cheers WWW.CHEERSNORTHEAST.CO.UK // MAY 2017 // ISSUE 70
I T ’ S
A B O U T
P U B S ,
P E O P L E ,
B E E R
–
A N D
Y O U !
ON THE BRINK OF ADVENTURE BREWERY TAPS INTO SUCCESS
MEAT AND DRINK AT A HIGH LEVEL CHOP CHOP, IT’S A RARE JOINT
I’VE BOUGHT A PUB
AND NO ORDINARY ONE AT THAT
FREE PLEA
SE TAKE A COPY
WELCOME The old saying goes: “Ne’er cast a clout till May be oot” but this year the adage brings all sorts of complications to the table. We still don’t know if the advice means it’s the end of month of May that we daren’t discard our thermal underwear, or if it’s the may blossom that marks a rise in temperature and a discarding of cardies. And now we’ve got the added complication of a general election with a prime minister called May in the frame. Oh dear, let’s not dwell on that, but invite you to put your hands together for this month’s winners – Brinkburn Street Brewery, Chef of the Year Rory Welsh, Boda Home (which builds beer stocks rather than houses), the new team at The Cluny, Wylam Brewery’s stonking new beers, a new quoits season, a model train that runs round a bar, and to say “See You Jimmy” to a Peruvian bar owner. Is there a better bunch of pub and beer-related stories than that? Let’s take it from your silence that you can’t think of an alternative. And you’d be right. Cheers exists to bring you the best in beer, breweries, pubs and people – with a dash of wine and spirits, a serving of food, and a belly-laugh or two thrown in (but maybe we shouldn’t get carried away on that one). Please enjoy this month’s issue – and on June 8, be sure to put your X in the box where you believe it belongs. Cheers,
CONTENTS 16
The Cluny, based at the heart of Newcastle’s Ouseburn Valley, has been bought from Camerons Brewery by Mi Viejo Fruta Limited, a company headed by Julian Ive. Julian, who worked at the pub between 2005 and 2016, is understandably thrilled to be returning to a pub with such a terrific reputation as one of the finest music and beer venues in the North East. He intends to create a cultural hub, serving firstclass food and drinks that regulars and newcomers will be proud of.
COVER: JULIAN IVE AT THE CLUNY, NEWCASTLE. PHOTO: PETER SKELTON
YOU HAVE TO BE VERY AWARE OF WHAT PEOPLE WANT; YOU HAVE TO LOOK AFTER THE CUSTOMER
Alastair Gilmour Editor, Cheers North East
JADE SKEELS, BODA HOME
EDITORIAL 07930 144 846 01661 844 115
Alastair Gilmour alastair@cheersnortheast.co.uk @CheersPal www.cheersnortheast.co.uk We are tweeting. Follow us @cheers_ne
OUR CLUB MEMBERS
BY GEORGE, I’VE GOT THE CLUNY
ADVERTISING 01661 844 115 07854 011704 Emma Howe emma@offstonepublishing.co.uk Photography: Peter Skelton www.thepsp.net
04 10 12 18
GIVING IT SOME WELLIE AMAZING IS THE WORD PLEASED TO MEAT YOU THE MAN FROM THE PERU
20 22 23 30
UPSIDE DOWN IN CITY PUB QUOITS AN EXPERIENCE NEXT STATION THE TANNERY 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. When you have finished with this magazine please recycle it
BREWERY NEWS
ON THE BRINK OF ADVENTURE One of Newcastle’s most progressive breweries has built a reputation for ‘canny lush beer like’, writes Alastair Gilmour Shovelling spent grain and endless cleaning aren’t perhaps something that Natasha Allen had in mind when she joined Brinkburn Street Brewery in Newcastle. Hand-in-hand with the finance and admin role she was expecting to fill came a pair of white wellies – very useful for her “other” job as apprentice brewer. “I only applied for a job in the office,” she says. That scenario illustrates the “all in it together” approach at Brinkburn Street – everybody mucks in and if there’s a pair of white wellies that fit, you’ll be expected to pull them on. More than that, however, you’ll be given the opportunity to develop and expand your knowledge. Brinkburn Street Brewery (“pushing it at eight barrels”) started brewing in September 2015 by high-voltage engineer Lee Renforth
4 / CHEERS / www.cheersnortheast.co.uk
after nine months of set-up and trial brewing. He had met former Boddingtons head brewer Richard Bazen at the Marble Arch Inn in Manchester and outlined his plans. Richard, who had also been involved in The Star Inn in Salford, a cooperative known for the quality of the ales it produced on a tiny kit, listened and was intrigued. “He’s a brilliant brewer and he’s brought his knowledge to the table,” says Lee. “We needed someone with that experience and level of beer appreciation. Now he and his wife are coming to live in Newcastle.” Lee also acknowledges the help that Marble Brewery in Manchester; Magic Rock, Huddersfield, and Newcastle brewery Northern Alchemy have happily given. At Brinkburn Street (the actual road runs a few metres from the
Dual role: Apprentice Natasha Allen at Brinkburn Street Brewery Photo: Peter Skelton
BREWERY NEWS strength beers is an 8.6% abv porter ready to lay brewhouse at Hoult’s Yard in Byker, Newcastle) down in former sherry casks which will be available the brewing vessels are clad in black-and-white at Christmas. It’s part of a continual improvement livery, a reflection of the team’s Geordie roots. In programme – the “kaizen” approach adopted by fact, Lee Renforth often jokes with Ross Holland of Box Social Brewing that they’re the only Geordie successful corporations across the world. The team is dedicated to making beer better. owners of Newcastle breweries. “We’ve improved every beer we’ve brewed by He says: “Ross is from the West End of looking at it and seeing what can be done,” says Newcastle and I’m from the East End and traditionally the two didn’t get on. We always have a Lee Renforth. “I always think it takes three brews before any beer is right and you’re happy with it. laugh about it.” Adapt and improve, that’s us. Theirs is a down-to-earth approach “We’re in all the best pubs and with a strapline – thought up over the bottle shops like Glug, a kebab and a pint, of course Rehills, Fenwicks and Coppers – that describes Brinkburn and have a house beer Street as producing at the Tyneside Cinema, “Canny Lush Beer Like”. Fitzgeralds and Trillions. The Brinkburn Street We’re very, very busy at the approach is also one of moment and pretty much thoroughness, from testat capacity – and at the marketing new products stage where we need extra (there are now more than space.” 20 beers in the portfolio) A vacant unit next door has targeted at three distinct beerbeen earmarked for a brewery drinking sectors, and involving tap. It’s what breweries these days the right people. For example, Lee need – Tyne Bank and Wylam being Dolman was invited to join the company following a spell in London. Regardless that he and prime examples – and a ready outlet that works on several levels. Lee Renforth are cousins, he is highly qualified in “We’ll also have other people’s beers on, we food safety and formerly a trainer at Greggs. Stew think that’s important,” says Lee. “We’re developing Southern is a builder who has turned his hand our wholesale outlets so we can expand out of the to brewing under Richard Bazen with amazing area and benefit from the repeat business it brings. dexterity; wellington boots don’t scare Natasha “It’s a great feeling making a great pint of beer; Allen, and Paul Ging brings years of media it’s a sense of achievement. The cask ale market experience to marketing and communications. is still very strong – 45% of our output is in cask “We think it’s important to have beers that fit and more and more people are drinking our niche into different parts of the beer-drinking fraternity,” range with food, plus we’re seeing a lot more says Lee Renforth. “Forty percent of what we women making the decisions on choice.” produce is blonde and pale ale – stable session So today Natasha, is it a white wellie day or a beers – but it’s still important to go top-end spreadsheet one? speciality to keep your reputation high. We’ve started using 330ml bottles for our beers at 5.6% abv and over, such as the ultra-hoppy Hop Gremlin and Groovy Juice, a super-fruity high-puncher. “What we see at present is a largely three-tier market. These main demographic groups as we see it are the session beer drinkers who prefer the 3.6% abv to 4.2% abv beers; the mid-strength drinkers who like the 4.2% abv to 5.0% abv ones, and the hop head drinkers – 5.0% abv and above – who like to drink stronger and higher aromatic hop Street cred: From the left, Lee Renforth, Lee content beer.” Dolman, Stew Southern and Natasha Allen One of those high-
W H I T L E Y B AY
Proud to be part of #ourwhitleybay. We are a street away from the beach at No:74 Whitley Road. Pop by to see our selection of beers, spirits and organic wines. See our website for details of our next taster days. 74 Whitley Road, Whitley Bay, NE26 2NE T: 0754 224 4716 @bodahome.co.uk
www.bodahome.co.uk www.cheersnortheast.co.uk / CHEERS / 5
NEWS
SILVER FOR PILSNER IN FOOD AWARDS A North East brewing company has won a prestigious silver medal at the FreeFrom Food Awards. Autumn Brewing Co, which produces gluten-free beer, took the prize with its Bavarian Style Pilsner Lager. Prizes were presented by chef Antony Worrall Thompson. Autumn Brewing Co, through its Alt Brew brand, produces high quality gluten-free beers and lagers using naturally gluten-free brewing malts and ingredients that include rice, millet and quinoa. Peter Briggs, founder of Autumn Brewing Co, said: “The accolade is a great tribute to the brewing team in only our third month of trading. We are now looking forward to building on this success by driving distribution throughout the UK.”
ROOTS AND FRUITS ARE BEAUTS A new vegan-friendly food and drink festival hits all 13 Head of Steam pubs throughout May. Roots & Fruits is inspired by successful veganfriendly food options and positive feedback at Head of Steam outlets in Newcastle Quayside and Sheffield. These are in addition to the pubs’ current range – not in place of – with vegan/ dairy-free customers able to check the green heart symbol. Camerons Brewery has produced a blueberry and ginger unfined cask ale for the month, also named Roots & Fruits, and further cask ales have been sourced from breweries across the UK to highlight the use of alternatives to isinglass finings. A packed Head of Steam programme for this month includes: May 11 – Head of Steam Quayside hosts a vegan beer tasting event featuring unfined options from Credence, Sonnet 43, Camerons, Brinkburn Street and Northern Alchemy breweries. Tickets include vegan food pairings and are available from the bar. May 17 – the launch of Crooked, a new veganfriendly alcoholic soda, plus delicious bar snacks
from Soffle’s Pitta Chips and children’s drinks options from A Little More. May 26 (Bank Holiday) sees the launch of Kona Brewing Co’s Hanalei Island IPA (with a free lei with every a bottle). Updates on food and drinks available will be shared on the Facebook event page at www. facebook.com/events/245323232606006/
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 6 / CHEERS / www.cheersnortheast.co.uk WYLAM_Cheers_Mar17.indd 1
Club of Slaughters
330ML BOTTLE | CORE RANGE 28/03/2017 17:34
NEWS
CAMRA 2017 SOUTH WEST NORTHUMBERLAND PUB OF THE YEAR WINNER
Golden hits: Scott Wall pictured at the King George, Whitley Bay Photo: Peter Skelton
JAMMING HAS SUNDAY COVERED Musician Scott Wall, who featured in our December magazine, tells us about the “go to” place on the coast on a Sunday afternoon. He and other like-minded musicians have formed Blues In The Bay at Tanner Smith’s pub on South Parade, Whitley Bay – along with Whitley Bay Brewing Co and King George pub owners Gary Harding and Gavin Hattrick. “It’s a live jam session between 4pm and 6pm where musicians can get up and join in,” says Scott, who also runs cigar box guitar-making workshops. “We play Blues and Americana music – we’re not a band and don’t practice, so it’s just off-the-cuff requests and jams with whoever turns up. Kids are welcome and encouraged to get up and play whatever instruments they are learning.”
TRADITIONAL PUB WITH REAL ALES, A REAL FIRE AND A WARM WELCOME (12 Handpulls - 12 Ciders/Perrys) Pie & Peas, toasties & sandwiches available every day BUSKERS NIGHTS Tuesday May 2nd, 16th & 30th LIVE MUSIC
Sat 20th May - Trappist
THE NEW BOATHOUSE B&B OPEN FROM 20TH MAY CONTACT US FOR BOOKINGS 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
blockbnbottle.co.uk @BlocknBottle
MAY
SAT 6TH SUN 7TH FRI 12TH SAT 13TH SUN 14TH TUE 16TH THURS 18TH SAT 20TH SUN 21ST
DIAMOND DOGS HAPPY CATS SHIPCOTE & FRIENDS MA KELLY’S BOYS THE CHESTWIGS BUSKERS ACOUSTIC GATHERING - BUSKERS HAIR OF THE DERG STAX BROTHERS
8.30PM 4.30PM 6.00PM 8.30PM 4.30PM 8.00PM 8.00PM 8.30PM 4.30PM
ON WEDNESDAYS WE QUIZ FROM 8PM
The UK’s first dedicated free-range butcher and craft beer bottle shop located in the arches on the Gateshead side of the High Level Bridge. Tuesday - Saturday 8am-8pm Sunday 10am-4pm 07895 837 323 14 Wellington Street, Gateshead NE8 2AJ www.cheersnortheast.co.uk / CHEERS / 7
NEWS
TAVERN CHEF IS TOP MENU MAN Pub food rules. The North East chef of the year doesn’t work in one of the region’s hotels or restaurants as one might reasonably expect, but in a Newcastle city-centre pub. Rory Welsh – voted top performer at the recent 2017 North East Culinary & Trade Association (NECTA) competition – is head chef at the Bridge Tavern, the pub that hunkers under the span of the Tyne Bridge near the Quayside. Rory’s success demonstrates how pubs can reach out in terms of quality and consistency, not only in the beer, wines and spirits but the menus and creativity in the plates that they offer. “I started at the Bridge Tavern on its opening day in 2014, coming from Broad Chare with head chef Tony Renwick,” says Rory. “I was still quite young then, but after three-plus years I took the head chef position on after Tony moved to (sister venue) Wylam Brewery. It’s been great and a really stiff learning curve. “The Broad Chare kitchen was very tough, a tough school, and you had to work very, very quickly – but it’s the same here with the
Tough school: Rory Welsh, North East Chef of the Year Photo: Peter Skelton
style of food we do. You’ve got to be fast with customers ordering at the bar and expecting to be served straight away. “The Bridge Tavern is part of a growing company that includes Wylam Brewery and the Town Wall pub and when you’re busy you know it.” The North East Culinary & Trade Association works closely with catering colleges, employers, producers and manufacturers across the region, helping raise the profile and quality of the catering and hospitality trade to at least equal that of anywhere in the country. In the annual competition, entrants had to compose a three-course menu for four covers, complementing seasonal local produce, by producing a recipe, method and costing for each course. “We had to work to a set brief including guinea fowl in the main course,” says Rory. “You’re judged not just on your skills, but your originality, working methods, hygiene and professional standards and given two-andthree-quarter hours to produce four plates for
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.
8 / CHEERS / www.cheersnortheast.co.uk
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
/brewlabltd
@BrewlabTraining
Your name here...
www.brewlab.co.uk
NEWS each course all on your own. There were eight chefs in the final from the likes of Close House, 21, Jury’s Inn and Pleased To Meet You. It was great competition.” Rory is no stranger to life in a busy kitchen – while a teenager his dad was a chef at Wynyard Hall and got him kitchen porter jobs which gave him the bug. He says: “I was doing two days there, two days at 21 and two days at college – with one day off a week. I know it’s a cliché to say ‘from kitchen porter to head chef’ but it actually happens. The buzz gets to you. “I’ve always done competitions from being a young chef as it’s great experience and it lets you see what other people are doing – and I want to get better at what I do. It’s so unnerving, but I quite like that. And being a chef, you’re always eating out at other places, keeping up with trends and progressions. His favourite chefs include Fergus Henderson, founder of St John restaurant in London noted for his use of offal and other neglected cuts in his philosophy of “nose-to-tail” eating, and New York-based April Bloomfield – in fact he regards the US as being at an exciting time. But he’s very happy working at the Bridge Tavern, simply because, as he says: “I’ve got a big trophy and a stack of pride.”
Glass act: Judging lasy year’s competition
BATTLE OF THE HOMEBREWER It’s Home Brew Competition time again at Newcastle’s Hop & Cleaver – and it’s all about the IPA. Homebrewers are being invited to brew an IPA with a strength up to 7.0% abv and present a maximum of three bottles to the pub by Sunday June 25. The winning beer will be selected by a panel of judges then its brewer will get the opportunity to reproduce it on a larger scale at the Hop & Cleaver Brewery within the Quayside pub. Brew it, bottle it (labelled clearly), bring it, win it, brew it again, see it on the pull, drink it. Details: 0191 261 1037.
CRAFT BEER CALLING
INTERNATIONAL BEER FESTIVAL
26/27/28 OCTOBER 2017 WYLAM BREWERY | PALACE OF ARTS | NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE
Champion: One of the first Brown Ale newspaper adverts, April 25 1927
firstries e brew unced anno ets on tick ale s
visit www.CraftBeerCalling.com for details CBC17_Cheers.indd 1
www.cheersnortheast.co.uk / CHEERS / 9 28/03/2017 17:35
NICE THINGS
HOME FROM HOME
After a walk along the seafront, Alastair Gilmour finds a coastal jewel Have you ever come across a shop that seems to sell absolutely everything under the sun? Rice? Of course. Basmati, jasmine or brown? Tableware? Certainly. Cups, bowls, platters, plain, brightly coloured? Beer? Bottles, cans, local, continental? And don’t simply ask for pasta. Absolutely. Spaghetti, orzo, ravioli, lasagna, fusilli, tagliatelli… Boda Home in Whitley Bay is just that sort of store and being high on alcohol (it’s not referred to as “that shop with the amazing ales” for nothing), it caters for customers who enjoy themselves and indulge others. Boda Home, independent and family-run, has been open for five years and is constantly evolving. Owners Jade Skeels and David (Will) Wilson regard it as an
extension of home. “We like nice things, good food and drink, so this is a nice progression,” says Jade, who developed her natural curiosity manning stalls at markets and festivals, all the while researching what people liked. “It was just an idea that happened to evolve. We knew if we had a shop it would have an element of alcohol about it, but we kept adapting and changing. “You have to be very aware of what people want; you have to look after the customer. I’m quite nosy by nature and this allows me access to finding things, then bring them back and share them with people, making it all accessible and not so precious that they don’t feel involved.” The Boda Homes wine range is organic and free from pesticides, herbicides and man-made toxins,
BREWERY SHOP NOW OPEN Home of Rivet Catcher & The Magnificent 7 NOW AVAILABLE IN BOTTLES To Order Beer Please Call 0191 5970151 Contract House, Wellington Road Dunston, Gateshead @GNEBCO
10 / CHEERS / www.cheersnortheast.co.uk
NICE THINGS
Customer focus: Jade Skeels at Boda Home. Photo: Peter Skelton produced by growers who not only care about what’s in each bottle but have huge respect for their employees. Jade says: “One firm gives each of their workers an allotment to grow their own produce, so there’s more to it for me than simply buying it and putting it on the shelves.”
A gin and rum section sits opposite the wine racks (beside the greetings cards and brightlyhomeware), while the “back shop” is crammed with beer in bottles and cans in all shapes and sizes from home and away. Campervan Brewery Wheat Beer snuggles up to Left-Handed Giant USPA, just
behind Ahab from Up Front Brewing, while Cullercoats, Hadrian Border, Allendale and Brinkburn Street hold the fort for the locals. “It’s all come about through our travels, trial and error and a lot of fun,” says Jade. “Neither of us had a history of doing anything like this and even now we might change from
one week to the next. “It all seemed to happen at the right time. A few years ago, things were moving on quickly around here like Cullercoats Brewery and The North Chocolate starting up, so there was a good feeling. Our friends all help out, as do my mum and dad; it’s a nice little community which is really important.” Will, who chooses most of the beer range, is something of a barbecue expert and there’s apparently little he doesn’t know about fire pits, burners, ovens and paella pans while getting creative with meat, vegetables and herbs. Jade says: “We might seem to be out of the way (on the less commercial run of Whitley Road) but there’s a lot going on in this part of town, a lot happening, and a lot of energy about. We’re all very supportive of each other.” Boda Home is an education in nice things. Northumberland cheese? Italian butter? Tynemouth coffee? Iberico ham? Durham gin? They’re all in “that shop with the amazing ales”. bodahome.co.uk
THE BRIDGE TAVERN BREW PUB & EATERY
www.thebridgetavern.com
BT_Cheers.indd 1
www.cheersnortheast.co.uk / CHEERS / 11 30/01/2015 14:07
BEER AND BEEF
MEAT AND DRINK AT A HIGH LEVEL Steak out: Steven Warren and Katie Cullen at Block & Bottle Photo: Peter Skelton
When it comes to food and drink, Gateshead is on the rise. Regular food markets are proving popular at Dunston Staiths and Low Fell, and the area around the High Level Bridge is benefiting from a marketing boost - branded The Bridges Quarter - brought about by new businesses including Arch 16 Café, the Station East pub, the long-established and well-loved Central bar, and Gateshead Council. The latest venture in the railway arches on Wellington Street (the High Level’s exit) continues the culture drive with Block & Bottle charcuterie and craft beer shop, which is a traditional butcher’s crossed with a cutting-edge beer emporium.
“I think we’re the first in the country to combine a butcher’s with fridges full of beer and a table where you can drink them,” says Katie Cullen, who runs the beer side of the business while partner Steven Warren cuts, cleaves and hangs the meat. “However, I would happily stand corrected if proved wrong.” Steven has been a butcher for 12 years, starting “very old school high street” in his uncle’s shop in Darlington, and his dream has always been to run his own place. The Block & Bottle concept has been on the boil for over a year, during which time the couple relocated to the North East from living and
MADE IN SMALL BATCHES FINEST
INGREDIENTS TRUE CASK CONDITIONED Delivered directly and through SIBA DDS in the north and by good wholesalers nationally.
hexhamshire.co.uk • 01434 606 577 Enjoy our beers, delicious home cooked food and a warm welcome at our cosy pub with real fire and beer garden – diptonmill.co.uk We are easy to find & only 2 miles south of Hexham. Dipton Mill Road, Hexham NE46 1YA
12 / CHEERS / www.cheersnortheast.co.uk
working in London and Edinburgh - she in events management and he at Hook & Cleaver in Ealing. Steve had also been behind the butcher’s counter at Stewart & Co in Jesmond and in Newcastle’s Grainger Market. Katie says: “We spotted an appetite for something like this but it was still a big decision. People these days like to know the provenance of their food - where it comes from and how it’s been prepared and how it’s an education for everybody. “We like the ‘soul’ aspect of food and drink where friendships are made. People can even just come in and have a drink. There’s always a lot going on.” The cuts displayed in the window and in the chiller are like going back in time, or transported to a European food capital market common in Lyon, Madrid or Bologna. Block & Bottle’s meat is all rare breed or locallybred with grass-fed Aberdeen Angus, Longhorn and Dexter beef dry-aged for four weeks. Pork is from Gloucester Old Spot pigs which Steve expertly cures and converts into brilliant sausage and his own salami; sopressata and chorizo. As well as the beer fridges full of local and national beers and from the US and Belgium, Katie and Steven feature a “growler station” for sampling their ever-revolving range of craft keg beers. “Block & Bottle is something we always wanted to do,” says Katie. “We’ve been planning this for so long and it’s been such hard work, it’s really great fun now.”
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
JUST THE TONIC
A NORTHERN GIN REVOLUTION
Assuming you like your tipple with plenty of spirit, the next Planet Juniper Gin Festival in June is the place for you. Following the success of the first Planet Juniper Festival in Newcastle in April, the Durham Gin Festival, in association with Cheers, our sister magazines Appetite and The Northumbrian, and foodie book producer Relish Publications, celebrates the world of gin with a focus on the outstanding range of northern distilleries. Festival director Mark Carton
says: “The last decade has seen a crop of outstanding new gin distilleries grow in the North East of England. “From Hepple Gin in Rothbury, Northumberland, to Masons Gin in Bedale, Yorkshire, we have an amazing array of talent and quality in the region.” Planet Juniper’s second festival is at Durham County Cricket Club in Chester-le-Street on June 16-18, and will feature a range of homegrown favourites including Durham Distillery and Poetic License from
Sunderland. “A passion for local produce and the use of traditional techniques to perfect a truly original series of gins which reflect the region is the guiding force for our festivals,” says Mark. “We’re spoilt for choice when it comes to premium gin distilleries in the north of England and these festivals are designed to spread the word and share the pleasure.” Of course, gin has a long and colourful history dating back as far as the 17th Century, when European monks distilled the original Genever gins. The drink is now enjoying a resurgence and UK sales passed £1bn in 2016, so it’s fantastic to see the north of England become a centre of excellence for premium small batch gins. The growth in sales is matched by an increasingly sophisticated market, with new infused gin products, gin liqueurs and gin cocktail creations leading the way in innovation. Similarly, tonics and botanical mixers are increasingly sophisticated, and the main sponsor and official drinks partner for the 2017 Planet Juniper gin festivals is Fever Tree, which is
supplying premium tonic waters and botanical-based drinks free to all festival visitors. With almost 75% of a traditional G&T being the tonic water, it’s appropriate that the UK’s fastestgrowing premium tonics are available to festival visitors free, says Mark, who adds: “It’s also not only about tonic. Ginger ale, elderflower and Sicilian lemonade are just three of many excellent alternatives to a basic tonic water which can transform a premium gin into a completely new drink. ‘With Fever Tree we have the best of all worlds, with the widest range of tonics - from Aromatic to Mediterranean and Naturally Light - and a full range of alternative botanicals on offer at the festivals. This means we can offer a truly outstanding range of gin accompanied with great mixers to ensure the weekend goes with a swing.” Planet Juniper Durham Gin Festival, June 16-18 2017: Emirates Riverside International Cricket Ground, Chester-leStreet, Co Durham, DH3 3QR Tickets available at www.planetjuniper.co.uk
Win FREE tickets to Planet Juniper and a bottle of Durham Gin We have a pair of tickets to the Planet Juniper Gin Festival on offer for one lucky winner, plus a bottle of the finest Durham Gin to help get you in the mood. To be in with a chance of winning, all you need to do is name one of the premium Northern distilleries which will be attending Durham Gin Festival, June 16-18 2017 at Durham County Cricket Club, Chester-le-Street. To enter, email your answer, name and mobile number to info@festivalconcepts.co.uk by March 31 2017, or go to the competitions page at www.planetjuniper.co.uk/cheers www.cheersnortheast.co.uk / CHEERS / 13
14 / CHEERS / www.cheersnortheast.co.uk
BEER FESTIVAL NEWS
EVERY ONE A WINNER
The feature event at April’s Newcastle Beer Festival was a Battle of the Beers competition where breweries in the Tyneside & Northumberland branch of the Campaign For Real Ale (Camra) were invited to produced an IPA in a range 4.0% abv-6.0% abv. Twenty four beers were entered, judged by a panel of publicans, brewers, academics and journalists – but as they say in these circumstance, there can only be one winner. Mordue 5PA (5.0% abv) came out on top – described as pale golden featuring tropical grapefruit and resiny hops over a soft malt background. Mordue co-founder Matt Fawson said: “Although we’ve won this competition four times in five years, it still came as a shock. We just let brewer Rob Millichamp go into his world of hops. It’s a really good beer and very drinkable
and it’ll be interesting to see it in other formats.” The latest success couldn’t have come at a better time as Mordue Workie Ticket will celebrate the 20th anniversary of being named Camra Champion Beer of Britain 1997 later this summer. “And it’s still our best seller,” says Matt.
Festival judge Gary Taylor goes with the glow
FOR ALL YOUR KEYKEG SUPPLIES
Tel: 01604 879831 nichesolutionsgb.co.uk
www.cheersnortheast.co.uk / CHEERS / 15
PUB NEWS
I’VE BOUGHT A PUB One of the North East’s most notable ale and music venues has changed hands. Alastair Gilmour talks to the new owner – who actually isn’t that new You never know what’s in other people’s minds, so sometimes the best way to get the answer you want to hear is to simply ask the question. So, with a burning desire to own his own place after years of working in and managing pubs, Julian Ive eventually put the theory to the test. He asked Camerons, one of the largest private breweries in the country with an estate of some 70 pubs, if The Cluny in Newcastle’s Ouseburn Valley was ripe for an offer. Julian had been involved with the ale, art and music venue for 11 years, so he knew it inside out. “My business partner Steve Parkin and I asked the question and were met with quite a positive response,” says Julian. “We met Chris Soley (Camerons’ chief executive) one January morning over a cup of coffee and the deal was just about done. Four months later, here we are. “It’s great to be back and I’m pleased to say it’s going very, very well and above expectations. It’s all very exciting. It’ll be a while before we finish doing what we want to do, but at the moment it’s day-by-day changes like a bit of paintwork and a freshen up here and there. “The Cluny has always been about the Ouseburn community – and we’ve already got a lot of our old regulars back. We’re back to getting our coffee from a local company, for instance, as well as using local printers, stationers, musicians and breweries. Sometimes that sort of thing isn’t fully understood by big companies with lots of individual businesses to look after and they can’t make an exception of one.” One of the most important jobs for the new team is to get The Cluny kitchen back 16 / CHEERS / www.cheersnortheast.co.uk
to performing to the reputation it enjoyed several years ago to attract daytime diners with original menus using local produce. A range of cask and craft keg beers also made the pub into something of an institution. But it was while working in a Gateshead pub last year that the penny finally dropped for Julian. He says: “When I was doing shifts at
Asked the question: Julian Ive, left, with Sarah Laquiz and Steve Brown. Photos: Peter Skelton
???
PUB NEWS and with the music which is going very, very well it’ll be a real cultural hub. “It’s a trend for bars to be designed to look like warehouses but this is a warehouse and we’ll capitalise on that. We’ll be at the centre of the Ouseburn Festival, looking at acoustic blues on a Sunday, using the space more. There’s a lot more to come with events and local bands. “Cluny2 is an ongoing project but I’ve always felt the bar in there never really worked, so that needs looking at with maybe some seating shifted around and a little bar put in. That’s also one step at a time, but very quick steps – by September. “The goodwill has been amazing – people I don’t even know have been stopping me to wish me well, local businesses have been very supportive, and Camerons have been very, very helpful in terms of making the changeover that much easier. “Happy days.” THE CLUNY The building at 36 Lime Street, which The Cluny is part of, was built in 1848 as a steam-driven flax mill to a John Dobson design for the firm of Plummer and Cooke. Flax was used to make linen and sail cloth. The neighbouring restored chimney forms part of the original Dobson complex. In 1866 it was bought by Proctor and Sons and converted into a flour mill then taken over by another flour company Henry Leetham & Sons in 1900. The mill stood The Schooner in Gateshead I saw that empty for many years until the 1920s when there were maybe 100 people in for Sunday it was taken over by McPhersons Wine and dinners, then there was a band on at 4.30 which made the pub continuously busy from Spirit Merchants who stored bonded whisky under the brand name Cluny. 12 till nine. It opened my eyes a bit to what In 1983 Mike Mould, founder of the could be done. famous Bruvvers Community Theatre “The Cluny is a local pub for local people Company, bought the then-virtually derelict and we need that daytime trade back again building with his brother Roy to convert to give it a buzz. There are so many great into a Fun Palace for artists and performers. breweries operating around the Ouseburn, Bruvvers was founded in 1969 to take live so you’ll be seeing more of Two By Two, theatre and music into the disadvantaged Out There and Tyne Bank beers, as well as areas of Tyneside. Almasty and Wylam – their Jakehead IPA Following a meeting with furniture maker has been flying out since we got it in. Tim Kendall – over a pint, naturally – the “We’ve also got a great team of about 25 idea was formed to invite artisans, actors, which I’m inspired by, a lot of young staff with get-up-and-go about them and we’ll be musicians and artists into the building to create workshops and studios. It is still a creating new employment opportunities.” vibrant, creative hub, with The Cluny pub, Customers might notice something Cluny2 events space ( formerly the Round different in the pub bit by bit – the timber floor is actually mellow oak and that’s going Theatre), and Seven Stories, the national centre for children’s books, making it a to be stripped back to reveal its original glory, for instance, and artists will be invited multi-cultural centre. The Cluny pub was another of Mike back to hang their works. Mould’s brilliant ideas, opening in 1999 then Julian says: “I’ve always felt the back sold to Tony Brookes’ Head of Steam group room is a really good gallery space for local ??? in 2002. Hartlepool-based Camerons took artists which dropped off a bit – after all, over The Cluny as part of its Head of Steam 3,000 people a week walk past it to get to acquisition from Tony Brookes in December the toilets, so it must be one of the busiest 2013. galleries in the area. With all that going on www.cheersnortheast.co.uk / CHEERS / 17
VIEW FROM ABROAD
BODEGA TO BODEGA IN ONE ROUND
Perusing: Jimmy McManners, left, and Will Wicks at Will’s Bar, Lima, Peru. Below: Neighbouring street art
Jim McManners OBE, real ale fan, NUFC devotee and regular in the Bodega, Newcastle, reports from a Peruvian pub and microbrewery On any Newcastle United matchday the four McManners boys – dad and three sons – could be found crammed into The Bodega in Newcastle clutching pints of Allendale Pennine Pale or Fyne Ales Jarl. For the past five years however, middle brother Jimmy has been absent. Apart
from the occasional holiday at home he has been flying the NUFC and real ale flag in Barranco, a district of Lima in Peru (via Edinburgh, Philadelphia, Rome, and a job as an interpreter for legendary Italian striker Roberto Baggio. But these are stories for another time).
Liddle’s Coaches of Tyneside - a small, friendly, family run mini coach company. We are a Walbottle based business and specialise in private and contract mini bus hire in Newcastle and the North East area. We provide a dedicated service at a highly competitive price with our 7 to 16 seater Mercedes mini coaches. Whether your requirements are a short trip or long distance, private or corporate hire please contact us and we will be happy to help and advise. We look forward to welcoming you on board very soon.
T: 0191 267 4000 E: info@liddlescoaches.co.uk www.liddlecoaches.co.uk 18 / CHEERS / www.cheersnortheast.co.uk
Jimmy manages Wick’s pub, working with owner, brewer and fellow Englishman Will Wicks who trained at Brewlab in Sunderland, honed his skills at Mordue Brewery, and met his Peruvian wife in Manchester. Jimmy McManners also has a Peruvian wife and family. The beers are brewed by Will in a corridor-like room just off the main bar – no fancy glass screens or shiny coppers for show, just a working row of vessels with the door left open for anyone to have a nosy at the process. He brews twice a week producing five casks each time and selling it all in the pub, varying the output with ten distinctive beers that range from a superb stout, a “pilgrim” and a best bitter through to my favourite
Angel of The North, a very heavily hopped pale ale. Even allowing for the phenomenon that all drinks taste better in their own country – even Kronenbourg can taste OK in France – Will’s beers are Premier League standard, up there with some of the Newcastle Bodega’s offerings and the only beers I have come across in Peru pulled with a proper head from a hand pump. For the beer buffs, they use malted barley, Goldings and Challenger hops all imported from England. American Amarillo hops are occasionally bought but are expensive. They now come in pellet form as loose cones sent the airport sniffer dogs into ecstasy. The resultant beer does not come cheap, around 16 soles a pint, which translates as “London prices”, but
VIEW FROM ABROAD there are enough young affluent Peruvians in Barranco who have developed a taste for real ale to keep the pub busy – as well as expats of all nations in this “proper” pub. I can’t pretend that there is a huge Newcastle United contingent in Lima but there are converts – Nobby Solano grew up just down the road close to Lima airport. But most tourists only spend a night or two in Lima en route to Machu Picchu, the rain forest or Lake Titicaca and will miss Barranco which is a shame as it is a bit of a gem and, in my view, far more interesting than the more developed Miraflores area where most tourist hotels are situated. Barranco has been “discovered”, but not yet spoiled; famous now for its vibrant street art, galleries and lively nightlife as well as for its fabulous old colonial mansions, some of which are being converted into traditional and modern bars.
The beer scene goes well beyond Wicks; the Barranco Beer Company has a very swish, state-of-the-art brew bar brewing Belgian-style beers such as Lupulager, a hopped lager which they are now canning for export. Peruvian microbreweries tend to go for very strong 7.0% abv-plus American-style craft ales – some quite nice, others… Being unfamiliar with the Spanish language, when I was in Barranco I was delighted to find lots of bodegas; little dark cave-like shops selling everything under the sun, except Pennine Pale or those nice cheese and tomato sarnies (incidentally, if there is a better team of bar staff than The Bodega, I have yet to find it). But it did make me wonder where our matchday pub of choice got its name. There’s nowt Spanish in there, except maybe a bag of Liquorice Allsorts.
NOW OPEN
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! The One Eyed Stag, 5 The Square, Whickham, Gateshead, Tyne & Wear NE16 4JB Email: theoneeyedstag@outlook.com The One Eyed Stag @theoneeyedstag @theoneeyedstag
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
FRIENDLY
PUB
www.cheersnortheast.co.uk / CHEERS / 19
BREWERY NEWS
007 IN HOP AND BEER BONDING Wylam Brewery brewers turned out in force for a meet the brewer event at the Crown Posada in Newcastle to highlight some of its hopheady range. Head brewer Ben Wilkinson was in demand by beer lovers curious to discover how some of the flavour profiles came about. Ben said: “Vic Secret 007 (4.7% abv) is the seventh beer in our single hop cask series, the idea being to give the cask drinker a chance to enjoy the New World hops generally used in keg, can and bottle. Vic Secret is an Australian crossbreed variety when blended with others provides pungent notes of peach/stone fruit alongside deep floral/perfume qualities. We added 7.0% acid malt to the grist for a slight gooseberry sourness which we feel balances well. “The Upside Down (6.4% abv) is our collab with Simply Hops, our number one hop supplier. It’s an experimental New World IPA using a blend of US and southern hemisphere hop varieties, including AU035 – so new it hasn’t got a name yet. Its a
TICKETS ARE SELLING
Head man: Ben Wilkinson, Wylam Brewery, at the Crown Posada, Newcastle heady amalgam. We use a heavy volume of rolled oats, wheat and golden naked oats in the grist with a base malt of Weyermann low colour pilsner malt letting us go big on mouthfeel while keeping the colour pale, dank and hazy. “Sticky Bud DIPA (8.7% abv) is our second double IPA (Double Jakehead being the first). Again lots of rolled and pinhead oats present in the grist alongside freshly baked bread produced for us by our good friends at Pink Lane Bakery using varied grains and their unique sourdough starter without any salt or oil content which adds to the rich, dense sticky
mouthfeel. High volumes of cold side hopping with Citra, Simcoe and Mosaic T90 pellets and the addition of Yakima Chief Lupulin powder delivers massive blasts of mango, pineapple and papaya. “This month we are a year into the new site and brewhall at Exhibition Park in Newcastle and after a hard but rewarding 12 months we are nicely dialled into the kit, enjoying fine-tuning, experimenting and producing ever-more new products. The extra capacity gives us the capability to reach out to our national demand as well as beginning our journey into export.”
FAST
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 20 / CHEERS / www.cheersnortheast.co.uk
f
@tynebeerfest tynedalebeerfestival
three kings Advert.pdf
C
M
Y
CM
MY
CY
CMY
K
1
30/10/2014
18:33
OUTSIDE INNS
QUOITS AN EXPERIENCE It’s head to head time. The pub quoits season starts this month and Northumberland has a very competitive league, writes Ian Young As the days get warmer and the nights get even lighter many of us start to explore the countryside looking for pubs with good food, great ale and sunny beer gardens. And sports fans who find it frustrating not to be able to watch football after May might be surprised to discover there’s another activity they can get excited about. The question is often asked, “What did the Romans ever do for us?” Actually, among many other things, they brought quoits to Britain, a game still played along the Roman Wall, the Tyne Valley and beyond. Today, the Allen Valley Quoits League, which reaches from Northumberland to
22 / CHEERS / www.cheersnortheast.co.uk
Cumbria, is still going strong 1,630 years after the Romans abandoned their imperial rule, consisting three divisions playing on Wednesday evenings – out in those pub beer gardens that serve some of the best food and ales in the area. Traditional quoits is played with metal discs, normally made of steel and thrown across a set distance at a metal spike called a pin (elsewhere also hob or mott). The pin is centrally and vertically positioned in a square of moist https://en.wikipedia.org/ wiki/Clay” clay measuring three feet across. The northern version of the game adheres to the 15 rules published
Game on: Quoits at The Angel Inn, Haydon Bridge
in The Field magazine in 1881, remaining largely unchanged since then and played under the auspices of The National Quoits Association, formed in 1986. In this game, the pins are 11 yards apart, with their tops protruding three to four inches above the clay. Quoits measure 5½ inches in diameter and weigh around 5½ pounds. This version of the game is played in the West Northumberland/Cumbria
area from Garrigill to Twice Brewed. Several other leagues also thrive, including Northumberland (East), Zetland, Cleveland, and Swaledale, If you are one of those eager to take a photo of the famous Sycamore Gap tree on Hadrian’s Wall, you just need to venture another few hundred yards to be at the Twice Brewed Inn where one of its quoits teams is likely to be at home on any given Wednesday – and enjoy
OUTSIDE INNS
some great ale and food. The quoits pitch at the Anchor at Haydon Bridge sits perilously close to the banks of the Tyne but spectators can sit comfortably above the river on a balmy summer’s evening watching the contest while taking an occasional glance across the weir at a wading heron patiently searching for its fish supper. The Boatside at Warden also supports three teams and the quoits
pitches, beer and food there are all excellent. Another pub in the league is the Rose and Crown at Slayley which is owned and run by the local community. Village residents and supporters staff the bar on a voluntary basis and there is always home-cooked food, local real ales and a warm welcome waiting for everyone The nearest pub to Newcastle with a quoits team is The Errington Arms at Stagshaw Bank on the B6318 Military Road. The pub has a well-deserved reputation for food and there are always local real ale available, more than often Hadrian Border Tyneside Blonde. Last year’s finals day was held at the Red Lion at Newbrough. Andy and Sue Smith serve homecooked food using locally-sourced ingredients. So, whether you’re looking for a relaxing summer evening in a beer garden or feel the need of a sporting fix – as well as a pint of locally-brewed beer – head out on a Wednesday evening and be part of a classic British scene which hasn’t changed for generations. Or at least 1,630 years.
As a micro brewery we produce over 18 different beers. Brewery Tours available all year round
Delicious homemade dishes, including fresh scones, cakes, soups, main meals & light snacks available.
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.
FRESH FOOD // CRAFT BEER // GIN // WHISKEY LIVE MUSIC // COMEDY QUIZZES // TASTING EVENINGS // JAZZ CAFE
DOG FRIENDLY // CAMRA MEMBERS DISCOUNT
HIGH HOUSE FARM BREWERY, MATFEN, NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE. NE20 0RG ENQUIRIES: 01661 886192 / TRADE: 01661 886769 INFO@HIGHHOUSEFARMBREWERY.CO.UK www.cheersnortheast.co.uk / CHEERS / 23
PUB NEWS
BACK ON TRACK A Hexham pub is responding to some TLC and IPA, writes Alastair Gilmour If you’re convinced you’re seeing things, a pub with four very interesting ales and two classy ciders on each of its two bars might not be the best place to be. You could be convinced you’ve just seen a model train running around the wall above you then vanish into a tunnel, only to reappear seconds later. And you’d be right – another sip of your Black Band Porter should reveal it’s a Hornby 00 Gauge Class 142 065 Northern Spirit 2-Car Pacer, similar to the ones that run on the Carlisle to Sunderland line not far from where you’re sitting. Hallucinations aside, you’re in The Tannery in Gilesgate, Hexham, a pub that’s a lot of fun but is serious about its beer, cider, whisky, gin and food. A list of ales from Swannay, Hardknott, Harviestoun, Thornbridge and
The
Firebrick reads like a 1950s First Division forward-line and is just as strapping. And the model train set is to be armed with a “petcam” which will transmit its journey on to a screen in the bar. Tannery owner Dave Carr is a man bursting with ideas. He pulled the Brandling Villa in South Gosforth, Newcastle, up by its bootstraps in 2010 by introducing exciting beers, sausage festivals, doggy dinners and dog beer that hit newspaper headlines all the way to Beijing. But you can’t survive long on gimmicks; there has to be some sort of substance behind the blarney – and a consistently great show is what Dave Carr is a master at. “I’ve got The Tannery pretty much where I want it now,” says Dave. “It’s a different place to run than the Brandling Villa but I’ve now
Duke of Wellington Inn
Voted the Best Hotel in Northumberland by The Telegraph SUNDAY SLEEPOVER
Join us for Sunday lunch between 2--5pm and stay the night for just £90 B&B (Excl Bank Holidays - see website for further details)
FIZZY FRIDAY
Glass of Prosecco £3.50 Bottle of Prosecco £18.00 Available all day
PUB QUIZ Every second Monday (see website for dates) Team up to 6 people Entry £1 per person Supper & Cash Prizes
OPEN MIC NIGHT Every second Sunday (see website for dates) Free Entry & Free Supper
Newton, Northumberland, NE43 7UL Tel: 01661 844446 www.dukeofwellingtoninn.co.uk Duke of Wellington Newton @DukeinNewton
24 / CHEERS / www.cheersnortheast.co.uk
Engine driver: Dave Carr at The Tannery, Hexham. Photo: Peter Skelton
PUB NEWS got the best team I’ve ever had here and the pub is pulling its weight.” He admits that after taking on The Tannery in 2014, it took a long time for his ideas to be accepted. “I felt I was getting more like an executive pub landlord – and I didn’t like it,” he says. “I’d rather lift up all the rocks. I needed to put a bit of myself back into the pubs.” Dave is a travelling man, visiting up to 20 cities a year – St Petersburg, Kiev, Barcelona, you name it – in the quest for what makes a great pub. In fact, we’re chatting a couple of hours before his flight to Madrid (“my favourite drinking hole in the world”). The Tannery and Brandling Villa are hosting a Spanish Festival at the end of this month with food in the shape of Morcilla de Burgos, Jamon Serrano and Salchichon plus beers that include Basqueland Brewing Project Begi Haundi Stout, Alhambra Riserva and Imparable IPA from Barcelona Beer Company. The Tannery has never looked better in three years under Carr driving; the former lounge has been renamed Frank & Bird’s Old Style Fermented Apple And Pear Juice Parlour; tables aren’t
numbered for ease of food service, but inlaid with pictures of locals’ dogs and their names, so you could be sitting at Darcy or Gunner. “We’ve actually got about 40 on the waiting list,” says Dave. A Donald Trump dartboard gets constant use and two high tables with Scrabble boards inset like those draughts and chess sets in Belgian bars are simply great fun. Again, fun will only get you so far and the focus at both pubs is on a high level of food and drink. “We’ve got some fantastic beers here,”
says Dave. “I learn off the staff, there’s always something that’ll surprise you.” The Brandling Villa is bracing itself for a five-a-side football pitch laid in the car park, complete with artificial turf and surrounding hoardings. “We’re looking for other pubs to compete and maybe have a mini World Cup,” says Dave. “ But I’ve only got the goals so far.” For a man who admits he has never been so excited in his life about a simple thing like getting a new van, goals are very important.
The Quayside Exchange 197 High Street East, Sunderland, SR1 2AX Tel: 0191 514 4574 Email: events@quaysideexchange.com www.quaysideexchange.com
www.cheersnortheast.co.uk / CHEERS / 25
WHAT’S ON
Gigs ’N’ Festivals EVERY FRIDAY AND SATURDAY
The Café, National Trust Gibside Estate, Rowlands Gill NE16 6BG Every weekend at 4pm the Gibside café transforms into a pub. Ales are on tap from Wylam Brewery, pizzas freshly baked in a wood-fired oven, while outdoors small log-burning braziers warm the cockles on a chilly night. There aren’t many pubs located on 18th Century “pleasure grounds” estates, so Gibside can claim to be a wee bit different. And different it certainly is; it’s also family and dog-friendly with a mini play area. Regular music nights are hosted by local musician Paul Reed, a dedicated beer and bite night features local producers, and board games night is an evening of non-tech, let alone low-tech. It’s all rather charming, fun and open to all, not exclusive to National Trust members, so as these evenings get a bit longer and warmer it’s a grand place to sit and sip – and oh those pizzas. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/gibside/features/sometimes-youwanna-go-where-everybody
MAY 11 AND JUNE 2
Crown Posada, Side, Newcastle NE1 3JE Crown Posada manager Andy Nicholson rarely pauses in his quest to present the best in beer to customers at the Newcastle
26 / CHEERS / www.cheersnortheast.co.uk
pub. Meet the brewer and tap takeover events are hugely popular and continue on Thursday May 11 with a Box Social Brewing event to mark the Newburn, Newcastle’s second anniversary. This is also in the shape of a tap takeover and meet the brewer which will bring it all back to where their first official pint was poured. Andy Nicholson says: “Then on Friday June 2 we’ll be hosting our fourth annual Rat Brewery meet the brewer and tap takeover. Head brewer Paul usually whips up an exclusive beer for the event like the Regal Rodent we had last year, so I’m inviting Cheers readers to name a rat-themed Double IPA for the event. The best suggestion will win a half-gallon of beer.” Thinking caps on, then – entries by Friday May 26 to Andrew. nicholson@sjf.co.uk (type Rat Brewery into the subject field).
MAY 27-28
WHITLEY BAY BEER FESTIVAL Rockcliff RFC, Hillheads, Lovaine Avenue, Whitley Bay NE25 8RN The fourth annual festival features 35 beers, ciders, gin bar with 15 gins and a Prosecco bar. Entry £10 gets you a commemorative glass, two tokens, a pen and info on all the beers. Extra tokens £1.50 each. Live music and hot food available. www.rockcliff.co.uk
JUNE 8-11
IRON IN THE SOUL FESTIVAL Seafront venues in Cullercoats, Tyne & Wear A celebration of words, music and oddities. Headliner is undoubtedly poet Ian McMillan but there’s a full programme of events (including a whole range of live music and a kayak sea journey around St Mary’s Island). Cullercoats Brewery has produced a special ale, Iron In The Soul (4,0% abv) specially for the festival, available from Boda Home and other venues. Tickets: www.ticketsource.co.uk/iron-press and various outlets (no booking fees)
CLASSIFIED: TO ADVERTISE CALL 01661 844115
CLASSIFIED ADVERTS For more information on how to advertise your services, vacancies and events contact Emma Howe on
01661 844 115
Our Knowledge =
Your SucceSS DicK Attlee Real Ale Technical Services T: 0191 597 9668 M: 07722 631787 E: dick@ratsbeer.co.uk We NOW provide courses in Cellar Craft for Public House Staff & Courses on Beer Dispense for New Brewers - ring for details
HAVING A BEER FEST? 2 PINT TAKE HOME BEER HOPPERS These handy biodegradable containers are designed to take out draught beer Box of 100 ex stock just £28+VAT and delivery Buy on-line: www.gnltd.co.uk or Tel: 01233 770780 For further information
GN Packaging
Units B & C, Smarden Business Estate Monks Hill, Smarden, Kent TN27 8QL
Specialists in Beer Books, Postcards, Posters & Signs Our product range covers material from England, Belgium, France, The Netherlands, Germany and the U.S.A. They will be of interest to beer drinkers, memorabilia lovers, brewers, publicans, bar designers plus many more beer enthusiasts. We deliver by mail order and can also ship abroad.
Beer-Inn Print (Est 1997) Long High Top, Hebden Bridge, West Yorkshire, HX& 7PF Tel: 01422 844437 Email: beerinnprint@gmail.com order online at: www.beerinnprint.co.uk
Scotia Welding & Fabrication
Micro Brewery equipment from individual components to a turnkey application. All aspects of brewing consultancy if required. admin@scotiawelding.co.uk | www.scotiawelding.co.uk | 01578 722 696 www.cheersnortheast.co.uk / CHEERS / 27
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
28 / 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
1 Front Street, Bamburgh, NE69 7BP, t: 01668 214431
THE VILLAGE INN
Longframlington, Morpeth, NE65 8AD t: 01665 570268 www.thevillageinnpub.co.uk
TEESSIDE BEST WESTERN GRAND HOTEL
Swainston Street, Hartlepool, TS24 8AA. t: 01429 266345 e: grandhotel@tavistockleisure.com
BRITANNIA INN
65 High Street, Loftus, TS13 4HG t: 01287 640612
CLEVELAND BAY
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
31 Side, Newcastle, NE1 3JE t: 0191 2321269
FIRE STATION
York Road, Whitley Bay, NE26 1AB t: 0191 293 9030
FITZGERALDS
60 Grey Street, Newcastle, NE1 6AF t: 0191 2301350
FITZGERALDS
10-12 Green Terrace, Sunderland, SR1 3PZ t: 0191 5670852
FITZGERALDS
Yarm Road, Eaglescliffe, TS16 0JE t: 01642 780275
2 South Parade, Whitley Bay, NE26 2RG t: 0191 2511255
THE CLEVELAND HOTEL
FOX & HOUNDS
9-11 High Street West Redcar, Cleveland, TS10 1SQ t: 01642 484035
TYNE & WEAR
57 St Andrews Street, Newcastle, NE1 5SE t: 0191 260 2490
ODDFELLOWS
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
THREE MILE INN,
Great North Road, Gosforth, Newcastle, NE3 2DS t: 0191 255 2100
TILLEYS BAR
ASHBROOKE SPORTS CLUB
HOTEL DU VIN & BISTRO
HUGOS
TYNEMOUTH LODGE
BENTON ALE HOUSE
ISIS
Front Street, Longbenton NE7 7XE. t: 0191 2661512
BEST WESTERN ROKER HOTEL
26 Silksworth Row, Sunderland, SR1 3QJ t: 0191 5147684
Maling Street, Newcastle, NE6 1LP
Hartley Lane, Earsdon, NE25 05Z. t: 0191 2529352
82 Pilgrim Street, NE1 6SG
THE BOX SOCIAL
BLACK BULL BLAYDON
MAGNESIA BANK
THE BRIAR DENE
BLOCK & BOTTLE
14 Wellington Street, Gateshead NE8 2AJ. t: 07895 837323
MARKET LANE
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
20 Shakespeare Street, Newcastle, NE1 6AQ t: 0191 2323606 1 Camden Street, North Shields, NE30 1NH t: 0191 257 4831
Chillingham Road, Newcastle, NE1 1RQ t: 0191 265 3992
THE BEEHIVE
BIERREX
Bridge St, Blaydon, Blaydon-on-Tyne NE21 4JJ
THE CHILLINGHAM
THE FIVE SWANS
IVY HOUSE
LADY GREY’S
• Real ales • Food available • Live sports shown
Tynemouth Road, North Shields, NE30 4AA. t: 0191 257 7565
Roker Terrace, Sunderland, SR6 9ND. t: 0191 5671786 e: info@rokerhotel.co.uk
Worcester Terrace, Sunderland, SR2 7AW
Neville Street, Newcastle, NE1 5DG, t: 0191 261 6611
THE DUKE OF WELLINGTON
BACCHUS
29 Front Street, Tynemouth, NE30 4DZ. t: 0191 2578956
THE CENTURION
TWIN FARMS
TYNE BAR
42-48 High Bridge, Newcastle, NE1 6BX. t: 0191 2611008
Half Moon Lane, Gateshead, NE8 2AN t: 0191 4782543 e: central@theheadofsteam.co.uk
DAT BAR
Allan House, City Road, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE1 2BE
Ashbrooke Road, Sunderland, SR2 7HH. t: 0191 528 4536
THE BODEGA
125 Westgate Road, Newcastle, NE1 4AG. t: 0191 221 1552 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
TRAVELLERS REST
High Street, Gosforth, NE3 1HQ. t: 0191 2856617
25 Broad Chare, Trinity Gardens, Quayside, Newcastle, NE1 3DQ t: 0191 211 2144
Hill St, Gateshead, NE8 1AN
FREE TRADE INN
GOSFORTH HOTEL
THE BROAD CHARE
Seaham Road, Houghton le Spring, DH35 8LU t: 0191 5844485
Coalburns, Greenside, NE40 4JN. t: 0191 4132549 St Lawrence Road, Byker, Newcastle, NE6 1AP t: 0191 265 5764
Haddricks Mill Road, South Gosforth, NE3 1QL t: 0191 2840490
STATION EAST
105 Westgate Road, Newcastle, NE1 4AG t: 0191 232 0692
ALUM ALE HOUSE
Ferry Street, South Shields, NE33 1JR
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 / 29
FUN STUFF
SIGN OF THE TIMES There’s no beating about the bush at this shop on Shields Road, Byker, Newcastle. It does what it says, simply and directly, which has to be admired.
THE DIRTY DOZEN TWELVE TEASERS TO TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE
A MAN WALKS INTO A BAR… …“I THINK MY WIFE IS HAVING AN AFFAIR WITH THE ELECTRICIAN,” HE SAYS. “I FOUND WIRE CUTTERS UNDER THE BED AND THEY WEREN’T MINE.” “THAT’S STRANGE, SAYS THE BARMAN, “I THINK MINE IS HAVING AN AFFAIR WITH THE PLUMBER – THERE WAS A WRENCH UNDER THE BED THAT WASN’T MINE.” THEN A CUSTOMER PIPES UP. “I THINK MY WIFE IS HAVING AN AFFAIR WITH A HORSE,” HE SAYS. “WHEN I CAME HOME LAST NIGHT I FOUND A JOCKEY UNDER THE BED.”
1 What did Chad Hurley, Steve Chen and Jawid Karim create in February 2005? 2 Room 101, the hellish place to visit, comes from which novel? 3 What is the Malay word that means “person of the forest”? 4 Which fictional character had a brother named Mycroft? 5 The Vatican State is one of only two countries in the world to have a square flag. What is the other? 6 The Detours became the High Numbers then became which band? 7 Which now disgraced performer starred at the very first concert in the Sydney Opera House in 1973? 8 Which one of the following has never been an Olympic sport – running deer shooting, obstacle swimming, tug of war, throwing horseshoes or tumbling? 9 What was the name of the car that Penelope Pitstop drove in Wacky Races? 10 A ship named Demeter brought which infamous character to England? 11 The word biscuit comes from the Latin bis coctum. What does it mean? 12 In Italy, the number 17 is distinctive for what reason?
EEH! NUMBERS
THIRTEENTH
The Old Thirteenth Cheshire Astley Volunteer Rifleman Corps Inn in Stalybridge, Greater Manchester, has the longest pub name in the country. The Thirteenth Amendment to the US Constitution passed in January 1865 freed all slaves. Hotels and tall buildings avoid naming a thirteenth floor because the number is considered unlucky.
QUOTE
“I ONLY DRINK MODERATELY. I KEEP A CASE OF MODERATELY IN MY ROOM” DEAN MARTIN
QUIZ ANSWERS: 1 YouTube. 2 1984. 3 Orangutan. 4 Sherlock Holmes. 5 Switzerland. 6 The Who. 7 Rolf Harris (as Jake The Peg). 8 Throwing horseshoes. 9 Compact Pussycat. 10 Dracula. 11 Twice baked. 12 It’s considered unlucky. As a Latin numeral it’s XVII, an anagram of VIXI which translates as “my life is over”. 30 / CHEERS / www.cheersnortheast.co.uk
winner at SIBA's Independent Keg Beer Awards 2017
5.4% VOL.
gold
silver
impressment
yellow cab
Strong Bitters & Pale Ales 5.0% to 5.9%
Standard Lager & Pilsners up to 4.4%
0191 3773039 | www.sonnet43.com | cheers@sonnet43.com Sonnet 43 Brew House, Durham Road, Coxhoe, County Durham, DH6 4HX Sonnet43BrewHouse
@Sonnet43BrewHouse
@Sonnet43Brew www.cheersnortheast.co.uk / CHEERS / 31