Hallertau hops, the beer is deep gold in colour with a heady bouquet of malt and hops and a rich fruit finish. It uses the goat image in homage to Czech culture.
THE CHINESE CALENDAR
The Chinese Lunar Calendar is a yearly one based on the cycles of the Moon. Legend has it that the Lord Buddha summoned all the animals to come to him before he departed from Earth. Only 12 came to bid him farewell and, as a reward, he named a year after each in the order they arrived – Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat/Sheep, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, Pig.
Helping pubs serve quality products for over 13 years
Find out more by calling us today on 0191 565 9393 or visit phoenixabc.com 18 / CHEERS / www.cheersnortheast.co.uk
A HOUSE. WITH BEER. WHAT MORE DO YOU WANT? Huge range of draught & cask beers. Bottled beers from all over the world. Local & seasonal selections including Tyne Bank Brewery. Prosecco on tap. Proper stotties with pulled pork and BBQ beef brisket. We don’t do prim & proper... We just do proper. Come and have a pint before your flight. The Beer House is now open at Newcastle International Airport. Follow us on Twitter @_thebeerhouse
BUDWEISER BUDVAR TOP 50 GASTRO PUBS
BROAD SMILES ALL ROUND The region has been honoured with a couple of placings in a national pub awards scheme. But we know there’s scope for more
Bar and kitchen staff at two North East pubs have had good reason to raise a smile. Once again, The Broad Chare in Newcastle and The Rat Inn at Anick, Hexham, have been named in the Budweiser Budvar Top 50 Gastropub Awards,
20 / CHEERS / www.cheersnortheast.co.uk
organised by The Publican’s Morning Advertiser. It’s about as good as it gets – and considering Britain’s number one gastropub, The Sportsman at Seasalter, Kent, has a Michelin star, the region’s pubs aren’t doing too bad, are they?
Steve Dunn, left, and Chris Eagle at The Broad Chare Up for specialist awards were The Angel in Corbridge for innovation, and The Staith House in North Shields for best turnaround pub, but sadly neither made the final cut. The Broad Chare team led by manager Steve Dunn and
head chef Chris Eagle came in at number 36, while The Rat – run by Karen Errington and Phil Mason – took the number 38 spot. This is just the latest accolade for both pubs. The Broad Chare, part of Terry Laybourne’s successful 21 Hospitality Group,
THE WHITE SWAN A WARM WELCOME AWAITS YOU FROM THE NEW MANAGEMENT
REAL ALES &
HOMEMADE FOOD LUNCH TIME SPECIALS
OPENING TIMES
SERVED DAILY SERVING TRADITIONAL
SUNDAY LUNCH 12 NOON - 5PM
From
MONDAY - FRIDAY
£7.50
12 NOON - 3PM / 5PM - CLOSE
WEEKENDS 11AM - 11PM
MAIN RD, OVINGHAM, PRUDHOE NORTHUMBERLAND NE42 6AG 01661 833 188 The Rat Inn has received further national recognition by being named in the Good Food Guide’s top 50 UK pubs; the Quayside pub also won the prestigious Editor Award for best new entry for pubs. Meanwhile at The Rat Inn, owners Karen Errington and Phil Mason are very comfortable rubbing shoulders with Michelin star winners and collecting terrific reviews in all the most admired food and beer guides. Let’s not forget that there’s a big beer, wine and spirits element to a gastropub – and The Rat can have up to six ales on its tiny bar at the one time. Chef and restaurateur Terry Laybourne said of the latest Broad
Chare award: “It’s always great for our team when their hard work is acknowledged. It reflects the dedication to consistently delivering proper food in a proper pub where customer service is second to none. Karen Errington says: “We’re all dead pleased with the award at The Rat. Obviously people like it here, the food is very consistent, locally sourced wherever possible, and our customers know what they’re going to get, so it’s got to be good, particularly where we’re situated.” It goes to show that if you’re honest and consistent and care about what your customers eat and drink, you deserve to be in the charts – heading for Number One.”
The Black Horse Low Fell, Gateshead
THE PERCY ARMS WA L B O T T L E
Open 7 days a week Serving delicious home cooked food Mon - Sat 12pm-9pm
TRADITIONAL SUNDAY CARVERY 12PM - 3PM
DAILY SPECIALS £5.00 MONDAY - FRIDAY OAP SPECIALS £4.00 FRIDAYS - LIVE MUSIC
THE PERCY ARMS Queens Rd, Walbottle, NE15 8JB Like us on
Telephone: 0191 2648071 www.thepercyarms.co
Traditional family run pub since 1975
We’re i Good Bn the Guide... eer a (2013)gain
Come and join us this Summer and enjoy our heated outside drinking area. Serving a range of local ales, lagers, ciders and cocktails!
Regular Music & Folk Nights
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
Mon - Fri: from 4pm • Sat: from 12pm Sun: 12pm - 3pm & from 7pm BRIDGE END INN, Ovingham 01661 832219 www.cheersnortheast.co.uk / CHEERS / 21
NATIONAL CHIP WEEK
CHIP IN WITH SOME GREAT MENUS National Chip Week (February 16-23) presents pubs with an ideal excuse to bring in more custom. The contribution great chips make to pub menus is often overlooked, but it’s something customers really value – and remember. Quality, consistent hand-cut chips just can’t be beat. Pub chefs
22 / CHEERS / www.cheersnortheast.co.uk
vary on cooking style and potato variety – for example, in Young’s managed houses Agrier potatoes are prized for their triple-cooked robustness, producing a texture that is fluffy on the inside with a crispy outer, while Maris Piper has its followers and the debate still rages whether beef dripping or rapeseed oil is the better fryer.
Caribbean-style sweet potato fries are becoming very popular, while in Corbridge, The Angel features its own fish and chip takeaway in an outbuilding. In North Shields the emphasis – at The Staith House at least – is
on the condiments. Vinegar is flavoured with the likes of rosemary, while home-made tartare sauce (complete with tarragon, chervil, parsley and chives) has been a great chip-hit. Get frying!
BS_GAME_TASTER_93x128_AD_Layout 1 30/01/2015 11:25 Page 1
NEWS
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Join us for our Game Tasting Evening
Wednesday 11th February 2015 – 7pm for 7.30pm Join us for our FIRST EVER Game Taster Evening and sample some of the finest dishes from the winter table. Starting with canapés and fizz on arrival, followed by a 6 course game taster menu, accompanied by specially selected wines OR beers.
WHAT’S ON SKY TONIGHT? Join amateur astronomer Dave Woodford to view the brilliant night sky from Hedley on the Hill, Stocksfield, Northumberland. The Feathers Inn in the village has extended an invitation to all ages to see stars on Sunday February 8 (from 7pm). If the weather’s clear you’ll be amazed at what you can pick out – Jupiter is at its closest to Earth until 2019, for instance - but
if it’s cloudy, no doubt the pub chat will be all about the night sky. Bring a telescope if you’ve got one, but there’s no real need. Bring a thirst too – owners Helen Greer and Rhian Cradock (pictured above), always have a stellar selection of ales available. It’s going to be a regular second Sunday of the month event – plus it beats Sunday night telly!
During the evening we will have on hand, our wine merchant Richard Pickles from Bibendum Wines. He will be talking us through how his choice of wine OR beer is perfectly paired with each course on the menu. £45.00 per person including matched wines OR beers
Battlesteads Hotel & Restaurant, Wark on Tyne, nr Hexham, Northumberland NE48 3LS T: 01434 230209 E: info@battlesteads.com www.battlesteads.com
High House Farm Brewery Restaurant, Tea Rooms, Wedding & Function Venue Monday Coffee Morning
WHEN HARRY MET JARROW One of the region’s favourite brews has made its inaugural appearance at a slick Newcastle city-centre bar. Jarrow Rivet Catcher is now available in Harry’s Bar on Grey Street - and a very welcome sight it is too. It makes sense for such a
pub like to stock cask ales as most of its competitors and neighbours on the block do very well out of it. Cheers can just imagine Jarrow Brewery owner Jess McConnell slipping in daily to check on its progress!
Come in from 10.30am for a cup of tea or coffee & a fresh homemade scone with preserve & cream!
£3.00
Tuesday Senior Citizen Special
A main course from the specials board, something sweet from our selection of home baked goodies & a cup of tea or coffee.
£6.50
Thursday Steak & Gourmet Burger Night
Choose from a selection of steaks or handmade gourmet burgers to have with a pint of ale, 125ml glass of wine or a soft drink of your choice.
£9.95 Friday Winter Warmer
Pick two or three courses from our set winter warmer menu.
TRIAL SET TO FIND BEER GUILTY – OF EXCELLENCE Cameron’s Brewery has been busy of late in the experimental stakes – and the customer is set to be the winner. The Hartlepool-based company will be trialling three new test brews at its Head of Steam and Blue Lounge pubs where feedback
and opinion will be invited. Trial Brew #1 is a Chocolate Stout (4.4% abv), Trial Brew #2 is an American Pale Ale (5.1% abv) and Trial Brew #3 is a Red Rye at 4.3% abv. Feedback forms will be available at each venue.
Two course £7.95 Three Course £9.95
Sunday
Join us for a traditional Sunday Lunch, including a choice of five meats.
One Course £9.25 Two Course £12.75 Three Course £16.25 please book to avoid disappointment
High House Farm Brewery, Matfen, Northumberland, NE20 0RG 01661 886192 www.highhousefarmbrewery.co.uk info@highhousefarmbrewery.co.uk www.cheersnortheast.co.uk / CHEERS / 23
LITTLE THEATRE, GATESHEAD
ALL TO PLAY FOR
The star of the show is the theatre itself, as Alastair Gilmour discovers It’s often called “the smallest pub in Gateshead” and though that might be open to dispute, there’s no arguing that the bar in the Little Theatre that faces the town’s Saltwell Park is one of the most welcoming. The problem – and the beauty – is that it’s only open when there’s a production on for pre-theatre drinks, three kings Advert.pdf interval refreshment and post-
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24 / CHEERS / www.cheersnortheast.co.uk
performance catch-ups. But when there are 10 stage shows each year with runs of at least a week, there are plenty of opportunities for the general public to join in the entertainment. Theatre-goers arrive well before the start of a show and there’s generally a fair old gathering of beer drinkers and wine-by-the-bottle 30/10/2014 18:33 sippers. The bar empties quickly when the
LITTLE THEATRE, GATESHEAD
second bell goes rather more urgently than the first one, as no-one is allowed to sit there until the interval or the final curtain – voices and clinking glasses travel surprisingly far. The Little Theatre bar is run by Dave Duffy who volunteered a few years ago – his wife Maureen is in charge of Wardrobe. He used to drop her off for productions then pick her up but started to make himself useful as a bartender and drinks “fetcher”. “Everyone here is a volunteer,” says Dave. “The Progressive Players is an amateur theatre group and the only paid staff are the cleaner and the caretaker. Apart from the door money, there is no other income for the theatre except the bar and ice-cream. “I try and find as many interesting beers and wines I can – all bottled at the moment, but we always have Budweiser Budvar, Deuchars IPA and Timothy Taylor’s Landlord in stock – as well as premium brand wines and spirits.”
The Little Theatre is Gateshead’s only theatre. It was built during World War II, thanks to the foresight of sisters Ruth, Sylvia and M Hope Dodds who had a great interest in drama. Two years ago the fabric of the building was brought right up to date – including the bar and foyer – as a result of a bequest from former Low Fell resident Jim Ord who had emigrated to Canada. He left £114,000 in his will for that precise purpose. The theatre is also let out to various groups, such as the Jumpin’ Hot Club and the Magic Circle. But a psychic society had to cancel its booking “due to unforeseen circumstances”. For an evening’s entertainment, a few drinks and a splash of culture, the Little Theatre is a real star. *The Little Theatre Box office: 0191 478 1499 February 16-21: Playhouse Creatures by April de Angelis March 23-28: The Dumb Waiter and Betrayal by Harold Pinter
A SPOONS FULL OF MEDICINES The world and its brewers are about to descend on a JD Wetherspoon pub near you. Wetherspoon pubs across the North East will be serving ten real ales from around the world alongside a selection of up to 40 beers from the UK during a 17-day festival (Friday March 13 to Sunday March 29 inclusive). Each of the beers is being brewed using only British-grown hop varieties. The overseas beers have been sourced from Brazil, Canada, South Africa, New
Zealand, US, Spain, Ireland and Australia – with each of the overseas brewers producing their individual beer at a UK brewery. These include: Spider Bite (Devils Backbone, US), Shipwreck IPA (Lighthouse, Canada), Wee Heavy (Bodebrown, Brazil) and JCIPA (Townshend, New Zealand). UK beers include: Play it Again Sam from Phoenix Brewery, Monty Python’s Holy Grail (Black Sheep), Puffin Ale (Orkney) and Lazy Dog (Wolf). Three, third pints available for the price of a pint.
Thank’s to all of our customers for your support, we are only here because of you! Newcastle’s Premier 6 Nations Venue. All matches shown live from the 6th of February - 21st of March.
5 Real Ales always on tap. NEW MENU NOW AVAILABLE Full English served from 6am Monday - Friday in C C Hudsons
Open Mic nights Fortnightly on Tuesdays Function rooms available for private hire Grand Central Station, Neville St, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 5DG
Tel: 0191 2616611
www.centurion-newcastle.com
www.cheersnortheast.co.uk / CHEERS / 25
PUB PROFILE: ISIS, SUNDERLAND
PUB PROFILE ISIS, SUNDERLAND
Egyptian goddess Isis taught women how to weave, bake bread – and brew beer Step inside this 1885-vintage, Victorian, Grade II-listed beauty and gasp. The impression of opulence is amazing and an enormous transformation from where the pub had been abandoned before Jarrow Brewery got its creative hands on it. It was once known as The Ship Isis in tribute to the city’s shipbuilding tradition (and not the Islamist rebel group whose occasional reference is a constant irritation to landlords Carol Graham and John Stubbs). Isis was an Ancient Egyptian goddess revered as the ideal mother and patron of nature and magic. She taught women how to weave, bake bread and – significantly – brew beer. She is commemorated on the pub sign, its interior mirrors, and the ship’s prow-like busts hovering at either end of the bar. Those mirrors sparkle, the large fireplace is an immediate attraction and heavy drapes offer an extra feeling of warmth. Isis is divided into two with a Select Room and Snug and Public Bar where immediate features are the wood panelling and stylish Art Deco-style lamps on the counter which add a touch of class. It’s twice winner of the Sunderland and South Tyneside Camra branch’s Pub of the Year – not a bad record in three years – and a new Premier Inn next door will do trade no harm either. Monday is quiz night (with free half-time buffet), and Wednesday’s music night attracts buskers and their followers, with “pints for players” an added extra. 26 / CHEERS / www.cheersnortheast.co.uk
WHERE IS IT? Isis, 26 Silksworth Row, Sunderland, SR1 3QJ Tel 0191 514 7684, www.facebook.com/pages/The-IsisSunderland/214780425210106. Landlords Carol Graham and John Stubbs (together Bottoms Up Leisure) lease the pub from Jarrow Brewery who converted it from one-room dilapidation in 2011 into a stylish, opulent, award-winning pub.
THE BEER
Eight handpulls, three ciders and several keg fonts. Jarrow Brewery beers include Old Cornelius, McConnells Irish Stout and Rivet Catcher. Regular guests also keep the interest high. The list goes on through Staropramen, Brooklyn Lager, and San Miguel while bottled speciality beers and lagers further excite the palate.
THE FOOD
An impressive menu is presented upstairs by Barnett’s At The Isis. It’s all home-cooked, very reasonably priced and invites comments such as “the best steak in Sunderland”. Sunday lunches are hugely popular but oysters in chilli and ginger, pan-fried wood pigeon and venison are unexpected – and very welcome – “pub grub” surprises. A real find.
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A-Z PUB GUIDE
THE BEER HALL
Hawkshead Brewery, Mill Yard, Staveley, LA8 9LR t: 01539 825260
NORTHUMBERLAND
Cheers is all about pubs in the North East and this should be a good place to start... COUNTY DURHAM BUTCHER’S ARMS
Middle Chare, Chester le Street, DH3 3QB t: 0191 388 3605
DUN COW
37 Old Elvet, Durham, DH1 3HN t: 0191 386 9219
GREENBANK HOTEL
90 Greenbank Road, Darlington, DL3 6EL t: 01325 462624
HALF MOON INN
130 North Gate, Darlington, DL1 1QS t: 01325 465765
HAT AND FEATHERS
Church Street, Seaham, SR7 7HF t: 01915 133040
HEAD OF STEAM
3 Reform Place, Durham, DH1 4RZ t: 0191 3832173
HOLE IN THE WALL
14 Horsemarket, Darlington, County Durham DL1 5PT t: 01325 466720
ITALIAN FARMHOUSE
South Street, West Rainton Houghton - le - Spring DH4 6PA t: 0191 5841022
NUMBER TWENTY-2
22 Coniscliffe Road, Darlington, DL3 7RG t: 01325 354590 e: rew@villagebrewer.co.uk www.twenty2.villagebrewer.co.uk
SURTEES ARMS
Chilton Lane, Ferryhill, DL17 0DH t: 01740 655724
THREE HORSESHOES
Maiden Law, Durham, DH7 0QT t. 01207 520900
YE OLDE ELM TREE
12 Crossgate, Durham City, DH1 4PS t: 0191 386 4621
THE AVENUE INN
Avenue Street, High Shincliffe, DH1 2PT t: 0191 386 5954
THE BAY HORSE
28 West Green, Heighington, DL5 6PE t: 01325 312312
THE BEAMISH MARY INN No Place, Nr Beamish, DH9 0QH t: 0191 370 0237
THE BLACK HORSE
Red Row,Beamish, DH9 0RW t: 01207 232569
THE BRITTANIA INN
1 Archer Street, Darlington County Durham, DL3 6LR t: 01325 463787
THE CLARENCE VILLA
Durham Road, Coxhoe, County Durham, DH4HX t: 0191 377 3773
THE COUNTY
13 The Green, Aycliffe Vilage, County Durham, DL5 6LX
t: 01325 312273
THE CROSS KEYS
Front Street, Esh, DH7 9QR t: 0191 3731279
THE CROWN
Mickleton, Barnard Castle, DL12 0JZ t: 01833 640 381
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
THE PLOUGH
Mountsett, Burnopfield, NE16 6BA t: 01207 570346
THE PUNCH BOWL INN
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 SPORTSMANS ARMS
THE HONEST LAWYER
Croxdale Bridge, Croxdale, DH1 3HP t: 0191 3783782
THE JOHN DUCK
91A Claypath, Durham City, DH1 1 RG
THE LAMBTON WORM
North Road, Chester le Street, DH3 4AJ t: 0191 3871162
THE MANOR HOUSE HOTEL
The Green, West Auckland, DL14 9HW t: 01388 834834
THE MANOR HOUSE INN
Carterway Heads, Shotley Bridge, DH8 9LX t: 01207 255268
THE MARKET TAVERN
27 Market Place, Durham, DH1 3NJ t: 0191 3862069
THE MILL
Durham Road, Rainton Bridge, DH5 8NG t: 0191 5843211
THE MINERS ARMS
41 Manor Road, Medomsley, DH8 6QN t: 01207 560428
THE NEWFIELD INN
Newfield, Chester le Street, DH2 2SP t: 0191 3700565
THE OAK TREE
Front Street, Tantobie, Stanley, DH9 9RF t: 01207 235 445
THE OLD WELL INN
The Bank, Barnard Castle DL12 8PH t: 01833 690 130
28 / CHEERS / www.cheersnortheast.co.uk
BARRASFORD ARMS
BARRELS
THE GREY HORSE
86 New Elvet, Durham, DH1 3AQ t: 0191 3741918
Seahouses, NE68 7SQ t: 01665 720283
THE QUAKERHOUSE
THE SMITHS ARMS
THE HALF MOON INN
BAMBURGH CASTLE INN
Edmundbyers, DH8 9NL t: 01207 255545 2 Mechanics Yard, Darlington, DL3 7QF t: 07783 960105
Brecon Hill, Castle Dene, Chester le Street, DH3 4HE t: 0191 3857559 Moor End Terrace, Belmont, DH1 1BJ t: 0191 3842667
THE STABLES
Beamish Hall Hotel, Beamish, DH9 0BY t: 01207 233 7333
THE STABLES
West Herrington, Houghton le Spring, DH4 4ND t: 0191 584 9226
THE THREE HORSESHOES
Pit House Lane, Leamside, Houghton le Spring, DH4 6QQ t: 0191 584 2394
THE WHITE LION
Newbottle Street, Houghton le Spring, DH4 4AN t: 0191 5120735
THE WHITEHILLS
Waldridge Road, Chester le Street, DH2 3AB t: 0191 3882786
WICKET GATE
Front Street, Chester-le-Street, DH3 3AX t: 0191 3872960
THE WILD BOAR
Frederick Place, Houghton le Spring, DH4 4BN t: 0191 5128050
THE VICTORIA INN
86 Hallgarth Street, Durham, DH1 3AS, t: 0191 3860465
NORTH YORKSHIRE THE CROWN INN
Vicars Lane, Manfield, DL2 2RF t: 01325 374243
Front Street West, Bedlington, NE22 5TZ t: 01670 536160
RED LION INN
Stanegate Road, Newbrough, Hexham, NE47 5AR t: 01434 674226
Prudhoe Station, Low Prudhoe, RIVERDALE HALL HOTEL NE42 6NP t: 01661 832323 Bellingham, NE48 2JT t: 01434 220254
Barrasford Hexham, NE48 4AA t: 01434 681237
4 East Green, Heighington Village, DL5 6PP t: 01325 313152
115 Sherburn Terrace, Consett, DH8 6NE t: 01207 502585
ADAM & EVE
RED LION
59-61 Bridge Street, Berwick, TD15 1ES t:01289 308013
BATTLESTEADS HOTEL
Wark, Hexham, NE48 3LS t: 01434 230209 www.battlesteads.com
BEADNELL TOWERS HOTEL Beadnell, NE67 5AY t: 01665 721211
CLENNELL HALL HOTEL
Harbottle,Morpeth, NE65 7BG t: 01669 650 377
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
New Ridley Road, Stocksfield, NE43 7RG, t: 01661 842383
DUKE OF WELLINGTON Newton, NE43 7UL t: 01661 844446
DYKE NEUK
Meldon, Nr Morpeth, NE61 3SL t: 01670 772662
ELECTRIC WIZARD
New Market, Morpeth, NE61 1PS t: 01670 500640
FOX AND HOUNDS
Main Road, Wylam NE41 8DL t: 01661 598060
GENERAL HAVELOCK INN
Haydon Bridge, NE47 6ER t: 01434 684376
JOHN THE CLERK OF CRAMLINGTON
Front Street, Cramlington, NE23 1DN t: 01670 707060
THREE HORSESHOES
Hathery Lane, Horton, Cramlington, NE24 4HF t: 01670 822410
THREE WHEATHEADS
Thropton nr Rothbury, NE65 7LR t: 01669 620262
TWICE BREWED INN
Military Road, Bardon Mill, NE47 7AN t: 01434 344534
THE ALLENDALE INN
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
Hedley on the Hill, Stocksfield, NE43 7SW t: 01661 843 607
THE GOLDEN LION
Hill Street, Corbridge, NE45 5AA t: 01434 632216
THE ANCHOR HOTEL
THE HADRIAN HOTEL
THE ANCHOR INN
THE HERMITAGE INN
Haydon Bridge, NE47 6AB t: 01434 688121 Whittonstall, Nr Consett, DH8 9JN t: 01207 561110
THE ANGEL INN
Main Street, Corbridge, NE45 5LA t: 01434 632119
THE BADGER
Street Houses, Ponteland Newcastle upon Tyne NE20 9BT t: 01661 871037
THE BLACKBIRD
Ponteland, NE20 9UH t: 01661 822 684
THE BLACK BULL
Middle Street, Corbridge, NE45 5AT t: 01434 632261
THE BLACK BULL
Matfen, NE20 0RP t: 01661 855395
THE BLACK BULL INN Etal, TD12 4TL t: 01890 820200
THE BLACK & GREY
Newgate St, Morpeth Northumberland NE61 1BU t: 01670 504312
THE BLUE BELL
Mount Pleasant, West Mickley, Stocksfield NE43 7LP t: 01661 843146
Market Place, Allendale, NE47 9BD t: 01434 683 225 Wall, Hexham, NE44 4EE t: 01434 681232
23 Castle Street, Warkworth, NE65 0UL t: 01665 711 258
THE HORSESHOES INN
Rennington, Alnwick, NE66 3RS. t: 01665 577665
THE JOINERS ARMS
Newton-by-the-Sea, NE66 3EA t: 01665 576 112
THE MANOR HOUSE
Caterway Heads Shotley Bridge, DH8 9LX t: 01207 255268
THE MANOR INN
Main Street, Haltwhistle, NE49 0BS t: 01434 322588
THE NORTHUMBERLAND ARMS The Peth, West Thirston, Felton, NE65 9EE t: 01670 787370
THE OLDE SHIP INN
9 Main Street, Seahouses, NE68 7RD t: 01665 720 200
THE PACKHORSE INN
Ellingham, Chathill, NE67 5HA t: 01665 589292
THE PILOT INN
31 Low Greens, Berwick upon Tweed, TD15 1LZ t: 01289 304214
THE PLOUGH
Village Square, Cramlington, NE23 1DN t: 01670 737633
THE BOATHOUSE
THE PLOUGH INN
JOINERS ARMS
Wylam, NE41 8HR t: 01661 853431
THE RAILWAY HOTEL
JOLLY FISHERMAN
• 14 Real ales on tap • CAMRA 2013 • Northumberland Pub of the Year Winner
Wansbeck Street, Morpeth, NE61 1XZ t: 01670 513540 Craster, Alnwick, NE66 3TR t: 01665 576461
MINERS ARMS
Main Street, Acomb, NE46 4PW t: 01434 603909
LION & LAMB
Horsley, NE15 0NS t: 01661 852952
THE BOATSIDE INN
Warden, Hexham, NE46 4SQ t: 01434 602233
THE BRIDGE END INN
NEWCASTLE HOTEL
THE WHITE SWAN
OLIVERS
• 5 Real Ales • Traditional family run pub • Folk & music nights
CUMBRIA
THE CROWN INN
THE GOLDEN LION
Coopers Lane, Potto, DL6 3HQ t: 01642 700232 1 West End, Stokesley, TS9 5BL t: 01642 710263
The Wynding, Beadnell, NE675AX t: 01665 720 272
Market Place, Allendale, Hexham, NE47 9BJ, t: 01434 683246
West Road, Ovingham Prudhoe, NE42 6BN t: 01661 832219
THE DOG & GUN
THE CRASTER ARMS
Front Street, Rothbury, NE65 7UT t: 01669 620334 60 Bridge Street, Blyth, NE24 2AP t: 01670 368346
PERCY ARMS HOTEL
Main Road, Chatton NE66 5PS t: 01668 215244
THE CARTS BOG INN
Langley on Tyne, Hexham, NE47 5NW. t: 01434 684338
Front Street, Ellington, NE61 5JB t: 01670 860340 Church Street, Haydon Bridge, NE47 6JG t: 01434 684254
THE RAILWAY INN
Acklington, Morpeth, NE65 9BP t: 01670 760 320
THE RAT INN
Anick, Hexham, NE46 4LN t: 01434 602 814
THE RIDLEY ARMS
Stannington, Morpeth, NE61 6EL t: 01670 789216
THE RED LION
22 Northumberland Street, Alnmouth, NE66 2RJ t: 01665 830584 www.redlionalnmouth.co.uk
THE RED LION INN
Milfield, Wooler, NE71 6JD t: 01668 216224 www.redlioninn-milfield.co.uk
THE ROBIN HOOD
BACCHUS
LA TAVERNA
THE BRANDLING ARMS
THE GREY HORSE
THE OLDE SHIPS INN
• Real ales • Home cooked food • Accomodation
BENTON ALE HOUSE
• Tapas • Real Ale • Chicken
THE BRANDLING VILLA
THE HARBOUR VIEW
THE PACKHORSE
LADY GREY’S
• Large selection of real ales • Regular food & drink festivals • Food served
THE HASTINGS
THE PAVILION
East Wallhouses, Military Road Newcastle, NE18 0LL t: 01434 672273
THE SEVEN STARS
21 Main Street, Ponteland, NE20 9NH, t: 01661 872670
THE SUN INN
42-48 High Bridge, Newcastle, NE1 6BX t: 0191 2611008 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
BIERREX
Acomb, NE46 4PW t: 01434 602934
82 Pilgrim Street, NE1 6SG
THE SUN INN
Castle Square, Newcastle, NE1 1RQ t: 0191 232 6400 e: info@sjf.co.uk
High Church, Morpeth, NE61 2QT, t: 01670 514153
THE SWINBURNE ARMS
31 North Side, Stamfordham, NE18 0QG t: 01661 886051
THE TANNERY
Gilesgate, Hexham, NE46 3QD t: 01434 605537 • Beer & Whisky room • Live music • Dog friendly
THE TAP & SPILE
Eastgate, Hexham, NE46 1BH, t: 01434 602039
THE TRAVELLERS REST
Slaley, Hexham, NE46 1TT t: 01434 673231 www.travellersrestslaley.com
THE WELLINGTON
Main Road, Riding Mill, NE44 6DQ t: 01434 682531
THE WHITE SWAN
Main Road, Ovingham,Prudhoe Northumberland NE42 6AG t: 01661 833188
THE WHEATSHEAF
St Helens Street, Corbridge, NE45 5HE t: 01434 632020
THE VICTORIA HOTEL
1 Front Street, Bamburgh, NE69 7BP, t: 01668 214431
THE VILLAGE INN
Longframlington, Morpeth, NE65 8AD t: 01665 570268 www.thevillageinnpub.co.uk
TEESSIDE BEST WESTERN GRAND HOTEL
Swainston Street, Hartlepool, TS24 8AA t: 01429 266345 e: grandhotel@tavistockleisure.com
BRITANNIA INN
65 High Street, Loftus, TS13 4HG t: 01287 640612
CLEVELAND BAY
Yarm Road, Eaglescliffe, TS16 0JE t: 01642 780275
THE CLEVELAND HOTEL
BRIDGE HOTEL
BRIDGE TAVERN
7 Akenside Hill Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 3UF t: 0191 232 1122 • Selection of real ales • Food served daily • Roof terrace
BRIDLE PATH
101 Front Street, Whickham, NE16 4JJ t: 0191 4217676
CHESTERS
Chester Road, Sunderland, SR4 7DR t: 0191 5659952
COPPERFIELDS
12 Front Street, Tynemouth, NE30 4DZ t: 0191 2571820 www.cumberlandarms.co.uk
DELAVAL ARMS
Old Hartley, NE26 4RL t: 0191 237 0489
CROWN POSADA
31 Side, Newcastle, NE1 3JE t: 0191 2321269
FIRE STATION
York Road, Whitley Bay, NE26 1AB t: 0191 293 9030
FITZGERALDS
60 Grey Street, Newcastle, NE1 6AF t: 0191 2301350
FITZGERALDS
10-12 Green Terrace, Sunderland, SR1 3PZ t: 0191 5670852
FITZGERALDS
2 South Parade, Whitley Bay, NE26 2RG t: 0191 2511255
FOX & HOUNDS
Coalburns, Greenside, NE40 4JN t: 0191 4132549 St Lawrence Road, Byker, Newcastle, NE6 1AP t: 0191 265 5764 High Street, Gosforth, NE3 1HQ t: 0191 2856617
HOTEL DU VIN & BISTRO
Allan House, City Road Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE1 2BE
HUGOS
29 Front Street, Tynemouth, NE30 4DZ t: 0191 2578956
NEWCASTLE ARMS
57 St Andrews Street, Newcastle, NE1 5SE t: 0191 260 2490
ODDFELLOWS
7 Albion Road, North Shields, NE30 2RJ t: 0191 4358450
PUB & KITCHEN
13/14 Albion Road, North Shields NE30 2RJ t: 0191 2573199
RED LION
Algernon Place, Whitley Bay, NE26 2DT t: 0191 2531299
ROSIES BAR
2 Stowell Street, NE1 4XQ t: 0191 2328477
Haddricks Mill Road, South Gosforth, NE3 1QL t: 0191 2840490
THE BROAD CHARE
25 Broad Chare, Trinity Gardens, Quayside, Newcastle, NE1 3DQ t: 0191 211 2144
THE CAUSEY ARCH INN
Beamish Burn Road, Marley Hill, Newcastle, NE16 5EG t: 01207 233925
THE CENTRAL
Half Moon Lane, Gateshead, NE8 2AN t: 0191 4782543 e: central@theheadofsteam.co.uk
THE CENTURION
Neville Street, Newcastle, NE1 5DG, t: 0191 261 6611 • Real ales • Food available • Live sports shown
THE CHILLINGHAM
Wheatridge Row, Seaton Delaval, NE25 0QH t: 0191 237 6868
THE HEAD OF STEAM
2 Neville Street, Newcastle NE1 5EN t: 0191 230 4236
THE HEAD OF STEAM
3 The Arcade, Front Street, Tynemouth, NE30 4BS t: 0191 272 8105
THE HOTSPUR
103 Percy Street, Newcastle, NE1 7RY t: 0191 2324352
THE JOB BULMAN
St Nicholas Avenue, Gosforth, NE3 1AA t: 0191 2236320
THE JOLLY STEWARD
Fulwell Ave, South Shields, NE34 7DF t: 0191 427 2951
THE KEELMAN
Grange Road, Newburn, Newcastle , NE15 8NL t: 0191 267 1689
THE CLUNY
Beech Street, Deptford, SR4 6BU t: 0191 567 9804
36 Lime Street, Ouseburn, Newcastle, NE1 2PQ t: 0191 230 4474
THE COCK CROW INN
The Gate, Newcastle, NE1 5RF t: 01912299430
THE KINGS ARMS
THE KINGS ARMS
Mill Lane, Hebburn, NE31 2EY t: 0191 428 5730
West Terrace, Seaton Sluice, NE26 4RD t: 0191 2370275
THE COPT HILL
THE KING GEORGE
THE COTTAGE TAVERN
North Street, Cleadon, SR6 7PL t: 0191 519 0547
Eighton Banks, Gateshead, NE9 7XR t: 0191 487 8137
105 Westgate Road, Newcastle, NE1 4AG t: 0191 232 0692
THE COUNTY
THE LOW LIGHTS TAVERN
TOBY BARNES
THE COURTYARD
SHIREMOOR HOUSE FARM Middle Engine Lane, North Shields, NE29 8DZ t: 0191 2576302
SUN INN
Market Lane, Swalwell, Gateshead, NE16 3AL t: 0191 442 9393
TILLEYS BAR
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
Seaham Road, Houghton le Spring, DH35 8LU t: 0191 5844485
High Street, Gosforth, NE3 1HB t: 0191 285 6919 Arts Centre, Biddick Lane, Washington, NE38 8AB t: 0191 219 3463
THE CUMBERLAND ARMS
THE PRIORY
Front Street, Tynemouth NE30 4DX. t. 0191 257 8302
THE QUEEN VICTORIA
206 High Street, Gosforth, NE3 1HD. t: 0191 2858060
THE RAVENSWORTH ARMS
Lamesley, Gateshead, NE11 0ER. t: 0191 487 6023
THE RISING SUN
Bank Top, Crawcrook, NE40 4EE. t: 0191 4133316
THE ROBIN HOOD
Primrose Hill, Jarrow, NE32 5UB. t: 0191 428 5454
THE ROSE & CROWN
North Street, Winlaton NE21 6BT. t: 0191 4145887
THE SCHOONER
South Shore Road, Gateshead, NE8 3AF t: 0191 477 7404 • Champion casks • Best bands • Gorgeous grub
THE SIR WILLIAM DE WESSYNGTON
2-3 Victoria Road, Concord, Washington, NE37 2JY t: 0191 418 0100
THE STAITH HOUSE
57 Low Lights, North Shields, NE30 1JA t: 0191 2708441
THE STEAMBOAT
27 Mill Dam, South Shields NE33 1EQ t: 0191 454 0134
THE TANNERS
1 Byker Bridge, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 2NS
THE MILL HOUSE
THE TOWN WALL
11 Market St, Newcastle, NE1 6JN t: 0191 244 2513
THE DUKE OF WELLINGTON
9 High Street West, Sunderland SR1 3HA t: 0191 5672262
THE FIVE SWANS
St Marys Place, Newcastle, NE1 7PG t: 0191 2111140
THE GREEN
THE BRIAR DENE
THE GREY HORSE
71 The Links, Whitley Bay, NE26 1UE t: 0191 2520926
9 Claypath Lane, South Shields, NE33 4PG t: 0191 4277147
Sunniside, Newcastle, NE16 5EE t: 0191 488 8068
Sheriffs Highway, Gateshead, NE9 5SD t: 0191 4870666
THE DUN COW
THE BODEGA
THE MALTINGS
THE POTTERS WHEEL
THE MILE CASTLE
TYNEMOUTH LODGE
Hartley Lane, Earsdon, NE25 05Z t: 0191 2529352
Brewhouse Bank, North Shields, NE30 1LL t: 0191 2576038
Hotspur North, Backworth, NE27 0BJ t: 0191 2680711
DAT BAR
Maling Street, Newcastle NE6 1LP
THE BEEHIVE
THE LAMBTON ARMS
Crookgate, Burnopfield, NE16 6NS t: 01207 270283
THE MID BOLDON CLUB
High Bridge, Newcastle NE1 1EN t: 0191 261 8852
Tynemouth Road, North Shields, NE30 4AA t: 0191 257 7565
North Parade, Whitley Bay t: 0191 251 3877
Durham Road, East Rainton, DH5 9QT t: 0191 5840944
James Place Street, Ouseburn, Newcastle, NE6 1LD t: 0191 265 6151
IVY HOUSE
Worcester Terrace, Sunderland SR2 7AW
Benedict Street, Roker, Sunderland, SR6 0NU t: 0191 5671402
THE KEEL ROW
26 Silksworth Row, Sunderland, SR1 3QJ t: 0191 5147684
ASHBROOKE SPORTS CLUB
Old Penshaw Village, Houghton-le-Spring, DH4 7ER t: 0191 512 6080
Chillingham Road, Newcastle, NE1 1RQ t: 0191 265 3992
White Mare Pool, Wardley, Gateshead, NE10 8YB t: 0191 4950171
ISIS
Ashbrooke Road, Sunderland, SR2 7HH, t: 0191 528 4536
Streetgate, Sunniside, Newcastle Tyne & Wear NE16 5ES t: 0191 257 4831
176 High Street, Gosforth, NE3 1HD t: 0191 28540
125 Westgate Road, Newcastle, NE1 4AG t: 0191 221 1552
ALUM ALE HOUSE
Ferry Street, South Shields, NE33 1JR
MARQUIS OF GRANBY
ROCKLIFFE ARMS
GOSFORTH HOTEL
TYNE & WEAR
1 Camden Street, North Shields, NE30 1NH t: 0191 257 4831
CUMBERLAND ARMS
THE FISHERMANS ARMS
Hartlepool Railway Station, Hartlepool, TS24 7ED
MAGNESIA BANK
Grand Hotel, Grand Parade Tyne And Wear, NE30 4ER t: 0191 293 6666
FREE TRADE INN
THE RAT RACE
20 Shakespeare Street, Newcastle, NE1 6AQ t: 0191 2323606
Redcar Terrace, West Boldon, NE36 0PZ t: 0191 536 4197
9-11 High Street West Redcar, Cleveland, TS10 1SQ t: 01642 484035 Southgate, The Headland, Hartlepool, TS24 0JJ t: 01429 266029
Stella Road, Ryton NE21 4LU t: 0191 413 2921
Front Street, East Boldon, NE36 0SJ t: 0191 519 1796
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 Fawdon House, Red House Farm Estate, Gosforth, NE3 2AH t: 0191 2856793
THE OLD GEORGE
Old George Yd, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 1EE t: 0191 260 3035
THE THREE TUNS
Pink Lane, Newcastle, NE1 5HX www.thetownwall.com
• Selection of real ales • Food served daily • Cinema room available
THE TURKS HEAD
41 Front Street, Tynemouth, NE30 4DZ t: 0191 2576547
THE VICTORY
Killingworth Road, South Gosforth, NE3 1SY t: 0191 285 1254
YE OLD CROSS INN Ryton Village, NE40 3QP t: 0191 4134689
www.cheersnortheast.co.uk / CHEERS / 29
FUN STUFF
THE DIRTY DOZEN
SIGN OF THE TIMES
TWELVE QUESTIONS TO TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE
In the April 2012 issue of Cheers we featured a Virgin Media van called Van Morrison. Well, here’s his little brother. A pint for the first person who sends a photo of Robin Van Persie.
1 In the Tarzan films, what was Jane’s surname? 2 Airstrip One is the new name for Britain in which book? 3 The name of which central European capital city means “ford” (as in river)? 4 Who cooks with nose of Turk and Tartar’s lips? 5 The name of which popular herb comes from the Latin for “dew of the sea”? 6 Petula Clark had a No1 hit in February 1967 with This Is My Song. Which knight of the realm wrote it? 7 Which film couple had a daughter named Bonnie Blue? 8 What was Belize called until 1973? 9 Which European country has the most lakes? (Russia excluded) 10 Which 1969 Oscar-winning film was X-rated in the US? 11 Plus or minus 50 years, how long does it take Pluto to orbit the sun? 12 The name for which musical ensemble means “dancing place”?
A MAN WALKS INTO A BAR… …DRESSED AS A SET OF JUMP LEADS. THE BARMAN SAYS: “I’M SORRY, SIR, I CAN’T SERVE YOU WEARING AN OUTFIT LIKE THAT, WE HAVE A STRICT DRESS CODE IN HERE. THE CUSTOMER SAYS: “I’M ONLY HAVING A QUICK PINT BEFORE I GO TO A FANCY DRESS PARTY.” THE BARMAN THINKS FOR A SECOND, THEN SAYS: “OK, AS LONG AS YOU DON’T START ANYTHING.”
YOU COULDN’T MAKE IT UP The Pub Landlord – aka comedian Al Murray – has announced he is to contest the South Thanet constituency at the General Election in May. He’ll directly oppose UKIP leader Nigel Farage. But “opposition” isn’t the point – both Pub Landlord and Farage rather scarily share ideals (although the comedian’s are admittedly a lot less serious). During his campaign launch, Murray promised to “save the British pub, fight Germany if they’re up
LOW MOON OVER HIGH TOWN for it and burn down Parliament for the insurance”. He also pledged to slash the price of a pint to a penny, brick up the Channel Tunnel, ditch Europe by 2025, then leave the Solar System by 2050 and introduce National Service only for those who don’t want to do it. Best joke, however, is probably shared by the pair. Murray says: “It seems to me the UK is ready for a bloke waving a pint around offering commonsense solutions.”
Our competition to win a brilliant Ben Holland print of a Newcastle pub has produced three winners: SOPHIA STOVALL MICK LAWS ROISHEEN CHILDS Many thanks to all who entered (Visit www.lowmoonoverhightown.com)
QUIZ ANSWERS 1 Parker (Porter in the books) 2 Nineteen Eighty-Four 3 Prague 4 The witches in Macbeth 5 Rosemary (Rosmarinus). Ros – dew; marinus – sea 6 Sir Charlie Chaplin 7 Scarlett O’Hara and Rhett Butler (Gone With The Wind) 8 British Honduras 9 Finland 10 Midnight Cowboy 11 248.54 years 12 Orchestra 30 / CHEERS / www.cheersnortheast.co.uk
A B IG T HA N K YOU T O A L L O F O U R S TA F F A N D C U ST OM E R S ! H E R E’ S T O A FA N TA ST IC 2 0 1 5 !
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