Cheers North East magazine #69 - April 2017

cheers WWW.CHEERSNORTHEAST.CO.UK // APRIL 2017 // ISSUE 69

I T ’ S

A B O U T

P U B S ,

P E O P L E ,

B E E R

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A N D

Y O U !

RURAL ENTERPRISE BEER GONNA WORK ON AGGIE’S FARM

MARRIAGE VOWS WHERE TO TAKE THE BRIDE ALE PATH

FREE WON TWO

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WELCOME These lighter-longer evenings are a call to action. It’s not so much “Shall we pop out to the pub?” but more of “Which pub shall we pop out to?”. The choice is amazing, from tiny micropubs to former fire stations, each with its own take on what a great pub should be.

And as for our beer producers and specialist drinks outlets – we have more than 60 breweries in our circulation area and an admirable set of innovative off-licenses that keep us on our toes with new releases and old favourites. Aren’t we the lucky ones?

Please enjoy the words and pictures in this issue – the Northumberland farm brewery, the iconic beer, the continentalstyle bier/cafe, the pubs of the year, and even where to celebrate your wedding – and please respond positively to our advertisers, without whom we could not exist.

Just as a reminder – and for new readers – Cheers North East is published ten times a year and distributed to around 300 pubs in the North East of England as well as many specialist food and drink outlets. We are approaching our seventh year of production and in that time have gathered a loyal following among readers and advertisers alike who enjoy the vast range of topics covered and the entertaining insight into what makes the region’s pubs among the best in the country.

The editorial content of Cheers has been singled out for writing awards on three occasions by The British Guild of Beer Writers, which underlines the quality and integrity of what we do. Cheers does what it says on the cover: “It’s about pubs, people, beer – and you”.

Cheers, Alastair Gilmour Editor, Cheers North East

EDITORIAL 07930 144 846 01661 844 115

Alastair Gilmour alastair@cheersnortheast.co.uk @CheersPal www.cheersnortheast.co.uk We are tweeting.

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OUR CLUB MEMBERS

CONTENTS 20

ON THE POTY FOR A YEAR

The North East’s Campaign For Real Ale (Camra) members have chosen their Pubs of the Year (PotYs) – and what a mixed bag they are too. We celebrate a selection of the finest with a look at what they do and why they do it, from The Office at Morpeth with three awards this year, to old favourites like The Free Trade Inn, The Boathouse, the Victoria and The Steamboat. They are all different in their own way, just as we are all individual in our taste and outlook – it’s what the pub is all about.

COVER: MICK POTTS, FREE TRADE INN, NEWCASTLE. PHOTO: PETER SKELTON (WWWTHEPSP.NET)

WE GOT MARRIED IN A FIELD OVERLOOKING THE RIVER COQUET WHICH RUNS THROUGH THE FARM THEO HOWIE

ADVERTISING 01661 844 115 07854 011704 Emma Howe emma@offstonepublishing.co.uk Photography: Peter Skelton www.thepsp.net

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BROWN ALE AT NINETY LATEST NEWS

RIGG & FURROW CONTINENTAL CLASSIC

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NEWCASTLE BEER FEST MARRIAGE PROPOSALS CHURCHILL THE BEER FUN WITH FUN STUFF

PUBLISHED BY: Publishers: Jane Pikett & Gary Ramsay Unit One, Bearl Farm Stocksfield Northumberland NE43 7AJ enquiries@offstonepublishing.co.uk twitter: @offstonepublish www.offstonepublishing.co.uk

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

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BROWN ALE AT 90

NINETY IS THE LOVELIEST NUMBER The legend that is Newcastle Brown Ale reaches a milestone this month. Alastair Gilmour reports promoted to head brewer, and by 1962 was It might not be brewed in its native North East any longer, but Newcastle Brown Ale remains a potent elevated to company chairman. Archie Jones is now but a footnote in history. reminder of innovation, enterprise, loyalty, sheer On that Monday in late April, the Newcastle bloody-mindedness and – right across the world Daily Journal also carried adverts for Mrs Tate’s – a potent symbol of its birthplace. This month, Sausage – “home-made, farm-fed, fresh and pure it celebrates its 90th anniversary, a remarkable achievement but one that many a nonagenarian will every morning from Tweedhill, Berwick on Tweed’.

Elsewhere, boys’ grey flannel cricket shirts were agree hasn’t always been a smooth ride.

6/- in Bainbridge & Co and khaki boiler suits were On April 25 1927, Newcastle Brown Ale was advertised for the first time in the Newcastle Daily Journal. Assistant brewer Lieutenant Colonel James Herbert Porter, DSO, and Archie Jones, chief chemist, had combined their skills to produce a beer with the exact qualities of strength, colour and flavour that would fit the tastes of local drinkers.

Following three years of development begun in 1924, the “Entirely New” malt-rich, caramelinfluenced beer that to this day slides effortlessly into a slightly nutty aftertaste, finally saw the light though few at the time would have bet it would become such a legendary product.

The newspaper advertising ran: “You have tasted nothing quite the same as this before... A good Brown Ale with a rich mellow flavour... It’s just the right strength... Not too heavy for summer Brown study: A couple drinking, yet with sufficient ‘body’ to satisfy the man of favourites at Ye Old who likes good Ale and knows when he gets it”.

Elm Tree, Durham By the spring of 1929, Colonel Porter, former ???

Photo: Peter Skelton First World R&F War advert commander the 6th 1Battalion cheersof2.pdf 29/03/2017 www.thepsp.net 18:01 of the North Staffordshire Regiment, had been

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WE ARE AN AUTHENTIC FARMHOUSE BREWERY LO C AT E D O N O U R FA M I LY FA R M I N NORTHUMBERLAND. W E M A K E I N N OVAT I V E BEERS WITH A TRUE SENSE OF PLACE.

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14/6 from Binns (under the heading: Binns For Mechanics’ Overalls).

The weather forecast promised: “Wind mainly NW, strong and squally at times; variable sky; some wintry showers with snow on high ground; visibility good; cold.”

Christine of the Circus was showing at The Stoll Picture Theatre, alternating with a variety show called Harry Allister Impersonating Great Men,

BROWN ALE AT 90 widely distributed in bottles and cans and continued its popularity surge to became a symbol of the working class tradition of the shipbuilding, mining and steel industries which, though now long gone, the region is unwilling to Tram in Brown Ale livery at Beamish forget. Quite rightly, too.

Also long gone is Museum: David Steele/Shutterstock.com Newcastle Brown Ale from the city of its birth. Scottish & Newcastle – as while a recipe recommended lightly frying sliced its parent company became known in 1960 – did bananas to serve with steak and gravy. what was considered the unthinkable in 2004 and In football, Cardiff City had beaten The Arsenal moved Brown Ale’s production out of Newcastle to 1-0 in the Football Association Challenge Cup Final – “a chance goal wins poor game”; Newcastle the Federation Brewery in Dunston, Gateshead – on the south bank of the Tyne, too, adding insult to United drew 1-1 with West Ham but looked set to win the Division 1 championship; Sunderland were injury. A European Union Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) order in place since 1996 had third though beaten 2-1 at Derby County, and in Division 2, where Middlesbrough were well clear at meant that it could only be made in its place of origin, much like Parma ham, Gorgonzola cheese the top, Darlington hammered South Shields 8-2. and Melton Mowbray pork pies, but the company The year after Newcastle Brown Ale applied to cancel the order, stating that it was no was introduced, Newcastle Breweries lifted longer necessary. an unprecedented number of prizes in the The unthinkable then became the unpalatable International Brewers Exhibition, which included to many when, not only was Scottish & Newcastle gold medals and the Challenge Cup for best acquired by global brewer Heineken in 2008, bottled beer. The medal success was incorporated into a new Brown Ale label design that included the the closure of the Dunston plant was announced in October 2009. Brown Ale took itself off to famous “blue star” logo (in honour of Newcastle Tadcaster in North Yorkshire the following year Breweries’ five founding companies). where it is still brewed at the giant John Smith’s The Evening World newspaper also made brewery, some 90 miles down the A1. some extraordinary claims on its behalf in 1929, However, Newcastle Brown Ale is still a huge reporting that “as long as you are moderate in your beer success story, despite being equated in the consumption of what some call the divine liquid, North East alongside heavy industry past. Curiously, it will do you quite a lot of good”. (See an updated in export markets, it is seen as a trendy, premium “moderation” story on page 31.) import and is drunk predominantly by the young.

Newcastle Brown Ale, these days a global Sam Fielding, craft beer brand unit director at success story with a presence in 40 countries, Heineken, says: “At 90 years young, Newcastle was off to a flier, quickly establishing itself as Brown Ale is still one of the most popular bottled the North-East’s favourite brew. By 1937 it was

ales in the North East and the UK, and even the US. In fact, we export the equivalent of 42 million bottles to the US every year.

“We started sizeable exports of Newcastle Brown Ale in the early 1980s and the unique taste and bottle design gained a following by savvy beer drinkers looking for something quintessentially British. It quickly became a cult classic.

“In the UK, we’ve just started a trial of Newcastle Brown Ale on draught, so if you’re in the Newcastle area, you’ll be able to find it in that form in a few select pubs and bars. It’s soon going to be in a brand-new bar called Colonel Porters in the city (Dean Street/Side), named after its founder.”

On Newcastle Brown Ale’s 90th anniversary, we could do worse than celebrate with a platter of steak and gravy served with sliced bananas and Mrs Tate’s home-made, farm-fed, fresh and pure sausages. We’ll give them cult classics.

Champion: One of the first Brown Ale newspaper adverts, April 25 1927

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NEWS

CLASS ACT PUB CHANGES HANDS A hugely popular North East pub and music venue has been bought by one of its former managers. The Cluny, based at the heart of the Ouseburn Valley, has been sold by Camerons Brewery to a company headed by Julian Ive, who worked at the pub between 2005 and 2016.

Camerons will maintain a drinks supply deal into the hugely popular pub but the site will be operated independently by Julian’s company Mi Viejo Fruta Limited.

Chris Soley, chief executive at Camerons Brewery, said: “The Cluny is a unique operation that requires a management team not only focused on providing a fantastic drinks range but also understands the intricacies of running a busy music venue. We feel the team at Mi Viejo Fruta will be able to deliver this to ensure The Cluny maintains its reputation as one of the key music venues in the North East.”

Julian Ive, director at Mi Viejo Fruta (Spanish

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for My Old Fruit), said: “I am absolutely thrilled to be returning to the Cluny and have many ideas in store.

The Cluny is already the finest small venue in the North East and I intend to build on that legacy and create a cultural hub, serving first-class food and drinks that the many customers, musicians and artists who already frequent the venue will be proud of.

“I would also like to thank Camerons Brewery, and in particular John Foots and Chris Soley, for making this deal happen, and I look

By George: The Cluny has been sold to one of its former managers forward to maintaining my relationship with them for many years to come.”

Camerons took over The Cluny as part of its Head of Steam acquisition from Tony Brookes in December 2013. Events already booked will go ahead as scheduled and ticket sales remain valid.

NEWS

AWARD SERVED UP FOR ‘THE LITTLE GUY’ brewery, at Coxhoe in County Durham, An independent North East pub and their chefs have created dishes to chain has taken a top national complement them. Operations director industry award. Sonnet 43 Brew Jonathan Graham was presented with Pubs, part of the family-owned the award by TV presenter Jonathan Tavistock Hospitality leisure Ross. He said: “We company, won were up against the Best Value Seeing double: some of the Food Offer Jonathan Ross, left, and Jonathan industry’s biggest category at the Graham hitters such as prestigious Stonegate Pub Publican Awards Co, so we were 2017. very much the little The company’s guy. What made portfolio of pubs us stand out was includes The our commitment to Lambton Worm, local produce and Chester-le-Street; fresh food and to The White Lead training, developing at Hebburn; The and retaining our New Plough, chefs.”

Burnopfield, and Along with The Toronto Lodge, Sonnet 43, Bishop Auckland, Tavistock Hospitality operates the which celebrated its first birthday last recently-refurbished The Roker Hotel month. at Sunderland, which is also home to Each of the venues serves craft the Poetic License distillery and bar. beers produced by the Sonnet 43

PLOT TO PLATE AT THE HEART OF PUB’S SUCCESS A Northumberland hotel has been chosen in a shortlist of three for a major national tourism award. Battlesteads Hotel & Restaurant in Wark, Northumberland, has gone forward to the VisitEngland Awards for Excellence on April 24 along with winners from all the other UK regions.

In 2016 alone, Battlesteads won five industry awards for its commitment to sustainability.

Katie Meyrick-Scott, Battlesteads general manager, said: “We are proud to be the greenest hotel in Northumberland and were the first to install a carbon-neutral heating system.

“Sustainability is woven into every aspect of what we do. Two polytunnels in our gardens provide fresh fruit and vegetables throughout the year, we have locally sourced organic toiletries, and our wormeries munch through kilos of food waste turning it into compost.”

Battlesteads is also committed to its beer offer which features five superb hand-pulled ales – and hosts a hugely popular annual beer festival (July 20-23).

CRAFT BEER CALLING

INTERNATIONAL BEER FESTIVAL

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BREWERY NEWS

BEER GONNA WORK ON AGGIE’S FARM

Fieldwork: Theo Howie at Rigg & Furrow Brewery (photo: Peter Skelton).

Right: Aggie gives a cask big licks

A new microbrewery is capitalising on its sense of place, as Alastair Gilmour discovers An hour on a farm can teach a visitor a thing or two about physics, chemistry, politics, economics and topography, as well as “simple” agriculture. So, for a self-confessed “city boy” like Theo Howie, marrying into a third-generation Northumberland farming family and setting up a brewery in a former milking parlour, it has been a lifetime’s education concentrated into a few months.

The Howies have farmed at Acklington Park Farm, Morpeth, since 1962 and when Theo married Pippa Howie (conversely but sweetly taking her surname) the dream of brewing beer commercially came one step closer.

Rigg & Furrow Farmhouse Brewery was founded in January of this year, but a mere four brews later there were more than 40 pubs on the delivery sheet. The pumpclips feature some of the farm pets – Aggie the Highland cow appears on the Pale Ale pumpclip, while the IPA features ducks, which is obvious when you’re told the variety is Indian Runner.

Theo, originally from London, was also self-employed music teacher after leaving university, but decided teaching wasn’t for him, so with then girlfriend Pippa, he relocated to the North East.

“We wanted a better quality of life and it was a good time for a change,” he

THE BRIDGE TAVERN BREW PUB & EATERY

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30/01/2015 14:07

BREWERY NEWS says. “We got married in a field overlooking the River Coquet which runs through the farm. When we came back from honeymoon in January we put our plans for a brewery into motion which was something we had been talking about for some time.”

That field is distinguished by a rig and furrow surface – a wave-like pattern of ridges and troughs formed over the years by ploughing action – so the brewery name has particularly personal connotations.

Theo, an accomplished home-brewer, says: “I started brewing at UBrew in London, an ‘open’ brewery where you can book up to use their kit, then I cut my teeth at Wild Card Brewery in Walthamstow. They’ve been really supportive since and always ready to answer questions.”

Rigg & Furrow operates on two floors of a former milking parlour – the 10-barrel brewhouse is fed from the malt store upstairs in much the same way as the dairy cattle were before the bottom fell out of that particular market.

Next door are fermentation and cold rooms and beyond those sits an empty area crying out to be converted into a tasting room and bar for visitors. Before that however, bottling and filling mini-kegs will be the next step, but with only a handful of brews under his belt, Theo is conscious that the need for quality and consistency is paramount. Fortunately there is plenty of room to expand on 350-acre farm buildings.

A start-up grant enabled them to set their sights on more ambitious equipment straight away – a Northumberland Coast and Lowland Leader project delivered through Northumberland Council, a scheme that helps the county’s communities through EU funding, creating jobs and growing the rural economy.

“It was hard work but really worth it in the end,” says Theo. “It’s still early days, but we actually ran out of beer after the second brew which we weren’t quite anticipating. Pubs were ringing up for more and we hadn’t any left.

“Our beers are in The Northumberland Arms in Felton, the Railway Inn at Acklington and The Left Luggage Room at Monkseaton Station, while the Bacchus in Newcastle has got a standing order for any new releases.”

Plans include growing Golden Promise barley on the farm – the northern variety used in the Scotch whisky industry. Spent grains fed to the beef cattle on the farm (“they love it”) and their manure spread on the fields as fertiliser.

Experimenting with wheat and oats is also being thought out.

“Golden Promise is a beautiful grain, it’s hard

to grow and is low-yielding, but the flavours are outstanding,” says Theo. “I like the biscuit quality and it has more oomph than Maris Otter.

“We’re also looking at using wild yeast strains – we want our beer to reflect our surroundings, making the most of what we’ve got in this beautiful area, so we’re going to do things like use yeast from sloe berries for a cider-like effect.

“We’re about crafting beers that have a sense of place, a terroir. A longer-term goal is to grow our own hops – once we find a variety that will grow this far north.

“And, it’ll be a long-shot that the water on the farm is from the Coquet but we’d like to think it is and we’ll be investigating that.”

Aggie the Highland cow will lap it up.

Photo: Theo Howie

HAVE YOU GOT THE BOTTLE?

Hickey the Rake

Remain in Light

Le Saisonnier

Häxan

Jakehead IPA

10.5° Plato | OG 1042.5 | ABV 4.2%

11.9° Plato | OG 1048 | ABV 5.0%

12.9° Plato | OG 1052 | ABV 5.4%

14.3° Plato | OG 1058 | ABV 6.2%

14.3° Plato | OG 1058 | ABV 6.3%

19.6° Plato | OG 1081 | ABV 8.8%

A Limonata Pale…

An Ultra Pale which emulates almost toxic levels of citrus zing. A nuclear sherbet dib-dab of lemon, lime and tropical pineapple.

A Super Stacked Alpha Pale… a colossus of Citra, Simcoe, Chinook and Centennial submerged in a deep vapour steep followed by a late fermentation dry hop.

Lemon Balm & Rosemary Saison…

A Belgian style saison brewed using a grist bill of Pilsner, Munich and a hint of Vienna malt.

A Black Wit Beer…

Deep, tawny, solid dark tones reveal a well balanced combination of wheaty tartness and luscious dark malts. Fresh limes, cassia bark and spice on the palate with a firm weizenbock

Supercharged India Pale Ale....

Rich/bright & amber/bronze with lots of American hop aroma.

Distinctly bittersweet on the palate with a massive hop complexity fashioned deep within the IPA tradition.

Vegan Friendly Slaughterhouse Stout… Vanatblack and bone char intones dwell within this remnant hulk… an electro narcosis of peat smoke pitch, dark cocoa and oiled black cardamom, rib rattle into subtle bolt gusts of port wine and espresso pursued by a dark cherry red grape skin tartness.

WYLAM BREWERY WYLAM_Cheers_Mar17.indd 1

Club of Slaughters

330ML BOTTLE | CORE RANGE www.cheersnortheast.co.uk / CHEERS / 9 28/03/2017 17:34

TEN YEARS AFTER

A FEATHER IN THE LOCAL CAP A decade running a pub allows one Northumberland couple to think back and look forward, writes Alastair Gilmour Ten years has gone like snow off a Northumbrian dry-stone wall. That’s the conclusion reached by Rhian and Helen Cradock as they think back across their decade at The Feathers Inn, Hedley-on-the-Hill, near Stocksfield in Northumberland.

One successful business, two children, and countless awards later, they’re enjoying the country inn food and drink culture more than ever.

“We’re only about 12 miles from Newcastle but it sometimes feels like we’re in the middle of nowhere,” says highly-acclaimed chef Rhian. “It’s a lovely place to live and bring up a family; we’re very fortunate. Our aim is simply to offer good food and good beer in a relaxed setting. It’s what we set out to do and what we still do. We

didn’t want to put a restaurant in a pub – rather, we’re a pub that’s also a restaurant.”

Helen and Rhian set the bar high in 2007 – the bar of ambition, that is – and the subsequent level is impressive. The Feathers has been named Country Dining Pub of the Year nine times by The Good Pub Guide, has been Great British Pub of the Year (2011), Northumbrian Gastropub of the Year in 2011, awarded Best Sunday Lunch (Observer Food Magazine 2012), with tourism gold awards and organic commendations filling the gaps, while Rhian has appeared regularly on television cookery programmes.

The Feathers Inn is the epitome of a country pub, a refuge and resting

place for the weary traveller in pursuit of energising food and drink. But these days, traditional country pubs have to extend their reach – you can’t expect people to come in every night of the week for a meal – so The Feathers offers the likes of Spanish lessons, Knit & Natter sessions, monthly star-gazing, wine tastings, beer-matching menus plus the Easter beer festival and legendary barrel race which are on this month’s horizon.

And an insistence on locallysourced (but top-class) ingredients has been a major contributor to the pub’s success.

“Food is traditional English, quite robust dishes using the best local ingredients,” says Rhian. “We’re

The Feathers crew: Rhian and Helen Cradock, front, with left to right, Dave Longcake, Joe Oxley, Jack Robinson and Malachy Pharncote-Rowe making things that people don’t make at home any more – hearty dishes using the whole animal. The trend is for jellies and textures, creams and foams which is just not us. It’s substantial food for hungry people – you need something like sausage and

2017

PONTELAND

FESTIVAL PONTELAND LEISURE CENTRE RUGBY PITCH

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Choose from over 150 Beers, Lagers and Ciders, PLUS Prosecco & Wine Bar and Soft Drinks & Gin Bar Food supplied by LONGHORNS Barbecue Smokehouse Live Music throughout the weekend Check website for full information, Tickets available in advance online at www.pontelandbeerfestival.co.uk or at Ponteland Leisure Centre

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includes ADMISSION, PROMOTIONAL GLASS, PROGRAMME AND 3 DRINK TOKENS or

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Bringing back the good old days; our Micropub and Bottle Shop set in the heart of Whickham We value friendship, good company and great craic A warm and inviting one-room free house which promotes traditional values and shuns loud electronic entertainment, in a cosy setting like all great pubs should!

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mash when you’ve been for a long walk.

“We try to do the whole process, there’s nothing we don’t make ourselves. We make our own bread, our own butter, our own charcuterie, ice-cream, all of which we couldn’t do at the beginning because we just didn’t have the equipment.

“Our suppliers are very much local, all from around Hedley and all the farmers come in for a pint. Our lamb is from the village, pork from just up

the hill; there’s a local shoot, and we started a project three years ago to raise Japanese Wagyu cattle (known for its high quality beef). The first of them will be sent away in October.

“That way we put all our money back into the community. We can’t get any bigger here, so were doing a lot of outside events such as street markets which also help to remind people that we’re here.”

A Feathers in the North East’s cap, one might say.

BIRTHDAY BEER CELEBRATIONS Celebrations to mark the 50th anniversary of Ponteland Rugby Club continue with the hugely popular Beer Festival (Friday April 21-Sunday April 23).

The message is book early to make sure you don’t miss out on the annual community fixture which coincides with Ponteland’s final fixture of the season against Seaton Carew (and on the Sunday a Northumberland County game).

It all takes place inside two spacious marquees at Ponteland Leisure Centre with food, drink and live music from some of the region’s top bands all part of the fun-filled package.

More than 100 beers and lagers are on offer as well as 40 ciders, wines, Prosecco, soft drinks and the debut of a

gin bar. Food comes courtesy of Longhorns Barbecue Smokehouse.

Festival organiser Andy Maidwell said: “Ticket sales are going really well and we would urge everyone to book in advance as it is set to be another sell-out.”

Tickets, if purchased before April 10, are £10 each for Friday and Saturday with free entry by ticket on the Sunday. Weekend tickets, £20. Prices increase to £12.50 after April 10 – so best buy in advance – as there is no guarantee of availability on the door.

Admission includes a commemorative glass, programme and three drinks vouchers.

Details: www. pontelandbeerfestival.co.uk

The Steamboat 2015, 2016, 2017 Sunderland & South Tyneside CAMRA Pub of the Year Over 200 Spirits / 9 Hand Pulls on rotation Regular events throughout the year, call pub for details Supporters of South Shields FC

27 Mill Dam, South Shields, NE33 1EQ (0191) 454 0134

DOG

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Picturesque location & only a couple of miles from Hexham Reservations 01434 602814 www.theratinn.com Twitter:@ratales The Rat Inn, Anick, Hexham, Northumberland NE46 4LN www.cheersnortheast.co.uk / CHEERS / 11

NEWS

HUMOUR GRASPS THE HANDLE OF THE PEOPLE’S CARRIER A call for a memorial to a Tyneside character and his passion for the Ouseburn Valley in Newcastle attracted several proposals – and now the preferred design’s construction is well under way.

The Ouseburn Trust, which oversees the heritage and cultural development of the area to the east of the city centre, invited artists and craftspeople to submit designs that would reflect the character of Eric Larkham, historian, raconteur, pub devotee and ale lover who died last year. Eric was a founder-member of the Trust and felt deeply about the area’s heritage and its future welfare.

The winning design is a wooden

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Bagged it: Designer Colin Hagan. Below: his winning submission.

Photo: Peter Skelton

plaque with marquetry inlay designed by Colin Hagan, a graphic artist who works out of the studios at 36 Lime Street, Ouseburn. The production of the plaque is being carried out by woodworker/maker Pavel Petria who is also based in the Ouseburn Valley.

Lesley Turner, admin

and communications officer at The Ouseburn Trust, says: “We really appreciated the proposals submitted.

Members of Eric’s family, friends and the Trust got together to choose it.”

The Ouseburn Trust has set up an appeal to raise £2,000 to contribute to the project which is intended to encourage people to explore every aspect of it and to get to know it better. Colin Hagan put his mind to

NEWS

thinking about what the Ouseburn Valley meant to Eric Larkham, what typified his character, and what would not only define him at a glance but add a gently humorous aspect to a memorial.

He says: “Eric’s signature was a carrier bag which he always had with him and caused a bit of amusement.

I took the shape of that, inserted a silhouette of Eric, and made a map

of the key places he was interested in and passionate about – Byker Farm, the Victoria Tunnel and all the Ouseburn pubs.

“Eric fought long and hard for the preservation and future development of the area and he really knew his stuff which I hope the design reflects. To get the commission was quite sweet.”

Sally Larkham is delighted with the plaque and the efforts that have gone into it. She says: “All of us were surprised and touched by the proposal to commission a memorial for Eric in the Ouseburn Valley where he spent so many happy hours, in recognition of his contribution to its past, present, and future.

“We’d agreed that it shouldn’t be too solemn a commemoration so the Trust’s appeal for designs did, we feel, strike the right note. When we saw Colin’s design, with an immediately-recognisable silhouette of Eric striding along, hair flowing, carrier bag in hand, there was really no contest.”

Details of the memorial appeal, its unveiling and various Ouseburn Valley events at www.ouseburntrust.org.uk

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PALOMINOS ARCHIE BROWN PALM SUNDAY POP UP THE HIPTHRUSTERS STRANGE BILLIE DREAMS GROOVE - A - MATICS THE LOFT BOYS ACOUSTIC GATHERING WILCO & THE BOB CATS THE REGALS GIROSCOPE DIRTY SOUTH

7.30PM 8.30PM 4.30PM 7.30PM 8.30PM 5.00PM 8.00PM 8.30PM 4.30PM 8.30PM 4.30PM

THE UNDERSTUDIES DIAMOND DOGS HAPPY CATS

4.00PM 8.30PM 4.30PM

ON WEDNESDAYS WE QUIZ FROM 8PM

CAMRA 2017 SOUTH WEST NORTHUMBERLAND PUB OF THE YEAR WINNER

TRADITIONAL PUB WITH REAL ALES, A REAL FIRE AND A WARM WELCOME

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(12 Handpulls - 12 Ciders/Perrys) EASTER BEER FESTIVAL Thursday 13th April - Monday 17th April Pie & Peas, toasties & sandwiches available every day BUSKERS NIGHTS Tuesday April 4th & 18th - May 2nd LIVE MUSIC Sat 8th - Lynch Mob FREE Function room !! Catering available on request

NEW THAI MENU AVAILABLE 12 - 6pm Thur - Sat

Station Road, Wylam, NE41 8HR Tel: 01661 853431 Follow us @Boathouse Wylam & Like us on

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PUB PROFILE Beer heaven: John Atkinson, Hemelvaart Bier Cafe

WELCOME TO BELGIUM UPON BERWICKSHIRE Life is full of pub surprises, writes Alastair Gilmour A mecca for Belgian beer lovers and aficionados of cask and craft keg beer isn’t what you expect to find in a village just north of Berwick upon Tweed. But life is full of surprises and unforgettable experiences.

Ayton, roughly five miles into Scotland, is a solid, typically attractive Border settlement with a population of around 500, plus handsome houses, a village shop, a couple of hairdressers’ and a Grade A-listed baronial castle. Its High Street bank closed in 2015, replaced by a twicea-week mobile service – but an absolute gem of a pub makes up for many a lost facility.

Hemelvaart Bier Café opened its doors in July 2015 in the building occupied by The Black Bull until it predeceased the bank around six years ago. It’s a continental-style pub offering

14 / CHEERS / www.cheersnortheast.co.uk

150 bottled world beers – with an emphasis on Belgium – and an impressive selection of two British hand-pulled cask ales and six ever-revolving craft keg beers. It serves pizzas, burgers, steaks and superb coffee.

A pub regular – a pastry chef – supplies cakes reputedly so good they often don’t make it as far as the counter, and with award-winning pies in the shape of pork and blue cheese, Cullen skink, cauliflower and coconut curry (from Jarvis Pickle in Kirkcaldy) plus Pieminster old favourites Matador and Deerstalker, it’s a foodie’s delight.

Hemelvaart is aptly name – Hemelvaartdag is Flemish (and Dutch) for Ascension Day, the commemoration of Christ’s elevation to heaven after his resurrection on Easter Day. Putting religion aside, we prefer the

PUB PROFILE shorthand version, “died and gone to heaven”.

The Black Bull was apparently a very much male-orientated pub. An application to convert it into residential use was agreed by the local council, but an outcry from villagers concerned about the loss of yet another village facility to add to the closure of shop after shop, ensured the bid was overturned.

“We got it about 18 months ago,” says Hemelvaart co-owner John Atkinson, a former maths and English teacher, B&B owner, and education facilitator with the Leonardo Project, a European Union lifelong learning programme. John, a decided beer expert, runs Hemelvaart Bier Cafe with partner Phil Walker who concentrates on the food and entertainments side of the business.

“We had a continental-style beer/cafe of the same name at the station yard at Bedale in North Yorkshire,” says John. “We saw this was for sale and thought it would be perfect for developing the idea further.

“We got a lot of local help to refurbish the place and local support that comes in regularly. We’re very female-friendly – in fact, many of our customers say that it’s the first place they’ve been comfortable about coming in by themselves.”

Hemelvaart isn’t a typical village pub but a selection of settees, cinema seats, picnic tables, dining chairs, school-hall seating, bric-a-brac, paraphernalia, church pews and even a small chair cleverly covered in pages of The Beano (donated by a villager), plus a large cinema-style screen, give it

the notion of being “right”. Different, but right.

A large altar-piece in the small lounge at the rear now serves coffee rather than communion wine.

John Atkinson says: “We were originally inspired by the Belgian beer scene. We also had a look at what they were doing at The Head of Steam in Durham and The House of Trembling Madness in York then put all that knowledge to good use.

“We work exclusively with small independent brewers, such as Creedence Brew Co from Amble, Tempest from Galashiels, and Bear Claw, based at Spittal, who experiment in Belgian-style beers.

Sonnet 43 Yellow Cab (from County Durham) is our biggest seller and Yorkshire Dales Brewery is a good supporter, plus we stock a range of German Fritz-Kola soft drinks.

“But we specialise in Belgian lambics, gueuze and aged beers – some of them have been stored for two or three years, so they’re really for enjoying at leisure.”

Hemelvaart also concentrates on entertainment with some of Britain’s best live music and comedy acts having found their way to the Berwickshire pub through Phil Walker’s sheer persistence (and a good drizzle of cheek). Comedians Sarah Pascoe and Gary Delaney (Sarah Millican’s husband) and the mighty Rob Heron And The Teapad Orchestra have been recent visitors, while X Factor star Emily Middlemas has nominated Hemelvaart as her favourite venue.

“Many of the bands and comedians are now

much bigger than when we first had them here,” says Phil.

Hemelvaart Bier Cafe might be small-town in location but it’s international in beer offer, vision and potential – however something like a pork and blue cheese pie will ensure its feet remain firmly on the ground. www.hemelvaart.co.uk

: Fri 14th - Mon 17th April C E L E B R AT I N G OU R 1 0 T H A N N I V E R S A RY “IF YOU EAT AT ONLY ONE PLACE IN NORTHUMBERLAND, MAKE IT HERE” — JAMIE OLIVER MAGAZINE

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 , N E A R S T O C K S F I E L D N E 4 3 7 S W www.cheersnortheast.co.uk / CHEERS / 15

BEER NEWS

DISCERNING PALATE One of only three people (out of 46) to correctly gauge the strength of four beers at the Beamish Hall Winter Beer Festival has picked up his prize. Edd Goundry is pictured above right with Stables Brewery head brewer John Taylor.

John reports that the former Bull Lane Brewery (Sunderland) kit, loaned out to Blaydon’s Firebrick Brewery then Hexhamshire Brewery both of whom have invested in new equipment is back in storage – but for how much longer before it’s up and running again somewhere?

16 / CHEERS / www.cheersnortheast.co.uk

SPEED UP, OR GLUG WILL GET YOU Black Sheep Brewery has announced the launch of its first-ever craft canned range as part of its 25th anniversary year celebrations. The Masham, North Yorkshirebased brewery has scaled up the production of its craft beers, Pathmaker (5.6% abv) and Glug M’Glug (6.2% abv), to 330ml canned format.

Pathmaker was created in homage to Black Sheep’s founder Paul Theakston, who was an early pioneer against bland beer and mass corporations when he founded the brewery in 1992.

Glug M’Glug, a dark IPA, is a mythical creature created by a relative of the Theakston family, who hid in the Yorkshire Dales, preying on slow walkers, and was the subject of the family’s bedtime stories.

Glug M’Glug is also available

Glug M’Glug: Jo Theakston, Black Sheep marketing director, with the new cans

in keg form. Black Sheep has also reintroduced Velo, (4.2% abv) a freewheeling, fresh pale ale, as an April special to get The Tour of

Yorkshire cycle race off to a flying start. It begins on Friday April 28 and will pass through Masham the next day.

BEER NEWS

LAGER TOPS BEER COMPETITION handed out. Burning Sky Brewery Brewers across the north of from East Sussex was awarded England came away from the gold in the keg beer category for Society of Independent Brewers its Easy Answers IPA (6.0% abv).

(SIBA) annual BeerX gathering Williams Brothers Black (4.2% in Sheffield with a decidedly abv) from Scotland took gold in bronzed look. Not that South the cask ale section, while another Yorkshire was particularly sunny, Scottish brewery Fyne Ales – and but apart from a magnificent great favourite among North East result by Hawkshead Brewery drinkers – won the top prize in the in gaining a gold award for small pack category with Mills & Lakeland Lager (5.0% abv), Hills (9.8% abv). bronze certificates were the order of the day.

Hawkshead head brewer Matt Clarke, Selected results right, with SIBA chairman Buster Grant include: Cullercoats Pilot (4.8% abv), York Blonde (3.8% abv), Daleside Monkey Wrench (5.3% abv), Hambleton Thoroughbred Pale Ale (5.0% abv) and Hardknott Dark Dark Energy (4.9% abv).

In all, there were three Supreme awards

www.cheersnortheast.co.uk / CHEERS / 17

NEWCASTLE FESTIVAL 7TH – 9TH APRIL 2017

AT S O U T H N O R T H U M B E R L A N D CRICKET CLUB - GOSFORTH

GRAB YOUR TICKET WHILE YOU CAN Use exclusive code GIN17 to claim 25% OFF your tickets at www.planetjuniper.co.uk/newcastle

This ticket covers entry, your FREE glass, guide and FREE sampling of products from selected gin brands, entertainment, live music and our street food o�ering.

18 / CHEERS / www.cheersnortheast.co.uk

NEWCASTLE BEER FESTIVAL

FESTIVAL IS MORE THAN JUST A NUMBER Roger Bannister wore the number 41 on his vest when he broke the mythical four-minute mile in 1954.

In mathematics, 41 is the sum of the sum of the divisors of the first seven positive integers. George HW Bush was the 41st president of the United States, and this month the 41st Newcastle Beer Festival is unveiled to the region’s real ale lovers.

Organised by the Tyneside & Northumberland branch of the Campaign For Real Ale (Camra), the event at Northumbria University Students Union (April 26-29) remains a highlight in the beer and cider calendar.

“We believe there aren’t many older Camra beer festivals in the country,” says Martin Ellis, Newcastle Beer Festival committee chairman. “I think

Bradford might have been running as long as Newcastle, but I think they had a break at one time.

“However, I do know that Cambridge beer festival is 44 this year, Kent is 43, Wolverhampton is 42, and there are one or two others on 41, the

QUOTE: “A PROBLEM-DRINKER IS A MAN WHO, WHEN HE BUYS HIS TIES, HAS TO ASK IF GIN MAKES THE COLOURS RUN.” F SCOTT FITZGERALD

Social gathering: Newcastle Beer Festival. Photo by Martin Ellis

same as Newcastle. So we can safely say we are among the oldest beer festivals in the country – and therefore the world.”

The Newcastle Beer Festival is not exclusively an event for Camra members – it’s an opportunity for the general public to sample some of the region’s wide range of beers

and styles. Running alongside that is a theme of beers from Yorkshire and Lancashire, two areas with a burgeoning ale culture.

“We’ll have some from small producers who have never made it over here,” says Martin Ellis. “What’s great these days is there are an awful lot of young people who are very

knowledgeable about beer – people on their late teens and early twenties, particularly students. They also know about its heritage and history.”

The annual Battle of the Beers invariably attracts keen competition – to say nothing of bragging rights – from North East brewers and this year the brief is to brew an IPA specially for

NEWCASTLE BEER FESTIVAL the festival. Organisers are expecting a range of colours ranging through black to pale gold and from session strength to sip-and-savour.

Students will have free entry on the Wednesday evening of the festival, while Thursday is the famous Hat Day which is self-explanatory, but raises considerable amounts of money for the St Oswalds charity. If you turn up without a hat, you can make a modest donation to the charity’s stall – and pick the headgear that takes your fancy.

One slight change to the normal format is that the cider bar is on the main ale floor, making it simpler for staff and customers alike.

Other Newcastle Beer Festival 2017 statistics include: 120 different beers, 30 ciders, and 48 breweries representing the Tyneside & Northumberland Camra branch. The number 41 is also the smallest integer whose reciprocal has a five-digit repetend which is a consequence of it being a factor of 99999.

Beat that, Cambridge. * The 41st Camra Newcastle Beer Festival, Northumbria University, April 26-29. Details: www.cannybevvy.co.uk

LAUNCHING APRIL ‘17

OUTRAGEOUSLY DRINKABLE

TWENTY FOUR 24 7SEVEN CASK KEG CAN

www.cheersnortheast.co.uk / CHEERS / 19

PUBS OF THE YEAR

BEST IN SHOW We take a look at a selection of the North East’s Pubs of the Year A small North Yorkshire village pub, saved by its local community from bankruptcy and possible demolition has been named the nation’s best pub.

The Campaign For Real Ale (Camra) has selected the George & Dragon in Hudswell, near Richmond as the 2017 winner of its annual Pub of the Year (PotY) competition from 52,200 entrants. After forming a cooperative and raising £220,000 to buy the pub, the local community reopened it in June 2010 and today it provides a hub for village life with a library in the corridor, a convenience store and community allotments.

Over this section, we’re taking a look at a clutch of pubs gaining 2017 PotY status, revealing why they have been picked out as something special.

THE FREE TRADE INN, NEWCASTLE If the Free Trade, sitting high and handsome over Newcastle’s East Quayside, isn’t everybody’s favourite pub, it’s their second favourite. That’s the regard it’s held in. Regulars love its down-at-heel ambience, its old-sweater comfort, its views and the adventure in beer that awaits.

It’s one of those scuffed-at-the-edges, lived-in places that designers charge a fortune to achieve. The Free Trade has evolved this naturally and its tobacco-stained brown paintwork won’t be found on a Farrow & Ball colour chart alongside Book Room Red or Terre d’Egypte.

“We last won Tyneside PotY in 2013,” says landlord Mick Potts, who celebrated ten years in the pub last month, having been at The Strawberry across the city previously. The Free 20 / CHEERS / www.cheersnortheast.co.uk

Trade was also awarded Tyneside cider pub of the year.

“We just try to do what we do – sell interesting beers in great condition. Our customers know what they want, but it just shows the diversity of pubs we have when we can win something like this with previous winners being The Bodega and Fitzgeralds in Newcastle. The winners are an interesting mix of pubs and bars – and look at The Curfew in Berwick.

“We get regulars from students right through to business people. Things might change from day to day and night to night, but it’s an eclectic mix that’s still the same as it’s always been.

“The biggest change in my time here was two years ago when we became fully independent which allowed us to offer more local beers and a lot more choice. We were tied in the cellar to Heineken but we bought them out of that and took all the national brands off the counter so we can now offer a lot more locally-produced lagers, for instance.”

The free jukebox is an obvious attraction where customers can choose Dylan to Hendrix to Cash then T-Rex to X-Ray Spex. Gents’ toilets are a masterpiece of graffiti with messages not repeatable in a “family” publication – save for the anodyne “Sleep Is For Dreamers”.

Meanwhile, Craig David the house cat “sleeps, gets fed, gets loved”.

Events such as Wednesday pizza nights (Scream For Pizza), Meet The Brewer, Tap Takeovers, London Beer Weekend and Belgian specials supplement an amazing line-up of cask ale, craft keg and cider.

Rather self-indulgently – although a boon for us on this side of the bar – Mick can pick and

Pointer: Mick Potts, landlord of the Free Trade Inn, Newcastle. Photo: Peter Skelton www.thepsp.net

choose from his favourite brewers, although he’s wise enough to know that Triple Hoppy McHopface might not be to everyone’s taste.

To celebrate his decade of Free Trade commitment – and the Camra award, of course – Mick has set out to offer all his favourite beers since 2007. There’s a cloud or two hovering over this part of Byker, however. Apparently, developers are circling once more, presenting plans for apartments between the pub and the Tyne Bar just down the bank. It reminds us of the renowned comment from several years ago when similar proposals were first mooted: “I want a view of the Tyne and the Quayside, not some rich bastard’s kitchen”.

THE VICTORIA, DURHAM The Victoria has been named Durham Camra’s town PotY (with The Smith’s Arms taking the country title), which is no great surprise, given the respect it is held in – plus it’s heading to be a ten-time winner of the accolade. The Victoria

PUBS OF THE YEAR is on Camra’s “endangered” list of pubs (The National Inventory) that should be preserved as they are; its five handpulls are fiercely local, and a range of Irish whiskies glinting on the back bar is a joy to behold.

Cheers editor Alastair Gilmour reviewed the pub in The Daily Telegraph in September 2014: “The grade II-listed Victoria – virtually untouched in getting on for 120 years – is a three-roomed idyll with six letting rooms. Its Family Department and Sitting Room, dripping with even more V&A memorabilia, speak of long-lost parlours. The timber flooring has been worn so smooth in parts it looks like linoleum, while the varnished wood panelling, shelving and mirrors blend with floral wallpaper in costume drama proportions.

“There is no television, no music and no food (unless crisps and pickled eggs are your thing) and the pub’s effect on a soul is such it’s said one customer was so moved he lingered over three pints – and he’d only come in to ask directions.”

THE CURFEW, BERWICK The Curfew micropub is North Northumberland PotY – not bad for a pub that only opened its doors in June 2014. It’s owned by David and Gemma Cook who have an obvious passion for ale and hospitality.

David says: “We’ve now won this award twice – the first time two years ago. It’s testament to the fact that people in Berwick want to come to see what we’ve got on cask and in bottle.

“Berwick has got some good pubs in the town and around the locality – The Barrels Alehouse, the newly-reopened Brown Bear, and The Pilot up the hill which, along with The Curfew, forms a great ale trail.

“We do things a little different, though. There’s no point in replicating other great pubs. Instead

of stocking North East and Southern Scottish products, we do a lot of research and look further afield to source our beers, taking a wee bit of a risk. In fact, I’m getting an Imperial Stout from a brewery in Manchester that will set us back the thick end of £200 for the cask.

“Choice is important these days. We always have a dark beer on, a stout, a pale ale and a gold IPA, so there’s something for everyone.”

THE OFFICE, MORPETH The Office is a serial award-winner, gaining South East Northumberland PotY on its way to winning overall Northumberland PotY. The former bridge toll-house – a Grade II-listed building – is run by Andrea and Paul Johnson, one of the new breed of micropubs that have sprung up over the past few years, all with tiny premises and great beer. The Office’s capacity is 32 people, but five ales, two local craft keg beers, a cider fridge and four national keg beers keep the regulars entertained.

Paul also owns Acton Ales Brewery and the couple operate The Fox’s Den in Felton and The Narrow Nick in Rothbury.

THE QUAKERHOUSE, DARLINGTON The Quakerhouse, Darlington Camra’s overall PotY 2017 revels in the sub-heading “real ale and rock bar”. The pub not only prides itself on the quantity and the quality of its ales but also its taste in music. There’s invariably something going on in the upstairs lounge featuring some serious blues, busking, bluegrass, folk, reggae, rock and acoustic talent.

It’s been an award winner on a local level countless times and it’s not hard to wonder why – big on exposed brickwork and divided into three small but distinct areas (mind the steps), it’s a welcoming pub populated by ultra-friendly regulars and much admired by visitors.

Time warp: The glorious Victoria, Durham, interior.

Photo: Peter Skelton

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PUBS OF THE YEAR STEAMBOAT, SOUTH SHIELDS South Tyneside Camra branch’s pub of the year on a regular basis and representative of the region in the national finals, this terrific pub is high on character and billows with ambience.

It’s at its best when busy, with chatter and clatter coming from all directions and from a wide cross-section of clientele. It’s handy for the Customs House and visiting culture-vultures mingle happily with regulars and locals. As a multi-award winner it has a lot to live up to – and most beers on the eight handpulls come from independent breweries across the nation, plus a real cider.

Memorabilia setting the seafaring theme includes clocks, dials, pressure gauges, sailors’ knots, lifebelts, lobster pots and naval pictures.

BOATHOUSE, WYLAM The pub signs say it all: “Probably the best pub in the world” and there are few people who could argue with the sentiment. The Boathouse

After work: The Office, Morpeth

22 / CHEERS / www.cheersnortheast.co.uk

has been covered in awards in getting on for 20 years, and is 2017 South West Northumberland PotY. It has represented the whole North East in the national finals of the competition on a couple of occasions.

The bar is one of those typically English pub rooms with a forest of 15 handpulls on the counter – real ale rules here with Hadrian Border beers well represented – and a large fireplace at one end. It’s comfortable, sociable and dog friendly, which is a boon for thirsty walkers.

Many of the regulars come from miles away, an indication in itself of the Boathouse’s conviviality.

Terrific: The Steamboat, South Shields

THE TANNERY, HEXHAM The Tannery is serious about its beer and cider but manages to provide bags of fun at the same time, which in anybody’s book, is a winning combination.

Eight cask ales and numerous ciders from Swannay, Harviestounn, Anarchy, Thornbridge, Firebrick, Aspells and Circle feature regularly while and a dedicated lounge titled Frank &

Bird’s Old-Style Fermented Apple And Pear Juice Parlour is a clue to why the pub has been named not only South West Northumberland Cider PotY but Northumberland winner overall.

The Tannery’s mix of décor and furniture is straddles the traditional and the progressive.

There’s an eclectic food selection – Northumberlicious Sunday Lunch, for example (“for you, your mam and your dog”), board games and “brainy” books. What was that about serious and fun?

PUBS OF THE YEAR

FOR ALL YOUR KEYKEG SUPPLIES SPRING BEER FESTIVAL from 12 NOON on FRIDAY 28TH APRIL until 10PM on MONDAY 1ST MAY

Plus BEER IN THE WOOD PIZZAS from GASPARRO'S &

Local

FOREMANS PIES

CAMRA Northumberland Pub Of The Year Winner 2016

Tel: 01604 879831 nichesolutionsgb.co.uk

www.cheersnortheast.co.uk / CHEERS / 23

THE APRIL THREE TUNS GIG GUIDE Wednesday 5th - Riley’s Live Buskers Thursday 6th - Loaded 44 Friday 7th - Tubesnake Doors, Stones, Creedence.

Saturday 8th - Queens of Noise, all girl rock covers Wednesday 12th - Riley’s Live Buskers Easter Thursday 13th - Mike Memphis, Elvis and his Belles Good Friday 14th - The Grumpies, Bowie, Bad Cozeppelin Easter Saturday 15th - Welcome to Summer at the Tuns Party - 5 live bands Wednesday 19th - Riley’s Live Buskers Friday 21st - Suspect device Saturday 22nd - SKA TOONS £3 Sunday 23rd - ST George’s Day with Clash City Rockers and Rigid Digits Wednesday 26th - Riley’s Live Buskers THREE TUNS 11th ANNUAL PIE FESTIVAL - 3000 Pies over 4 days All proceeds donated to North East Ladies Cancer Centre Thursday 27th UK SUBS plus Toxic £8 • Friday 28th Maiden UK Saturday 29th The Happy Cats £2 • Sunday 30th April The Understudies

The Three Tuns, Sheriff Hill, Gateshead, NE9 5SD www.thethreetuns.com tel: 0191 4870666

GIGS & FESTIVALS

Gigs ’N’ Festivals THROUGHOUT APRIL

TAP TAKEOVER: ANARCHY BREWERY Head of Steam, Front Street, Tynemouth NE30 4BS Sample the range of beers from this innovative Northumberland company and learn more about them through meeting the faces and personalities behind them at a special Meet The Brewer event on Thursday April 13.

Tel: 0191 272 6105 www.theheadofsteam.co.uk

MAY 26-28

EDINBURGH CRAFT BEER FESTIVAL The Biscuit Factory, 4-6 Anderson Place, Edinburgh EH6 5NP More than 30 internationally-renowned brewers will fly in from around the world to participate in Edinburgh Craft Beer Festival.

Among them are Lervig, Firestone Walker, Dugges, Beerbliotek, Pohjala, Mikkeller HQ, Brooklyn Brewery and Sierra Nevada, plus an all-star selection of Scottish and English craft breweries, including The Kernel, Thornbridge, and Northern Monk, plus Tempest, BrewDog, Pilot and Fierce Beer. Music from Idelewild, Young Fathers and Belle & Sebastion. edinburghcraftbeerfestival.co.uk

JUNE 15-17

TYNEDALE BEER & CIDER FESTIVAL Tynedale Rugby Club, Station Road, Corbridge, Northumberland NE45 5AY Featuring 124 local and national real ales (some new breweries this year), a cider bar with around 25 different ciders and perries, plus a gin bar, craft keg beer bar (to be confirmed), and wine bar run by Bin 21. There will be also be a selection of soft drinks and a fantastic food court with the Polish BBQ, Northern Wilds woodfired pizza, salad bar, Tandoori Naan Hut and Simply Cheesecake, Wheelbirks Ice Cream, probably an even bigger marquee, more – and better – ladies toilets, more space for camping and cooked breakfasts available on Saturday and Sunday mornings.

The festival is easy to get to on public transport with Corbridge railway station close by and several bus stops within easy walking distance. www.tynedalebeerfestival.org.uk

OCTOBER 26-28

CRAFT BEER CALLING Wylam Brewery, Palace of Arts, Exhibition Park, Newcastle NE2 4PZ The Craft Beer Calling 17 website is now live, the first wave of invited breweries has been announced, and tickets have gone on sale. Breweries include Basqueland Brewing Project, Vocation Brewery, The Kernel, Verdant Brewing, Beavertown, Magic Rock and Cloudwater.

Craft Beer Calling is an assembly of some of the world’s leadingedge craft brewers under one roof, plus a gin palace, wine cellar, sumptuous street food market, artisan cider cellar and great music. The breweries run their own bars which means more taps running and the chance to interact with their staff and get to know much more about their beers. craftbeercalling.com 24 / CHEERS / www.cheersnortheast.co.uk

PUB NEWS

STAGGERING RESPONSE TO NEW PUB

The owners of a new micropub simply can’t believe how kind people have been towards them after only the first two weeks of opening. Victoria Dunn and Paul Walker have been “overwhelmed” by the response to their first pub venture, The One Eyed Stag in Whickham, Gateshead.

The former newsagent/post office, sitting between a betting shop and an Indian restaurant, had lain

empty for a couple of years, but the compact premises offered the couple the opportunity to build on a dream.

“We had been looking around at various places but this seemed the right size for what we wanted,” says Victoria, who gave up her job in finance for a law firm to work behind the bar. “It’s been a massive learning curve, but it’s been brilliant.

“It’s been absolutely amazing, we’re overwhelmed by the response.

Everybody has been so lovely and complimentary, we can’t quite believe it.

We’ve never run a pub before – Paul is customer services director at Tyne & Wear Metro, but it’s been his dream to own a pub ever since I met him.

We were supposed to be getting married in July but now this has come along.”

Bright future: The One Eyed Stag Beers at the moment are from Firebrick, Allendale, The Stables and Durham breweries and the oft-heard comment is ‘it’s nice to be able to get a good beer’. The pub’s name is derived from the fabled One Eyed Rat in Ripon, North Yorkshire, one of the couple’s favourite pubs.

Searching for names, Paul found a picture of a stag wearing a monocle – and decided that was it.

Victoria says: “We’ve had so much help from everybody in the business – the people from Wor Local in Prudhoe and the Dog & Rabbit in Whitley Bay have been in to wish us luck; the couple from the Marquis

of Granby (Streetgate) popped in because they’ve just taken over their pub and offered any help we might need. Isn’t that wonderful?

“And Alistair Lawrence at Firebrick Brewery has been a massive help. He has spent a lot of time making sure we’ve got everything right.

“Every day I come in and think ‘this is ours’. Last night when I locked up I just stood looking at it for five minutes, I love it so much.”

Melton Mowbray pork pies on the counter, Durham Magus on handpull, a betting shop to the left, Indian restaurant to the right, does it get much better?

COMING SOON! BEER • CIDER • CRAFT BEER • WINE • PIMMS • GIN STREET FOOD • LIVE MUSIC • SATURDAY FAMILY AFTERNOON

£ 12 – buy tickets online:

tynedalebeerfestival.org.uk at TYNEDALE RUGBY CLUB, CLOSE TO CORBRIDGE TRAIN STATION CAMPING • FREE CARPARKING

f

@tynebeerfest tynedalebeerfestival

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WEDDING VENUES

TAKE THE BRIDE-ALE PATH Set on a 200 acre working farm with a stunning backdrop of the picturesque Hadrian’s Wall country is the perfect setting for your rural wedding.

Delicious homemade dishes, including fresh scones, cakes, soups, main meals & light snacks available.

A pub and a brewery can make a happy couple – or a couple happy – when it comes to nuptials Repeat after me: “I Hickey The Rake Limonata Pale 4.2% abv, take you, Sonnet 43 Bourbon Milk Stout 4.3% abv, to be my beer companion, to have and to hold from this day forward...”

Granted, it’s not the traditional marriage vow, but it illustrates a real move for beer to take the place of champagne at a wedding. And there’s a real trend toward the marriage ceremony and the reception to be held in a brewery or a pub – or both.

Many couples have realised the benefits of holding a bliss-up in a brewery. Heather and Gary Scott, owners of HIGH HOUSE FARM BREWERY near Matfen in Northumberland, have been pleasantly surprised by the interest in holding wedding receptions – and

As a micro brewery we produce over 18 different beers.

Brewery Tours available all year round

HIGH HOUSE FARM BREWERY, MATFEN, NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE. NE20 0RG ENQUIRIES: 01661 886192 / TRADE: 01661 886769 INFO@HIGHHOUSEFARMBREWERY.CO.UK Have and hold: Wylam Brewery 26 / CHEERS / www.cheersnortheast.co.uk

ceremonies – in their visitor centre, a Grade II-listed set of farm buildings designed originally by John Dobson, the creator of much of Newcastle’s glorious architecture.

Beer and marriage are logical bedfellows – and the biggest beer festival in the world began as a wedding celebration. In 1810 when Crown Prince Ludwig married Princess Therese of SaxonyHildburghausen, the citizens of Munich were invited to celebrate in fields on the outskirts of the city and enjoy themselves horseracing, drinking and feasting. Two hundred years later they’re still at it – the Munich Beer Festival (Oktoberfest) is a 16-day celebration running from mid-September to early October.

Beer has been betrothed to the act of matrimony for centuries. The word

WEDDING VENUES “bridal” is believed to be a corruption of “bride-ale”, a special beer brewed for weddings, and wedding presents were traditionally given by guests in exchange for beer.

Without beer, there would be no “honeymoon” – 4,000 years ago in Babylon, it was common practice for the bride’s father to provide a month’s supply of mead, or honey beer, to his new son-in-law for a full lunar month.

This was said to increase fertility and heighten the chance of producing a male heir. In fact, the bride would often be sent to bed on the night of the wedding to allow the groom to drink as much honey beer as he could. He would then be brought to his bride’s bedside, hell-bent on some honey hanky-panky and if, nine months later, a son was somehow sired, the brewer of the mead would take some of the credit.

Some people just don’t get it, though. Despite all the commemorative brews that celebrated the Kate and Wills royal wedding in 2011, they actually banned beer from their reception. A source told the Daily Mirror at the

time: “There won’t be any beer. Let’s face it, it isn’t really an appropriate drink to be serving in the Queen’s presence at such an occasion.”

Fine by us, we weren’t invited anyway, but let’s take a look at what the region can offer.

BATTLESTEADS HOTEL & RESTAURANT The multi award-winning hotel in Wark, Northumberland – famous for its “green” credentials – prides itself on creating unique and memorable weddings. The restaurant and conservatory are suitable for small and medium-sized weddings and functions for up to 100 guests.

The hotel is closed to the general public when weddings are taking place, affording privacy and tranquillity with the help of an experienced team.

A wide range of menus is available, all freshly prepared, with a range of ingredients grown in polytunnels on-site. Evening wedding packages include overnight accommodation for the bride and groom with ample space for guests who wish to relax and stop over. And, with a bar serving

five real ales – with a local focus – who wouldn’t want to?

WYLAM BREWERY Imagine putting The Palace of Arts, Exhibition Park, on your wedding invitations. Talk about cool, if not utterly romantic. That’s what Newcastle’s Wylam Brewery can offer – along with a full wedding package to delight whether the happy couple are beer aficionados or not. But the guests will certainly appreciate it.

Dave Stone, director of Wylam Brewery, says: “It’s a real pleasure to host a couple’s ‘big day’ at Wylam Brewery. Naturally, the Palace of Arts and Exhibition Park lend themselves perfectly to weddings and it’s proved a really popular place for people to choose to get married.

“We also have a marriage license, so people can hold the ceremony here as well if they wish. If you are going to commit to a lifetime of devotion, a couple of pints of Jakehead IPA certainly helps.”

GIBSIDE ESTATE Gibside’s Chapel, gardens and landscape park near Rowlands Gill in Derwentside were created almost 300 years ago by one of the North East’s great families, the BowesLyons. Today, the rich history of this architectural gem, now in the care of The National Trust, is the perfect

In the running: Gibside Chapel

Situated by the quayside in the Wylam Wharf area of Sunderland, with spectacular views down to the river mouth.

This Grade II listed building is one of Sunderland’s most iconic and historical venues. It has hosted some of the most high profile historic figures to visit the city, such as the Duke of Wellington and the Marquis of Londonderry, all attracted to the Grandest building in the city.

Situated over three floors, each room has a very different look.

The Grand Room with its elegant ambience, the Contemporary Main Bar and the cosy Vaulted Suites. The Quayside Exchange strives to continue the great tradition of the Georgian buildings long history of hospitality by offering a range of stunning function suites to create the perfect setting for your special day. www.quaysideexchange.com The Quayside Exchange, 197 High Street East, Sunderland, SR1 2AX Tel: 0191 514 4574

Email: events@quaysideexchange.com www.cheersnortheast.co.uk / CHEERS / 27

WEDDINGS place to share your wedding day with friends and family. Everything combines with timeless elegance to offer a memorable backdrop to your celebrations. Hold the wedding ceremony in the beautiful Palladianstyle Chapel before enjoying a canapé reception in the sundial garden, where guests can enjoy a glass of sparkling wine or local Wylam ale as they toast the newlymarried couple.

As the day draws in, head over to the classic white marquee set up in the newly-restored walled garden where, after a delicious locally-sourced hog roast or wedding breakfast provided by a dedicated team of external caterers, the happy couple and their guests can dance until the early hours.

QUAYSIDE EXCHANGE The Quayside Exchange is a historic, Grade II-listed banqueting venue close to Sunderland city centre – and the perfect venue for your special day. It is steeped in history and lovingly restored to its former glory. Dedicated staff

understand that this day is full of personal touches, the day is your own.

For example, the elegantlydecorated Grand Room is situated on the second floor boasting fabulous views of the Sunderland riverfront through the beautiful Georgian windows, hardwood floors and elegant decoration. The largest suite accommodates between 120 and 220 guests.

The contemporary Quayside Suite is situated on the ground floor, has a nautical theme with a central island bar and capacity of up to 200 guests for a more informal event.

The amazing Vaulted Suite (capacity 30-100 guests) is situated in the basement with exposed brick vaulted ceilings opening out onto a vast outdoor terrace which is ideal for al fresco dining and barbecues.

TYNESIDE CINEMA If you’re looking for a fun, stylish and original wedding, Newcastle’s Tyneside Cinema could be perfect.

In this beautiful Art-Deco cinema, you and your guests can enjoy the

ultimate in happy endings. From a simple service on the beautifully illuminated Classic Cinema stage to a more adventurous ceremony incorporating film and music, there is a bespoke service to make the most perfect day.

All the cinema screen-rooms are licensed for civil ceremonies, whether it’s a lavish ceremony in the Classic Cinema – brimming

with beautiful 1930s Art-Deco features – or the Electra Cinema with its enormous cinema screen for a wedding of truly cinematic proportions, or the Roxy Cinema which is packed with character.

The Tyneside Cinema’s private screening room, the Digital Lounge, is also licensed if the happy couple would prefer a more intimate ceremony for up to 30 guests.

ENJOY THE ULTIMATE HAPPY ENDING HIRE TYNESIDE CINEMA FOR YOUR WEDDING If you’re looking for a fun, stylish and original wedding, then our beautiful art deco cinema is perfect for you.

To make an enquiry about hiring the Tyneside Cinema for your wedding please call 0191 227 5521 or email hiresandevents@tynesidecinema.co.uk www.tynesidecinema.co.uk/weddings 10-12 Pilgrim Street Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 6QG

28 / CHEERS / www.cheersnortheast.co.uk

WEDDINGS

The Plough, Burnopfield Photo: Peter Skelton THE PLOUGH, BURNOPFIELD, AND THE ROKER HOTEL, SUNDERLAND The Sonnet 43 team offers everything wedding-wise from the conventional and captivating to the unusual and unique – and isn’t that what you want for you and your guests to remember for the rest of their lives?

The New Plough Inn at

Burnopfield, County Durham, offers craft ales from Sonnet 43 Brewery and tempting soul food together in a contemporary-meets-country setting, plus outdoor tipis for a magical backdrop for weddings and special events.

And, have you ever thought about holding an outdoor ceremony? At The Roker Hotel in Sunderland, life’s a beach with the iconic and newly renovated Roker Pier curving into the backdrop. Al fresco can mean an intimate wedding on the sand right by the sea opposite the hotel, or perhaps in the bandstand within the beautiful Roker Park, followed by reception drinks, canapés and rides on a tuk-tuk.

Then it’s inside to a haven of inviting, warm and imaginative interiors, with a delicious and tempting array of food and drink, with a courteous, personable and memorable service.

Perhaps a church wedding isn’t for you, and you’d like a more personal and meaningful ceremony for you and your partner? A number of spaces in the hotel are licensed for ceremonies

The hotel is tailor-made for intimate wedding parties; there’s a choice of two private rooms which can cater for up to about 50 guests and there are areas around the bar that can be used for much more intimate gatherings. Big and inviting or small and sociable, St Mary’s offers colourful spaces, cosy corners, brilliant food and drink and real fires – in fact, it’s a relaxed, informal Northumberland pub. A private room features a large table seating up to

from the moment you walk down the aisle to the final “I do”.

ST MARY’S INN, STANNINGTON St Mary’s Inn is the bold and handsome former administration of the former St Mary’s Hospital. With its colourful red brick and contrasting window mouldings, handsome clock tower and arched doorway, it’s an unexpectedly striking building – and a wonderful introduction to any wedding party.

St Mary’s Inn, Stannington

MAGICAL WINTER WEDDINGS

Special Event

NOVEMBER TO FEBRUARY

CELEBRATE YOUR

WITH US

CELEBRATE YOUR SPECIAL EVENT WITH FRIENDS AND FAMILY AT CLOSE HOUSE – A WONDERFUL VENUE IN A SPECTACULAR SETTING.

At Close House you can dine in style in the No.19 restaurant, celebrate with us in the Lee Westwood Suite and relax overnight in the sumptuous Courtyard Suites.

Whatever you are celebrating, whether it is a christening, a birthday, an engagement, an anniversary or a winter wedding, the Close House special events team will help you to ensure it is an occasion to remember forever.

Call or email to discuss your event. We look forward to hearing from you!

CLOSE HOUSE, HEDDON ON THE WALL, NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE NE15 0HT TELEPHONE: 01661 85 22 55 EMAIL: enquiries@closehouse.co.uk WWW.CLOSEHOUSE.COM www.cheersnortheast.co.uk / CHEERS / 29

WEDDING VENUES

Feel a Thousand Miles Away…

Set within the exclusive suburb of Jesmond, minutes away from Newcastle City Centre, at Jesmond Dene House, you feel a thousand miles away.

The independently owned boutique hotel with 40 luxurious bedrooms, is surrounded by Jesmond Dene, a leafy woodland valley with a picturesque waterfall.

All Inclusive 2017 Wedding Package £100 pp Reception Drink Three Course meal with Coffee and Petits Fours Two Glasses of Wine, Toast Beverage Evening Food, DJ, Wedding Accommodation with Full Breakfast 2018 Wedding from £105 pp

Jesmond Dene House Hotel & Restaurant Jesmond Dene Road - Newcastle-upon-Tyne – NE2 2EY 0191 212 6060 - weddings@jesmonddenehouse.co.uk

The Station House, Durham Photo: Peter Skelton www.thepsp.net 20, open beams, wood-burning stove and huge windows, while 11 large and spacious en-suite rooms even include a dog-friendly one. It’s the perfect backdrop to a special day.

St Mary’s Inn’s sister hotel, Jesmond Dene House in Newcastle is also a favoured wedding venue (jesmonddenehouse.co.uk) THE STATION HOUSE, DURHAM The Station House isn’t the obvious choice for hosting a wedding party – but the beauty of weddings is that they reflect the character of the happy couple. Rather than blather on, we’ll let co-owner Susannah Mansfield explain what the real ale and cider pub can offer.

“Basically, there’s quite a lot we can do with our upstairs room,” says Susannah. “It’s flexible, we let people decorate it, they can bring their own food, or we can arrange a buffet from a local caterer. We usually charge a small fee for the room hire but if they’re going to be buying drinks all night we do it for £30.

“We’ve hosted an after-wedding after party for the daughter of one of our regulars daughters and another of our regulars is using the upstairs room as a pre-party venue the night

30 / CHEERS / www.cheersnortheast.co.uk

before they get married. It’s a great venue for a really informal, low-key wedding up to 35 people – not one for live bands, sit-down dinners or dancing, though.

“The other string to our bow is that we could provide beer for weddings held elsewhere, from bag-in-a-box beer and cider for the party to serve themselves, right up to a full bar with staff and licensing.”

CLOSE HOUSE GOLF CLUB Following a three-year break, Close House Golf Club will once again host winter weddings and celebrations from November 2017. A limited number of winter wedding dates (November to February 2018) are on offer for up to 70 day guests and up to 100 for an evening reception or party for couples holding their special day at Close House and using its fantastic facilities.

Private, intimate dinners are held in the Westwood Suite overlooking the valley and big party celebrations with friends and family are also welcome with facilities to suit everyone’s needs. Fantastic luxury bedrooms are available for guests should they wish to make the most of their time at Close House.

NEWS

AND NOW FOR THE GOOD NEWS

BEER OF THE MONTH Lagunitas IPA (6.8% abv) This is an absolute beauty of a beer, easy to drink and belying its hefty concentration of alcohol.

The expected slap on the palate from a fistful of hops never materialised, but a soft caress from a dark golden Californian is infinitely more acceptable.

The Lagunitas (pronounced lah-gooknee-tuss) Brewing Company was founded in 1993 on a kitchen stove in California. Its home base is in Petaluma but has a second brewery in Chicago and an under-construction facility in Southern California. The company motto, “Beer Speaks, People Mumble” is as well crafted as its IPA.

According to a large observational study involving nearly two million people, moderate drinking can lower the risk of several heart diseases. The results of a survey observing 1.93 million volunteers aged over 30 in the UK came to the conclusion that moderate drinking offers protection for the heart compared to not drinking.

It will further fuel the debate about what is a safe level.

“Moderate drinking” is defined as consuming no more than 14 units of alcohol a week and previous studies have also suggested that alcohol has a positive effect on the levels of “good” cholesterol in the blood as well as proteins associated with blood clotting.

The new study, published in the British Medical Journal, found moderate drinkers were less likely to suffer from angina, heart attack, heart failure, ischaemic stroke – the most common type – circulation problems and aortic aneurysm than non-drinkers.

That isn’t to say we should sit back with our pints and whisky chasers in smug abandon, but we’ll cling to the “protection” notion because next month a new report will surely reverse these findings.

The

Duke of Wellington Inn

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Newton, Northumberland, NE43 7UL Tel: 01661 844446 www.dukeofwellingtoninn.co.uk Duke of Wellington Newton @DukeinNewton

www.cheersnortheast.co.uk / CHEERS / 31

BEER IN FILM

MOVIES IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION Great films and quality beer are a perfect partnership, as Alastair Gilmour finds out An intimate and personal portrayal of Winston Churchill in the final few days leading up to D-Day in 1945 has been made into a film due for general release in June. A beer called Churchill has also been produced – and both of them have their roots in the North East.

Similarly with a biographical documentary about street fighter Lenny McLean who rose from a violent upbringing in 1950s London East End to win the boxing title of The Guv’nor and went on to star

in Lock, Stock And Two Smoking Barrels. The films were made by Salon Pictures, based in London, but financed largely by backers in the North East and Cumbria.

Guv’nor Brown Ale (5.0% abv) and Churchill Pale Ale (4.0% abv) were produced in the region for Reynolds Brewery with both beers brewed under the instruction of “hobby brewer” Ken Oliver.

The pair have been selling particularly well at The Schooner in Gateshead, which is perhaps just

as well as Salon Pictures’ finance director Chris Reynolds is also a business partner of Adrian Marley, the two of them having owned the pub since December.

The founding partners of Salon Pictures – Nick Taussig and Paul Van Carter – were in the region to meet some of the people who have helped their projects get off the ground, at the invitation of commercial director and former

banker Chris Reynolds, who is based in Newcastle.

“We have a group of people in the North East and Cumbria interested in investing in films; high net-earners,” says Chris. “They’re not people who are down to their last £5,000.

Sometimes they want to be involved in a project and sometimes they don’t. Some come off and others don’t, for example, we made a film in and around Newcastle called

THE NEW HOME OF

OPENING SOON ARCH2 STEPNEY BANK OUSEBURN NE1 2NP 32 / CHEERS / www.cheersnortheast.co.uk

BEER IN FILM

Down time: Paul Van Carter, Chris Reynolds and Nick Taussig at The Schooner, Gateshead Electricity with an all-local cast which pumped £1.2m into the local economy at the time. It could have made between £5m and £10m with good distribution... However, it’s a very enjoyable business to be in; it certainly beats working for the bank.”

Salon Pictures also made a documentary two years ago – recently sold to ITV – about the rise and fall of Paul Gascoigne, the region’s (and Britain’s) best-loved

footballer, through the World Cup, injuries, and his fall from grace due to alcoholism.

“The human story is what interests us,” says Paul Van Carter.

“Once we develop an idea we flesh it out ready to show people then go out to find the money. The end product has to be worked up and tested before taking it out to market.

“For Gascoigne (the documentary), part of it was down to Chris. There was a huge interest in the North East from people willing to support the project. We knew that Gascoigne would be perfect entertainment, good cinema and a colourful story. When we met Paul we didn’t know what to expect, but he was an absolute sweetheart, utterly charming, no trouble at all and very professional in all the time we were with him.

“Colourful life stories attract us, just like with Lenny McLean. He was just a family man trying to get himself up from the gutter.”

Chris Reynolds also highlights the loveable, scampish side of Paul Gascoigne – although admits that a beer named after him would

not be appropriate. He says: “Our first meeting with him was in the posh Draycott Hotel in London for afternoon tea. The first thing he did was reach over, grab two buns, put them in his pockets, and said ‘I’ll have them later’.

“Apparently, Sir Alex Ferguson was a long way down the line towards signing him for Manchester United, then Tottenham Hotspur got interested. Both offered to buy him a house as part of the deal, but what clinched it for Terry Venables was that if he signed for Spurs they would buy his sister a sunbed. So he did. Think what might have been?”

Salon Pictures’ Churchill, starring Brian Cox and Miranda Richardson, is an intimate and personal portrait set in the final few days preceding D-Day in June 1945. The invasion of Northern France was something he was originally opposed to and he wrestled with thoughts of the consequences.

Churchill and The Guv’nor – the beers – have proved their popularity in The Schooner through their quality and basic principle of getting them right. It’s a bit like making a movie, as Paul Van Carter says: “You can have a great idea for a film, but if no-one’s going to buy it you’re going nowhere.”

Do you have the bottle to brew?

Give it a try, you’ll have a tun of fun Our Brew Crew Days are for individuals interested in a ½ day of brewing and include: a brewing session, beer tasting and light refreshments.

With support from the experienced Darwin Brewery and Brewlab staff, you will be provided with the ingredients, equipment and recipes to create a brew which will be available to pick up a few weeks later. Plus, you will even get to name your beer!

Brew Crew Days are held on selected weekends throughout the year.

Contact us today for further details or to book your place on +44 (0) 191 543 6820 or email us at info@brewlab.co.uk

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www.cheersnortheast.co.uk / CHEERS / 33

BEER NEWS

ALE TRAIL HIGHLIGHTS CHANGE Buried deep in our file marked “will come in useful one day” is a 1992 Tyneside Cask Ale Trail leaflet and stamp-book that, when completed between April and June of that year would have entitled the customer to an engraved tankard. Seven of the eight spaces have been stamped with green ink – and we can only guess at what prevented the final one from being filled in 25 years ago. It remains eerily empty. But we can follow his or her trail – promoted by The Newcastle Breweries Ltd – from The Fusilier at Forest Hall; Newcastle Gosforth RFC; Inventions, Barras Bridge; The Bridge Hotel, Castle Garth; Chillingham Arms, Heaton, and The Plough on Byker Bank. Others that could have been on the list for stamp number eight and that coveted jug include The Barking Dog, Royal George, The Spital, and The Broken Doll. We’ll dig it out again on its 50th anniversary – in 2042.

BABY LOOK AT YOU NOW

North Yorkshire-based Rooster’s Brewing Co has scooped three medals at the prestigious 2017 International Brewing Awards. The biennial competition attracts entrants from all over the world, judged by an invited panel of experienced brewers.

Having won a bronze medal for Baby-Faced Assassin, Roosters’ flagship IPA, in cask at the 2015 awards, the family-owned brewery took two giant steps further to win gold, silver and bronze this time around. Baby-Faced Assassin (6.0% abv) once again proved to be cock of the walk, winning a gold medal in can, ahead of entries from breweries in Australia and Canada.

The keg version of the beer also bagged a bronze. Roosters’ pioneering pale ale, Yankee –

the first of its kind to be brewed with new world hops from the US more than 20 years ago – was awarded a silver in its category in keg.

Roosters’ head brewer Oliver Fozard said: “I’m incredibly proud of our team. It’s an exceptional achievement, especially given the calibre of the judging panel and the competition we faced.”

THE

CourtyarD ANNUAL EASTER FESTIVE

THURSDAY 13TH - MONDAY 17TH APRIL

A Craft Ale Pub with a traditional Food Menu including a large selection of bar nibbles and sharing boards.

Food served Monday to Saturday 11-9 and 12-5 Sundays Weekly quizzes and live music Open mic on a Friday and Blues on a Saturday COMING SOON Monthly kitchen & bar takeovers and a monthly Jazz Café WE WELCOME TRACKS DARLINGTON TO OUR UPSTAIRS IN THE NEXT FEW MONTHS PROVIDING A RECORDING STUDIO, REHEARSAL SPACE FOR BANDS AND MUSICIANS AS WELL AS A COMMUNITY RADIO STATION

(01325)468411 website www.thepennyweight.com email thepennyweight@outlook.com Follow us on Twitter & Facebook @thepennyweight 34 / CHEERS / www.cheersnortheast.co.uk

• 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

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www.cheersnortheast.co.uk / CHEERS / 35

A-Z PUB GUIDE Cheers is all about pubs in the North East and this should be a good place to start...

COUNTY DURHAM BUTCHER’S ARMS

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

DUN COW

0191 3720287

t: 01833 690 130

THE DUKE OF WELLINGTON

THE PENNYWEIGHT

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

THE DUN COW

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

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

HALF MOON INN

THE FLOATER’S MILL

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

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

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

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

THE HONEST LAWYER

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 CLARENCE VILLA

THE MINERS ARMS

THE COUNTY

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

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

THE NEWFIELD INN

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

THE CROSS KEYS

THE OAK TREE

THE CROWN

THE OLDE SHIPS INN

Front Street, Esh, DH7 9QR t: 0191 3731279 Mickleton, Barnard Castle, DL12 0JZ t: 01833 640 381

THE BLACKSMITHS

Station Road, Low Pittington Durham, DH6 1BJ

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

ADAM & EVE

Front Street, Tantobie, Stanley, DH9 9RF t: 01207 235 445 Durham Road, East Rainton, DH5 9QT t: 0191 5840944

THE OLD WELL INN

The Bank, Barnard Castle DL12 8PH

36 / CHEERS / www.cheersnortheast.co.uk

Blackhill, Consett, DH8 8LZ t: 01207 593709 Low Road, Middlestone Village, Middlestone, DL14 8AB t: 01388 810904

THE SMITHS ARMS

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

THE SPORTSMANS ARMS

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

THE STABLES

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

THE STABLES

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

THE STATION HOUSE

Under the viaduct, North Road, DH1 4SE

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

WOODMAN INN

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

OLIVERS

THE DIAMOND INN

RED LION

THE DYVELS INN

60 Bridge Street, Blyth, NE24 2AP. t: 01670 368346 Front Street West, Bedlington, NE22 5TZ t: 01670 536160

RED LION INN

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

RIVERDALE HALL HOTEL

Bellingham, NE48 2JT t: 01434 220254

RIVERSIDE LODGE

High Stanners, Morpeth NE61 Prudhoe Station, Low Prudhoe, 1QL. t: 01670 512771 NE42 6NP t: 01661 832323

BAMBURGH CASTLE INN

ROBIN HOOD INN

Seahouses, NE68 7SQ t: 01665 720283

Military Road, East Wallhouses, Corbridge, NE18 0LL t: 01434 672549

BARRASFORD ARMS

THREE HORSESHOES

Barrasford Hexham, NE48 4AA t: 01434 681237

BARRELS

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

BATTLESTEADS HOTEL

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

THREE WHEATHEADS

Thropton nr Rothbury, NE65 7LR t: 01669 620262

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

TWICE BREWED INN

Beadnell, NE67 5AY t: 01665 721211

THE ALLENDALE INN

BEADNELL TOWERS HOTEL

BLACK BULL WYLAM

THE SHIP

Red Row,Beamish, DH9 0RW t: 01207 232569 Durham Road, Coxhoe, County Durham, DH4HX t: 0191 377 3773

THE QUAKERHOUSE

NORTHUMBERLAND

THE HALF MOON INN

THE JOHN DUCK

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

Edmundbyers, DH8 9NL t: 01207 255545

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

Thropton, Rothbury, NE65 7HX t: 01669 620362

SURTEES ARMS

YE OLDE ELM TREE

THE PUNCH BOWL INN

THE BEER HALL

THE SCOTCH ARMS

North Road, Durham DH1 4SE

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

Mountsett, Burnopfield, NE16 6BA t: 01207 570346

CUMBRIA

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

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

THREE HORSESHOES

THE PLOUGH

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

Main Road, Wylam, NE41 8AB

STATION HOUSE

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

8 Bakehouse Hill, Darlington, DL1 5QA

NORTH YORKSHIRE THE CROWN INN

CROSS KEYS

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

Military Road, Bardon Mill, NE47 7AN t: 01434 344534 Market Place, Allendale, Hexham, NE47 9BJ, t: 01434 683246

THE ANCHOR HOTEL

Haydon Bridge, NE47 6AB t: 01434 688121

THE ANCHOR INN

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

Craster, Alnwick, NE66 3TR t: 01665 576461

KITTIWAKE

Clairemont Crescent, Whitley Bay NE26 3HL. t: 0191 251 3977

MINERS ARMS

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

LION & LAMB

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

THE GOLDEN LION

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

THE GRANBY INN & RESTAURANT Front Street, Long Framlignton, Morpeth, NE65 8DP t: 0191 488 0954

THE HADRIAN HOTEL

Wall, Hexham, NE44 4EE t: 01434 681232

THE HEART OF NORTHUMBERLAND

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

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, Morpeth, NE65 9EE. t: 01670 787370

THE OFFICE

The Old Toll House, Castle Sqaure, Morpeth

THE OLDE SHIP INN

THE BLUE BELL

THE PERCY ARMS

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

THE BLUE BELL

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 CARTS BOG INN

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

THE CRASTER ARMS

Horsley, NE15 0NS t: 01661 852952

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

NEWCASTLE HOTEL

THE CROWN INN

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

THE GOLDEN LION

THE PACKHORSE INN

Matfen, NE20 0RP t: 01661 855395

THE BOATHOUSE

JOLLY FISHERMAN

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

THE BLACK BULL

JOHN THE CLERK OF CRAMLINGTON

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

THE FEATHERS INN

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

Haydon Bridge, NE47 6ER t: 01434 684376

JOINERS ARMS

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

Ponteland, NE20 9UH t: 01661 822 684

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

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

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

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

Ellingham, Chathill, NE67 5HA t: 01665 589292 Main Road, Chatton, NE66 5PS. t: 01670 215244

THE PILOT INN

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

THE PLOUGH

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

THE PLOUGH INN

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

THE RAILWAY HOTEL

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

THE RAILWAY INN

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

THE RAT INN

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

THE RIDLEY ARMS

Stannington, Morpeth, NE61 6EL t: 01670 789216

THE SHIP INN

Monkseaton, Whitley Bay NE25 8DP. t: 0191 251 3677

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

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

BRIDGE HOTEL

MARQUIS OF GRANBY

THE BRANDLING VILLA

BRIDGE TAVERN

NEWCASTLE ARMS

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

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

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

CUMBERLAND ARMS

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

DELAVAL ARMS

Old Hartley, NE26 4RL t: 0191 237 0489

DOG & RABBIT BREWERY

36 Park View, Whitley Bay

CROWN POSADA

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

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

THE VILLAGE INN

FIRE STATION

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

TEESSIDE BEST WESTERN GRAND HOTEL

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

BRITANNIA INN

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

CLEVELAND BAY

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

THE CLEVELAND HOTEL

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

TYNE & WEAR ALUM ALE HOUSE

Ferry Street, South Shields, NE33 1JR

ASHBROOKE SPORTS CLUB

Ashbrooke Road, Sunderland, SR2 7HH. t: 0191 528 4536

BACCHUS

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

BENTON ALE HOUSE

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

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

OLD FOX

10-14 Carlisle St, Gateshead NE10 0HQ

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

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

ROCKLIFFE ARMS

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

GOSFORTH HOTEL

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

HOTEL DU VIN & BISTRO

THREE MILE INN,

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

TILLEYS BAR

LADY GREY’S

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

THE CLUNY

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

THE COPT HILL

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

THE COUNTY

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

THE COURTYARD

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

THE CUMBERLAND ARMS

James Place Street, Ouseburn, Newcastle, NE6 1LD. t: 0191 265 6151 11 Market St, Newcastle, NE1 6JN. t: 0191 244 2513 High Bridge, Newcastle NE1 1EN t: 0191 261 8852

THE DUN COW

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

THE GREEN

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

THE BODEGA

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

THE BRIAR DENE

MARKET LANE

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

THE BEEHIVE

MAGNESIA BANK

BLACK BULL BLAYDON

THE CHILLINGHAM

THE FIVE SWANS

THE BOX SOCIAL

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

• Real ales • Food available • Live sports shown

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

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

82 Pilgrim Street, NE1 6SG

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

THE DUKE OF WELLINGTON

TYNEMOUTH LODGE

Worcester Terrace, Sunderland, SR2 7AW

THE CENTURION

TWIN FARMS

HUGOS

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

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

DAT BAR

Maling Street, Newcastle, NE6 1LP

Arch 11 Forth Street, Newcastle Upon Tyne. NE1 3NZ 71 The Links, Whitley Bay, NE26 1UE. t: 0191 2520926

THE BRANDLING ARMS

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

THE HEAD OF STEAM

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

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

THE CENTRAL

North Road, Wide Open NE13 6LN t: 0191 2366300 22 Main Road, Kenton Bk Ft, NE13 8AB t: 0191 2861263

Sunniside, Newcastle, NE16 5EE t: 0191 488 8068

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

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

St Marys Place, Newcastle, NE1 7PG. t: 0191 2111140 White Mare Pool, Wardley, Gateshead, NE10 8YB t: 0191 4950171

THE GREY HORSE

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

THE GREY HORSE

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

THE HARBOUR VIEW

Benedict Street, Roker, Sunderland, SR6 0NU t: 0191 5671402

THE HARRY CLASPER

Front St, Whickham, NE16 4EA

THE POTTERS WHEEL

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

THE CAUSEY ARCH INN

THE COTTAGE TAVERN

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

THE HASTINGS

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

SUN INN

TYNE BAR

ISIS

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

Hill St, Gateshead, NE8 1AN

Allan House, City Road, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE1 2BE 29 Front Street, Tynemouth, NE30 4DZ. t: 0191 2578956

THE BROAD CHARE

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

TRAVELLERS REST

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

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

STATION EAST

FREE TRADE INN

BEST WESTERN ROKER HOTEL

Bridge St, Blaydon, Blaydon-on-Tyne NE21 4JJ

ODDFELLOWS

Coalburns, Greenside, NE40 4JN. t: 0191 4132549

FOX & HOUNDS

IVY HOUSE

BIERREX

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

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

Front Street, Longbenton NE7 7XE t: 0191 2661512 Roker Terrace, Sunderland, SR6 9ND t: 0191 5671786 e: info@rokerhotel.co.uk

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

THE JOB BULMAN

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

THE KING GEORGE

North Parade, Whitley Bay t: 0191 251 3877

THE LOW LIGHTS TAVERN

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

THE MERCHANTS TAVERN

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

THE MID BOLDON CLUB

THE PRIORY

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 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 • Cask & craft beers & ciders • Fab food to feast on • Old school, not retro

THE SPLIT CHIMP

Arch 7, Westgate Rd Newcastle upon Tyne NE11SA

THE SIR WILLIAM DE WESSYNGTON

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

THE STAITH HOUSE

60 Front Street. East Boldon, NE36 0SH

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

THE MILE CASTLE

THE STEAMBOAT

52 Westgate Rd, NE1 5XU t: 0191 2111160

THE MILL HOUSE

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

THE TANNERS

Blackfell, Birtley, DH3 1RE t: 0191 415 1313

1 Byker Bridge, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 2NS

THE MILLSTONE HOTEL

THE THREE TUNS

THE NEW BRIDGE

THE TOWN WALL

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

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

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

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

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

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

THE TURKS HEAD

THE ONE EYED STAG

THE VICTORY

5 The Square, Whickham, Gateshead, Tyne & Wear, NE16 4JB

THE PACKHORSE

Crookgate, Burnopfield, NE16 6NS. t: 01207 270283

THE PAVILION

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

41 Front Street, Tynemouth, NE30 4DZ. t: 0191 2576547 Killingworth Road, South Gosforth, NE3 1SY t: 0191 285 1254

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 We’re not sure if Build New Bridges Not Walls is a dig at Donald Trump, but we’re in total agreement with the sentiment. This message on the windows of a soon-tobe-demolished building on Newcastle’s New Bridge Street also spells “freedom of expression” – and we’ll drink to that.

YOU IN THE CORNER, WAKE UP AND GET ANSWERING

A MAN WALKS INTO A BAR… …AND THE BARMAN SAYS: “HOW ARE YOU? I HAVEN’T SEEN YOU FOR A FEW DAYS.” THE MAN SAYS: “YES, I KNOW, BEEN REALLY BUSY. I GOT THAT JOB IN THE TOY FACTORY I WAS TELLING YOU ABOUT. IT’S ALL SHIFTWORK, MAKING CHESS SETS. I’VE BEEN ON KNIGHTS ALL WEEK.”

3

EEH! NUMBERS Younger’s No3 was a much-loved dark Scottish ale, discontinued and revived over the years, losing some original character every time.

3 Considered a good number in Chinese culture because it sounds like the Cantonese word “alive”.

In parts of Asia, three people in a photograph is considered unlucky – the middle one will die first.

3 Luck, good or bad, is widely held to come in threes.

No3, No3, wherefore art thou, No3?

1 Spats Columbo was the baddie in which black-and-white movie?

2 In which US state did the Battle of the Little Bighorn take place?

3 George Mallory, who might or might not have been the first to reach the summit of Mount Everest, is credited with which phrase?

4 What name did Adolf Hitler want to give his so-called ‘Welthauptstadt’ world capital city?

5 Which former French colony was, until the 1950s, one of the world’s biggest wine producers?

6 In the Lou Reed song Take A Walk On The Wild Side, where does Holly come from?

7 Which game came from India and was originally called ‘cataranga’?

8 When women first got the vote in the UK, how old did they have to be?

9 Which British-born film star was originally named Archibald Alexander Leach?

10 In Brazil, what is ‘pelada’?

11 Which weapon is found on the flag of Barbados?

12 Which edible product was invented to celebrate a French victory over the English at Port Mahon in Menorca?

QUOTE

“POSTCARD, COLOURED, SHOWING TWO REDNOSED BULBOUS BOOZERS LEANING AGAINST THE BAR-COUNTER, HOLDING UP FULL GLASSES. CAPTION: ‘WHAT ARE THE VILEST WORDS IN THE DICTIONARY, BERT? ‘DUNNO.’ ‘TIME GENTLEMEN PLEASE!’” TS ELIOT, THE WASTE LAND

QUIZ ANSWERS: 1 Some Like It Hot. 2 Montana. 3 “Because it’s there.” (In response to why he wanted to climb it.) 4 Germania – ‘Welthauptstadt Germania’, literally ‘World Capital Germania’. 5 Algeria. 6 “Holly came from Miami FLA. Hitchhiked her way across the USA.” 7 Chess. 8 30. 9 Cary Grant. 10 Beach or street football. 11 Trident (the big fork, not the nuclear missile). 12 Mayonnaise.

38 / CHEERS / www.cheersnortheast.co.uk

Craft Beers

Now available IN keg at your local sonnet43 brew pub

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0191 3773039 | www.sonnet43.com | www.sonnet43pubs.co.uk | cheers@sonnet43.com Sonnet 43 Brew House, Durham Road, Coxhoe, County Durham, DH6 4HX Sonnet43BrewHouse

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@Sonnet43Brew www.cheersnortheast.co.uk / CHEERS / 39

aN EASTER double bill.AT THE TANNERY!.....

Mike ‘n’ Thierry’s Good Friday

SKA-BECUE from

3pm

trojan tunes - REGGAE REGGAE BURGER TIME CHILLI SWEETCORN FRITTERS - jerk chicken wraps

GOOD FRIDAY NIGHT G STYLE FUN WITH..

HIP HOP HOORAY! playing LIVE FROM 8pm!

GOOD FRIDAY at THE TANNERY, GILESGATE, HEXHAM, NORTHUMBERLAND, NE46 3QD NCL: (0191) 2840940 HEX: (01434) 605 537 HEAD OFFICE: (0191) 285 6426