north east Raise a glass to pubs, people and news from your local FREE
ISSUE 04 www.cheersnortheast.co.uk // October 2010 cheers pubs and pints r Flip, dip dry, serve The view from Bruges pubs and cheese the big match
Food and beer pairing is the new black The Good Beer Guide’s new faces revealed The battle of Budweiser A feast of festivals pubs and tradition rapper tap Swashbuckling and foot-tapping to a 200-year-old tune
inn-side beer // whisky // wine // CIDER // new pubs // old pubs // beer for lunch // beer for tea // beer for dinner // pubs! A4 Ad Original Draught 20/9/10 16:40 Page 1
BUDWEISERBUDWEISER BUDVARBUDVAR ORIGINALORIGINAL
An ABV 5 craft lager brewed only at the Budweiser Budvar brewery in Southern Bohemia. Enjoys the EU PGI (protected geographical indication) giving it the same status as Champagne, Parmesan cheese or Melton Mowbray pork pies. Created in a 100 day natural brewing cycle using only the finest locally sourced ingredients These include whole Czech hops, Moravian barley malt, natural spring water from an ice age lake located 330 metres under the brewery and the same strain of yeast in use since 1895. Great to enjoy on its own and excellent with many different dishes from fish to tapas. Pours to a medium gold colour with a deep but light head formation giving a hoppy bitterness in the finish that makes this beer eminently drinkable and refreshing. n o r t h e a s t
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www. cheersnortheast .co.uk // October 2010 c pubsh and e pints e rs F l ip ,d ip r d r y ,s e r v e t h e v ie w f ro m B r u g e s pubs and cheese
t h e b ig mind benders Editorial m at c h p u b Q u iz ” te s t in g t e a s e r s t o m a k e y o u r b r a in b le e d 0191 488 4756 the concern for the environment. It’s all encapsulated in this business.” What won it for us was our cask ale, our wine, food, accommodation, lovely service and Fo o d a n d b e e r p a ir in g i s t h e n e w b l a c k Beer, whisky, pub Alastair Gilmour the Good Beer Guide’s news and pub people. new faces revealed all human - and dog - This issue of Cheers is our the battle of Budweiser life is here... Cheers! [email protected] a feast of festivals biggest yet – 36 pages of pub pubs and tradition r a p p e r t a p n ni d esi life, great beer, affordable s w a s h b u c k li n g a n d f o o t - t a p p in g t o a 2 0 0 - y e a r - o ld t u n e E n it ,v e n im z z r it v e le n ib h e x e s s is e a f a c il is s it p r a e s s e d e n it w is it lu t w is n u m m o lo r p e rc il iq u is im d o lo r p e rc il is a d ia m il u p ta t. Iq u ip e ro o d ig n is Advertising m o lo b o re e te u m m y n im v o lu m ip e ti n g e a fe u is a d io o d io n s e n is a m v e r a lis c il q u a t, c o m m o d e u fe u fa c c u m s a n d io n s e n im n o n s e e r s e n te a fa c i e u is a li s d o lo r a li s n o s t in ib h e u f a c c u m v e ro o d d o lo r ir iu re m o d inn-side b E E r wines and terrific food. We’ve / / w h I S k y / / w I n E 0191 221 2277 / / C ID E r / / n E w p U b S / / O l D p U b S / / b E E r f O r lU n C h / / b E E r f O r t E a / / b E E r f O r D I n n E r / / p U b S ! Gillian Corney expanded our coverage no Alastair Gilmour, editor [email protected] Cover: Rapper dancer end since the magazine first Neil Carter see p20 saw the light of day in July (was it only Website: July?) and extended distribution as we try to keep www.cheersnortheast.co.uk up with the demand from our readers. inside
Designed & Published by: Cheers is for you, the pub-goer; it’s for you, the publican, and it’s for you, the brewer, the wine merchant and the pork scratchings NEWS 6 Spamalot has its supplier. Cheers is aimed at pubs because – as the logo on the left own beer supply says – we’re passionate about pubs. We are keen to get people in the North East back into the pub habit and to discover the joys that 8 Budweiser Budvar Media Exchange One lurk in a pint of good beer and a cheese toastie. continues the fight Coquet Street A lot of pubs are doing very nicely, thank you, even in such belt- for quality Newcastle upon Tyne tightening times – we report on two new entries in the Campaign 12 A vintage time for NE1 2QE For Real Ale Good Beer Guide, for instance. The Barrasford Arms beer festivals near Hexham manages to attract 46 diners on wet and windy Photography: Monday nights, while, in the words of Dean Henderson at the Old FEATURES Kevin Gibson Red Bull in Morpeth, “turnover is going vertical”. 16 Beer and cheese: www.kgphotography.co.uk Cheers can’t claim any part in those particular success stories, Two partners in a Nicky Rogerson long marriage but word of mouth tells us that a lot of pubs are seeing new faces, www.nrphotography.co.uk guided by what they have read in our pages, and we’ll continue 18 Bruges: Beer’s Barry Pells fairytale capital www.barrypellsphoto.co.uk to do all we can to support our favourite pastime – the Great British Pub. 24 Girls wanna have Whilst every effort has been And, thank you for your support, we are constantly encouraged by fun, too. The rise made to ensure accuracy, the daily stream of goodwill messages. of the fem-ale the publisher cannot accept Please feel free to use Cheers to plan your next pub visit – our responsibility for omissions FUN STUFF and errors. All material in this commercial partners would love to see you. publication is strictly copyright 34 The quiz, The and all rights reserved. Pickled Egg and WE’VE GOT Blue the dog THE BEST PUB WATCH 04 Battlesteads in Wark, 23 Twice Brewed Inn, Northumberland, Bardon Mill has been voted Britain’s Best 29 Rose & Crown, Pub. Read how it Romaldkirk happened LAST WORD 35 David Banks praises the our country pub
sponsors Holy Grail Pub crawls Roman the Wall Listen to the blend
Beer and laughs A-Z pub guide Oasis in the wilds RICHARD SLADE, BATTLESTEADS Whisky’s other half
Guiding for Cheddar Dapper 10 suppers 16 gorge 20 rappers The influential Cheese and wine They tap their Good Beer Guide parties have had feet, they whirl Wylam Brewery 2011 has been their day – and and spin – and published. We anyway, beer is a they do it with take a look at two far more versatile swords. Rapper new North East partner to cheese. dancers perform entrants and ask Devise your own 200-year-old, what it means to pub cheese and traditional dance be included beer parties routines in pubs News Village green It’s been our opinion all along, from scratch at the Magnesia but it’s nice to have official Bank in North Shields with confirmation that Britain’s Best ambitions to build a successful Pub is in the North East. We “green” enterprise and have have a particularly fine bunch since introduced a number of contenders for such a title of environmentally-friendly but Battlesteads in the village measures. Battlesteads was of Wark-on-Tyne has taken the the first in the country to be crown – coming up trumps at powered by a carbon-neutral the Great British Pub of the Year biomass boiler, which took almost Awards 2010. What’s more, £20,000 off the annual heating the popular pub-hotel also costs. Gardens and vegetable picked up the title of Best Green patches are irrigated naturally Pub 2010 for its commitment using rainwater collected in a winner: Richard Slade at to environmental issues. huge tank and food and drink are Battlesteads, voted Britain’s Best Pub by the Morning Advertiser. Licensees Richard and Dee Slade saw off stiff competition from pubs about the environmental Richard didn’t dare hope that the across the country to be benefits of green policies.” top prize would be heading back awarded the top prize in Richard and Dee are no to a Northumberland village with the competition organised strangers to hard work; when they 900 inhabitants previously best by trade publication took over the Magnesia Bank – a known for the 1878, single-lane The Morning Advertiser. former CIU club – the top metal bridge over the North Collecting their trophy from two floors were virtually pub of Tyne River that badly guest presenter Lenny derelict with pigeons needs a £2m upgrade. Henry, Richard said: “This flying in and out at the year “But then at the is a fantastic result. We will. Similarly at awards the lighting Richard and Dee Slade with their award Visit never expected to do this Battlesteads, which www.battlesteads.com subdued, then the presented by Lenny Henry. Also pictured: well, even though we’re Paul Charity, right, and Glyn McCracken. was a bankrupt, run- drum roll, Simply very proud of what we’ve down B&B pub. Under The Best, and 800 achieved at Battlesteads. Thanks either grown on site or sourced their stewardship, every people waiting to hear the are due to our wonderful staff locally to reduce food miles. aspect of the business has been announcement,” he says. “If and customers; without their Richard says: “As well as transformed to be rewarded by a I analyse it, what won it for us support we would not be here.” reducing our energy usage and seven-fold increase in turnover. was our cask ale, wine, food, The Slades moved into carbon footprint, we’ve also While he suspected the pub had accommodation, lovely service, the Battlesteads four years ago after tried to educate customers a good chance in the environment concern for the environment; it’s 17 years building up business and other people locally category of the annual awards, all encapsulated in this business.”
october entertainment Nights
Saturday 23rd October - GreatHalloween Band, Fancy The Northern Dress Party, Boys Saturday 30th October - Halloween Fancy Dress Party, Rock the night away with Captain Rock! Happy hour: Sundays 3pm - 7pm Food served: Mon-Wed - 12pm-2pm, 4pm-7pm all draught drinks Thurs-Sat - 12pm-2pm, 4pm-8pm Sundays - 11.30am-2pm £1.60 Situated in the quiet village of Acomb, a mere stones throw Karaoke-Fridays Live Entertainment-Saturdays. from Hexham, we are ideally located for those seeking to Private parties & outside catering welcome. explore this peaceful area of Northumberland. Accommodation available, families & dogs are welcome. A warm welcome awaits from Brian, Lorraine and their staff. the green tree Freshly prepared traditional home cooked food served in Main Street, Acomb, Hexham, the bar or our cosy restaurant. Northumberland, NE46 4PW a traditional country pub Excellent selection of real ales, including Black Sheep. Tel: 01434 602934, Bridge Street, Howden Le Wear, County Durham, DL15 8EX Comfortable en-suite accommodation with tv, tea/coffee email: [email protected] Telephone: 01388 762743 Web: www.thegreentreehotel.co.uk making facilities etc. www.thesuninn-acomb.co.uk
4 cheers october 2010 Stoatally City strong darling At 88.8% alcohol by volume, it is the strongest vodka in the National pub operator JD world. However, it doesn’t come Wetherspoon reports a positive from Russia or Poland, but West trend with profits before tax Lothian in Scotland. Pincer and exceptional items rising Shanghai has been created for 7% to £71m in the year to July. the Chinese market where the of Scottish brewer BrewDog’s Like-for-like sales rose by 1.5% number eight is considered long-running attempt to create over the same period with total lucky – so they’ve got three of the world’s strongest beer. The sales up 4.3% to £996.3m. them. Priced at £85 (why not company launched End of History The ever-enterprising company £88?), a limited run of bottles in July – at 55% abv it costs £500 is also said to be selling more will be available in the UK. a bottle, each of which comes than 400,000 breakfasts a week to 600,000 a week – make it This follows hard on the heels stuffed into a dead stoat. – second only to McDonald’s the UK’s third-biggest coffee – after it opened its bars from seller behind Starbucks and 7am for the first time in April. Costa Coffee, with customers The subsequent 40% rise in buying more of the beverage Quick, while it’s hot coffee sales – which amounts than they do of Foster’s lager. A chef in Texas has created what he claims to be the world’s first deep- fried beer. Apparently, beer is poured Ouseburn rocks inside a pocket of salty dough then The Oxjam Newcastle Takeover what is set to be one of the biggest dipped in the boiling oil. And we will take place in pubs all sessions of the year on Saturday thought deep-fried Mars Bars were around Ouseburn Valley; the October 23, from 3pm until 3am. the ultimate in cuisine. city’s live music hub. With a mix Among the 28 acts already of live bands, DJs and world confirmed are Forgotten Roots, music, this year’s event – with Guessmen, Mammal Club all proceeds going towards and Jimmy & The Sounds. What does it mean? helping the charity Oxfam Get your tickets early to avoid Marquis of Granby: General John Manners, Marquis of Granby continue its life-saving work disappointment - great value for (1721-1770), reputed to have helped many old soldiers set up inns. worldwide – is set to be the money at only £7, which grants Royal Oak: Charles II reputedly hid in an oak tree to escape best and most diverse yet. access to all venues taking part in Cromwell’s men after the Battle of Worcester. The Cluny 2, Cumberland the event. Cat & Fiddle: A corruption of Catherina Fidelis (Catharine of Aragon). Arms, The Tanners, The Ship n Tickets at www.wegottickets. Lamb: The symbol of Jesus Christ. and The Free Trade Inn will host com/event/92043
COME AND TRY THE ALE THURSDAY 28TH SUNDAY 31ST OCTOBER BEER FESTIVAL 10 + VARIETIES TO SAMPLE WELLS & YOUNG, MARSTENS, BRAINS, WYCHWOOD
Open mic night and Halloween Party: Sunday 31st October Halloween Party Night: Saturday 30th October eWhitehills e Grey Horse Waldrige Road, Chester Le Street, Front Street, East Boldon, County Durham, DH2 3AB Tyne & Wear, NE36 0SJ Telephone 0191 3882786 Telephone 0191 5191796
october 2010 cheers 5 news Everyone a winner Winner of our competition for the Anchor at Whittonstall in a special meal for two at the Northumberland, and I have Barrasford Arms, Barrasford, to say what a good read it is. Northumberland, was Beryl Rather than flicking through Robinson (pictured). Naturally like I do with most magazines, delighted to have won – and I actually sat down to be able to sample chef/ and read the patron Tony Binks’ amazing articles and creativity – Beryl also offered made a a few kind words to Cheers mental She said: “I’m really pleased list of new to win this competition as, after places The stage is set reading your article (August issue) to try.” Black Sheep Brewery, based I just called it Mr Creosote’s I thought the Barrasford Arms in Masham, North Yorkshire, Ale. You know, he had one too sounded just the right place has secured a unique deal with many wafer-thin mints.” for a foodie like me. I’m looking theatres around the country Spamalot tells the legendary forward to sampling the menu. to supply Holy Grail premium tale of King Arthur and the Knights “I picked up Cheers at bottled ale as part of the of the Round Table and features nationwide Spamalot tour. a bevy (or possibly a brace) of Holy Grail (4.7% abv) was beautiful show girls, witch burning, specially commissioned in 1999 to cows, killer rabbits and French Horse celebrate the 30th anniversary of people. The show features the Monty Python and was developed hilarious songs He Is Not Dead by then head brewer Paul Ambler. Yet, Knights Of The Round Table, sense It is full flavoured, distinctive Find Your Grail and, of course, the Houghton-le-Spring brewery Ray said: “It’s a tough thing to with plenty of fruity hops and nation’s favourite comedy song Maxim Brewery donated its be on stage having to have a beer a dry, refreshing bitterness. (Reader’s Digest poll 2009) , Always famous Double Maxim Ale as but having one as nice as Double Paul Ambler is now retired but Look On The Bright Side Of Life. a prop for the play Good to Maxim made it that little bit easier.” retains the sense of humour that David Croft, Black Sheep sales Firm which thrilled packed Mark Anderson of Maxim could easily have qualified him as manager, says: “We are delighted audiences last month at the Brewery (above left) said the a Python alongside John Cleese, to have secured this deal with Custom’s House, South Shields. company was more than Michael Palin, etc. Although at theatres across the UK and look Good To Firm, written by Trevor happy to provide the beer the time he said the beer “has forward to introducing audiences Wood and ex-Vaux employee Ed for Ed and Trevor’s show. more hops than a killer rabbit” the to one of our award winning ales.” Waugh (pictured right), is set “We had a phenomenal marketing department struggled n Spamalot plays at Edinburgh against the backdrop of Grand response to the Lipton Ale we with what it should be called. Playhouse on October 18-23 National weekend, and starred Ray brewed for their play Alf Ramsey Paul says: “At first, we and the Grand Opera House, Spencer, who happens to be the Knew My Grandfather and it didn’t have a name for it, so York, on November 22-27 Customs House executive director. would have been crazy not to.”
THE SURTEES ARMS & YARD OF ALE BREWERY CAMRA NORTH EAST PUB OF THE YEAR 2010 & AWARD-WINNING MICROBREWERY Cask Ales, Homemade Sunday Lunch, Beer Garden, Big Screen Sports, Quizzes, Live Acts, Pool Table, Darts ‘n’ Doms. Our own on-Site Microbrewery, supplying ales to reputable cask ale houses around the North East. Forthcoming Events: HALLOWE’EN BEER FESTIVAL - Beers from around the UK. Thurs 28th - Sat 30th October. Sat 30th - Live Entertainment: The Sensational Johnny Holmes, Guitar & Vocals. Free entry to everyone. Festival Food on Friday & Saturday.
The Surtees Arms & Yard of Ale Brewery, Chilton Lane, Ferryhill Station, DL17 0DH, 01740 Station Road, Wylam, Northumberland NE41 8HR 655724 / 07540733513, www.thesurteesarms.co.uk, t: 01661 853431 see our Facebook page, too. e: [email protected] 6 cheers october 2010 n visit www.cheersnortheast.co.uk to have your say Me, Barry and IPA Beer historian, pundit, author For the first time in 140 years, and all-round ale-lover a keg of traditional Burton IPA Pete Brown is featuring his was brewed for a voyage to India unique travel book at Durham by canal and tall ship, around the Book Festival this month. Cape of Good Hope. Little did Pete In Hops and Glory (One Man’s Brown know, but Brazilian pirates Search For The Beer That and Iranian customs officials lay Built The British Empire), Pete ahead, but did he ever make it recounts the history of the Raj that far, having fallen in the canal – the most glorious and cruel just a few miles outside Burton? period of British history – through And if he does make it to the other the medium of beer. Tongue in side of the world with Barry the cheek, deeply informative and barrel, one question remains – very funny in parts, the book what will the real IPA taste like? covers a great deal of ground and The event on Wednesday will appeal to anyone interested October 20 (7pm) at Clayport in history, travel or beer. Library, Millennium Place, Hops and Glory is a rollicking, Durham DH1 1WA will include raucous history and a wonderfully “an element of free beer tasting”. entertaining, groundbreaking Tickets are £6/£4. See experiment to recreate India www.durhambookfestival.com Pale Ale which he believes to be for further details. the finest beer ever brewed. Pete Brown. Photo: The original IPA was a semi- www.davidxgreen.com mythical beer from the late 18th Century, brewed in Burton on Trent to travel halfway around the world through ocean storms and tropical sunshine, to arrive in perfect condition. ODDFELLOWS Playing with dolls FREE HOUSE Newcastle is no stranger to valley’s reputation as a music North Shields’ best kept secret hosting some of the world’s hub has crossed The Pond. top music talent, but most “They spent a week in play the big venues. However, practice rooms working on Martin Ellis tells Cheers new material and started about a proper pub gig – three recording their next record in sessions by the New York Dolls the Ouseburn. They regularly at The Cluny in September. popped into the Cluny for their He says: “The New York Dolls tea. I went on the last night. are considered by some to be the They kicked off with Looking original punk rockers and without For a Kiss from their first album question they are one of the then rocked through a set most influential bands featuring old songs, Listed in CAMRA Good Beer Guide 2010 in the history of rock recent songs and Bottle conditioned range music. Their sound songs they’re is a raw fusion of still writing. South-facing beer garden with outside TV glam rock, rock and The gig was Air conditioned roll and protopunk. hot, sweaty “When their and passionate, Sky Sports three nights at the the audience Cluny were announced loved it, the FREE SOUP the band’s British fans band were tight. all day, every day wondered why the rock “The New York Dolls and introducing our legends had picked a small proclaimed they should HOMEMADE POT MEALS venue in Newcastle’s Ouseburn. change their name to the In fact, they based themselves Newcastle Dolls, so they 7 Albion Road, North Shields, NE30 2RJ Tel. 0191 257 4288 in the Ouseburn because the obviously felt at home.” october 2010 cheers 7 news World class What could you do in 100 days? That’s from and to enjoy the approval of the now until sometime in January or February Campaign For Real Ale (Camra) 2011. Empires have been won and lost in and why it features amongst Nominated For Best less time, so think about what opportunities the UK’s favourite world beers. Gastro Pub 2010 could develop – relationships created, The name “Budweiser” careers advanced, travel, fame, fortune. means “of Budweis” and e Castle Eden Inn Eating and Drinking House Now consider one of the world’s great harks back to a time when Excellent menu using fresh local produce and a beers taking 100 days to evolve and mature Ceské Budejovice went by its selection of organic vegetables – sitting quietly and contentedly as Nature German name of Budweis. The Food served every day - special menu from £9.95 improves and expands every nuance of “Budvar” bit is the brewery’s Enjoy Sunday lunch with live music featuring flavour, texture, aroma and hue that own 1930 creation, a our resident pianist or James Vargas, internationally renowned sax player a master brewer has created. We’re combination of “Bud” talking Budweiser Budvar, of course, from Budejovice and “Best dining experience in years” the classic Czech beer descended For details, see “var” from pivovar, - Hartlepool Mail www.budvaruk.co.uk directly from those that were Czech for brewery. Wide range of cask ales, wines and Champagnes Budweiser Budvar The special character of Christmas bookings now being taken brewed in Bohemia in 1265 when UK, Hamilton House, King Premsyl Otakar II endowed Mabledon Place, Budweiser Budvar beer has gained the town of Ceské Budejovice with London WC1H 9BB, it EU Protected Geographical significant privileges – and high on tel 0207 554 8812 Indication (PGI), the same status the list was the right to brew beer. as Parmesan cheese, Parma ham, A 100-day natural brewing cycle makes Champagne, Melton Mowbray pork pies and Budweiser Budvar something special. for a brief period, Newcastle Brown Ale. The Castle Eden Inn Nothing but the finest locally-sourced natural However, an ongoing103-year-old trade Stockton Road, Castle Eden, TS27 4SD ingredients are used in its creation – pale mark dispute between Czech Budweiser and Telephone 01429 835137 You can follow us on faceboook: www.castleedeninn.com Moravian malt, vibrant Žatec hops and American Budweiser has been a constant water from the brewery’s 300-metre deep distraction and the longest running of its kind Ice Age underground lake alongside good, on record. Between 2000 and 2009 there were old-fashioned brewing practices brought up 115 worldwide to date. This is why Budweiser Budvar is the legal actions and only lager to be a member of Cask Marque administrative Raising the Durhams Newest Gastro Pub Wunderbar The Stonebridge Inn Eating and Drinking House In celebration of the legendary German Recently refurbished with a superb new menu, beer festival, Oktoberfest, Lancashire using locally sourced produce. brewer Daniel Thwaites has released Golden Large selection of cask ales, wines & champagnes. Wunder (4.6% abv) premium ale from its Bar meals served all day. “signature range” of seasonal beers. Sunday lunch from 12 - 8pm “This is a very English ale with a Bavarian twist. It’s the best of both regions coming October Special Menu - prices from £9.95 Golden Wunder is a reflection of our lighter Christmas and New Year bookings now together – Germany’s finest beer ingredients approach to the art of brewing” being taken. and more than 200 years of Lancastrian Relax and unwind in a warm and brewing know-how, with the result being a which come together to celebrate great beer friendly atmosphere. fantastic seasonal delight. Golden Wunder such as Golden Wunder the Bavarian way.” is a straw coloured ale with the distinctive Blackburn-based Daniel Thwaites has characteristics of Hallertau hops from been established as an independent family Bavaria – aromatic and spicy – balanced brewer since 1807 and enjoys a rich heritage by a smooth dry finish. Wunderbar! and long tradition as an artisan brewer Lee Williams, marketing manager at Daniel guided by family values. The company Thwaites, says: “This is a very English ale has an estate of more than 300 pubs. The Stonebridge Inn with a Bavarian twist –Golden Wunder is a n Pubs wishing to stock Golden Wunder Nevilles Cross, Durham, DH1 3RX reflection of our lighter approach to the art or any others in the Thwaites range telephone 0191 3709422 of brewing. Oktoberfest is always a popular should contact free trade district sales event celebrated by our pubs and bars manager Tony Cox tel 07989 537 346 8 cheers october 2010 quality British real ales. what they want to drink. It’s also The style, the heritage, the significant that Camra supports it. flavour, the texture and “I think it’s one of the world’s the colour mean there’s no great beers. Our chef drinks AAAHH HOPS Budvar’s Jonathan Barnes, right, tests quality with comparison whatsoever Budvar and if a chef hasn’t got former head brewer Josef Tolar between the two.” a good palate, who has?” Pub manager Andy So, think about those 100 days procedures around the issue. “It must be Hickson also sees the and, if you haven’t already done Budweiser Budvar has won 82 difficult to get so little flavour into advantage of being able to so, treat yourself to a Budweiser and more are in the pipeline. Bud – the American Budweiser,” offer Budweiser Budvar to Budvar (simple “Budvar” is easier British drinkers may not be says Tony Brookes, managing discerning customers at the on the tongue) and find out for aware of this because our Law director of the Head of Steam Bacchus in Newcastle. yourself – or buy a round for your Lords resolved the issue 15 years group, who has been offering the “It’s the best lager we sell,” he friends. We bet you, and they, will ago. They decreed that both beers Czech beer in his award-winning says. “Not the biggest seller, but be smitten for life. could use the Budweiser name in pubs for more than 30 years. for flavour, and with the history and To find out more, contact Budvar’s the UK as drinkers could easily tell “But Budweiser Budvar is the identity it has, it’s by far the best. man in the North, Jonathan one from the other. Their Lordships ultimate classic European beer “It appeals to those people who Barnes, tel 07876 357 307, email were completely right, of course. which sits well on a bar with good look further and think more about [email protected]
at Bailey’s Bar & Restaurant
REAL ALE, REAL FOOD, REAL PEOPLE Selected lines and guest ales
Best Western Honest Lawyer Hotel, Croxdale Bridge, Durham, DH1 3SP To make a reservation call 0191 3783780
october 2010 cheers 9 Feature The Good Beer Guide
ENERGY: The Old Red Bull Inn in Morpeth has made the Good Beer Guide for the first time. The pub suffered from the floods of 2008 when 4ft of water filled the bar. It was closed for six months after that but has recovered sufficiently to appear in the pages of the ‘beer bible’
different to what he has been doing for the four years he and his family have been in charge of the 19th Century former coaching inn, but inclusion in the book will First timers make a significant difference to The annual ale drinkers’ bible has been launched for 2011. trade (which is damn fine as it is). Similarly with Dean Henderson Alastair Gilmour visits two new Northumberland entrants at the Old Red Bull in Morpeth, a large, extremely tidy pub just off he Good Beer Guide is but we do it willingly and with a stalwart who pores over its pages? the town’s main “drag” (virtually a handy little number. smile on our faces,” said Camra’s “I know how important it is,” all of Morpeth’s tourism activity, The annual publication North East regional director David says Tony Binks, chef/patron at its shops, pubs and offices take from the Campaign Brazier on the Barrasford Arms, place on the left turn over the TFor Real Ale (Camra) has 888 the tome’s Barrasford, near Hexham, bridge. Turn right, however…). pages, lists more than 4,500 pubs launch at the which has made the Dean and his wife Lindsey have and 767 breweries – 78 of which start of the Good Beer Guide for been running the pub for 21 started up in the last 12 months. Darlington the first time. “I see years with not a snifter from the Not for nothing is it also known Rythm ’n’ cars in our car park Good Beer Guide – until now. as the beer drinkers’ bible. Brews festival. with all the guides in, “We’re doing nothing different,” he Entries are suggested by more But what does including the Good Beer says. “Good beer, right price, nice than 100,000 Camra members who it mean to Guide, so it’s got to be place, just as it’s always been. But report on beer quality, ambience, be included an advantage for us.” then we take the same approach choice, and all the other attributes in the guide? The Barrasford Arms to serving Guinness as to real ale. a good pub should have. Out they Does it make keeps two cask “We always have beers on from go if they don’t meet the criteria. a difference? beers, both in superb Hadrian & Border and rotate “It’s a ceaseless task, going into the Is it only the condition, and Tony says with Allendale, Mordue, Wylam pub, drinking ale, reporting on it, diehard Camra he is not doing anything and Maxim. Their Samson goes
10 cheers october 2010 n visit www.cheersnortheast.co.uk to have your say BEER FESTIVAL well here. Corby Ale from Cumbria also The Barrasford Arms’ rotating choice is goes well – the brewer lives in Bedlington invariably local with Nel’s Best from High Thursday October 7pm -12pm so he drops it off on his way home.” House Farm Brewery a particularly good Friday 29th & Saturday 30th 12pm - late Dean’s philosophy is a simple one – he mover, as are ales from Wylam and Hadrian Sunday 31st October 12pm - 12am caters for what he calls the next generation, & Border breweries. Custom is primarily FREE ENTRY the young people who will pick up attracted by Tony’s formidable Over 20 real ales to sample the real ale and quality cudgel and reputation in the kitchen. brandish it for the foreseeable future. “Business is going well The man who trained under Pie and peas only £1.50 from all angles. A lot of “The CIU clubs cater for the present the legendary Albert Roux people come here for the DARLINGTON generation and they’re closing down ale. I’m surprised at how is something of a genius. Snooker Club every day,” says Dean. “The average age He says: “Take last Monday, big the real ale market is. 1 Corporation Road, Darlington, County of our customers is about 30. We have I don’t know if it’ll crack for example. It was blowing Durham, DL3 6AE TEL: 01325 241388 as many 18-30-year-old customers as the local market but it a gale and we still had 46 in we have fifties, sixties and seventies. definitely attracts the for dinner. People are looking One of them, Ted, first came in here travellers,” Tony Binks for a better deal these days.” when he was 15, he’s now 80. You’ve got The 2011 Good Beer Guide is Bookings Now to cater for everybody; for example, a good deal better than most. Being Taken For we’ve been selling Newcastle Exhibition Eight hundred and eighty eight pages say so. Xmas 2010 for 21 years, it’s a very popular brew.” nIt was particularly good to see Captain Cook Not even the floods of 2008 could dampen Brewery head brewer Ian Jackson at the launch the Old Red Bull’s progress. Four feet of of the Good Beer Guide. Ian was badly injured in Probably the best Chips in Gateshead" water swirled around the pub and the an horrific late-night attack in Darlington and is " neighbouring properties when the River fortunate to be alive. Food Served Every Day - Curry Night Wednesday’s, Wansbeck engulfed the area, leaving a Anybody who has met Ian knows he’s the nicest, 12pm-9pm Traditional Sunday Roasts sickening mass of stinking sludge in its best-mannered lad you could ever meet. He’s Ale - Cask Ale Specialists, Super Chilled Lagers well on the way to recovery but still can’t lift Entertainment - Quiz @ 9pm Tues & Thurs, Maine Street wake. The pub was closed for six months. Jazzmen Every Wed 1-3pm “The flood came at the wrong time,” says anything of any weight (he is allowed the odd Dean. “Turnover was going vertical. It 12oz glass, mind). sounds daft, but we were running out of And, home-brew expert Ken Oliver asks if things to spend money on – we’d done anyone has a copy of the 1976 Good Beer Guide Rockliffe Way, Eighton Banks, Gateshead, NE9 6LS Tel: 0191 4878071 4878137 the flooring, the tables, the toilets. which would complete his collection. / ENERGY: The Old Red Bull Inn in Morpeth has made the Good Beer Guide for the first time. The pub “Things had never been better, in fact the If you can help, contact Ken, tel 0191 241 1925, suffered from the floods of 2008 when 4ft of water filled the bar. It was closed for six months after that insurance company refused to take our email [email protected] Newcastle’s but has recovered sufficiently to appear in the pages of the ‘beer bible’ figures seriously and wouldn’t pay out.” Go on, make his day. The Barrasford Arms – deep best view in rural Northumberland, and pint yet barely six miles from Always at least Hexham – has just had a 5 real ales and “brilliant” June, July, August 5 real ciders available. and September, according to Events taking place Tony Binks (sorry, but at this throughout October. point in our conversation I SEE Our wEbSitE can no longer resist the slice fOr dEtAilS. of apple tart that Tony has made and pushed along the st lawrence road, Ouseburn, Byker, Ne6 1aP table. It is glorious beyond 0191 265 5764 words. And I’m not fussy www.freetradeinn.com on apples – unless they’re pressed into liquid). “Business is going well from all angles,” he says, “but THE PLACE to be in being in the Good Beer Guide should show at lunchtimes tynemouth in particular. It’s at the 12 REAL ALES quality end. A lot of people TO QUENCH YOUR THIRST come here for the ale; I’m surprised how big the real HOME COOKED FOOD TO SATISFY YOUR HUNGER ale market is. I don’t know if it’ll crack the local market BIG SCREEN TV but it’ll definitely attract the TO WATCH YOUR FAVOURITE SPORT, INCLUDING ALL NEWCASTLE UNITED MATCHES - LIVE travellers (some of Tony’s CHECK TIMES AND DATES ON WEBSITE bread-and-butter locals don’t look past McEwan’s Best Kitchen magician: Tony Binks from the CUMBERLAND ARMS Scotch keg beer, describing Barrasford Arms examines his guide entry 17 Front Street, Tynemouth, NE30 4DX it as “the best in the world”). Tel: 0191 2571820 www.cumberlandarms.co.uk october 2010 cheers 11 PRESS ADVERT:Layout 1 16/9/10 18:46 Page 1
events ROSEWORTH REAL ALE beer and cider festivals & CIDER FESTIVAL 2010 Thurs 21 Oct - Mon 25 Oct • Osborne Avenue, Newcastle NE2 1JS Details and directions: FESTIVAL www.newcastlecc.co.uk 10-H.shire Brewey 1/2 A4 ad:Layout 1 17/8/10 10:05 Page 1 CRICKET CLUB Sponsor: Roseworth Student Letting Specialist FEASTS Hexhamshire Brewery. A real taste of traditional ale, a beer for every occasion. Delivered directly and through SIBA DDS in the North of England and by quality wholesalers nationally. E: [email protected] T: 01434 606577 W: www.hexhamshire.co.uk
Introducing“Vine Time” Mon - Fri 5pm til 7pm Special reductions across our Autumn wine range for the after work wind down.* Redeem this advert for a 10% Reduction on your next visit.** 204-206 High Street, Gosforth. Tel: 0191 2858060 *Applies to wine list from 11th Oct 2010 **Applies to a single drink purchase only.
ollowing the success Roseworth Real Ale and Cider of its first beer festival, Festival, Thursday October 21 – Newcastle Cricket Club Monday October 25. is hosting a second event Details: www.newcastlecc.co.uk withF a big increase in the number n Hartlepool Round Table is of beers and ciders on offer. preparing for its 15th beer festival Festival organiser Rob Creswick this month at the Borough Hall, COUK says: “There’s a traditional Hartlepool. More than 50 real English link between cricket ales and ciders will be on tap at and beer, and Jesmond is a very the event which runs over two
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