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 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 brewed only at the Budweiser Budvar 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 cycle using only the finest locally sourced ingredients These include whole Czech , 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

raise a glass to pubs, people and news from your local

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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 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

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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 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 , to have secured this deal with Custom’s House, South Shields. company was more than , 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 – 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 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

&RIDAYTH/CTOBER special venue. Visitors last year evenings; Friday 15 and Saturday 4HE+OMMITMENTS were especially impressed by October 16. However, due to SUPPORTEDBY0ASSION+ILLERS being able to sample their real demand, a real ale session will 3ATURDAY/CTOBER ales outdoors on the pavilion be operated by the RNLI on the -ICHAEL*ACKSON terrace as well as indoors.” Saturday from 12noon to 4pm. FEATURING*AMES!STON In 2009, one couple even More than £11,000 was donated SUPPORTEDBY4HE-OOBS booked their tickets online to local charities from last year’s from Arkansas, delighted at the festival and the aim is to “raise the chance to visit a cricket ground bar” even higher. and try out traditional beers at Further details at www. the same time. The Tyneside & hartlepoolbeerfestival.co.uk 4ICKETSa Northumberland branch of Camra n Sunderland Octoberfest, AVAILABLEFROM4IMLINS/PTICIANS 5PPER#HURCH3TREET is again advising on the most organised by the Sunderland & &IRST#LASS3HOE2EPAIRSNEAR-3 OR popular ales from across the UK. South Tyneside branch of Camra, Branch chairman Richard is back with more real ales, ciders Dollimore says: “The success of the and perries than ever before. The first festival led the club to expand city’s historic Bonded Warehouse 4HE"OROUGH(ALL its bar provision to three real ales will play host for the second year !,%!&4%2.//. 4HE(EADLAND (ARTLEPOOL and there’s no doubt that it helps running. All four breweries within !, TH/CTOBER aONTHEDOOR % RDAY  PM to introduce many more people the Camra branch area will be 2 ATU 3 to the delights of drinking real represented – Jarrow, Darwin, ale if it’s in a historic location and Maxim and Bull Lane – along

/NLINEBOOKINGFEEPPERPERSON convivial atmosphere.” with a plentiful selection of ales Newcastle Cricket Club from around the UK, one or two of 12 cheers october 2010 them new to festivals. Real ciders from Thursday October 7 Whitehills is hosting a beer festival games. For details, see and perries are being sourced (4pm) until Saturday October from Thursday October 28-Sunday www.nwyorkscamra.co.uk from Worcestershire, personally 9 (10.30pm). The Bonded October 31. The pub is on n October is cider and perry Warehouse Waldridge Road, Chester-le-Street month at pubs in the Head of is adjacent DH2 32B, tel 0191 388 2786. Steam group – those by that name to the n The Grey Horse, Front Street, in Newcastle and Durham, along University of East Boldon, NE36 0SJ, beer with LYH, The Cluny and Tilleys Sunderland’s festival runs from Thursday Bar in Newcastle and the Central Panns Bank October 28 until Monday in Gateshead. Look out for Solway Campus on November 1, tel 0191 519 1796. Cider, Amarena Perry and Saxon Low Street, n Darlington Snooker Club’s Purple Haze. However, they’re not SR1 2RH. Booze ’n’ Cues beer festival available at all outlets; best pop in n Chester- takes place over the weekend to check, eh? le-Street of October 28-31 (Thurs-Sun). n Similarly with Wetherspoons’ Cricket Club Landlord Peter Everett, chairman series of Beer Weekends, which is serving up of the Darlington Camra branch, continues throughout the North its annual promises “a good firkin festival, East on October 29-31. Too many beer festival just real ale and no frills”. Hot and to list, too little time, but ask in on Friday cold food are available (Peter was your local JDW for details. October 22 and Saturday October once a chef at Frankland Prison) n If the empty casks outside collected by Chris Roberts, who 23. The 2009 event was a great and the Saturday night session the Red Lion Inn, Alnmouth, will be making the 500-mile round success and the club is looking to calls for fancy dress. are anything to go by, its beer trip over the weekend before the build on that with the 2010 event, Darlington Snooker Club, festival (October 8-10) should be festival. A native of the county, featuring 22 cask ales, all with a Corporation Road, Darlington a cracker, attracting quality ales Chris has used his local knowledge seasonal feel to them – autumnal DL3 6A, tel 01325 241 388 from breweries under-represented to ferret out samples from tastes and Hallowe’en themes – as for details. in the region, such as Roosters, St producers tucked away in country well as some “very scary” BrewDog n Richmond, North Yorkshire, Austell, Hawkshead, Ilkley, Copper lanes and farmsteads – a real treat offerings which range from 5% abv Ale Festival (October 15-17) at Dragon and Orkney. See for Sunderland’s cider folk. through to 10% abv. Richmond Market Hall promises www.redlionalnmouth.com Sunderland Octoberfest runs n Also in Chester-le-Street, the 30 real ales with live music and tel 01665 830 584

Ghosts Ghouls and Witches Galore... HaLLoweeN fuN week Monday 24th - Sunday 31st October

• Childrens fancy dress competition, free juice and cake for all the kids plus a special prize for best girl and boy, join us on Sunday 31St at 3 o’clock. The kids in fancy dress • Come along for a frightfully great day out!!

To find out more telephone01890 820200 Cornhill on Tweed, Northumberland TD12 4TL

october 2010 cheers 13 NEWS n visit www.cheersnortheast.co.uk to have your say Litter glitter Germ of an idea It’s bright orange, it’s gassy, and Visitors to this year’s Oktoberfest it remains the best hangover – the Munich Beer Festival – were cure there is, but Irn-Bru is introduced to something new for also special in another respect. its 200-year anniversary. Following Its bottles are one of the last the smoking ban that came into in Britain still to be sold with a force in Germany earlier this deposit. Return one to where year, organisers used bacteria to you bought it and you get 30p. eliminate the stale beer odours The Campaign For Rural England normally masked by the stench of has applauded the system, tobacco. The smell of beer spilled calling for it to be extended onto the wooden floors of the Hofbräu and other festival venues was neutralised and sweetened Right on cue by the special bacteria, Elbomex. Six times snooker world commissioned to celebrate the CELEBRITIES WHO HAVE champion Steve Davis is the star occasion on Saturday November ADVERTISED BEER attraction at Darlington Snooker 27 (tickets £20). Interesting. Chas and Dave: Courage Best Club’s Celebrity Snooker Night Earlier this year, the club James Coburn: Schlitz Light next month. The Master of the was named Campaign For Paul Daniels and by other brands Baize has won more titles than Real Ale (Camra) North Debbie McGee: Heineken to save councils £160m a year any other player – he was even East Club of the Year for an Rutger Hauer: Guinness in clearing up behind us. awarded the OBE – and he was astonishing seventh time. Paul Hogan: Foster’s When similar deposit schemes again a quarter-finalist at The Peter and his team regularly Engelbert Humperdinck: John were introduced in New York Crucible earlier this year. Steve offer four cask beers, mainly Smith’s State and in Germany, litter will be playing exhibition frames from local micro-breweries. Jonathan Ross: Harp Lager rates fell dramatically. and there will be an opportunity to n Darlington Snooker Club Orson Wells: Carlsberg The Government says it is play him. Snooker Club landlord is on Corporation Road, Jack Dee: John Smith’s interested in the scheme and Peter Everett tells us that a tel 01325 241 388 or email Douglas Fairbanks Jr: will monitor progress. special bottled beer has been [email protected] Whitbread Pale Ale COME AND SEE HOW WE BREW THE ALE!

BREWERY TOURS From 2-20+ persons Telephone for details Always a warm welcome... We currently have All of our food is prepared on the premises 14 real ales in using ingredients produced locally. our portfolio. Fish from Newcastle and Eyemouth, Northumberland cheese and seasonal vegetables grown by the farmers in the surrounding area. Even the dreamy ice cream comes from just up the road. We have a bar that boasts four hand pulls with real ales, We also have a range of guest ciders, wines, spirits and soft drinks, alongside a tea room ales to complement our regular serving excellent food and a shop selling local arts & crafts. draught beers. Private functions are catered for. Bed & Breakfast accommodation available - all en-suite.

High House Farm Brewery, Matfen, Northumberland, NE20 0RG Tel: 01661 886 192 E-mail: [email protected] Main Road, Milfi eld, Wooler, NE71 6JD www.highhousefarmbrewery.co.uk Tel: 01668 216 224 www.redlioninn-milfi eld.co.uk 14 cheers october 2010 TAKE YOUR PLACE LET OUR HISTORY BECOME THE FOUNDATION FOR YOUR FUTURE

Here at Scottish & Newcastle Pub Company we’ve watched the pub business develop and grow for over 200 years. We’ve been there every step of the way building one of the best leased and tenanted pub estates in Britain. So whether you’re new to the licensed trade or are an experienced operator looking to expand your pub portfolio, with us you’ll find the right lease and the right pub for you. For more information call us now on 0500 94 95 96 or visit us at www.s-npubcompany.co.uk

YOU’RE IN GOOD COMPANY

YOU’RE IN GOOD COMPANY Food and drink Beer and Cheese Beer and cheese Match them Caerphilly Fancy a different sort of pub night? We asked our friends at Beer Genie to spill the beans on cheese

here is no better way designed to be enjoyed together. of making both, but they’re also to pay homage to Cheese is made from the milk going through a young, dynamic the fromage than to of animals that munch on grass new-world renaissance where new accompany it with a – cows, sheep and goats. Barley, styles are being created and old beautifulT beer. Wine may be the essentially another variety of grass, styles revived. first thing people think of with is what brewers use to make beer. Former Blur guitarist Alex cheese, but cheese and wine Both are fermented, aged and James is now an accomplished evenings are just a bit 1970s shaped by tiny little organisms, cheesemaker – and a bit of a beer – rather like holding a branch and both can be enjoyed at their aficionado to boot, so you’re in meeting of the Ford Cortina most youthful – with simple, cool company. Appreciation Society. clean flavours – or bringing some And if that doesn’t convince you A beer and cheese pairing maturity when an awesome array – when was the last time you saw a evening is a much more fun and of complex characteristics comes cow in a vineyard? Eh? Really? Oh – in these belt-tightening days – a out to play. well, it was clearly lost then. Beer provides all the flavoursome less expensive idea, so it might be Brewing and cheesemaking are accompaniments one normally finds on a cheese board, but in an idea to persuade the landlord of blessed with a rich history dating So why does beer go so well lovely, liquid form your local to host one. back to the Monastic tradition with cheese? After all, beer and cheese were where guys in gowns made a habit When beer and cheese come

over WYLAM BREWERY 160 Real Ales

Wylam Brewery Proper Beer

JOIN THE REAL ALE REVOLUTION Range Includes: We supply a large selection of fi ne ales Wylam, Captain Cook, Mordue, to the best real ale outlets in the North. Harviestoun, High House Farm, Allendale to name but a few. Excellent Our bottled beers and ciders are featured range of naughty continental beers on the menus of leading hotels and and ciders also stocked. restaurants to accompany fi ne food. Call in and see for yourself, you won’t be disappointed! WYLAM BREWERY Coppers Telephone: 01661 853377 17 Princess Road, Brunton Park, Gosforth,Newcastle Upon Tyne, or visit us at: www.wylambrewery.co.uk NE3 5TT | Tel: 0191 2170043

16 cheers october 2010 Eat, Drink and be Merry • 9 CASK ALES ALWAYS AVAILABLE • GOOD BEER GUIDE 2010 • FOOD SERVED ALL DAY - EVERY DAY • SKY SPORTS AND ESPN • QUIZ EVERY SUNDAY LIVE MUSIC NIGHTS OCTOBER Saturday 2nd Dave Kelly, 9th Freddie Purvis, 16th Travellin Barrass, 23rd Peter McDonald, 30th Dave Black NOVEMBER Th ursday 4th Long Sands, 11th Brydon, 18th Russian Spies, (Russ Tippins & Ian McCormack) 25th Th e Th orns Saturday 6th Trevor Sewell, ha 13th Th e Happy Cats, 20th Long Sands, Pictures: Beer Genie ve your say 27th James Walker DECEMBER together, the sumptuous sum is so Log on to is why beer seems so refreshing cheersnortheast.co.uk Th ursday 2nd Georgio, 9th Shannon, much greater than the two parts. and why it lightens up the richness 16th Dave Lee Michael, 23rd Trudi, They really do bring out the best in of the food it is served with. Saturday 4th Billy Irvin, 11th Dave Kelly, each other. Beer has the bubbles and An effervescent ale or lager is 18th Russ Tippins, the bitterness to lift cheese’s rich, indulgent capable of awakening even the richest Friday 24th Th e Acoustic Beatles textures off the palate while cheese, in return, and ripest of cheeses. mellows out beer’s bitter hoppiness. Feel: No, put the Edam down, it’s not feeling Christmas bookings now being taken But beyond the bubbles and the brine, there with your hands; we’re talking mouth-feel. Christmas Fayre - lunch 4 course £12.95 or dinner £16 per person + FREE live music are so many textures and tastes to play with. Cheese and beer come in a stupendous (Th ursday & Saturday nights only) number of styles and each has a different, Beer and cheese can be creamy, they can be Christmas Day lunch 5 course £37.95 dry, they can be spicy, sweet and fruity. distinctive weight. Be careful not to overpower (under 12’s £20.00) Beer can be bitter and cheese can be tangy one with the other. For example, if your cheese and sharp. is one of those thick and gloopy French ones Credit card facilities - Children welcome Beer provides all the flavoursome then you need something a little more weighty, accompaniments one normally finds on a with more hop flavours, bigger bitterness and Barley Mow Inn cheese board, but in lovely, liquid form. a more muscular malty build – like a barley Durham Road, Birtley, The easiest and most successful rule for beer wine. Likewise, if the cheese is delicate and dry, Tyne & Wear DH3 2AH and food pairings is to match their intensities there’s no point drowning it with a fruity, heavy of flavour; delicate with delicate, spice with winter ale. In this instance, gentle, light and tel: 0191 4104504 spice, cream with cream and strong with sweet lagers are often best. strong. But rules, like creme crackers, are there Flavour: This one is rather important. to be broken. Eating and imbibing should be What does the cheese/beer taste like? What adventurous, not ordered, and let’s not forget: ingredients does it use? Does it contain fruit? this is supposed to be enjoyable. While the Is it nutty? Bitter? Sweet? Does it use any herbs temptation is to match similar flavours with and spices? Try and look for flavour hooks each other, contrasts and clashes are just as in either the beer or cheese that may help intriguing. you choose a perfect pairing. So, sweet with Three F-words to bear in mind sweet, fruity with fruity, or strong flavours with Fizz: Don’t forget that little rush of CO2. The strong flavours is a pretty safe guide, though bubbles provide an extra dose of acidity, which contrasts, if they work, are even more blissful. october 2010 cheers 17 ???View ??? from abroad Bruges

A day in Bruges has Vincent Zeller captivated. Is it the architecture, the heritage, the waterways – or could it have been the beer? On your bike for best Bruges beer

Tourists on bikes, students on bikes, say the likes of the magnificent kids on bikes, businessmen on bikes Craenenburg honeypot with its – bikers with nary a Lycra-clad thigh, yellowed walls, elaborate stained aerodynamic helmet, wraparound glass and rustic furniture are to be shades or any sign of all-terrain, dismissed as part of a travelling circuit. rush and a touch of fruity hop. It’s been multi-geared flashiness.T hey whizz Absorb the relaxed mood, sample the brewed in the heart of Bruges since past de Bier Tempel, glide in front local delicacies and marvel, just marvel 1856 by De Halve Maan (Half Moon); the of Jerry’s Cigar Bar, vibrate on the at those beers. only remaining family brewer in the city. cobbles outside The Bottle Shop, and In the steadily busy De Belleman Folklore has it that in 1480, the city rattle on to the Bierboetiek. (Town Crier) overlooking the duck pond organised a colourful procession of Bruges, Belgium’s fairytale city, in Queen Astrid Park, the barmaid high-spirited merry-makers and jesters is full of bikes. Apart from striding in pours Tongerlo Abbey Beer with a to welcome Maximilian, the Emperor of sensible shoes, it’s the best way to “The city organised conjurer’s sleight of hand. It’s one swift Austria, following his marriage to Mary, get around its charming narrowness a colourful movement of the bottle, a “now-you- daughter of Charles the Bold, Duke – particularly if you don’t fancy a canal procession of see-it-now-you-don’t” action – flip top, of Burgundy. high-spirited boat or pony and trap. quick pour, large head. At the end of the tour they asked him merry-makers And, it’s also full of pubs and to welcome The frothy overflow is whipped off to contribute to a new lunatic asylum. specialist beer shops – a paradise Maximilian, with a large spatula, the base of the He replied: “I have seen nothing but of self-propulsion where most Emperor of glass dunked in a shallow sink, pressed fools here today. Bruges is one great big people speak four languages and a Austria... At the onto absorbent paper and placed on a lunatic asylum.” The city’s inhabitants Dubbel Blond comes ‘met zachte en end of the tour beer mat. This has taken seconds, just have been known as Brugge Zotten volmondige smaak’, which may or may they asked him to like that, and she’s now ready for her (Fools) since. not translate as “spicy overtones and contribute to a new next request to flip, pour, scrape, dip, Brugs Beertje (Little Bruges Bear) faintly-detectable sherry notes”. lunatic asylum. dry and present. is one of those pubs where a life- If you find yourself faced with a He said, ‘Bruges is The bar/café is long and narrow enhancing experience arrives with a one great lunatic battalion of branded glasses hanging with a tiled floor and upholstered flourish of the 300-strong beer menu. asylum’.” upside down – indicating that the tiny seating that settles on the plush side This is table service heaven. It’s not bar you have ambled into actually has a of functional. Currency from virtually only worth searching side streets for beer for every one of them – sit down, every nation on Earth is pinned up (it’s at 5 Kemelstraat), it should be part ask for the beer list and pore. around the room; there’s a pipe of the homework, else a gem could be Every bar, café and restaurant has rack on one wall and the stacks easily missed. Old advertising signs a detailed menu, usually comprised of CDs behind the bar suggest decorate the walls in the two small of well-presented sheets bound in it’s a music venue. Lily The Pink rooms and the scrubbed tables wobble plastic wallets. playing on the stereo confirms on the mosaic floor. Tourist-light bars are only minutes otherwise, however. Is there really something deeply on foot from the Gothic façades of We concentrate on Brugse Zot, sensual about the scattering of tiny the central Markt, but that’s not to a fairly malty beer with a biscuity tables for two, or is it the effect of De 18 cheers october 2010 Verboden Vrucht QUALITY CASK ALES at 9% abv? THE BERKELEY TAVERN Brugs Beertje is unpretentious and t*%&"--:4*56"5&%0/8)*5-&:#":4&"'30/5 very impressive, as is the magnificently t3"/(&0'105.&"-4 flipped and poured t'6/$5*0/46*5 '3&&50-"3(&1"35*&4 Gouden Carolus Tripel Blond with its aromas Marine Avenue, Whitley Bay, of orange peel and Tyne and Wear, NE26 1LY coriander. There are 298 T: 0191 2527755 left on the list. Keiser Karel Bike it: The Markt Square is the Speciaal Bier, ‘met tourist centre of Bruges, but quieter kopperode nuances en places are only a street or two away een alcoholvolume van Low Lights Tavern 9%’, is a dark, sweet North Shield’s Oldest Pub strong ale from Brouerij Haacht; the largest independent brewery in Belgium (297 to go). Countdowns 296, 295 and 294 introduce themselves as Belle-Vue Kriek, Petrus Tripel “Brugs Beertje (above) is and De Keersmaeker Faro. Open Daily one of those pubs where a The mood is mellowing, Flemish is sounding life-enhancing experience from 12 noon more and more like Geordie and Delerium arrives with a flourish of the 300-strong beer menu. This Tremens (293) is presented unshaken. The is table service heaven. menu still promises Kwak, Orval, Gigi, Big Real Ale, Real Fires, Real Pub! It’s worth searching side Chouffe and Dentergem Witbier. There is also Brewhouse Bank, North Shields, streets for, else a gem one called Silly (287). NE30 1JH | www.lowlightstavern.co.uk could be missed” Despite that, Emperor Maximilian was Tel: 0191 257 6038 wrong. There are no fools in Bruges.

have your say Log on to cheersnortheast.co.uk In aid of Help for Heroes Friday 8th October: 4-10pm Saturday 9th: 12-10pm - Live music Sunday 10th: 12-10pm - Live music 15 real ales & 4 ciders from local & national Christmas Festive Menu 2010 brewers. Food & Accomodation available The Red Lion 22 Northumberland Street, Alnmouth, Northumberland, NE66 2RJ Evening Dinner Menu 3-Courses T: 01665 830584 www.redlionalnmouth.co.uk £22.95 per person The only sign to look Lunch 2-Courses for on Hadrian’s Wall Set in the shadows of Steel Rigg this country (lunch only) inn offers 3 Diamond accommodation, £15.95 per person Real Ales, superb wines and excellent food. It is an ideal location to explore the land of Please note: Menu subject to change without prior notice Reivers, Romans and Myths. Menu available from 1st - 24th December 2010 (not on Sundays)

Full A-La-Carte menu also available

T: 01325 312273 W: www.thecountyaycli evillage.com Bardon Mill, Hexham, NE47 7AN t: 01434 344534 e County . 13 e Green . Aycli e Village . County Durham . DL5 6LX e:[email protected] w: www.twicebrewedinn.co.uk

october 2010 cheers 19 pub practices Rapper dancing Blade runners Tradition and pubs are linked by 200 years of dance, as Alastair Gilmour discovers. There are even swords, too

apper dancing isn’t what it’s danced by fishermen. We also do a Eminem does. It’s debatable Yorkshire longsword style. The dances whether Jay-Z or 50 Cent basically all follow simple rules – all could do it either. Rapper have some sort of stepping action, for Rdancing has a 200-year tradition; example, which can vary from team participants dress in breeches and to team. Each team has its own sashes and they grasp swords. It’s pattern and we put them together strenuous, sweaty, rhythmic, rigorous in different ways.” – and terrific fun. It’s also performed Vince’s “simple rules”, however, seem in pubs by people who like good beer. baffling to the casual observer and the Rapper dancing emerged from the movements appear so intricate that mining villages of Northumberland and landing in a heap would be the most County Durham in the 19th Century. likely outcome. And, a 28-inch long, reasons and its proximity to the A1. Although a very physical activity, it finely tempered steel sword – even one “It’s either dedication or madness,” was the antidote to hewing coal in with a handle at both ends – adds an says Vince. “The Sun also has a nice foot-high seams. It was about fresh air, element of precariousness. back room with a wooden floor.” companionship, Rapper dancing That’s the other thing; Rappers discipline and has its own make a lot of noise over and above inter-village “language” as well, the basic fiddle jig accompaniment RAPPER DAPPER: rivalry and, so instructions (Sallyport’s fiddler is Becky Graham, “When they dance thanks to a few to team members here the place is a Newcastle support worker by day). dedicated people, are alien to the chocker. The locals Their heels and toes flash like Gene the tradition not layman’s ear. Take love it, it’s something Kelly’s and tap like Fred Astaire’s in only lives on but the following different. They’re a heady fashion – let’s say, you know it is developing Swalwell style smashing set of lads, when they’re around. and gaining in which was first canny drinkers an’ all. Dave Cook, landlord at the Sun Inn popularity. danced around They’ve been coming (four well-kept ales, mainly from “Rapper dancing was about getting 1850: “The dance consists of four basic here for about two the fine Jennings range) enjoys the away from work, dancing in the pubs figures, each starting with One Turn years – when they’ve team’s company and relishes the got their kit on it’s a and clubs for beer money,” says Vince Out (aka Single Guard) and ending alternative entertainment that fantastic sight.” Rutland from Sallyport Sword Dancers, with the tying of the Nut (a sword Rappers provide. He is so supportive a Rapper group that was formed in lock). The first figure simply includes he goes to watch them in various Newcastle in 1969. Although based at One Turn Out and the Nut with no other pubs and at the Durham the Cumberland Arms in Byker, the intervening figure, and the three Miners’ Gala. team practises fortnightly at the Sun following are called the Needle, “They’re a smashing set of lads,” he Inn in Swalwell, Gateshead, which is Right-and-Left and the Rank.” says. “When they dance here the rather appropriate as the five surviving The Sallyport team draws members place is chocker. The locals love it, dance styles are based on their from as far and wide, coming it’s something different. village origins – Swalwell, Winlaton, together at the Sun Inn at fortnightly “They’ve been coming here for Newbiggin-by-the-Sea, Murton intervals for practice – alternating about two years – canny drinkers and Beadnell. with the ladies darts team – from an’ all. When they’ve got the kit on “It’s very competitive,” says Vince. “They Alnwick, Wylam, Newcastle, it’s a fantastic sight.” were performing in front of people they Northallerton and Nottingham. This month, the Sallyport team knew, so they had to be good.” Apparently, they chose the pub from is off to Boston to take part in The Beadnell style is unusual in that the Good Beer Guide for obvious an international competition,

20 cheers october 2010 NEW OWNERS NEW LOOK swalwell specialists: Sallyport Rappers practise once a fortnight at the Sunn Inn, Swalwell, Gateshead. Its members travel from as far as Alnwick, Northallerton and even Nottingham. The team Warm and friendly is dancing in Boston this month at the Dancing America Rapper Tournament atmosphere. Home-cooked food served, Wed-Sun, 12-2pm, 6-9pm. Great selection of real ales. Children always welcome. The Crown Inn Humsaugh, Hexham, Northumberland, NE46 4AG 01434 681231

A traditional pub in the heart of Durham City 5 Local Real Ales always available Home cooked food Always a friendly welcome

12 Crossgate, Durham City, County Durham, DH1 4PS Telephone 0191 3864621

Dancing America Rapper Tournament. Apparently, the tradition has caught on over Beer’s future the past 20 or 30 years. Real Ale, “Some of their teams have come across to our festivals so we’re going over there this time,” is orange Real Food, says Vince. In good time for Hallowe’en comes Along with Sallyport, North East groups are the seasonal news from Rooster’s Brewery in Real People Kingsmen (essentially a Newcastle University Knaresborough, North Yorkshire. They’re an team), Durham University, Hexham and a experimental lot there and it comes as no • Good Beer Guide 2011 couple of women’s teams, Star & Shadow and surprise that Sam Franklin – son of Sean • Cask Marque accredited Pengwyn. Women are particularly suited to and Alison, who must rank as the UK’s most • A fine selection of Local some of the rapper styles. As Sallyport member innovative brewing couple – has developed and National real ales Stuart Higson explains, it’s not about being an a pumpkin beer. Now, this is no ordinary endurance test. bitter flavoured with essence, but a specially • Voted Newcastle’s most impressive waterhole by The “It’s very short and very fast,” he says, “so you concocted ale served on the bar from… yep, a Observer hurl yourself into it. Dances are three to four big orange vegetable-thing. • Outstanding Grade 1 Sam says: “The classic pumpkin pie consists minutes long. classical interior “We do a mix of traditional dances and more of five sets of spices; allspice, nutmeg, modern ones. We don’t want to be a team that cinnamon, ginger and cloves, and we will be • A starting point for the Whistle stop real ale tour does only traditional dances, and although we using all five. The pumpkin will be processed believe in keeping tradition going, some of the to a soup-type consistency, sterilised and • The City’s largest screen for major sporting events modern dances are quite exciting.” added to the mash, the boil and the fermenter Sallyport’s season of folk festivals, galas, to put maximum flavour and colour into the weddings, pub competitions and beer beer. “We will remove the guts and then take festivals is drawing to a close (they’re dancing an oxy-acetylene torch to the inside flesh to Bar & Deli every weekend in October) then it all starts remove the veggie taste and caramelise it again in March and April. But, if you hear a then seal it with bees’ wax. Grand Central Station, Northumbrian jig and the rat-a-tat of leather “We’ll bottle, cask, and ‘pumpkin’ the beer – Neville Street, on wood, you’ll know there’s a Rapper team woppin’ great things. Put a pilot hole into the Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE1 5DG around. Kanye West in breeches? Nah. pumpkin, tap, serve, and enjoy.” n For more information visit n For more information, contact Rooster’s http:/sallyport.heroku.com or Brewery, tel 01423 865 959, and online at Tel: 0191 2616611 www.rapper.org.uk www.roosters.co.uk www.centurion-newcastle.com

october 2010 cheers 21 NEWS FYNE FIGURES of the A Fyne set best Fyne6 Ales Avalanche (4.5% abv): A deliciously dry, straw coloured ale with a fragrant of figures “lemony” foretaste and an intriguing hint of grapefruit in cottish micro-brewery Fyne Ales is made to us by the finish. showing itself to be well ahead of wholesalers Highlander (4.8% abv): A the trend highlighted in the industry who are, fine strong ale with traditional survey, The Cask Report (see page 26), in turn, character. Full of malt flavours almostS doubling its sales over the past experiencing a pull from consumers who have with hops combining to give a citrus aroma. two years. enjoyed drinking our products.” Piper’s Gold (3.8% abv): A bitter pale ale with The brewery, set amongst the stunning West The brewery, part of a working farm situated a golden colour. Well bittered but balanced Highland scenery in Argyll, has just announced at the head of Loch Fyne, is currently brewing and a long dry finish. that its trading figures for the past quarter 2,800 pints per day. But far from relaxing Maverick (4.2% abv): A fine, robust fruity ale (June, July, and August 2010) show a rise of 90% in the glow of recent success, Jamie is planning with reddish mahogany colour and on the same quarter in 2008. for expansion. warm roasted malt flavours. A full mouth Jamie Delap, Fyne Ales managing director, “I am confident that we can expect to taste and fruity hop aromas generate a says: “In that time, we have gone from being double our sales again over the next two distinctive character. a local, west coast of Scotland supplier to years,” he says, “We are currently investing in Vital Spark (4,4% abv): A very dark ale with a distributing our ales throughout Scotland and a warehouse expansion and planning a big glorious reddish glow. A full-bodied ale rich in into the north of England. increase in our brewing capacity, doubling flavour with a dry finish. “Two years ago we were exporting nothing the size of our plant and upping our brewing Hurricane Jack (4.4% abv): A golden ale at all. We now we regularly export to Sweden, schedule from five to eight batches per week. with a smooth start that leads to deep, dry Hong Kong, China and Ireland. The amazing “There’s nothing better to do with Argyll’s citrus flavours which mellow to a lingering, thing is that all the approaches have been rain than to turn it into beer.” bitter finish.

22 cheers october 2010 Where is it? Twice Brewed is a roadside inn on the B6318 (Military Road), close to the Vindolanda Roman settlement and Hadrian’s Profile Wall Visitor Centre at Once Brewed. The pub is the ideal refreshment stop-off for Twice Brewed Inn, Northumberland ramblers and more serious walkers.

overview Landlords: Brian and Pauline Keen Twice Brewed Inn, Military Road, Bardon Mill, Northumberland NE47 7AN t: 01434 344 534 e: [email protected] www.twicebrewedinn.co.uk A family-run oasis in Hadrian’s Wall country popular with tourists and ramblers and a surprising number of locals, given its remote location. The pub features 14 bedrooms – six en-suite (VisitEngland three- star) – with views either to Steel Rigg on Hadrian’s Wall, or rolling Northumberland fells at the rear. It is close to the major Roman sites and, being only 35 miles west of Newcastle, easily reachable.

The beer The food Five handpulls that A wide and impressive include a superb Twice range from lunchtime Emperor Hadrian Brewed Ale, Consett home-made soup to Ale Works Cast Iron and specials that include would drink here Lambtons from Maxim. lamb shank in a Draught Budweiser minted gravy or home- Twice Brewed Inn divides naturally into dining and Budvar is another made steak pie. It’s drinking areas with the well-stocked bar in the middle attraction while the wine all uncomplicated but and huge fireplace at one end. A more formal dining room list is very reasonable. everything is beautifully is at the rear with a drinks-only lounge for wide-ranging Also renowned for spirits prepared and deliciously conversation and quiet reflection. Stunning photographs and liqueurs – rum is local where appropriate. of the surrounding area line the walls and visitors are a speciality. Desserts a speciality. encouraged to stick pins in the accompanying maps, denoting how far they’ve travelled (Ostrov Vrangel’a in the Siberian Sea takes a bit of beating). The foreign banknotes above the bar add a touch of internationalism to what is essentially a community pub that holds a quiz night, bridge sessions and regular charity events. The name? Twice Brewed is from “two brows” – hills rather than beer.

wall worth the trip out october 2010 cheers 23 ISSUES women and beer The femAle of have your say Log on to the species cheersnortheast.co.uk They make up half the population, yet why do women seem excluded from the world of beer? Ros Shiel has a few answers hen I tell people I market women from drinking it, along with an beer for a living, the ensuing ignorance of just how many different-tasting conversation tends to follow drinks come under the beer “umbrella”, a a predictable pattern. “Ooh,” limited knowledge that you can accompany they’llW say. “You don’t look like a beer BEER, really? food with beer and a widespread dislike of drinker. You don’t drink it yourself, do you?” “There’s a lot of received pint glasses. By which they seem to mean that, because wisdom in the industry Changing women’s prejudices about beer I can still see my toes when I look down, I about women preferring will take time, but there does seem to be a can’t possibly be drinking that calorie-laden, lighter, sweeter beers shift taking place. Earlier this year, research makes-you-big-as-a-bus drink called beer, can rather than more intense, from the Campaign For Real Ale (Camra) I? Everyone knows you add a dress size if you bitter styles, but surely showed that 32% of female drinkers had so much as look at a pint of ale. Don’t you? we should be promoting tried cask ale, compared to just 16% in 2008 all the many wonderful That misconception of beer as a “fattening” – an impressive leap by any standards. flavours of beer?” drink is one of the biggest hurdles stopping There’s a lot of received wisdom in the

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24 cheers october 2010 “A gem in the heart of Hadrian’s Wall country”

not a spritzer in sight: Women’s groups have formed recently to explore the world of beer, such as Dea Latis, above. Some Camra branches – Tyneside & Northumberland being one – have a ladies’ section which meets regularly to discuss issues within the industry that affect them in particular industry about women preferring lighter, retailers and industry bodies with the aim of 5 CASK ALES sweeter beers rather than more intense or complementing their own female-oriented RESTAURA NT bitter styles, but surely we should be promoting initiatives with a category-wide campaign. Featuring fresh, local all the many, wonderful flavours of beer? Beer’s At the group’s first event, held on FemAle produce and seasonal game diversity also means that it’s a Day in April this year, four Lunch – served from 12noon - 3pm match for a wide range of foods – female brewers presented beer pint point: “Glassware Dinner 6.30pm - 9.30pm, daily something that certainly resonates and chocolate pairings to an inevitably features large. SUNDAY CARVERY with women as they still do most of Some women are happy audience of 50 women, including the food shopping and cooking. with pints, but many ale “novices” who were surprised BAR SNACKS For that reason, it’s a bit more find them too big, and delighted to find that beer WALLED GARDEN disappointing that the majority of too masculine, wasn’t just brown and flat or CONSERVATORY food-led pubs – which you’d hope too inelegant” yellow and fizzy. would be beer and food champions One tasting session doesn’t – still seem to have a blind spot when it comes add up to a conversion of half the population, Why not stay over? to beer and food matching. These pubs could but if we can replicate that collaboration We have 17 comfortable create more “beer with food” occasions that between brewers and put the “cause” of beer would encourage their female guests to try and women above brand-specific promotion en-suite rooms beer, especially if it was also served in an now and again, we can surely start to overturn elegant glass. perceptions and encourage more women to at Glassware inevitably features large in any least try an elegant, half-pint glass of beer. discussion about beer and women. Some women are happy with pints, but many more find them too big, too masculine, too inelegant. And the half pint “slim jim” is barely an Only 30 minutes from Newcastle. improvement. Happily, more brewers are now Batt lesteads Hotel, producing elegant, half-pint glasses. Wark-on-Tyne, Hexham, NE48 3LS Overall, it’s starting to feel as though n Dea Latis is a group of brewers, beer Tel: 01434 230209 there is real momentum behind engaging tasters, publicans, writers and marketeers, women with beer. A group called Dea Latis is united by a passion for beer and a belief that Email: info@batt lesteads.com a new industry-wide forum, named after the it’s far too good to be enjoyed only by men. www. batt lesteads.com Celtic goddess of beer and water. Launched New members are welcome. Please contact: earlier this year, it has brought together [email protected] or contact Ros Shiel, women – and a few men – within brewers, tel 07841 694 137, www.dealatis.org october 2010 cheers 25 news the cask report 2010-2011 More ask for cask

he optimism shown encouraging – confirm for real ale’s future our optimistic view of by the likes of Tony the sector. Cask ale grew Binks at the Barrasford by 5% in value during TArms near Hexham, Norman 2009, against an industry- Weatherburn at the Boathouse, whole beer decline of 2%. Wylam, and the irrepressible Neil More than 120,000 people Amos at the Newcastle Arms in started drinking it over that Newcastle is well founded. period and the number of The Cask Report: Britain’s 18 to 24-year-olds doing so National Drink 2010-2011, increased by an amazing which has been recently 17% – hauling the total of published concludes that despite real ale drinkers well over declining total beer sales and the eight million mark. continuing pub closures, cask ale The Cask Report’s outperformed the beer market author Pete Brown says: last year, increased its share of “Considering everything else on-trade beer for the third that was happening in the successive year, and grew its beer market, with continuing pub become more thoughtful about rather than purchased more drinker base by 1.4%. closures and consumers switching our purchases and in our food cheaply in the supermarket, but Cask-conditioned beer is from on-trade to off-trade and drink choices, we’re looking brewers and licensees still need defined by the Campaign For Real consumption, it’s hard to view this for tradition, provenance and to work at convincing consumers Ale (Camra) as “the beer in a cask as anything other than a strong wholesomeness – all values that that a pint of cask beer is worth must contain enough yeast for performance from cask ale. cask ale can provide in spades.” the detour. a slow secondary fermentation “More interesting than the At the same time, this trend Cask’s eco-credentials to take place. This fermentation bald figures are the changing against “discretionary spending” is are one of its strongest suits produces the subtle matured market dynamics and patterns of leading people to visit restaurants with consumers who are flavours that distinguish real ale consumer behaviour. We might be and pubs less than they used to. increasingly concerned about the from ‘dead’ keg beers”. emerging from recession, but we’re Cask has an advantage in that, environmental impact of their The main points from the not jumping back to conspicuous unlike almost every other drink, food and drink. A pint of cask from Cask Report – and the most consumption; instead, we’ve it can only be enjoyed in the pub a local brewery bought in a pub

Q&A Olde Ship Inn, Seahouses OLde SHIP INN Tel: 01665 720200 We ask the questions www.seahouses.co.uk DAVID SWAN Olde Ship Inn, Seahouses How long have you been in the pub What’s the best thing about your would you call it? from stage and screen, including trade and at The Olde Ship Inn? job? Thatcher, after my favourite Brian Johnson, Nick Milne, Brendan I started at the age of 14 as a bottle I love the Ship and all who sail drink (cider). Healy, Donald Sindon and the boy at The Olde Ship and I’m still with her. most recent was Chris Gascoyne at the same pub today; a total of 32 Apart from The Olde Ship, what’s (Coronation Street). years later. And the worst? your favourite pub? We found them all to be down to The red tape, which is increasing. The Roundup Saloon and Pele’s in earth and very friendly. What made you do it in the Carvoeiro (Algarve, Portugal). first place? Are you a pint or a halves person? What words or phrases do you I was attracted by the pocket money, Halves (we don’t get time for pints). Who was the last celebrity you most overuse? followed by a love of the trade and served, and what were they like? Cheers! We all make mistakes. the Ship itself. If you had a pet hamster, what Over the years we have had many Thank you. 26 cheers october 2010 EAT, DRINK, SLEEP Ideally situated in the heart of Matfen. A gateway to Hadrian’s Wall.

Family run by Kelly and Danny (head chef), who truly believe in providing a traditional country welcome and atmosphere to all who visit.

Food served lunchtimes, Tuesday-Sunday 12pm-2.30pm and evening meals Tuesday-Saturday 6pm-8.30pm. All meals freshly prepared using top quality meat, fi sh and poul- try, locally sourced where possible. Steak is our specialty, we also serve proper chips and home-cooked puddings.

Ensuite accommodation available from £37.50pp B&B. Everyone welcome, including children and dogs. The Black Bull Matfen, Northumberland, NE20 0RP. Tel: 01661 886330

The new state of the art

has a carbon footprint of 300g of C02 equivalent, compared to 900g for a bottle of imported lager in a supermarket. ASK FOR CASK: Cask has And, cask drinkers are more an advantage in that it upmarket than non-cask drinkers can only be purchased – 68% of them are in social grade in the pub rather than ABC1. They agree that “it’s worth more cheaply in the paying more for good quality supermarket, but brewers beer”, yet nine out ten pubs and licensees still need to convince consumers that a currently charge less for cask beer pint of cask beer is worth than for lager. It might be wise to the detour. whisper that last sentence.

n The Olde Ship Inn, Seahouses was originally a farm, built around 1745. It obtained its first licence in 1812 and has been handed down through the family since Hugh and Eleanor Lawson took it over in 1910. So, this year is a significant one for David Swan and his fiancée at Rainton Bridge is the home of... Judith Glen. The pub is famous for its seafaring memorabilia, its range of real ales, and a menu that ranges from crab sandwiches to gamekeepers’ casserole and smoked fish chowder. The Olde After the last customer has left, do Ship Inn, tel 01665 720 200, Our beers are available in bottles and 9 gallon casks you relax with whisky or cocoa? www.seahouses.co.uk Telephone 0191 584 8844 or visit www.maximbrewery.co.uk I don’t do hot drinks. october 2010 cheers 27 Pub Lunch rose & crown, romaldkirk Jewel in the Crown Jane Pikett puts kedgeree – the best cure for a hangover since the days of the Raj – to the test, to discover that it works best when GREAT ALE, followed by a good sherry trifle There are many combinations I regret to report, however, claimed to cure the hangover. that this scientifically realised Someone once told me that raw combination wasn’t nearly as good GREAT PUB eggs in a glass with a liberal splash as the Guinness, and did not dull of Worcester Sauce and Tabasco the pain nearly so efficiently. Home to Consett Aleworks would do the trick. It certainly had More recently, I found myself an effect, but robust health was at the renowned Rose & Crown in A traditional real ale pub with a great atmosphere, not it. the elegant village of Romaldkirk, 2 open log fires and friendly welcome. Two off-duty nurses in not far from Barnard Castle, Limerick, Ireland, who took pity wondering what would cure the 4 guest ales changed on a weekly basis as well as our on my pathetic demeanour as I pounding in my head and the award winning Red Dust, Steel Town and White Hot propped up the bar in their local queasy feeling in my stomach. Sandwiches and snacks available every day. and did my level best to engage Now, this is a very lovely in a hair of the dog of Guinness country pub where propping up Wednesday Nights - Quiz night. Quiet quiz not on the mic and eggs Benedict, told me that the bar and groaning into a pint you can still have a jolly good conversation lots of free food only a combination of orange is really not the thing, despite the and beer tokens and wine prizes. juice, peanut butter, Marmite and legacy of the night before. banana on toast (really), and a And hallelujah – hallelujah (I’ll Thursday Nights - Live music and open mic cocktail of prescription painkillers say it again, I was so happy) – the October: 7th The Times,14th Open mic with Den & Dave, would suffice. Rose & Crown does kedgeree. Is 21st John Gordon, 28th Mark Wynn whisky with eddie ludlow Saturday 30th October Halloween Party and fancy dress, free food and entertainment with Acoustic Sofa November: 4th Suze Band, 11th Paul Liddel, 18th Open Mic with John Gordon, 25th Steve Daggart Blend of gold Beer Festival - Easter & August Bank Holiday Weekends In this series we have been that gets it in the neck, and then exploring how single malts and so does the whole category of COME ALONG AND EXPERIENCE REAL NORTH blends stack up against each blended whisky. This is entirely EAST HOSPITALITY other and the notion that blends unfair and in many cases, unjust. are perceived by the average The opportunity with blends whisky lover to be somehow that a lot of people miss is that at inadequate. the blender’s fingertips is a huge I think I said something last array of single malts from all over month about having been in Scotland – the typical blend is that position myself when first made up of between six and 30 115 Sherburn Terrace, Consett, discovering single malt whisky. different malts. Many of these are County Durham, DH8 6NE The thing to remember is that what we call “fillers” – whiskies our first experiences of whisky are that on their own don’t cut the Telephone 01207 502585 normally memorable for all the mustard, but when paired with wrong reasons. Dad or Granddad’s more interesting whiskies become dusty old bottle of this blend or more interesting themselves. 28 cheers october 2010 country casual: The Rose and Crown at Romaldkirk in County Durham is not the sort of place to prop up the bar and groan about a hangover; rather, it’s a ‘proper’ country pub serving superb cask beer and delightful food. The sherry trifle even surpasses those of Mrs Craddock and Mrs Pikett there any finer cure for the excesses of making appreciative noises of his mother time and again. But I an over-enthusiastic socialite? I think sausages with apple mash and might say, without wishing to not – and this kedgeree was better than spring greens. I know the greens be disloyal to the memories of any I have tasted or cooked, which is were succulent and hearty because the ladies Craddock and Pikett, saying much, as I think myself quite I nicked most of them, claiming the sherry trifle at the Rose & a connoisseur. them to be wonderfully medicinal Crown is the best I have tasted; A gathering of perfectly spiced for ladies of a certain age with a a sumptuous indulgence marked rice, softly poached smoked haddock headache – and so they were. out particularly for the supreme unfettered by dye, succulent quails’ He was less accommodating quality of its golden yellow eggs and prawns, accompanied by a when I progressed onto his Black Sheep, custard, made, they tell me, from side salad including greatly comforting but I made up for it by treating him to Rose & Crown, the excellent eggs laid by the hens in potatoes and croutons and the mists an Allendale Golden Plover – brewed Romaldkirk, the back garden. began to lift. close to our Tyne Valley home, and County Durham Supreme, wonderful, and absolutely Of course, the Theakston’s Bitter lovely to see down in Teesdale. DL12 9EB, tel medicinal, I left the Rose & Crown helped a good deal, as did the And still I haven’t reached the piece 01833 650 213 happier, healthier and delighted to find opportunity to shade my sensitive eyes de resistance represented by the sherry www.rose-and- a proper country pub which provides with a copy of the Teesdale Mercury – a trifle. As a child of the 1970s I believe crown.co.uk superb ales and truly good food. It’s a weekly paper of deserved renown and trifle to be no trifling thing. Fanny mix not everyone achieves, but the Rose great tradition. Craddock’s recipe remains the original & Crown manages it. A hangover is not The other half, meanwhile, was and best, trotted out expertly by my a requirement for entry.

l ots more Many of these are available Johnnie Walker Black Label whiskies from about as single malts and I, for one, It may be everywhere, but I don’t Berry Brothers & whisky would much rather drink a more care. This is a great whisky. Full and Rudd. See www. log on to interesting blend. nutty with dried fruit and sherry thewhiskylounge. thewhiskylounge.com If you twisted my arm for a blend notes. A touch of peat smoke holds it com for details. recommendation, I might be forced altogether beautifully. Eddie is also a judge to mention the following… Others worthy of a mention on the spirits panel of the J&B (Justerini and Brooks) include Black Bottle, Six Isles (a prestigious International Wines and If you want something on the light blended malt) and Chivas Regal. Spirits Competition (IWSC) and writes side then look no further. Fairly low There are, of course, some truly for various publications on whisky. malt content, but the use of quality dreadful blends but then there also whiskies results in a fresh, zesty, some awful single malts… When you’ve lemony dram. Perfect for early evening “Johnnie Walker tried a few of these we will convene Daft or what? or breakfast (joke!) Black Label may again next month. The following are all (or have been) BNJ (Bailie Nicol Jarvie) be everywhere Eddie Ludlow’s company, The Whisky names of whiskies: A high malt content and slightly older but I don’t Lounge, hosts whisky tasting festivals Old Cobblers, Pig’s Nose, Regal Butt, whiskies (minimum eight years) give care. This is a and events all over the UK. He will Pheasant Plucker, Sheep Dip, Tee this cracker plenty of heart and spice. great whisky.” be in Newcastle, at Blackfriars Tee, Gee Gee, Gay Ghost, Glen Tosh, Fabulous if you want something a little Restaurant, on Friday October 15 and surely George Michael’s favourite, more chewy to get your teeth into. hosting a whisky dinner featuring Wham’s Dram. october 2010 cheers 29 wine with Suzanne Lock and Bill Oswald FAQ? Answer PDQ In wine company, the most Frequently Asked Question – FAQ – is “how long will wine last in the bottle before it should be drunk?” The answer is Pretty Damned Quick (PDQ)

There is a myth that most wines regulations on ageing. “Gran will improve with age. Not so, Reserva”, for instance, is aged at most wine will last only about two least six years before it comes to years in a bottle. The doyenne of the market. wine writers, Jancis Robinson, Another general rule is that red reckons that 99% of wines costing wine lasts longer than white and under £10 will have a short shelf rosé, and traditional dessert wines life. In fact, Beaujolais Nouveau have very long lives. If you are – which we discussed last month looking for simple rules to follow – should be drunk to find wines that age immediately. well, first look for the If you are buying great wine regions from your local of the world, then supermarket, always general rule: Red look at the price. wine lasts longer than assume that it should These are your best white and rose – and be drunk quickly. If you guides – and before traditional dessert wines want to buy wine for have very long lives you moan about wine laying down (say for above £10, just think a special event in ten back to how much years’ time) ask a wine merchant you paid for a bottle on your last or reputable shop for advice, but visit to a restaurant. remember you will need good Remember, above all, that it is storage conditions; a cool, dark better to drink a wine too young area and a place where the wine than too old. will not be moved. Wine Slurps: Another misconception is Recommended wine for serious that bottles labelled “Reserve” drinkers – Graves and “Superior” denote a higher The best use of bad wine is to quality of wine, but Reserve has drive away unwelcome relatives – no official meaning whatsoever French proverb. and is liberally used by producers and often misleads consumers. n Suzanne Lock and Bill Oswald, “Superior” officially means the in the guise of Advintage Ltd, host wine is of a higher alcoholic regular wine events throughout volume than the norm (but even the North East as well as wine then, often less than 1% higher). and quiz weekends and holidays Spain is the exception to this, to Europe. For details of wine holidays, including a weekend to however. Wines tagged “Reserva” Windermere in November, visit and “Gran Reserva” are from www.Advintagewine.co.uk or exceptional harvests not made email [email protected] every year and there are strict 30 cheers october 2010 Cocktails John Collingwood

Amaretto was too overpowering and sweet, but would they think of. Like me, it was pear. almond essence was a different kettle of fish, However, pears are funny fruit, they have so developing a great depth. much aroma, but when placed into a drink it Vodka “As this is a digestif cocktail, I needed to add dissipates. This then led to me to Poire William a little bit of sweetness. I have been tinkering Au Cognac, a really subtle spirit with complex a with Bokers Dandelion & Burdock Bitters to flavour that simply oozes opulence and luxury. try and come up with a suitable cocktail to use It was like creating a great painting polish it in. with Zubrowka. As part of a nationwide competition for “I don’t think you can get more British “I tried root ginger but it was too strong, the Hotel du Vin and Malmaison chains, than dandelion and burdock and memories however, Stones Ginger Wine was perfect; only Newcastle-based John Collingwood of accompanying fish and chips with it spring 5ml was enough to bring a little spiciness to developed a drink using Zubrowka Bison to mind, but there is so much more to it – its the drink. Grass Vodka. herbaceous notes and those of Zubrowka “I translated Aromas of the Forest into Zubrowka is one of Poland’s most popular vodka work beautifully together. Zapach Lasu and you couldn’t get a better vodkas and celebrates Europe’s biggest “The majority of cocktails created around name – plus it begins with the all-important Z.” remaining herd of bison which thrives in Zubrowka are based on apple, ginger, n John Collingwood runs cocktail training Bialowieza, the last primeval forest in Europe. cinnamon and lemon flavours, so I wanted to classes and events through his company John explains the reasoning behind his take this and give it a bit of twist. I approached Want To Impress (www.wantoimpress.com), tel concoction Zapach Lasu, even down to the fact some chefs, asking if I said ‘apple’, what 07500 893 432. that he wanted its name to begin with Z. “The public reaction to the cocktail was n Zapach Lasu (Polish: Aromas of the Forest) second to none,” says John. “I was amazed Ingredients METHOD to find that in the Bialowieza Forest in Poland 35ml Zubrowka vodka • Add sugar cube, cloves, there are oak trees that are 450 years old, with 15ml Poire William au Cognac almond essence and sparkling names such as the Tsar Oak and Emperor 5ml Stones Ginger Wine water to a Boston glass, of the South – great names for a drink, but White sugar cube soaked in stirring until it is dissolved. lacking the all-important Z. Dandelion & Burdock Boker Bitters • Add the rest of the ingredients, “This led me to think about flavours I could Dash sparkling water top with cubed ice, stirring add, to enhance those found in Zubrowka 3 cloves, 3 drops almond essence until it ice cold. Double strain vodka. Following a lot of experimentation, I Lemon zest into a chilled Martini glass. found that almond works wonders, but adding THE WORLD’S BIGGEST REAL ALE & CIDER FESTIVAL WED 27 OCT–SUN 14 NOV WWW.JDWREALALE.CO.UK

THE JOB BULMAN ST NICHOLAS AVENUE, GOSFORTH TEL: 0191 223 6320 Subject to local licensing restrictions and availability at participating free houses.

october 2010 cheers 31 116137M Beer Fest Camra Advert 128x125mm.indd 1 14/9/10 17:00:58 The Quakerhouse Bay Horse Inn The Black Bull Cheers is all about pubs in the 2 Mechanics Yard, Stamfordham, NE18 0PB Matfen, NE20 0RP Darlington, DL3 7QF t: 01661 886244 t: 01661 886330 t: 07783 960 105 North East and this should be e: [email protected] Cross Keys The Black Bull Inn www.quakerhouse.net Thropton, Rothbury, NE65 7HX Etal, TD12 4TL t: 01669 620362 t: 01890 820200 a good place to start... The Queens Head 17 Front Street, Crown & Anchor Inn The Blue Bell Hotel Lanchester, DH7 0LA Market Place, Holy Island, Belford, NE70 7NE t: 01207 529990 TD15 2RX t: 01668 213543 t: 01289 389215 The Red Lion e: [email protected] The Boathouse North Bitchburn Terrace, www.holyislandcrown.co.uk Wylam, NE41 8HR North Bitchburn, DL15 8AL t: 01661 853431 t: 01388 763561 Dipton Mill Inn Dipton Mill Road, Hexham, The Boatside Inn The Royal Oak NE46 1YA Warden, NE46 4SQ 7 Manor Road, t: 01434 606577 t: 01434 602 233 Medomsley Village, DH8 6QN e: [email protected] t: 01207 560336 www.diptonmill.co.uk The Carts Bog Inn Langley on Tyne, The Seaton Lane Inn Duke of Wellington Hexham, NE47 5NW A-Z Seaton Lane, Seaton, Newton, NE43 7UL t: 01434 684338 County Durham, SR7 0LP t: 01661 844446 t: 0191 5812038 The Cook & Barker Inn Errington Arms Newton-on-the-Moor, The Shepherd & Stagshaw, Corbridge, Felton, NE65 9JY Shepherdess NE45 5QB t: 01665 575 234 Beamish, Stanley, DH9 0RS t: 01434 672250 t: 0191 370 0349 The Crown General Havelock Inn Allendale Road, Catton, The Square & Compass Haydon Bridge, NE47 6ER NE47 9QS 7 The Green, t: 01434 684376 t: 01434 683 447 West Cornforth, e: [email protected] e: [email protected] Ferryhill, DL17 9JQ www.crownatcatton.com Pub t: 01740 653050 Lion & Lamb Horsley, NE15 0NS The CROWN INN The Stables t: 01661 852952 Humsaugh, Hexham, Beamish Hall Hotel, NE46 4AG Beamish, DH9 0BY Macdonald Linden Hall t: 01434 681 231 t: 01207 233 7333 Longhorsley, Morpeth, NE65 8XF The Dyke Neuk The Stables t: 01670 500000 Meldon Nr Morpeth, NE61 3SL West Herrington, e: [email protected] t: 01670 772 662 Houghton le Spring, DH4 4ND www.macdonald-hotels.co.uk/lindenhall e: [email protected] t: 0191 584 9226 www.thedykeneuk.co.uk Newcastle Hotel THE STONEBRIDGE INN Front Street, Rothbury, The Dyvels Inn guide Nevilles Cross, Durham, DH1 3RX NE65 7UT Station Road, Corbridge, n You can pick up your copy of cheers at any of these great pubs... t: 0191 370 9422 t: 01669 620334 NE45 5AY t: 01434 633 633 The Three Horseshoes Olivers e: [email protected] Surtees Arms The Grey Horse Pit House Lane, Leamside, 60 Bridge Street, Blyth, www.dyvelsinn.co.uk Cleveland Chilton Lane, 115 Sherburn Terrace, Houghton Le Spring, DH4 6QQ NE24 2AP Ferryhill, DL17 0DH Consett, DH8 6NE t: 0191 584 2394 t: 01670 540356 The Elk’s Head The Salutation t: 01740 655724 t: 01207 502585 Whitfield,N E47 8HD 5 West Road, Billingham, e: [email protected] The Whitehills Riverdale Hall Hotel t: 01434 345 282 Cleveland, TS23 1BP www.thesurteesarms.co.uk The Half Moon inn Waldridge Road, Bellingham, NE48 2JT t: 01642 559119 86 New Elvet, Durham, DH1 3AQ Chester le Street, DH2 3AB t: 01434 220254 The Feathers Inn The Avenue Inn t: 0191 3741918 t: 0191 3882786 e: reservations@ Hedley on the Hill, Avenue Street, riverdalehallhotel.co.uk Stocksfield,N E43 7SW County Durham High Shincliffe, DH1 2PT The Honest Lawyer The Victoria Inn www.riverdalehallhotel.co.uk t: 01661 843 607 t: 0191 386 5954 Croxdale Bridge, 86 Hallgarth Street, Butcher’s Arms Croxdale, DH1 3HP Durham, DH1 3AS Riverside Lodge The Fishing Boat Inn Middle Chare, The Bay Horse t: 0191 3783782 t: 0191 3860465 High Stanners, Boulmer Village, Alnwick, Chester le Street, DH3 3QB 28 West Green, Morpeth, NE61 1Ql NE66 3BN t: 0191 388 3605 Heighington, DL5 6PE Ye Old Elm Tree t: 01670 512771 t: 01665 577 750 t: 01325 312312 12 Crossgate, e: enquiries@riverside-lodge. Castle Eden Inn Your pub NOT LISTED? Durham City, DH1 4PS co.uk The Fox & Hounds Stockton Road, The Beamish Mary Inn t: 0191 386 4621 www.riverside-lodge.co.uk Main Road, Wylam, NE41 8DL Call us on 0191 221 2277 Castle Eden, TS27 4SD No Place, Nr Beamish, DH9 0QH, to be in the next edition t: 01661 853246 t: 01429 835137 t: 0191 370 0237 The Allenheads Inn [email protected] North Yorkshire Allenheads, Hexham, NE47 9HJ The Golden Lion DERWENT WALK INN www.thebeamishmaryinn.co.uk t: 01434 685200 Market Place, Allendale, Ebchester, The Manor House The Crown Inn NE47 9BD DH8 0SX The Black Horse Hotel Vicars Lane, Manfield, DL2 2RF The Anchor Inn t: 01434 683 225 t: 01207 560347 Red Row,Beamish, DH9 0RW The Green, West Auckland, t: 01325 374243 Whittonstall Nr Consett, t: 01207 232569 DH14 9HW www.villagebrewer.co.uk DH8 9JN The Hadrian Hotel Dun Cow t: 01388 834834 t: 01207 561110 Wall, Nr Hexham, NE44 4EE 37 Old Elvet, The Brittania Inn The White Swan Inn t: 01434 681232 Durham, DH1 3HN 1 Archer Street, Darlington THE MANOR HOUSE INN 1 West End, The Angel Inn t: 0191 386 9219 County Durham, DL3 6LR Carterway Heads, Stokesley, TS9 5BL Main Street, Corbridge, The Hermitage Inn t: 01325 463787 Shotley Bridge, t: 01642 710263 NE45 5LA 23 Castle Street, Head of Steam DH8 9LX e: [email protected] t: 01434 632119 Warkworth, NE65 0UL 3 Reform Place, The County t: 01207 255268 www.thewhiteswanstokesley.co.uk t: 01665 711 258 Durham, DH1 4RZ 13 The Green, Aycliffe Vilage, The Angler’s Arms t: 0191 3832173 County Durham, DL5 6LX The Market Tavern Weldon Bridge, The Horse Shoes Inn t: 01325 312273 27 Market Place, Durham, DH1 3NJ Northumberland Longframlington, NE65 8AX Rennington Village, Alnwick, Number Twenty-2 [email protected] t: 01207 255268 t: 01665 570271 NE66 3RS 22 Coniscliffe Road, www.countyaycliffevillage.com Alnmouth Golf Club t: 01665 577 665 Darlington, DL3 7RG The Mill Foxton Hall, Alnmouth, The Blackbird t: 01325 354590 The Dun Cow Durham Road, NE66 3BE North Road, Ponteland, The Jolly Fisherman e: [email protected] Primrose Hill, Bournmoor, Rainton Bridge, DH5 8NG t: 01665 830231 NE20 9UH Haven Hill, Craster, NE66 3TR www.twenty2.villagebrewer.co.uk DH4 6DY t: 0191 5843211 e: secretary@ t: 01661 824208 t: 01665 576461 t: 0191 385 2631 alnmouthgolfclub.com Old Mill Hotel The Miners Arms www.alnmouthgolfclub.com The Black Bull The Lindisfarne Inn Thinford Road, The Dun Cow 41 Manor Road, Middle Street, Beal, TD15 2PD Metal Bridge, Front Street, Sedgefield, Medomsley, DH8 6QN Bamburgh Castle INN Corbridge, NE45 5AT t: 01289 381 223 Coxhoe, DH6 5NX TS21 3AT t: 01207 560428 Seahouses, NE68 7SQ t: 01434 632261 t: 01740 652928 t: 01740 620894 t: 01665 720283 The Olde Ship inn The Olde Ships Inn The Black Bull 9 Main Street, South Causey Inn The Floater’s Mill Durham Road,East Rainton, Barrasford Arms Bridge Street, Warkworth, Seahouses, NE68 7RD Beamish Burn Road, Woodstone Village, Houghton Le Spring, Barrasford Hexham, NE48 4AA NE65 0XB t: 01665 720 200 Stanley, DH9 OLS Fence Houses, DH4 6BQ DH5 9QT t: 01434 681237 t: 01665 711367 e: [email protected] t: 01207 235555 t: 0191 385 6695 t: 0191 5840944 www.seahouses.co.uk Battlesteads Hotel The Black Bull Sun Inn The Green Tree The Punch Bowl Inn Wark, Hexham, NE48 3LS 2-4 Main Street, The Pack Horse Inn Houghton Road, Bridge Street, Edmundbyers, t: 01434 230209 Lowick, Berwick upon Tweed, Ellingham, Chathill, Newbottle, DH4 4EG Howden Le Wear, DL15 8EX DH8 9NL e: [email protected] TD15 2UA NE67 5HA t: 0191 584 1019 t: 01388 762743 t: 01207 255545 www.battlesteads-hotel.co.uk t: 01289 388228 t: 01665 589 292

32 cheers october 2010 The Percy Arms Hotel THE White Swan Inn Ristorante Fiume The Cumberland Arms You can also pick up a copy of Cheers at selected Main Road, Chatton, Warenford, Belford, NE70 7HY 16 Bonemill Lane, 17 Front Street, Tourist Information Centres, Mmm in the Grainger NE66 5PS t: 01668 213453 Washington, NE38 8AJ Tynemouth, NE30 4DZ t: 01668 215 244 t: 0191 4150007 t: 0191 257 1820 Market, Newcastle, Coppers at Brunton Park, Twice Brewed Inn Newcastle, Hexham Golf Club, Houghton Le Spring The Pheasant Inn Military Road, San Lorenzo The Grey Horse Stannersburn, Bardon Mill, NE47 7AN 121-123 High Street, Front Street, Golf Club, Newcastle Cricket Club, Jesmond, High Kielder Water, NE48 1DD t: 01434 344534 Gosforth, NE3 1HA East Boldon, NE36 0SJ House Farm Brewery, Matfen and Darlington t: 01434 240 382 e: [email protected] t: 0191 2130399 t: 0191 519 1796 www.twicebrewedinn.co.uk Snooker Club. The Queen’s Head Inn The Aletaster The Half Moon Inn Great Whittington, NE19 2HP 706 Durham Road, Ryton Village, Ryton, t: 01434 672 267 TYNE & WEAR Gateshead, NE9 6JA NE40 3NU t: 0191 487 0770 t: 0191 4132028 The Railway Hotel Alum Ale House Church Street, Haydon River Drive, South Shields, The Head of Steam Classified Bridge, NE47 6JG NE33 1JR The Berkeley Tavern 2 Neville Street, Newcastle t: 01434 684 254 t: 0191 4277245 NE1 5EN t: 0191 230 4236 For more information on how to The Rat Inn Bowes Incline Hotel Anick, Hexham, NE46 4LN Northside, Birtley, The Job Bulman advertise your services, vacancies t: 01434 602 814 Gateshead, DH3 1RF St Nicholas Avenue, t: 0191 410 2233 Gosforth, NE3 1AA and events contact Gillian Corney The Red Lion t: 0191 2236320 22 Northumberland Street, Britannia on 0191 221 2277 or email at: Alnmouth, NE66 2RJ 3 Boldon Lane, The Keelman t: t: 01665 830584 Cleadon, SR6 7RH Grange Road, Newburn, [email protected] www.redlionalnmouth.co.uk t: 0191 536 4198 Marine Avenue, Whitley Bay, Newcastle NE15 8NL Tyne & Wear, NE26 1LY t: 0191 267 1689 The Red Lion Inn Cumberland Arms Milfield, Wooler, NE71 6JD James Place Street, t: 0191 2527755 The Kings Arms Stock Auditors to Licensed Trade. Food Specialists & t: 01668 216224 Byker, Newcastle, NE6 1LD Quality Cask Ales Beech Street, Consultants, Cost awareness and GP% improvement e: [email protected] t: 0191 265 6151 Range of Pot Meals Deptford, SR4 6BU advice. We guarantee to help increase your www.redlioninn-milfield.co.uk t: 0191 567 9804 Gross Profit significantly. Delaval Arms Function Suite - FRee to The Ship Inn Old Hartley NE26 4RL large parties The Kings Arms Marygate, Holy Island, TD15 2SJ t: 0191 237 0489 West Terrace, Seaton Sluice, Call Graham Calvert 07979 404 789 t: 01289 389 311 NE26 4RD or Malcolm Graham 07801 662 596 e: [email protected] THE Duke of Wellington The Bacchus t: 0191 2370275 www.theshipinn-holyisland.co.uk High Bridge, Newcastle 42-48 High Bridge, NE1 1EN Newcastle NE1 6XB The Lambton Arms The Ship Inn t: 0191 261 8852 t: 0191 261 1008 Eighton Banks, The Square, Low Newton-by- Gateshead, NE9 7XR the-Sea, NE66 3EL Fitzgerald’s The Barley Mow Inn t: 0191 487 8137 t: 01665 576 262 10-12 Green Terrace, Durham Road, Barley Mow, Sunderland, SR1 3PZ Birtley, DH3 2AH The Low Lights Tavern The Sportsman Inn t: 0191 567 0852 t: 0191 410 4504 Brewhouse Bank, Sea Lane, North Shields, NE30 1LL Embleton Bay, NE66 3XF Free Trade Inn The Bodega t: 0191 2576038 t: 01665 576 588 St Lawrence Road, 125 Westgate Road, Byker, Newcastle, NE6 1AP Newcastle NE1 4AG The Magnesia Bank The Sun Inn t: 0191 265 5764 t: 0191 221 1552 1 Camden Street, Acomb, NE46 4PW e: [email protected] North Shields, NE30 1NH t: 01434 602934 www.freetradeinn.com The Brandling Arms t: 0191 257 4831 www.thesuninn-acomb.co.uk 176 High Street, Gosforth, LYH NE3 1HD The Maltings The Sun Inn 10 Northumberland Street, t: 0191 2854023 9 Claypath Lane, Northumberland Street, Newcastle, NE1 8JF South Shields, NE33 4PG Our Knowledge = Alnmouth, NE66 2RA t: 0191 2321308 The Brandling Villa t: 0191 4277147 t: 01665 830983 Haddricks Mill Road, South e: [email protected] Melton Constable Gosforth, NE3 1QL The Marquis Of Granby Your SucceSS www.sun-inn-alnmouth.co.uk Beresford Road, Seaton t: 0191 2840490 Streetgate, Sunniside, NE16 5ES Sluice, NE26 4DR t: 0191 4880954 t: 0191 2377741 The Bridge the tanKerville arms Castle Garth, Newcastle, The Mill House Newcastle Arms NE1 1RQ Blackfell, Birtley, DH3 1RE 57 St Andrews Street, t: 0191 2326400 t: 0191 415 1313 DicK Attlee Newcastle NE1 5SE t: 0191 260 2490 The Causey Arch Inn The Packhorse Real Ale Technical Services www.newcastlearms.co.uk Beamish Burn Road, Marley Crookgate, Burnopfield, Hill, Newcastle, NE16 5EG NE16 6NS T: 0191 2581067 OddfellOws free HOuse t: 01207 233925 t: 01207 270283 M: 07722 631787 17th The Centurion The Potters Wheel 22 Cottage road, Century Neville Street, Newcastle Sun Street, Sunniside, NE16 5EE E: [email protected] wooler, nE71 6aD coaching NE1 5DG t: 0191 4888068 t: 01668 281581 inn t: 0191 261 6611 e: [email protected] e: enquiries@ www.potterswheelpub.com tankervillehotel.co.uk The Clock www.tankervillehotel.co.uk Victoria Road, East Hebburn, The Queen Victoria Fine food using fresh local NE31 1YQ 206 High Street, G.A. WEDDERBURN & CO. LTD. produce. t: 0191 424 1134 Gosforth, NE3 1HD Three star, 16 bedroom 7 Albion Road, North t: 0191 2858060 hotel. Ideal base to explore Shields, NE30 2RJ The Cluny ‘The Secret Kingdom’. t: 0191 257 4288 36 Lime Street, Ouseburn, The Ravensworth Arms e: [email protected] Newcastle, NE1 2PQ Lamesley, Gateshead, NE11 0ER The Three Horseshoes www.oddfellowspub.co.uk t: 0191 230 4474 t: 0191 487 6023 Tony Franklin Hathery Lane, Horton, Listed in CAMRA Tel: (023) 8022 7645 Cramlington, NE24 4HF Good Beer Guide 2010 The Cock Crow Inn The Robin Hood t: 01670 822410 Bottle conditioned range Mill Lane, Hebburn, NE31 2EY Primrose Hill, Jarrow, NE32 5UB South - facing beer garden t: 0191 428 5730 t: 0191 428 5454 The Travellers Rest with outside TV Air conditioned, Sky Sports EPOS SYSTEMS Slaley, Hexham, NE46 1TT The Copt Hill The Turks Head • t: 01434 673231 Seaham Road, 41 Front Street, e: [email protected] Olde Fat Ox Inn Houghton le Spring, DH35 8LU Tynemouth, NE30 4DZ www.travellersrestslaley.com Holywell Village, t: 0191 5844485 t: 0191 2576547 Whitley Bay, • CASH REGISTERS The Wellington NE25 0LJ The Cottage Tavern The Victory Main Road, Riding Mill, t: 0191 237 0964 North Street, Cleadon, SR6 7PL Killingworth Road, NE44 6DQ t: 0191 519 0547 South Gosforth, NE3 1SY t: 01434 682531 Popolo’s t: 0191 285 1254 • LICENCED TRADE SPECIALIST 82 Pilgrim Street, The County The Wheatsheaf Hotel Newcastle, High Street , Gosforth, Tilleys Bar St Helens Street, Corbridge, NE1 6SF Newcastle NE3 1HB 105 Westgate Road, NE45 5HE t: 0191 2328923 t: 0191 285 6919 Newcastle NE1 4AW • SERVING THE N.E. FOR 15 YEARS t: 01434 632020 t: 0191 232 0692 Red Lion The Courtyard THE Victoria Hotel Redcar Terrace, Arts Centre, Biddick Lane, Tynemouth Lodge 1 Front Street, Bamburgh, West Boldon, Washington, Tynemouth Road, www.wedderburn.co.uk NE69 7BP NE36 0PZ NE38 8AB North Shields, NE30 4AA t: 01668 214431 t: 0191 536 4197 t: 0191 219 3463 t: 0191 257 7565

october 2010 cheers 33 Fun stuff

they? And so came to pass The Parable the cooker top, infusing its of the Dalmatian Dog, the Shetland flavours into the shellfish the Mussels and the Belhaven Best. carefully gathered from our I should declare an interest now fertile coastline (well, Taylor’s and admit that I am the Dalmatian dog of Hexham fishmongers…)? dogs featured in the aforementioned morality I thought it had been Blue’s canine tale. I should also point out that the forgotten and needed to be adventures in beer Shetland mussels and the Belhaven washed up, that’s all – and there is no You know the feeling, you’ve planned Best were found about my person, more efficient cleaning implement than it for ages – nothing terrible, but or should I say, on their way to their the tongue of the pedigree Dalmatian! enough to get you a slap on the nose resting place, um, within my person. And so, I licked the pan clean, and and no Bonios for the foreseeable. However, as that noble hound Mutley discovered what a gorgeous mix is The master’s down the pub nursing might have said, I was only trying to help! created when one adds Belhaven Best a copy of Dogs Today and an Allendale How was I to know that the saucepan to the liquor of the humble mussel. Golden Plover, the mistress is settled bearing the exquisite liquor of garlic, The mistress swears by the combination, in the front room with a copy of Wisden onions, white wine and cream laced but says the next time she cooks it, I will and a can of Speckled Hen, and the lads with the heavenly brew of the Belhaven be relegated to the coal shed. How rude! – well, the lads just encourage me, don’t Brewery was supposed to be left on How unappreciative! How inhuman! Ruff! Pub Monster Sudoku The Dirty Dozen Quiz Complete the grid so that every row, column and 4x4 box conatins 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, A, B, C, D, E, & F Twelve stinkers by Tony Gold, Sunderland Quiz League 1. what letter was added to the title of the marked his 28th birthday this year with a 1991 Robbie Coltrane film, The Pope Must first-ball duck against Pakistan? Die, when it was released in the USA? 10. Europe has 15 landlocked countries. 2. what do twitchers know as a LEO? Listed alphabetically, which comes first? 3. In a classic episode of Whatever 11. King Edward VII was once given what Happened to the Likely Lads, England’s piece of sports equipment made from an World Cup fixture in which country is elephant’s penis? rained off? 12. The Spanish word for tuna is an anagram 4. the ball used in which sport has a of the fish. What is it? diameter twice that of a golf hole? 5. what did Michael Quadrini rename the Monster TSS Caledonian Princess? Sudoku 6. In the 19th Century, the two main breeds solution of what were the Cambridge Bronze and the Norfolk Black? 7. transporting the Eiffel Tower to which

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34 cheers october 2010 the last word David Banks For whom the Bell tolled David Banks stresses the importance of the country pub live in a village that has no pub. It wasn’t began to lose its mainly masculine tone. always this way; the first bitter shandy Times continued to change; cigarette I tasted as a lad of 16 was discreetly sales ended and the food was gentrified served by the landlord of the Blue Bell thanks to Jan and David Thompson. Iat Crookham in Northumberland. I honed The transformation from rural my domino skills alongside my father, drinking den to roadside licensed grandfather and uncle at the big circular restaurant – local bar and domino tradition – correctly – is applied as sternly as it is in sycamore table made perfect for a shuffle thankfully retained – was complete. And better-served towns and cities. by the cartwheel iron band riveted around then … disaster. The Great British Country Pub is more its circumference. The Thompsons retired. The pub was sold. than a nostalgic tradition; it is a vital part For a century and more the pub served Prices rose, meals diminished, locals felt of the rural community and makes, with its as the village’s focal point. More than a rejected. As a result, trade plummeted and B&B rooms and excellent food and drink, an mere refreshment station where friends and the place went bust. incalculable contribution to the tourist trade. neighbours relaxed, the Bell was also the That was almost two years ago. Since No less than the Prime Minister has pledged village meeting place, a citizen’s advice bureau then, the Bell has stood empty and forlorn, to sustain struggling rural inns. If he puts that played host to gatherings necessitated gilded letters missing from its nameplate, his money where his mouth is he will be by births, marriages and deaths. Over the its forecourt rank with weeds. And the forever remembered. As David CAMRAn! years a succession of well-liked landlords community has suffered. n David Banks is a regular columnist in were counsellor, bon vivant, pools coupon Of course, we have a pair of great pubs in The Journal and the journalists’ monthly, distributor and, occasionally, banker to their neighbouring villages; the Black Bull at Etal Press Gazette. He has been editor of loyal customers. has been a local for as long as the Bell and the the Daily Mirror and the Daily Telegraph When my granddad was killed by a car wonderful Red Lion at Milfield, which boasts (Sydney); deputy-editor of The Australian; as he walked the road to his beloved local, the full monte of great food, quiz nights, assistant-editor of The Sun, Daily News the landlord, Cedric, closed the place for the leek clubs, golf days, doms and darts and (New York) and New York Post; was evening out of respect and helped make the pensioner lunches. consultant editor of the Sunday Mirror, arrangements for the old widower’s funeral. But this is a deeply rural area and they are and has presented radio shows for LBC Food, honest-to-goodness no-frills platefuls, a drive away; the few local buses are garaged and Talk Radio. He lives, and drinks, in arrived under Joe Smailes’ tenure and the Bell by opening time, whereas the breathalyser north Northumberland.

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october 2010 cheers 35 Great Ales at Great Punch Taverns Quality Cask Ales The Turk’s Head

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