north east Raise a glass to pubs, people and news from your local FREE cheersISSUE 11 r www.cheersnortheast.co.uk // June 2011

ready, aim, fire roister doister rik is bang on • A game of rustic roulette • Down town in New York • The president’s £20m pint

on their bikes easy riders inn-side pubs !// news // ideas // opinion // new pubs // old pubs // beer for lunch // beer for tea // beer for dinner // pubs! Hawkshead Brewery The Beer Hall Bar open 12 noon Beer Tapas & Main Meals • Speciality Beer Shop Brewery Tours • Catered Functions

Summer Beer Festival 21st- 24th July 60 beers all on handpull 3 bars & a marquee • live music www.hawksheadbrewery.co.uk 01539 825260 Mill Yard • Staveley • Cumbria • LA8 9LR N O R T H E A S T Raise a glass to pubs, people and news from your local FREE I S S U E 1 1

www. cheersnortheast c h e e sr r .co.uk // June 2011

READY, AIM, FIRE ROISTER DOISTER R IK IS B A N G O N Editorial • A game of rustic roulette • Down town in New York • The president’s £20m pint

0191 231 6080 advertising is very dry. We’re trying to appeal to the whole audience.” “The campaign is about humour and Englishness – plus the fun of beer. Some beer ON THEIR BIKES Alastair Gilmour E A S Y [email protected] There’s festivity in the air this month – beer festivals R I D E R S galore, plus music, wine and whisky events by the INN-SIDE P U B S ! / / N E W S / / I D E A S / / O P IN IO N / / N E W P U B S / / O L D P U B S / / B E E R F O R L U N C H / / B E E R F O R T E A Advertising shed-load to entertain and delight. Perhaps a little / / B E E R F O R D IN N E R / / P U B S ! 0191 231 6080 education might be thrown in, but don’t let that Cover: Tony Brookes Gillian Corney spoil the fun. and Harley. See p4 [email protected] We’ve got a highly-entertaining issue for you – with a little bit of serious investigation into what makes a country pub worth Website: travelling miles to visit. There’s no magic formula, unfortunately, www.cheersnortheast.co.uk and no lucky fairy at the bottom of the beer garden, but the inside conclusion seems to be work hard at the positives. Like the old Designed & Published by: adage, the harder you work the luckier you get. NEWS And, if there are any finer beer gardens than those on Holy Island, 4 Electra Glide In Northumberland, let’s hear about them. We take a stroll around Brew Media Exchange One the place to find out what makes its pubs tick. In fact, let’s hear 5 A 95-year-old Coquet Street about pub attractions and what makes one stand out from another, delivers a cask whether it’s the Tuesday night quiz or a children’s play area. Newcastle upon Tyne 6 The president NE1 2QB This month we discover that two of our most prominent “beer and the pint people” are Harley-Davidson nuts. We also visit New York and worth £20m we catch up with funny man Rik Mayall in his new role as The 7 Who drunk all Photography: Bombardier. the beer? Polar Nicky Rogerson This is, in essence, what Cheers is all about – we like to give you bears? www.nrphotography.co.uk something to make you think while raising a smile or adding just FEATURES a tiny bit more knowledge to your vast store. We intend to inform, 16 Lunch at the entertain and educate – and what better way to do all three than to Dyke Neuk – but visit the pub? where did it get Cheers. its name? Whilst every effort has been 18 The Dun Cow, made to ensure accuracy, Alastair Gilmour, editor the publisher cannot accept Durham, in the responsibility for omissions spotlight and errors. All material in this 19 Show time publication is strictly copyright and all rights reserved. report (from the Rustic Roulette beer tent) 12 These are tough times 26 Elvis visits for country pubs, but the sick and some of them are discovers doing remarkably indigestion well. While they aren’t exactly turning fun stuff customers away, 31 Pub Quiz, Photo Quiz, The Pickled they’re making money. Egg and Blue the We find out how. Dog our

sponsors The news is… Pub crawls Ale and arty pa u l w e ll s, s & y Starry night it’s all here A-Z pub guide Culture in a glass Rat Pack Roger

Rik the Easy as Island 08 roisterer 14 NYC 21 fling Comedian Rik Reader Andrew Lindisfarne’s pubs Mayall plays The Mitchell loves are a real treat – Wylam Brewery Bombardier, a New York, he and each has a

serious fun-lover loves beer, and ou n g’s different method of who will bring the he loves pubs. attracting custom, Wells & Young’s We invited him particularly during brand even closer to report on his the visitor season to the nation’s experiences. To which is about to hearts be continued… hot up Feature: men and machines Tuesday - Folk & Music A Bastion Nights of Cask Beer June 7th: Chris Taylor & Mike Webster for over 14th: Sing Around The appeal of 21st: John Donnelly 150 years 28th: Sing Around -Good Beer Guide 2010 potato potato 1 Archer St (just off Bondgate), Darlington DL3 6LR Telephone: 01325 463787 Some of us like to unwrap our Big Boys’ Toys and head off on the highway Robin hood inn Open Daily from Noon

Traditional homecooked food served everyday Real ales on tap - we support local breweries Cosy bar & lounge plus a separate restaurant Families welcome - We are dog friendly (in the bar) Large beer garden - Ample parking Glenn, Chris and the team look forward to seeing you

Robin Hood Inn East Wallhouses, Military Road, Northumberland, NE18 0LL Tel: 01434 672273 email:[email protected] www.robinhoodinn-militaryroad.co.uk

2 Local Real Ales Open Mon-Thur always on tap from 5pm and electra glide in brew: Tony Brookes has Live Entertainment travelled widely on his Harley-Davidson Fri-Sun from 12 noon1st Saturday of the month - 9th July: Motion Tourists (formerly The Great Escape) How often, after a particularly hard day, do bikers pub I used to frequent. From that point on 6th August: Dazed, 3rd Sept: The Castelles we think, “I wish I could just roar off into the I knew that I would eventually get one. One day. 9pm start, free admission sunset”. And with – it goes without saying “It wasn’t until years later and I had Thursday Night – Born To Be Wild blasting out. earned a bit of money that I was Fun quiz followed by Play Your Cards Right “Get your motor runnin’/Head lucky enough to be able to afford (rolling jackpot) out on the highway/Lookin’ one, Since then, Harleys have for adventure/And whatever consumed my life almost as The Scotch Arms comes our way…” much as beer has. There (Consett’s hidden gem) Blackhill, Consett, DH8 8LZ, Tel: 01207 593709 OK, it’s a dream, but two is something about the of the North East’s most sound of a Harley that gets prominent beer professionals under your skin, from the quite often live that dream. gentle potato, potato sound Garry Fawson, Mordue Brewery at idle, to the thunderous managing director, and the roar under acceleration – and Head of Steam group’s boss Tony there is nothing finer than riding Brookes are both Harley-Davidson in a large group of Harleys and enthusiasts and enjoy nothing better the feeling of Rolling Thunder. Under New Management than “Racin’ with the wind” (in the “My life changed. “Bikers like to stick together and Traditional pub, traditional hospitality safest of conditions, of course). I fell in love with there is a feeling of brotherhood when 5 Cask Ales on tap - constantly changing We love their beer and we admire the beautiful style you ride something as inherently Upcoming beer festivals with Fyne Ales & their pubs, but what do we know immediately and I dangerous as a motorbike, but I Tempest Breweries had to get one.” Live music - every Friday about their love affairs with the had always liked to ride in my own ultimate bike-riding experience? company or a select group of friends. A warm welcome awaits from Simon, Martin, Jaki & the team Garry Fawson “Luckily a friend of mine pointed me in the 59-61 Bridge Street, Berwick Upon Tweed, “I had always wanted a Harley-Davidson ever direction of The Harley Davidson Riders Club TD15 1ES | t: 01289 308013 since I was 17 years old, when I first heard an GB which is 62 years old this year. It actually email: [email protected] old Harley Pan Head Custom start up out side a influenced Willie G Davidson so much he 4 cheers june 2011 n visit www.cheersnortheast.co.uk to have your say decided to form Rider. I’ll never get HOG, his own an original, but this factory club. is next best thing. All steamed up “But our club “I ride as often A 95-year-old steam-powered wagon has suited me down as I can and use the been pressed into service as a beer dray to the ground; bike for work trips for a delivery on June 9. The 1916-vintage it was all about round the pubs when Sentinel Light-Weight Super is to carry riding your bike, not needing to carry casks of Silver Buckle ale from The Stables having fun and loads, and when the Brewery at Beamish Hall, County Durham, going to bike weather isn’t too to The Central bar in Gateshead which is rallies – right up foul. Great excuse! operated by the Head of Steam group. my proverbial “I’m a member of “It’s steam to Steam,” says Stables’ street. It has Geordie HOG (Harley owner John Taylor. “We’ll go via the Causey been the best Owners Group) – a Arch pub, then deliver to The Central thing I could club with chapters all and eventually end up dropping off at have done; I over world. I’ve had The Sun Inn at Beamish Museum. The have made firm some brilliant rides Sentinel is an impressive old vehicle.” friends from – most with my wife Impressive indeed – it’ll comfortably do all over the Carolyn on the back around 38mph, fuelled by coal shovelled into a country as well – east to west coasts hopper by an extremely hard-working fireman. from abroad, all USA, Maryland “The previous owner said it had with a similar down the Blue been clocked doing 50mph,” says outlook on life. Ridge mountains the wagon’s owner Guy Rutter. “In fact, I committed: Garry Fawson is prominent in of Virginia, up “There are no gears, it’s all done by timing. was very proud his Harley–Davidson club owners’ club to Chicago The brakes are very, very complicated, but at to be voted and Route 66 the same time it’s very, very simple to drive.” onto our national committee this year and to to LA (with daughter Josie on back, The vehicle was originally built for the be part of steering the club into the future is accompanied by two mates on bikes). Utterly Alton Court Brewery in Ross-on-Wye in very important to me and something that I fantastic, I could write a book about it. 1916. Guy Rutter bought it last October. take very seriously. Hopefully, I will be able to “I’ve been round Baltic states – Norway, pass on some of my business experience for Sweden, Finland, Estonia, Latvia – and around the benefit of the club and its members.” the rest of Europe several times. The latest Tony Brookes was to the Hungarian Harley Rally three years “I’ve ridden motorbikes a long time, but ago, then I’ve been to Holland, Germany, passion for Harleys happened when I walked Austria, Italy, Slovenia, Croatia, Slovakia, through the door of Just Harleys in Newcastle in Poland and the Czech Republic, plus all 1999 – and my life changed. I fell in love with the over Scotland and Ireland loads of times. beautiful style immediately and I had to get one. “My favourite ride, though, is Newcastle “I’m now on my fifth – a blue 2004 Electra to the Ace Cafe on the North Circular in Glide Ultra Classic, 1450cc. I always wanted London – a biker’s mecca – in one day and such a bike after seeing the Sixties film Electra by not touching the A1 or M1. Knackering!” Glide in Blue, the cult movie brother of Easy Yeah darlin’ go make it happen.

A WARM WELCOME AWAITS Excellent selection of real ales and fi ne wines Freshly prepared home-cooked food - served everyday A La Carte menu - available Thursday, Friday & Saturday Sunday Carvery - bookings advisable Fathers Day - Sunday 19th June Children welcome Wednesday - Quiz night - great fun, free nibbles Music quiz - last Friday of the month

Paul & the team look forward to seeing you!

Woodstone Village, Bournmoor, County Durham, DH4 6BQ e Floaters Mill Telephone 0191 3856695 june 2011 cheers 5 News have your say

Log on to St Barack’s Day cheersnortheast.co.uk The newspapers were calling him unbelievable. Yer man ordered O’Bama – such was the success a pint from way back across of the US President’s visit to the room and we started Ireland last month. He visited filling. He tendered a fifty Moneygall in County Offaly, the euro note, and actually I town where his great, great, great didn’t give him any change.” grandfather Falmouth Kearney Media analysts reckon the originally came from. And, of photo opportunity was worth course, he had to visit the pub – £20m in free advertising to Ollie Hayes’ bar – for Guinness – at a a pint of Guinness. welcome time as “What do we do volume sales fell while it settles?” the 6% in Ireland last President asked. “It tastes better year and were 3% Someone said: “Sing.” here than in the US. down globally. As the bubbles I realised you’re The President rose in his glass, keeping the best stuff recalled his first President Obama for yourselves.” Irish Guinness, assured the bartender on a Shannon that he would pay his own tab, Airport stopover en then a fiddle started to play. route to Afghanistan. Inside his pub, Ollie “It tastes better here than (Michelle had a half) will stay her trip to the Guinness Hayes stood ready to pull the in the US,” he said. “I realised behind the bar; no-one has brewery the week before. She and Guinness. Was he nervous? then you’re keeping the best decided whether they will ever Prince Philip stared awkwardly “F...ing right I was,” he stuff for yourselves.” be washed again. At least he at a full pint before moving confessed later. “It was The two Obama glasses did better than the Queen on along for the rest of the tour.

BLACK SHEEP BREWERY • BISTRO • BAA...R • TH TH 9 -11 SEPTEMBER 2011 • ‘SHEPHERDED’ BREWERY TOURS • A weekend of great • SHEEPY SHOP • OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK • walks, beautiful countryside, exciting entertainment and fantastic beer!

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6 cheers june 2011 Make mine a weekend Ice caps adventure After a full month living on rehydrated sausage, egg, biscuits, chocolate and boiled water, the leader of a polar adventure team has described the taste of Vedett Extra Blond as “a torrent of sparkling heaven”. Make a diary note for in the festival programme, Rob McAlister, an account Battlesteads Hotel (Wark, complimentary tickets and manager at Computacenter, was Northumberland) beer festival a certificate. Meanwhile, yet one of three brave souls who from Friday August 6 till Sunday another award was winged its survived 50-knot winds, polar August 8, all in aid of The Great way to Battlesteads – it has been bears, frost nip and 34 nights in a North Air Ambulance. Some 20 declared the UK’s Considerate tent to reach the Magnetic North beers are promised with a good Hotel of the Year 2010/11 by Pole, in a race to the top of the mix of local ales and guests and the Considerate Hoteliers world in aid of Macmillan Cancer at least two foreign lagers. Association. The coveted national Support. Rob’s Polar Slugs team Music from the Happycats and awards celebrate the best in finished second on a technicality my pack reminded us of our a hog roast are added attractions environmental, sustainable and although they reached the goal and our charitable cause… for the Saturday session and socially-responsible. Last year, Pole first, carrying the Belgian so we quaffed the beer by the comprehensive accommodation Battlesteads was announced beer to share with everybody. time everyone else arrived.” packages are available for the Best Green Pub and Great “We hadn’t washed for n Rob hopes to raise more full weekend. Businesses are British Pub of the Year. a month and dealt with than £5,000 for MacMillan also being invited to sponsor a n More information from temperatures of -44°C,” says Cancer Support. To sponsor cask – £50 ensures your company Battlesteads Hotel, tel 01434 Rob. “Thankfully the thought him, visit www.justgiving. logo over the cask, plus details 230209, www.battlesteads.com of all the Vedett Extra Blond in com/Rob-MacAlister

NT Featuring fresh, local produce and seasonal game Lunch – served from 12noon - 3pm Dinner 6.30pm - 9.30pm, daily ◆ SUNDAY CARVERY ◆ BAR SNACKS ◆ WALLED GARDEN ◆ CONSERVATORY Why not stay over? We have 17 comfortable en-suite rooms

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june 2011 cheers 7 FEATURE THE Bombardier Roister-doister Rik The strapline says it all: ‘Bombardier – Bang On’. have Alastair Gilmour reports on a new beer marketing campaign your say

A cannonball has just been fired cosy corners that patronise Log on to cheersnortheast.co.uk into the world of beer advertising our drinkers. Creating The in the shape of Rik Mayall. The Bombardier – and bringing in much-valued star of cult television Rik Mayall to play him – is our series’ The Young Ones and way of adding some much- Bottom has taken on a new role needed creative flair and as The Bombardier in a £4m, all- humour to ale advertising. media campaign that reinforces “This is the most exciting the merits of the Wells & Young’s and bold marketing the flagship ale. In short, it’s “English, ale industry has ever ever reliable, and damn tasty”. seen and it cements Central to the campaign is Bombardier’s position as a television advert that sees The Drink of England.” Bombardier William Charles The Bombardier, as Bedford rousing his troops in a one would expect, from a historic battle. The Bombardier character played by Rik – bearing more than a passing Mayall, operates safely just resemblance to Lord out of rifle range, but Flasheart who close to the knuckle. appeared in two We first see episodes of him snogging Blackadder a “wench” (remember while battle “I have a plan rages and it’s as hot around as my pants”?) – him. His represents Wells commanding & Young’s biggest- officer ever investment into demands his the brand and one presence at the front. of the biggest for the “Beer advertising “Where the blazes cask beer category. and marketing can have you been?” It also spans social be very dry – people he demands. media, with YouTube, can get very worthy “Oh, I’ve just been about it.” Facebook and Twitter enjoying a quick Paul Wells, channels, longer chairman, Wells & one down the old video content for the Young’s. Bush and Fiddle,” says to the whole audience. Beer raw materials exclusively it’s quite web, heavyweight The Bombardier calmly. advertising and marketing can be difficult to get the attention of the PR investment, You get the picture. very dry, if you see what I mean – beer lover. We know the farms and in-pub activity. It’s great fun, plus it allows the people can get very worthy about it.” where our barley comes from and The adverts debuted in Bombardier message to score We do see what he we can talk mineral May to run for six weeks. a direct hit, something that’s means. Not many of us water till we’re blue in “The Bombardier is a dashing obviously pleasing to Wells & concern ourselves where the face, but generally hero, revered by his men and loved Young’s chairman Paul Wells. the barley comes from that people aren’t too by everyone who meets him,” says “The marketing team is goes into the pint we’re interested in all of that. Chris Lewis, marketing director involved in the creative process,” supping – we’re enjoying “The Bombardier at Wells & Young’s. “He’s the he says. “It’s is a great idea and the end-product too much. character is appealing to epitome of great character and we hope it’s something that “I regard it as a given “What intrigues a bit of a younger group. taste and just like our beer, it’s resonates with the public. that our beer is of the me is when we We’re also going out to go into different bang on for our target market. “The campaign is about humour highest quality,” says the mainstream, saying markets the beers “Marketing in the ale category and Englishness – plus the fun of Wells. “We use the best that are popular are to people who haven’t needs a creative shake up. There beer – but even those can be very malt and barley we can competely different.” been introduced to cask are too many woolly jumpers and personal. We’re trying to appeal find but if you focus on ale to come and try it.

8 cheers june 2011 “We as Wells & Young’s are that’s what makes it so interesting beginning to strike into some We’ve just had a directors’ meeting interesting markets worldwide and in Toulouse – we now have seven it’s good for somebody to go online pubs in France because there’s a and see what we’re all about. What huge beer culture growing there intrigues me is when we go into – and it was excellent to be sitting different markets the beers that are on a terrace watching a table of popular are completely different young women, all with pints. – for example, in the American “It looked staged, but it market our leader is Young’s Double wasn’t. There’s even a beer Chocolate Stout, then it’s Banana club for women in France which Bread Beer and Bombardier. translates as Permission to Drink Sunday Sessions “Parts of Italy are very keen on Beer in High Heels. What that our stronger beers, such as Special proves is that the next generation May 29th - The Skywalkers London Ale which is 6.4% abv. does things differently.” People behave so differently and We’d say “Huzzah” to that. June 5th - Fickle Lilly June 12th - Peter Bruntnell June 19th - No Time For Jive June 26th - Bill Fadden & The Rhythmbusters July 3rd - The Tex Speed Combo July 10th - Ray Stubbs 4 - 6 Every Sunday Tel - 0191 478 2543 [email protected]

huzzah: Rik Mayall is The Bombardier in a new advertising and marketing campaign Drink of England Bombardier is brewed using ingredients that include accredited natural mineral water from the brewery’s own well in Bedford. The beer has a burnished copper colour and a rich, tempting aroma of peppery hops and raisins. The palate is dominated by more dark fruit, juicy malt and tangy hops. Bombardier is one of the country’s best-selling premium cask beers and sells faster than six other top ten brands. Wells and Young’s is the UK’s largest private brewing company and is based at the Eagle Brewery, Bedford. Founded by Charles Wells in 1876, the Wells family merged with Young’s of Wandsworth in 2006. It has a portfolio spanning some of the UK’s best known cask ales and speciality lager brands, including Young’s and Courage ales, and Estrella Damm and Kirin Ichiban lagers.

june 2011 cheers 9 news tynemouthTHE PLACE to be in TO QUENCH 12 REAL ALESYOUR THIRST HOME COOKED FOOD Miners major TO WATCH YOUR BIG SCREEN TV FAVOURITE SPORT sale decision 10-Dipton 41x93.5 ad:LayoutCUMBERLAND 1 19/1/11 13:36 ARMS Page 1 17 Front Street, Tynemouth, NE30 4DX Tel: 0191 2571820 www.cumberlandarms.co.uk Dipton Mill Inn All you’d want a country pub to be...

Dipton Mill Road, Hexham NE46 1YA Tel: 01434 606577 www.diptonmill.co.uk CO-op shopping: Martin Booth with Joanne Davison, centre, and Jennifer Swansey

Last month we reported on a strung out all over – even in bid by pub lovers in Acomb, Australia – who invested a total Northumberland, to buy the local of £252,000. We’ve also got two Miners Arms and run it as a co- members from Middlesbrough. operative for the benefit of the “We set the investment at community. The pub, although between £500 and £1,000. The legal trading very well, is up or sale maximum is £20,000 but one put in due to owners’ personal reasons. £6,000, and our members got 3.5% An initial public meeting return on the first year. It’s a real was held in March to gauge community effort, everyone has a local interest in forming The say and has one vote irrespective Miners Arms Inn Community of the size of their investment. Project to consider the purchase “We refurbished and of the popular pub. A further modernised the pub and decided meeting took place in May to set a relatively low rent to give with Martin Booth from the the new tenants room for growth. Hudswell Community Pub Group William Hague, our local MP (which was faced with a similar and Foreign Secretary, officially situation two years ago when opened it on June 12 2010. the George & Dragon closed) “The message to Acomb is: invited along to explain how You need a good combination they did it successfully, while of people with various skills. Jennifer Swansey and Joanne If we can do it, so can you.” Davison from Muckle Commercial A Miners Arms Inn Law Firm were alongside to Community Project committee answer legal questions. has been formed with further Cutting a long story short, exploratory meetings planned. Martin Booth says: “We have n For further information, 201 members, 82 of whom are contact Penny Hamlin, penny. from the village, with the rest [email protected]

2 dine for £7.95 - Mon-Sat, 12 til 6pm (Chefs specials only) Steak Night Tue & Wed - 2 soup sirloin £19.95 couple Fed up for sale Wii night every Wednesday, Quiz night every Thursday - The former home of Newcastle Breweries – and before that, Free nibbles, cash prizes & pint draw Federation Brewery – is up for Live Music - Saturday 2nd July, Van Williams sale with a £6m-plus price tag. Beer Garden • Families Welcome • Ample Parking The building, on a 17-acre site at Dunston, Gateshead, was latterly Sun Street, Sunniside, in the hands of Heineken UK which Tyne & Wear, NE16 5EE ceased its Tyneside activities email: [email protected] a year ago, ending 82 years of tel: 0191 4888 068 producing the likes of Newcastle www.PottersWheelPub.com Brown Ale in the North East. 10 cheers june 2011 n visit www.cheersnortheast.co.uk to have your say EAT! Drink and be happy The annual EAT! Festival course menu of locally-sourced of adventures in food and seafood at Blackfriars Restaurant drink brightens Newcastle in Newcastle, on Sunday June 19. and Gateshead venues this Bread and Wine People is an month with a variety of events. evening of wine tasting with the Cheers readers might want to award-winning Helen Savage at take note of the following: the Lantern Café, St Nicholas’ Chilli and Beer Festival, Cathedral, Newcastle, on Friday Saturday June 18 and Sunday June 17. This is accompanied by June 19 at the Stephenson Works, a cold buffet of artisan breads, Sussex Street, Newcastle (behind locally-produced meats and Central Station). Laid- Northumbrian cheeses. back and groovy with 25 Sarah Clemson locally-brewed beers The Wine and Food and Marta Mateus will and the North East’s Matching Quiz is a take guests through chance to combine chilli weather: finest chilli products. four specially created Look out for the Chilli and fabulous wines Beer Festival on The Big Eat Weekend The Wine Festival at with terrific food Mediterranean food Newcastle Civic Centre and a soupçon of courses matched on Sunday June 19 is the competition with wine – Portugual Newcastle on Friday June 24. There’s a Wine and Food place to enjoy something a speciality – at the Interesting and rare single Matching Quiz at Carruthers & different from the region’s stylish Victoria Hall in Hebburn, malt whiskies will be served up Kent Fines Wines in Gosforth on independent merchants. With more Gateshead, on Saturday June 18. at a Night of the Drammed at Monday June 27 – a chance to than 80 wines promised, it’s the Join the wonderful Noel Jackson the Cumberland Arms, Byker, on combine fabulous wines with terrific North East’s biggest wine fair. for Midsummer Cocktails in Sunday June 26, in conjunction food and a soupçon of competition Whisky expert Eddie Ludlow one of his ever-popular “science with Ouseburn Farm which, we hosted by Claire and Mo. hosts an evening matching through the medium of alcohol” are assured, will be bringing their n All information at www. Scotland’s liquid gold with a six- evenings at the Centre for Life in “piggies to our plates”. Aaaww. EatNewcastleGateshead.com

Real Ale, Real Food, Real People

C C Hudson’s Eat in & food to go Open daily from 6:00am - 7:00pm Serving: • Hot and cold There’s something for everyone at beverages • Breakfast menu from High House Farm Brewery 7:00am - 11:00am • Freshly made sandwiches Award winning restaurant and tearoom serving speciality teas and coffees • Paninis, wraps and pizzas Fresh home made meals using local produce Shop selling hand crafted gifts, jams and preserves • Delicious cakes, pastries and cookies Childrens play area - Disabled access - Ample free parking • Now serving hot meals in Well stocked bar with 4 real ales, ciders, lagers and fi ne wines the café and Grand Room Pre bookable brewery tours from 2 to 20+ from 11:00 - 5:00pm 15 different ales in cask and bottle for trade and retail customers OUTDOOR PLAY Bar & Deli STOP AREA NOW OPEN Grand Central Station, PRESS Neville Street, WEDDINGS AND PARTIES A SPECIALITY - TELEPHONE FOR DETAILS Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE1 5DG High House Farm, Matfen, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE20 0RG Tel: 0191 2616611 T: 01661 886 192 | E: info@highhousefarm brewery.co.uk www.centurion-newcastle.com www.highhousefarmbrewery.co.uk

june 2011 cheers 11 FEATURE The Rural Pub

have Rustic roulette your say Log on to With the British pub under assault as never before, we look at how cheersnortheast.co.uk the vulnerable country pub manages to survive. One landlord has thrived by doing it his way, as Stan Abbott reports, while another owner listens to his customers – only up to a point

If Duncan Davis had gone into anyone else who ran a pub, but I skiffle band and a rock group, own, carefully marked loaves politics, he’d be one of those have been going into pubs since writes poetry, sails a narrow boat for communal baking. conviction guys who lead from I was 17 or 18 and I know exactly and, of course, rings his bells. In charge is Duncan and Diane’s the front – not for him a wishy- which pubs I like, and I don’t seem But back to the beer… “We only son, Will, 26, a criminal justice and washy focus group to tell him to be able to find them these days. serve local real ale, because that’s policing graduate who decided what people think they want. So the philosophy was to build what I like,” says Duncan. “I think he wanted to be a chef while So step forward Duncan, the the sort of pub we like to go to.” this is the golden age of English working in kitchens to support conviction To the beer. I can’t think that there has a snowboarding habit. Having landlord, who dismay of ever been a time when beer has worked with some seriously in six years at a few, out been better than this. The choice good chefs, including a summer the Black Bull went Formica from the micro-breweries is at Close House, near Wylam in at Frosterley tables, juke fantastic; there is something for Northumberland, he jumped at in Weardale, box, TVs and everybody and pubs that don’t the chance to take over the Black has fashioned lager, yes capitalise on it are mad.” Bull kitchen, as Duncan – a pub in his even lager. In Duncan rotates his now 60 – and Diane start own vision. came antique ales and on this visit to wind down a little. Duncan and furniture, the offer includes Black The pizzas are wife Diane proggy mats, Velvet and Orang-a- superb, but the ethos ploughed open fires, tang from Durham of food at the Black £300,000 into real ales and Brewery, Consett Tonight is pizza night, Bull is honest British the Black ciders and, Furnace (3.9% abv), a and another piece of fare, based on Duncan’s history comes to life Bull, exactly as every pub most genial bitter, and mum’s cooking – with – the wood-fired oven 39 steps from surely needs, a southern interloper, marvellous desserts discovered behind Frosterley a complete Golden Bolt from modern masonry. inspired by some of station on peel of bells. Wiltshire’s Box Steam Will’s chef friends. the Weardale The bells? Brewery, a by-product Will’s arrival has steam railway, Well, Duncan of a local beer festival. All even seen the return of lager: after losing is one of those ales, as you might expect, are Staropramen, from Prague. the tenancy at “Weonly serve local real ale because annoying served without sparklers. So in a few short years, a the successful that’s what I like. This is the golden age people Tonight is pizza night, at which family of five (daughter Jenny’s coffee house of English beer,” says Duncan Davis. who seem another piece of history comes and son John’s involvement they had built to have 48 to life – this is the wood-fired has been more peripheral) up over five years at Kirkharle, hours to our humble 24-hour bread oven discovered behind has reinvented a country pub, Northumberland. But would days. So, besides the Black Bull, modern masonry in the pub’s promoted it by no more than word this qualify them to run a pub? Duncan does professional food yard. At one time this would have of mouth and positive reviews, “I never ran a pub before in my photography, runs a modest served a whole neighbourhood, and sees business continuing life,” says Duncan. “I didn’t know publishing empire, plays in a residents arriving with their to grow in a recession. Why?

full house: The Black Bull at Frosterley, County Durham, attracts a wide custom 12 cheers june 2011 “It’s very hard to compete with cheap supermarket beer and wine, so you have to be something special for people to want to come out and sacrifice the takeaway on the sofa,” admits Duncan. “But if you remain true to yourself and what you believe in and enjoy doing it, you attract the sort of people who like what you like and you have something in common with them.” And the bells, of course. “We are completing a small extension and so the bells will be augmented from eight to 12. There are only two rings of 12 in the region, at Newcastle Cathedral and Stockton, so we’ll attract more bell-ringers and more bell-ringers drink more beer.” Simple! popular spot: The Black Bull, Matfen, Northumberland, is ideally positioned n www.blackbullfrosterley.com Queens Head has its ear to the ground The Queens Head in Great recreations. The village hunting lowered the prices because they we’re doing something right. Whittington, Northumberland, scene taking up not so much the had gone somewhere cheaper. “When we looked at the Blue is another pub that needs to bar’s chimney breast as most of “They came back. Everyone Bell, also in Corbridge, the regulars work hard. A fair old local one wall’s space is a real curiosity, likes the Black Bull – it has asked us to keep the pool table trade probably isn’t enough painted around 1920. A car was no frills. We’re basically giving and the juke box; there’s no point to guarantee its welfare so added to the mural around 1950. people what they want. in having two pubs in the village visitors from all over the North But it’s the food that tempts “At the Angel in Corbridge, it’s doing exactly the same thing. We East are the target. That means custom from outside the the best food you can get in a pub, listen to the regulars – up to a giving everybody a reason to neighbourhood and into the three but it’s definitely not a restaurant point – as there’s no good doing come – no simple panacea. dining areas – twice-cooked belly where you can get a pint. We have something people don’t want.” The Queens Head is owned by pork, for instance, home-made 20-plus wines, six real ales at The message seems to be that John Gibson, a former solicitor – duck liver pate, and home-made the weekends, and five lagers. they all do it differently. But quality as is the Black Bull in beef burgers. The bread is It’s very, very busy, so clearly in absolutely everything is crucial. Matfen, and the Angel virtually all produced Inn and the Blue Bell, on the premises too, both Corbridge – so so the pub has a lot he is uniquely placed going for it, even to comment on the “We have 20-plus before you factor health of the country wines, six real ales in the refreshment pub. He maintains there and five lagers. It’s stop for hardy souls is no silver bullet, no very, very busy, so taking on Hadrian’s magic wand and no clearly we’re doing Wall Walk (right one-size-fits-all plan. something right.” past the door) The Queens Head is and St Oswald’s everything you’d want in a country Way (right past the door). pub – a handsome stone structure “Owning pubs is far better dating from 1701, thick stone walls, than being a solicitor,” says fireplaces, small bar frequented John Gibson. “When I bought by locals who are indulged with a the Black Bull at Matfen, fine range of ales and lagers and it had been a drinkers’ pub some gorgeously bold and striking but had dabbled in food. contemporary landscape paintings The clientele there doesn’t to feast on. There are interesting really lend itself to food; the corners, solid panelling and curious youngsters got pushed away, shelves; there’s a shotgun hanging so we decided to cater more up, a hunting horn and a stuffed for the drinkers. We put pheasant as a reminder of rural the pool table back in and june 2011 cheers 13 view from abroad NEW york Welcome to flavour country Andrew Mitchell visits New York and its bars and breweries

sidle back to the table, for that elusive long-player by and they are pints in hand. “What are we a band you’ve never heard of. all here for one having?” enquires Emma. Tiny bespoke boutiques wrestle thing – craft beer. “There wasn’t much choice,” for the attention of tourists who I manoeuvre Iis my glum response. The bar, like flock to sample the Magnolia myself to the many others, is sorely lacking Bakery’s infamous cupcakes. bar and check in what we have The bar is a the chalkboard of all the bars in all the world: become accustomed world away from its menu. Five days Andrew and Emma Mitchell in Brooklyn to... variety. neighbours. Inside it’s into our trip, Three days earlier, brim full; the Yankees we are savvy enough to realise hopped IPAs, rich Belgian tripels, we walked into “The range is mind- game plays silently, the this isn’t going to be the Carling- sulphurous Gueze, not to mention the bustling Blind blowing. No two commentary coming Fosters-sweet-cider-and-one the fridges which groan with over Tiger bar on Bleaker beers are the same; instead from the patrons. guest-ale-if-you’re-lucky kind 80 different bottles. The range is Street, New York. it’s a world of styles We force our way to a of bar. Instead, the customer is quite simply mind-blowing. No and flavours.” Bleaker is home to spare table at the side overwhelmed by the incredible two beers are the same; it’s a world countless record of the bar. Students rub 28 craft ales on draught at any of styles and flavours that would shops where musos peruse the shoulders with construction one time. The offerings include be alien to chain pub drinkers. endless rows of vinyl, hunting workers and suited businessmen unfeasibly strong porters, Citra- I grab an Avery IPA for

Our new on-site bar is available for brewery visits. Check out our web shop for details

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14 cheers june 2011 Emma and a Brooklyner Wheat Heffeweisser for me, contorting myself back to the table. Both Brooklyn American ales, both excellent. The Avery is a rich coloured, strongly Brewery bitter IPA with a butterscotch and citrus aroma – not particularly I’m a big Brooklyn fan. Its rich and subtle but very moreish. The flavour-filled Chocolate Stout is Brooklyner was a completely revelatory and should be used as different beast but still chock-full a benchmark for strong flavoured of flavour; a Bavarian style wheat stouts. The taste is incredible; beer with notes of cloves and fruit. uncapping the bottle is like We settle back to drink lighting a flavoured touch paper our opposing beers while the and when the smooth alcohol- Yankees soak up a defeat at fuelled drink hits the palate it the hands of their nemesis, goes off like a bomb. Incredible. the Red Sox. At least there are Brooklyn Brewery was founded plenty of beers to take away in the mid-Eighties, talking the bitter sting of defeat. advantage of the low property swapped for super fresh ales. We champagne-like effervescence, Blind Tiger certainly wasn’t an costs in this part of NYC. It throws started with a very lively pilsner and apricot in colour, a shaving exception to the rule. All of the open its doors every Friday and the staple IPA; we then moved to foam-style head coupled with a bars and brewery taps we visited Saturday to a queue of people the seasonal Summer Ale, a light heady citrus aroma. The flavour over the course of our visit to New desperate to sample the extensive golden beer with a bready aroma. is incredible. It’s bold tasting with York were equally well stocked, range direct from the source. Summer Ale is Brooklyn’s take on a touch of sweetness and notes with staff so knowledgeable we Hourly tours show off the “English light dinner ale” which of coriander and lemon zest. were sure we wouldn’t miss any recently-expanded brew house and went out of favour in the 1940s. gems on the menu. So often back provide visitors with a history of the It’s a perfect drop to savour over a n Andrew Mitchell’s New home have I been met with blank company. Arriving early is a must if picnic lunch – crisp with a tang of York report will be continued stares when asking questions you want a seat. Much like a beer freshly-cut grass.We finished big in forthcoming issues of about the beers on offer. This festival, you exchange your cash for with a bottle of Local Number One, Cheers. CzechBeerMan really is a different world. tokens on arrival, which in turn are a 9% abv Belgian-style ale with a returns next month.

june 2011 cheers 15 Lunch: The Dyke Neuk Inn, Northumberland HAYDON BRIDGE 2011 BEER FESTIVAL Friday 8th July, 6pm - 11pm Saturday 9th July, midday - 11pm Featuring:- 2011 Chip and cheerful 36 Local Ales & 6 Ciders plus Great Local Food. Live Music on Saturday Night from Jane Pikett considers the merits of “The Proper Boys” + 3 other bands. Entertainment for children on Saturday homemade chips at The Dyke Neuk Inn,

Tickets include: Entry, programme, 2 drink tokens & your Northumberland commemorative glass for only £10

BOOK ONLINE AT www.haydonbeerfestival.co.uk Tradition at it’s Best

Good Beer Guide 2011 Excellent selection of micro brewery real ales Warm and friendly atmosphere Latest internet jukebox & large selection of malt whiskey Old Red Bull Inn FREEHOUSE Sometimes, I despair of myself. Not in what are otherwise perfectly good pubs. Dark Lane, Morpeth, NE61 1ST sometimes. More than sometimes. An What’s the problem, I wonder? If you can Telephone 01670 513306 example; there I am at the excellent Dyke serve good beer, what stops you peeling Neuk Inn, having a fine old chat with the a few spuds and making proper chips? co-owner Steven Forster and his old man At The Dyke Neuk the chips are as good Under New behind the bar, and I get so sidetracked I as the beer – as they should be. This is good Management forget to ask the pertinent question. news for a woman who hails from Two days later, I spend a good Rotherham, long considered, in Good selection of Real Ales - Cask Marque approved deal of time with Steven when Yorkshire at least, as The Home Home cooked food served Saturday 12- 7pm he is running a bar at the of the Chip. Or the home of & Sunday 12- 4pm Cheers-sponsored beer tent the deep-fat fryer, at least. Paninis & pizza’s available daily from 4pm at Northumberland County The beer-battered Quiz every Wednesday Show, and again forget to haddock that came with Live music 1st Saturday of the month ask the pertinent question. the superb chips was of Come on in and see the changes - A warm welcome awaits Later, I ring him to ask equal quality, and my little something far less important boy’s goujons were of the Open Mon Fri from 4pm - Fri & Sat from 12 noon than the pertinent question, and same excellent home-made e Chelmsford ( e Knack) forget the pertinent question. standard. I didn’t share my Wylam Front Street, Ebchester, County Durham, DH8 0PJ Which all leads me to ask – is Dognobbler with the youngster, t: 01207 565811 or m: 07890056411 the pertinent question really of any “I have a thing though he managed to nick a bit of importance if I can’t remember to for chips. Proper the head (like mother, like son, they ask it? So, I’m not going to reveal chips made with say). I liked it – light and hoppy, a the origins of the name The Dyke realpotatoes and bit like me when the sun shines. Neuk, because I find the issue fried in a proper chip I have a friend who swears by A hiDDen GeM pan.” Real Ales, Real Food so fascinating, I forgot to ask. the venison burger and have heard - served daily using local quality produce I can reveal, however, that The great reports of the Sunday lunches FAtheRs DAy speciAl - 2 course £11.95 Dyke Neuk serves superb fish and chips. which are served until 8pm, as lunch on a This, in my opinion, is even more important Sunday should be. The Dyke Neuk also has sAtuRDAy 25th June - Mediterranean night than the issue of the name of the place, very nice rooms and is family-run, which Great selection of authentic dishes to choose from which pales into insignificance in comparison means you get a proper welcome from people call 01697 747601 or see our website for further to the very important issue of my lunch. who actually care about looking after you. details www.blenkinsoppcastleinn.com I’ll admit it here. I have a thing for chips. Good work, the family Forster. A proper Proper chips made with real potatoes and fried pub, with proper chips, and they do OAP in a proper chip pan. This obsession has grown specials. Our editor’ll love that... Blenkinsopp castle inn in recent years with the increased regularity n The Dyke Neuk, Meldon, Morpeth, Greenhead, Brampton cQ18 7Js of disappointment in this regard, which grows NE61 3SL. Tel 01670 772662, every time I am served lukewarm oven chips www.thedykeneuk.co.uk 16 cheers june 2011 Q&A Rhian Cradock, The Feathers Inn We ask the questions Rhian Cradock The Feathers Inn

How long have you been in the pub trade and cider and great crack. The Duke, Clerkenwell, how long have you been at the Feathers? London – quirky1920s pub with character. I’ve been involved in food and hospitality for over a decade, but my first time as a publican Optimist or pessimist? Are you a pints or a came with The Feathers four years ago. It feels halves person? like I’ve done it all my life, but I’m still always We serve both pints and halves. Seriously learning of course!. though, you need optimism to make this work. You have to believe in what you do. I would have What made you do it in the a pint of optimism with a realism chaser! first place? All the time I spent working in restaurants If you had a pet hamster what would you proved to me that I wanted my own business in call it? the North East. I also wanted that business to be André the Entrée. Why have an animal you a part of the community. Nothing achieves that wouldn’t want to cook? goal more effectively than a village pub. Who was the last celebrity you served in the What is the best thing about pub and what were they like? your job? Mark Hix was the most recent one. He was great It’s a cliché but it’s the people – my staff and and gave me some of his menus. Alan Milburn, my customers. Without them there’s no frame Jimmy Nail, Sol Campbell, the Kaiser Chiefs of reference. Are you any good? Are you and Brendan Foster have all popped in recently. respected? Are you making progress? Being They have all been great. We have folk music able to have a drink with the regulars after a nights on the first Sunday of the month and shift is great. It matters to me that people want this has attracted some big names in the folk rockabye baby: Rhian Cradock with son Luke at The Feathers Inn, Hedley-on-the-Hill to work here and so we aim to treat people with scene, we get the High Level Ranters and The respect and have good times together. Unthanks even performed. Its truly amazing the people who walk through the door. pretty relaxing drink indeed. I’m not a fan of And the worst? either, but I do like cognac. Last orders! The hours are tough when you have What words or phrases do you most overuse? a little boy you want to spend time with. I find my own voice annoying at the best of n The Feathers Inn. Hedley-on-the-Hill, times, so thinking about it makes me a little Stocksfield, Northumberland, has gained Apart from the Feathers, what’s your favourite nauseous. an enviable reputation for its imaginative pub(s)? food, range of ales, emphasis on local The Star Inn, Harome, North Yorkshire – After the last customer has left, do you relax produce and laid-back ambience, as its fabulous food in a fantastic setting. The with whisky or cocoa? many hospitality industry awards testify. Cumberland Arms, Newcastle – proper beer, Actually, combine the two and you’ve got a www.thefeathers.net

june 2011 cheers 17 Where is it? On Old Elvet between the Marriott Royal County Hotel and Durham Prison, sandwiched between Durham Register Office and the Masonic Hall (a rather attractive sandstone building). The pub’s other neighbours Profile are mainly offices, so the extra-wide road is slightly off the tourist/student track and it caters The Dun Cow, Durham mainly for locals.

Overview Landlord: Mike Leonard. The Dun Cow, 37 Old Elvet, Durham DH1 3HN

t: 0191 386 9219

This grade II-listed building is a confusion of architectural styles but remains an attractive proposition. Built in the late 17th century and modified in the early 18th century, its first floor is distinguished by mock- Tudor timbering that points a convincing olde-English face to the world. The high-pitched Welsh slate roof and remarkably tall brick chimney are also worthy of note. Its two, odd, square bay windows most likely matched at one time and the passage to the left would have once been that – a passage, rather than the pub entrance.

The beer The food A compact range of real ales The offering is basic A quiet corner in that demonstrates customer and fuss-free with no care. Jennings Cumberland aspirations for the pub to a busy city centre Ale is a fine, quenching mid- be a gastro-establishment. strength bitter; Black Sheep Bacon butties are available The sliding door to the snug catches a few new customers Best is ultra-consistent and until early afternoon, but out, but once inside they’ll find “snug” is the right always worth a whirl, while baked potatoes, home- description. This is a definite “locals” bar – but many Castle Eden Ale (brewed by made chilli, home-made students and a good proportion of visitors prefer the more Cameron’s of Hartlepool) pasta dishes, and pork pies eclectic atmosphere of the long, narrow-ish lounge at the satisfies local interest. do their job nicely enough. rear where functions such as the regular quiz are held. The snug’s ceiling drips with water jugs – Famous Grouse, Bell’s, J&B Rare – which dangle from its beams; the counter looks relatively new (relative in relation to the rest of the building, that is) and the mirrored, solid gantry behind isn’t particularly ornate, but it doesn’t half sparkle. The fireplace at one end has been blocked off – the room is far too small for one at any rate. Toilets are down the passage and across the yard at the back, which is reassuringly quaint in a corporate world. Local is the operative word.

18 cheers june 2011 pub Locals’ news County SHow n visit www.cheersnortheast.co.uk to have your say Cheers to the show to compete for a hat-trick, but his crown was taken by a Texel Absent friends gimmer (that’s a lady sheep, by the way) named Ettrick Lady Kate. The real ale fraternity has Meanwhile, we enjoyed a lost two of its most ardent fine day in the beer tent, which supporters. Bill Case, a familiar was superbly run by Matt and face “behind bars” for many Ben from Wylam and Steve and years and a former social crew from the excellent Dyke secretary of Camra’s Tyneside Neuk Inn near Morpeth. & Northumberland branch, Oh, happy day. passed away on May 5, aged holy cow: The Northumberland Show beer 65. A requiem mass was heard tent certainly had an effect on one customer for him at St Bede’s RC Church in Denton Burn, Newcastle. Here at Cheers, we consider by brewing a brand-new beer And, Ian Tullock of Swalwell, ourselves to be properly in called The Champion, a 3.8% Gateshead, died after a short touch with the countryside, so it abv traditional English best illness on May 11. Ian was 57 and seems only right that we should bitter. The distinctive pumpclip was invariably in the company sponsor the excellent beer tent features the 2009 Champion of Tommy, John, Mick and Dave, at Northumberland County Show of Champions, a Blue-Faced to name but a few of his many on May Bank Holiday Monday. Leicester tup named Walton friends. His funeral took place We’re all regulars at show beer Rocket, who – no doubt spurred n Diary date: on May 20. Both enthusiasts tents – and thought it only right that by his celebrity – went on to take The Northumberland County will be sorely missed by friends this one should carry our name. the same coveted title in 2010. Show 2012 is at Tynedale Park, and family and all those who Show regulars will remember that The champion sheep didn’t make Corbridge, on Bank Holiday regularly enjoyed their company Wylam Brewery played a blinder it to the showground this time Monday, June 4 2012. in many of the region’s pubs

june 2011 cheers 19 AREA FOCUS Holy Island Time and tide Visitors come to Holy Island for a variety of reasons, but Alastair Gilmour seeks contemplation in its pubs

Tide table checked? Check. Lindisfarne, and drop jaws at the merits; The Ship, Appetite building? Check. range of whiskies – English and for instance is a Four seasons-worth of Japanese included – matched secluded sun trap, clothing packed? Check. only by specialist shops. as is the Crown Let’s take a day-trip to Holy Visitors have dozens of reasons & Anchor’s, but if Island – aka Lindisfarne – to that to cross over to Holy Island – bird- there is a national modern: The Manor House Hotel combines fabled strip of land poking out of watching, day-tripping, lunching, prize for the best contemporary style with tradition North Northumberland that offers absorbing rich history and beer garden view, magic and mystery alongside contemplating a millennium of it surely must belong to pubs exist; you can everyday existence. And that, religious chronology among them the Manor House Hotel where the mull things over while enjoying for many of us, means pubs. – but Lindisfarne Winery is as good closely-cropped lawn and sturdy a glass or two of something Holy Island has its own centre an excuse as any to make the trip. benches are perfect for drinking in appropriate. Holy Island pubs of wine, too. St Aiden’s Winery is There’s a lot to see and do the view across fields and harbour ebb and flow with custom – the home of Lindisfarne Mead elsewhere, but the abiding to Lindisfarne Castle and beyond to some parties seek out lunch and for many, the first stop on an feature of the island’s pubs is the North Sea. It’s simply stunning during a two-hour coach stop, island visit. They could well be their emphasis on well-tended and merits hours of contemplation. whereas a cup of tea will do for right – the showroom is bright beer gardens. Each has its own But that’s one of the reasons others. Beer and food, though, and well laid out with one thing in is where the island scores. mind; the customer. There’s lots The Ship offers Hadrian of elbow room to browse around Border Blessed Bitter, a house in and plenty of shelf space to speciality, and Tyneside Blonde show off beer, wines, spirits, (which was glorious). The fishing preserves, and local delicacies community-themed pub – think to best advantage. It’s obviously lobster pots, brasses and multi- seen a huge investment in money spoked steering wheels – is terms so it’s only manners to fundamental and tidy and the return the compliment – stand by sort of place you wouldn’t object to be amazed at the range of beers to being marooned in. The bar is covering breweries and styles from well-attended, nicely maintained St Austell to Orkney; appreciate and decorated with framed local the full range of fruit wines and walk right in: The Crown & Anchor is a images, and is as close to a popular visitor stop-off on Holy Island liqueurs produced specially for traditional pub as you’ll find. Its

20 cheers june 2011 pumpclip. imagine a different clientele once and very possibly the ideal place There’s more the coaches and cars have beat the to choose as a base for popping in island life on tide. And, they know how to keep and out of on a Lindisfarne break. the walls here beer – the delicious Secret Kingdom Several lagers and keg beers – pictures should be let out from under wraps on the bar make the only handpull and curios. a bit more if this is how it tastes. – Deuchars IPA – look forlornly It’s Right next door is the Manor lonely. But in as prime condition separated into House Hotel; pristine, gleaming as this, it deserves to make a lot three areas; and obviously the benefactor of a of friends (and most likely does). bar, dining few bobs-worth of refurbishment. Holy Island crab is offered in room/lounge It’s terrific because it presents sandwiches and salads – when and definite another side to hospitality – there’s available – and the rest of the dining room no point in having three or four menu is another “local” and beyond that. pubs in such a small community all “home-made” delight ranging The public bar doing the same thing and looking from Tweedside ham to lasagne. is reminiscent identical in their knick-knackery. Lovely touch: The senior citizens’ of those in a The wide-open bar-lounge- special of local fish, chips and peas, small hotel – a restaurant is modern and comes with “a nice cup of tea”. counter in stylish and revels in town-centre Holy Island is a place for curious brick-fronted counter the corner with just the necessary ambience. Its pale wood dominance lingering and it’s hoped this seems out of place, however. display and a carpet that could do is set off by brightly-coloured summer will bring uninterrupted The specials menu is short and with the volume being turned down. contemporary artworks while the sunshine and overflowing beer sweet – three starters, including Where there was a fair bit of large settees encourage more gardens. Hospitality people here soup, and two mains. This means drinking going on in The Ship, it’s than a degree of loafing. It’s busy work hard on behalf of visitors – one thing; home- day-trippers’ soft drinks and chatter-rich, quietly cultured, maybe because we’re worth it. cooking. Salmon and bowls of soup pasta bake is that are the main simple and easy to orders in the Crown rustle up on a busy & Anchor though lunchtime and almost every item on lamb shank in red the specials board wine is a midday is prefixed with the treat that requires phrase “home- not a lot of fuss. made” or “local” – or Both, though, do both. Those include the job perfectly. chilli, steak pie, The Crown curry and haddock, & Anchor also while on the evening features Hadrian Border beer – menu it’s seabass and Tyneside Blonde again and Secret honey-glazed duck. ship ahoy: Fine North East ales are a welcome Kingdom which features Lindisfarne We’re only here for a few feature at The Ship – as is the home-cooking Castle (just out the back) on its hours though and one could

Great Ales Picturesque for Great Dads countryside Dont’ forget Fathers Day on Sunday 19th June location

With over 200 varieties Excellent selection of bottle conditioned ales of local cask ales. and over 100 varieites of Food served all continental lagers and ciders day everyday. from around the world in stock, Sundays - Quiz Night 4* En-suite accommodation your’e sure to fi nd something Private functions catered for to tickle your dads tastebuds this A warm & friendly welcome assured Fathers Day. Free local delivery • Find us on Twitter The�Anchor�Inn Whittonstall, nr Consett, DH8 9JN COPPERS Telephone 01207 561110 17 Princess Road, Brunton Park, Gosforth, E: [email protected] Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE3 5TT | Tel: 0191 2170043 www.theanchorinnwhittonstall.co.uk

june 2011 cheers 21 NEWS Up, up, and away North Tyneside-based Mordue Brewery Nigel has produced a dozen different beers – has been invited to provide cask ale all of which he intends to recreate at the pub. for two bars at Newcastle Airport. The n Tyne Bank Brewery which took over “airside” Woolsington Arms pub has had Hadrian Border’s old plant at Byker, two handpulls installed, while the smaller Newcastle, has been gearing up for “landside” Condeco Bar, tucked away in the its first brew from there at the end departure hall, has one pump on the bar. of May. Cheers will report on the “We’re really pleased to be providing “new micros” in the July issue. our beer at such a prestigious location,” n The Cluny in Ouseburn, Newcastle, has says Mordue managing director Garry been shortlisted by music magazine NME Fawson. “It’s something I’ve always wanted in its search to find Britain’s best small to do – and we’ll be able to give people a music venue. The pub, part of the Head taste of home before they go away.” of Steam group, is up against venues in n Ouseburn Valley Brewery has finally located Leeds and Sheffield in the North East to the cellar in the Brandling Villa, South category of the competition. The overall Gosforth. Using kit sourced from Oban Bay winner will be decided by a panel of music Brewery, owner Nigel Mothersole has brewed industry experts on June 14 – however, Last month we published a lovely sketch two beers to start with – Golden Ale and IPA. you can cast your vote online at www. by Dorothy Lawrenson and we like it so Since starting brewing his garage nearby, nme.com/smallvenues until June 10. much, here’s another one. That’s all.

EEH! NUMBERS n One of George Washington’s 110 “Rules of Civility and Decent Behavior in Company and Conversation” which he kept – most likely originating in 16th century Jesuit teachings. Number 99: “Drink not too leisurely not yet too hastily. Before and after Drinking wipe your Lips, breathe not then or Ever with too Great a Noise, for it is uncivil.” n An ice cream cone with a Cadbury’s Flake plunged in halfway. 99 n A brand of tea produced by the Co-op since 1930.

The only sign to look QUALITY CASK ALES for on Hadrian’s Wall Set in the shadows of Steel Rigg this country THE BERKELEY TAVERN inn offers 3 Diamond accommodation, Real Ales, superb wines and excellent food. It is an ideal location to explore the land of t
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Marine Avenue, Whitley Bay, Tyne and Wear, NE26 1LY Bardon Mill, Hexham, NE47 7AN T: 0191 2527755 t: 01434 344534 e:[email protected] w: www.twicebrewedinn.co.uk

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Cask and craft ale bar 9 cask handpumps  Mordue and Durham Regulars A dark horse emerges Up to 7 guest ales  6 guest real ciders to prominence. Over 60 UK and US bottles Regular beer fests and events

Is proud to present our all new Durham Brewery Weekend SUMMER FOOD MENU 23rd - 26th available now! June 2011 The Black Horse 206 High Street, Gosforth St Lawrence Rd 68 Front Street, Monkseaton, NE25 8DP Ouseburn, NE6 1AP Tel: 0191 253 6931 www.blackhorse.co Tel: 0191 285 8060 22 cheers june 2011 WINE with suzanne lock and bill oswald Look at the label The name might say ‘Rioja’ but is it? Question: What do a large right and we usually associate it Spanish sombrero, a toy donkey with the area around Barcelona and a bottle of “Spanish (Penedes), though some does fizz” have in common? come from the Rioja region. Answer: It was almost Rioja DO (Denomination of compulsory in the 1950s and Origin) – the premium wine region 1960s to return from the Costa of Spain – has been fighting a 12- Brava with these three items. year running battle with the wine Since Spain’s entry growing region of La to the EEC (now EU) Rioja in Argentina. This in the mid-1970s, the was brought by the research in the UK suggests that red and white Rioja wines. word now used for regulatory authority consumers would think that wines Of course, the word “tinto” Spanish sparkling in Spain (Consejo labelled La Rioja were from Spain. is used to describe Spanish red “The Rioja wine is Cava, and not Regulador) to protect Although it would seem that the wines. Close examination of labels Denomination of the Rioja name in Spanish authorities are concerned Spanish Champagne. Origin has been and attention to prices is advised, International fighting a 12-year an attempt to avoid about the Argentines using the or get yourself on a wine course! agreements have battle with La Rioja confusion. The case words La Rioja, it would appear laid down rules in Argentina.” has been rejected by that the word “roja” does not Wine Slurp stating that the word the courts in Buenos cause the same problems as this Wine for pawnbrokers: Hock champagne can only Aires which state that appears on numerous wine labels n Join Advintage Ltd in a Tapas be used by the French region of Argentine wines and labelling were from Spain and California. The and Tasting night, Saturday June Champagne to market its own clear enough and that La Rioja in Spanish Roja brand wines (roja 18 at No7 Restaurant, Spanish sparkling wines made in that Argentina produced mainly white meaning red) are often made from City, Whitley Bay. £16.50 per region. The Cava we know and love wines, whereas Rioja in Spain the same grapes – tempranillo and person. See website for more is an outstanding wine in its own produces mainly red. But market viura – as those used in traditional details www.Advintagewine.co.uk

Proprietor Mr G.N. Weatherburn Manager Mr J. J. Bennett

Too many CAMRA Awards To Mention

The Barista’s choice of coffee bean Permanent beer festival with 15 ever changing handpulls Tel: 0871 2711 160 or 0191 5674627 email: [email protected] www.caffesolo.co.uk Supporting Right next to the station at Wylam Station Road, Wylam, Northumberland NE41 8HR Filter Coffee Espresso tel: 01661 853431 email: [email protected] Cafetiere Coffee Espresso Machines Coffee Training open 11am till 11pm everyday except Sun 12pm till 10.30pm june 2011 cheers 23 summer golf 2011

Green Fees: £25 midweek (unlimited holes subject to availability) Alnmouth Golf Club £30 weekends (restricted to 18 holes) Foxton Hall, Alnmouth, Northumberland • Society Golf - 8 or more • Monday - Wednesday: £22.50 includes coffee and bacon rolls ATTENTION ALL PUB GOLF SOCIETIES on arrival (unlimited holes subject to availability) • Thursday - Friday: £25 includes coffee and bacon rolls on arrival (unlimited holes subject to availability) The Jewel in Northumberland’s Golfi ng Crown • Society Packages from £26 Saturday - Sunday: £27.50 (restricted to 18 holes) Twilight Golf after 3pm £15 • Other golf packages available, telephone for details Picturesque 18 hole course situated in the beautiful North Tyne Play and Stay Golf Breaks in our Dormy House Valley between Hadrians Wall and the Scottish border One Night DBB with 2 rounds of golf from £92 English Tourism 3 Diamond Accommodation Bellingham Golf Club Boggle Hole, Bellingham, Northumberland, NE48 2DT Visitors are always welcome Telephone: 01434 220530 Please call 01665 830231 for more details email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] www.bellinghamgolfclub.com www.alnmouthgolfclub.com

maxim brewery

Great beer great brands supporting The Newfield Inn (DH2 2SP) Beer Festival 18/19th June and The Derwentside Inn (DH8 8RR) Beer Festival 25/26 June with other selected ales and ciders.

1 Gadwall Road Houghton le Spring DH4 5NL Telephone: (0191) 584 8844 Email: [email protected]

24 cheers june 2011 THE Roger Sterling Column have your say

Log on to Got you under my skin cheersnortheast.co.uk

rank, Sammy and Dean Our man at the bar schmoozes with the pack had just finished a storming show and the drinking record. A very short next to a great theatre, right central ceiling dome feature which crowd was leaving the time later I was sharing an iced here in Newcastle. The Bodega, can surely only have been put there Fauditorium in search of a great bar JD with Sinatra and most of the next door to the Tyne Theatre. to enrich the experience of those in which to extend the feeling of horn section who had found their The fabulous touring show, The unfortunate enough to end up on euphoria generated by watching collective way to the bar rather Rat Pack had just completed their backs from being unable to the greatest entertainers on smartly on the advice of their well another triumphant performance resist the numerous temptations Earth “riffing” off one another informed “security” team. We and we (and I of course mean of the copiously stocked bar. in the way only they can. shared quite a few more. Those they) were lucky enough to Even the name alone evokes in me My lady and I made our way to cats can drink. I was mightily glad share the perfect post-show a sultry sense of purest pleasure, one of my “default” bars right next Deano didn’t join us, as in his own atmosphere of this excellent bar. being lucky enough to frequently door to the theatre words, he’d already had at least As I said, those cats can drink. enjoy many happy drinks in the and there “tee Martoonies”. It turned into I have long enjoyed The Bodega’s bodegas of my Catalonian retreat. continued a helluva night. And morning. “trueness”. It doesn’t have any You won’t always of course be trying to And if you think none of this is pretence to be anything other guaranteed to be able to boast break my true, you’re so wrong. OK, so I than a great place to meet, of a blurry night with “Frank own world wasn’t next door to The Sands talk and drink. This beautifully and the Boys”, but being where Bourbon- down on The Strip; I presented bar is high on my list it is, you may well be able to was in fact in a great of places to start or finish – or name-drop another equally both – a night in town. Gleaming improbable drinking buddy. hand-pulls; smartly turned-out, For me though, star-studded efficient and courteous staff; or otherwise, The Bodega is simple but varied and inviting always “Ring-A-Ding-Ding!” Cheers Magazine 127 x 93 14/4/11 7:41 pm Page 1 bar layout, and aged-wooden floor. n THE BODEGA IS ON WESTGATE Star of the show is the ornate ROAD, NEWCASTLE. IML Concerts in association with The Agency Group present Best Beer Shop Best Specialist Grocer

With Special Guests 1Occ

Fantastic selection of beers and spirits ALNWICK CASTLE Excellent range of speciality foods SATURDAY 20 AUGUST Come and see what makes us different! Advance Tickets Adult £35 : Child £15 IML Concerts 01603 660444 > Alnwick Playhouse 01665 510785 Newcastle TIC, Central Arcade 0191 277 8000 Rehills of Jesmond Online at www.imlconcerts.co.uk Specialist Fine Wine & Food Merchants 245 Jesmond Road, Jesmond, Gates 5pm > Bring a Picnic > Firework Finale Newcastle upon Tyne, NE2 1LB SUPPORTED BY Telephone 0191 2814499

june 2011 cheers 25 Culture Elvis’ wooden heart Jeff Price’s encounters with a long-dead superstar take a heart-racing turn

I was sitting in the Brandling tipped in to someone’s glass and hear beeps and clicks and out and they do a thousand tests and Villa perched at the end of the thief telling his mate, “Well, of the corner of my eye I can see pump more blood out of me than the bar. Landlord Dave was he’s not going to drink it”. flashing red numbers and people I knew I had. I lie there thinking wittering on about his dog and Next thing I know I am in the in white coats pointing at them. to myself that I am overweight, something to do with it eating 43 years old, living in a bedsit his laptop but I wasn’t really and working at the Ministry. The paying any attention as I had only woman I see regularly is my a more pressing problem. mother and life sucks big time and Somewhere deep in my body couldn’t possibly get any worse something strange was going on. when Elvis walks into the room. I could feel a terrible tightness “What’s up big guy?” he says. in my chest, a pain rushing down He puts a small bunch of grapes the left side of my body and my on the bedside cupboard. heart racing like a greyhound with “Piss off,” I tell him. a rocket up its arse. My head was “Dave tells me you ruined his spinning and suddenly I sank to bar trade last night, he was selling the floor clutching my chest. half-price pies this morning.” I don’t remember much I want to be really annoyed about what happened next, just fruit fool: Elvis visited Jeff Price in hospital but somehow lying prostrate in snatches of memory, like Dave and presented him with a bunch of grapes a hospital bed it doesn’t work. saying to get me out quick as it “Coronary episode,” I whisper would put the punters off their Coronary Care Unit at the RVI The white coats tell me I might as I tap my chest. “It’s a heart pies, and watching the remains with more wires coming out of have had a coronary episode like problem, and a bit of sympathy of my Wylam Gold Tankard being me than Lady Penelope. I can it’s some sort of soap on the telly from you wouldn’t go amiss.”

26 cheers june 2011 BEER & MUSIC FESTIVAL “Hey, don’t give me a hard “That’s my Mother you’re Friday 15th until Sunday 17th July time; your Mam sent me down to talking about and that’s sex 30 Real Ales, 25 Ciders. Hog Roast, Restaurant check out how you were, said she with my Mother which is like Bands playing live for FREE • Entertainment for the kids would have come herself but it’s a hundred times worse.” Starts Friday 6pm Saturday & Sunday from 12pm her Pilates class at Gossy Club.” Suddenly, the pain in my chest For further info call: 01670 822410 “Pilates,” I splutter. “Pill returns as I try to catch my breath, Check our website - Find us on facebook bloody Latees, My own mother but despite my imminent descent Three Horseshoes, High Horton, Cramlington, had left her only son to die into death, Elvis just shrugs and NE24 4HF www.3horseshoes.co.uk alone in a hospital bed so she starts to tuck into the grapes. can have a Pilates work out?” The door opens and the “Keeps her supple,” Elvis winks. doctor walks in. “Good news; the “You need that at our age if you tests are back and it’s chronic Great Ales - 2 Great Pubs want to a have a sex life. She does indigestion. Just keep off the the Pilates and I pop a Viagra.” kebabs and you should be OK.” Beer styles and food partners n Brown ale: Hearty foods includes meat pies and burgers; such as roast pork, smoked mild cheese such as Lancashire or sausage or grilled salmon; Red Leicester; oatmeal biscuits. aged Gouda cheese or n Porter: Roasted or smoked crumbly Cheshire; almond food – barbecued sausages and cake or maple and walnut. roasted meat; Gruyère cheese; n Bitter: A wide range that toasted coconut biscuits. The Crown Inn Homecooked food Station Road, Corbridge, Children always welcome Northumberland NE45 5AY The Crown Inn Humsaugh, Hexham, Tel: 01434 633633 or visit Northumberland, NE46 4AG www.dyvelsinn.co.uk Telephone 01434 681231

jingling geordie: Keith Armstrong launches The Centurion’s new brochure A night on the tiles The story of one of regulars and travellers alike and Newcastle’s most historic offering first class refreshment bars has been published in from Jarrow, Wylam, Hadrian a lavish glossy brochure. Border and Big Lamp breweries. The Light In The Centurion traces It is a fascinating tale, fully the history of Central Station’s illustrated, and with some former First Class Railway appropriate poetry by pub regular Lounge – originally opened Keith Armstrong – also known on October 25 1893 – up to the as “The Jingling Geordie”. present day in its reincarnation Copies of the brochure can be as The Centurion catering for picked up at The Centurion.

n Literary hangovers Samuel Pepys Diary, September 22 1660. “To Westminster to my Lord’s; and there in the house of office vomited up all my breakfast, my stomach being ill all this day by reason of the last night’s debauch.”

june 2011 cheers 27 The Barrels The Olde Ship inn Cumbria 59 - 61 Bridge Street, 9 Main Street, Seahouses, Bewrick upon Tweed, NE68 7RD, t: 01665 720 200 Blenkinsopp Castle Inn TD15 1ES e: [email protected] Greenhead, Brampton, CA8 7JS t: 01289 308013 www.seahouses.co.uk t: 01697 747601 The Blackbird The Pilot Inn North Road, Ponteland, 31 Low Greens Northumberland NE20 9UH Berwick upon Tweed, TD15 1LZ A-Z Pub t: 01661 824208 t: 01289 304214 Bamburgh Castle INN Seahouses, NE68 7SQ The Black Bull The Plough t: 01665 720283 Middle Street, Village Square, Cramlington, Corbridge, NE45 5AT NE23 1DN, t: 01670 737633 Barrasford Arms t: 01434 632261 Barrasford Hexham, NE48 4AA The Queen’s Head Inn t: 01434 681237 The Black Bull Great Whittington, NE19 2HP 2-4 Main Street, Lowick, t: 01434 672 267 Battlesteads Hotel Berwick upon Tweed, Wark, Hexham, NE48 3LS TD15 2UA The Rat Inn t: 01434 230209 t: 01289 388228 Anick, Hexham, NE46 4LN e: [email protected] t: 01434 602 814 guide www.battlesteads.com The Black Bull n You can pick up your copy of cheers at any of these great pubs... Matfen, NE20 0RP The Red Lion Bay Horse Inn t: 01661 886330 22 Northumberland Street, Stamfordham, NE18 0PB Alnmouth, NE66 2RJ Cheers is all about pubs in the North East t: 01661 886244 The Black Bull Inn t: 01665 830584 Etal, TD12 4TL www.redlionalnmouth.co.uk and this should be a good place to start... Cross Keys t: 01890 820200 Thropton, Rothbury, NE65 7HX The Red Lion Inn The County The Red Lion t: 01669 620362 The Blue Bell Milfield, Wooler, NE71 6JD County Durham 13 The Green, Aycliffe Vilage, North Bitchburn Terrace, Hill Street, Corbridge, t: 01668 216224 County Durham, DL5 6LX North Bitchburn, DL15 8AL Crown & Anchor Inn NE45 5AA e: [email protected] Butcher’s Arms t: 01325 312273 t: 01388 763561 Market Place, Holy Island, t:01434 632789 www.redlioninn-milfield.co.uk Middle Chare, TD15 2RX Chester le Street, DH3 3QB The Derwentside The Royal Oak t: 01289 389215 The Boathouse The ridley arms t: 0191 388 3605 101 Durham Road, Blackhill, 7 Manor Road, e: [email protected] Wylam, NE41 8HR Consett, DH8 8RR Medomsley Village, DH8 6QN www.holyislandcrown.co.uk t: 01661 853431 DERWENT WALK INN t: 01207 590919 t: 01207 560336 Ebchester, Dipton Mill Inn The Carts Bog Inn DH8 0SX The Dun Cow The Scotch Arms Dipton Mill Road, Hexham, Langley on Tyne, t: 01207 560347 Primrose Hill, Bournmoor, Blackhill, Consett, DH8 8LZ NE46 1YA Hexham, NE47 5NW DH4 6DY t: 01207 593709 t: 01434 606577 t: 01434 684338 Dun Cow t: 0191 385 2631 e: [email protected] 37 Old Elvet, The Ship www.diptonmill.co.uk The Cook & Barker Inn Durham, DH1 3HN The Dun Cow Low Road, Middlestone Village, Newton-on-the-Moor, t: 0191 386 9219 Front Street, Sedgefield, Middlestone, DL14 8AB Duke of Wellington Felton, NE65 9JY Stannington, TS21 3AT t: 01388 810904 Newton, NE43 7UL t: 01665 575 234 Morpeth, NE61 6EL Head of Steam t: 01740 620894 t: 01661 844446 3 Reform Place, The Square & Compass The Crown t: 01670 789216 Durham, DH1 4RZ The Floater’s Mill 7 The Green, Errington Arms Allendale Road, e: [email protected] t: 0191 3832173 Woodstone Village, West Cornforth, Stagshaw, Corbridge, Catton, Fence Houses, DH4 6BQ Ferryhill, DL17 9JQ NE45 5QB NE47 9QS ‘Part of the Number Twenty-2 t: 0191 385 6695 t: 01740 653050 t: 01434 672250 t: 01434 683 447 22 Coniscliffe Road, Sir John Darlington, DL3 7RG The George & Dragon The Stables General Havelock Inn The CROWN INN Fitzgerald group’ t: 01325 354590 4 East Green, Heighington Beamish Hall Hotel, Haydon Bridge, NE47 6ER Humshaugh, Hexham, e: [email protected] Village, DL5 6PP Beamish, DH9 0BY t: 01434 684376 NE46 4AG The Robin Hood www.twenty2.villagebrewer.co.uk t: 01325 313152 t: 01207 233 7333 e: [email protected] t: 01434 681 231 East Wallhouses Military Road Newcastle, NE18 0LL Old Mill Hotel The Grey Horse The Stables Joiners Arms The Dyke Neuk t: 01434 672273 Thinford Road, 115 Sherburn Terrace, West Herrington, Wansbeck Street, Meldon Nr Morpeth, www.robinhoodinn- Metal Bridge, Consett, DH8 6NE Houghton le Spring, Morpeth, NE61 1XZ NE61 3SL, t: 01670 772 662 militaryroad.co.uk Coxhoe, DH6 5NX t: 01207 502585 DH4 4ND t: 01670 513540 e: [email protected] t: 01740 652928 t: 0191 584 9226 www.thedykeneuk.co.uk The Ship Inn The Half Moon inn Lion & Lamb Marygate, Holy Island, South Causey Inn 86 New Elvet, Durham, The Three Horseshoes Horsley, NE15 0NS The Dyvels Inn TD15 2SJ, t: 01289 389 311 Beamish Burn Road, DH1 3AQ, t: 0191 3741918 Pit House Lane, Leamside, t: 01661 852952 Station Road, Corbridge, Stanley, DH9 OLS Houghton Le Spring, DH4 6QQ NE45 5AY The Sun Inn t: 01207 235555 The Honest Lawyer t: 0191 584 2394 Newcastle Hotel t: 01434 633 633 Acomb, NE46 4PW Croxdale Bridge, Front Street, Rothbury, e: [email protected] t: 01434 602934 Sun Inn Croxdale, DH1 3HP The Whitehills NE65 7UT, t: 01669 620334 www.dyvelsinn.co.uk www.thesuninn-acomb.co.uk Houghton Road, t: 0191 3783782 Waldridge Road, Newbottle, DH4 4EG Chester le Street, Olivers The Feathers Inn The Tankerville Arms t: 0191 584 1019 The Manor House Hotel DH2 3AB 60 Bridge Street, Blyth, NE24 2AP Hedley on the Hill, 22 Cottage Road, The Green, West Auckland, t: 0191 3882786 t: 01670 540356 Stocksfield, Wooler, Surtees Arms DH14 9HW NE43 7SW NE71 6AD Chilton Lane, t: 01388 834834 The Wild Boar Red Lion Inn t: 01661 843 607 t: 01668 281581 Ferryhill, DL17 0DH Frederick place Stanegate Road, Newbrough, e:[email protected] t: 01740 655724 THE MANOR HOUSE INN Houghton le Spring Hexham, NE47 5AR The Fox & Hounds www.tankervillehotel.co.uk e: [email protected] Carterway Heads, Dh4 4bn t: 01434 674226 Main Road, Wylam, www.thesurteesarms.co.uk Shotley Bridge, DH8 9LX t: 0191 3860465 www.redlionnewbrough.co.uk NE41 8DL The Tap & Spile t: 01207 255268 t: 01661 853246 Eastgate, Hexham, NE46 1BH The Avenue Inn The Victoria Inn Riverdale Hall Hotel t: 01434 602039 Avenue Street, The Market Tavern 86 Hallgarth Street, Bellingham, NE48 2JT The Golden Lion High Shincliffe, 27 Market Place, Durham, DH1 3AS t: 01434 220254 Market Place, Allendale, The Travellers Rest DH1 2PT Durham, DH1 3NJ t: 0191 3860465 e: reservations@ NE47 9BD Slaley, Hexham, NE46 1TT t: 0191 386 5954 t: 01207 255268 riverdalehallhotel.co.uk t: 01434 683 225 t: 01434 673231 Ye Old Elm Tree www.riverdalehallhotel.co.uk www.travellersrestslaley.com The Bay Horse The Mill 12 Crossgate, The Hadrian Hotel 28 West Green, Durham Road, Rainton Bridge, Durham City, Three Horseshoes Wall, Nr Hexham, NE44 4EE The Wellington Heighington, DL5 6PE DH5 8NG, t: 0191 5843211 DH1 4PS Hathery Lane, Horton, t: 01434 681232 Main Road, Riding Mill, NE44 6DQ t: 01325 312312 t: 0191 386 4621 Cramlington, NE24 4HF The Hermitage Inn t: 01434 682531 The Miners Arms t: 01670 822410 23 Castle Street, THE Victoria Hotel The Beamish Mary Inn 41 Manor Road, Warkworth, NE65 0UL 1 Front Street, Bamburgh, NE69 7BP No Place, Nr Beamish, Medomsley, DH8 6QN North Yorkshire Victoria Hotel t: 01665 711 258 t: 01668 214431 DH9 0QH, t: 01207 560428 Bamburgh, NE69 7BP t: 0191 370 0237 The Crown Inn t: 01668 214 431 The Lindisfarne Inn Twice Brewed Inn The Newfield Inn Vicars Lane, Manfield, DL2 2RF Beal, TD15 2PD Military Road, The Black Horse Newfield, Chester le Street, t: 01325 374243 The Anchor Hotel t: 01289 381 223 Bardon Mill, Red Row,Beamish, DH9 0RW DH2 2SP, t: 0191 3700565 www.villagebrewer.co.uk Haydon Bridge, NE47 6AB NE47 7AN t: 01207 232569 t: 01434 688121 The Lord Crewe Arms t: 01434 344534 The Punch Bowl Inn The Dog & Gun Hotel e: [email protected] The Brittania Inn Edmundbyers, DH8 9NL Coopers Lane, Potto, DL6 3HQ The Anchor Inn Blanchland, Northumberland www.twicebrewedinn.co.uk 1 Archer Street, Darlington t: 01207 255545 t: 01642 700232 Whittonstall, Nr Consett, DH8 9SP County Durham, DL3 6LR DH8 9JN t: 01434 675251 t: 01325 463787 The Quakerhouse The White Swan t: 01207 561110 Teesside 2 Mechanics Yard, 1 West End, The Manor Inn The Chelmsford Darlington, DL3 7QF Stokesley, TS9 5BL The Angel inn Main Street, Haltwhistle, Cleveland Bay Front Steet, Ebchester, t: 07783 960 105 t: 01642 710263 Main Street, Corbridge, NE49 0BS, t: 01434 322588 Yarm Road, Eaglescliffe, DH8 0PJ e: [email protected] e: [email protected] NE45 5LA e: [email protected] TS16 0JE t:01207 565811 www.quakerhouse.net www.thewhiteswanstokesley.co.uk t: 01434 632119 www.themanorhousehaltwhistle.co.uk t: 01642 780275

28 cheers june 2011 The Salutation Cumberland Arms San Lorenzo The Central The Kings Arms The Porthole 5 West Road, Billingham, 17 Front Street, 121-123 High Street, Half Moon Lane, West Terrace, Seaton Sluice, 11 New Quay, North Shields, Cleveland, Tynemouth, Gosforth, NE3 1HA Gateshead, NE8 2AN NE26 4RD t: 0191 2370275 NE29 6LQ TS23 1BP NE30 4DZ t: 0191 2130399 t: 0191 4782543 t: 0191 2576645 t: 01642 559119 t: 0191 257 1820 e:[email protected] The Lambton Arms www.porthole.co.uk Sun Inn Eighton Banks, Gateshead, The Fishermans Arms the CUMBeRLAND ARMS Market Lane Swalwell, The Centurion NE9 7XR, t: 0191 487 8137 The Potters Wheel Sandgate, The Headland, Gateshead NE16 3AL Neville Street, Newcastle, Sun Street, Hartlepool, TS24 0JJ t: 0191 442 9393 NE1 5DG, t: 0191 261 6611 The Low Lights Tavern Sunniside, NE16 5EE t: 01429 266029 Brewhouse Bank, t: 0191 4888068 e: [email protected] Tilleys Bar The Chillingham North Shields, NE30 1LL e: [email protected] www.thefishermans.co.uk 105 Westgate Road, Chillingham Road, t: 0191 2576038 www.potterswheelpub.com Newcastle, NE1 4AG Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE1 1RQ The Rat Race t: 0191 232 0692 t: 0191 265 3992 The Magnesia Bank The Queen Victoria Hartlepool Railway Station, e: [email protected] 1 Camden Street, 206 High Street, Hartlepool, TS24 7ED Twin Farms North Shields, NE30 1NH Gosforth, NE3 1HD The Clarendon t: 0191 257 4831 t: 0191 2858060 TYNE & WEAR James Place Street, 143 High Street East, off Byker Bank, Sunderland, SR1 2BL The Maltings The Ravensworth Arms Baccus Newcastle upon Tyne, t:0191 5103200 9 Claypath Lane, South Shields, Lamesley, Gateshead, 42-48 High Bridge, NE61LD www.clarendon-pub.co.uk NE33 4PG, t: 0191 4277147 NE11 0ER Newcastle NE1 6BX t: 0191 2656151 t: 0191 487 6023 t: 0191 2611008 The Clock The Marquis Of Granby www.thecumberlandarms.co.uk e: [email protected] Victoria Road, East Hebburn, Streetgate, Sunniside, NE16 5ES The Rising Sun Love Beers, Love Ciders, NE31 1YQ, t: 0191 424 1134 t: 0191 4880954 Bank Top, Crawcrook, NE40 4EE Blue Bell Love Live Music, t: 0191 4133316 Fulwell, Sunderland, SR6 9AD Love Food, Love B&B 22 Main Road, Kenton Bank The Cluny The Mill House t: 0191 5494020 Foot, Newcastle upon Tyne 36 Lime Street, Ouseburn, Blackfell, Birtley,DH3 1RE The Robin Hood NE13 8AB Fitzgeralds Newcastle, NE1 2PQ t: 0191 415 1313 Primrose Hill, Bowes Incline Hotel 2 South Parade, Whitley Bay t: 0191 2861263 t: 0191 230 4474 Jarrow, NE32 5UB Northside, Birtley, NE26 2RG e: [email protected] The New Bridge t: 0191 428 5454 Gateshead, t: 0191 2511255 The Cock Crow Inn 2 -4 Argyle Street, DH3 1RF e: [email protected] Mill Lane, Hebburn, NE31 2EY Newcastle, NE1 6PF ‘Part of the The Three Tuns t: 0191 410 2233 t: 0191 428 5730 t: 0191 2321020 Free Trade Inn Sir John Sheriffs Highway, Fitzgerald group’ Gateshead, NE9 5SD Bridge Hotel St Lawrence Road, The Copt Hill north terrace pub Byker, Newcastle, NE6 1AP Seaham Road, Houghton le t: 0191 4870666 t: 0191 265 5764 Tynemouth Lodge Spring, DH35 8LU www.thethreetuns.com Tynemouth Road, t: 0191 5844485 Great range of real ales HUGOS North Shields, NE30 4AA and pies 29 Front Street, Tynemouth t: 0191 257 7565 The Cottage Tavern NE30 4DZ. t: 0191 2578956 North Street, Live music 7 nights a week e: [email protected] The Aletaster Cleadon, Comedy Club - 1st Sunday of 706 Durham Road, SR6 7PL every month. LYH Gateshead, NE9 6JA t: 0191 519 0547 10 Northumberland Road, t: 0191 487 0770 Castle Square, Newcastle, NE1 8JF The County Claremont Road, The Town wall Newcaslte upon Tyne, t: 0191 2321308 The Barley Mow Inn High Street, Gosforth, Newcastle Newcastle, NE2 4AN Pink Lane, Newcastle, NE1 5HX NE1 1RQ Durham Road, Barley Mow, NE3 1HB t: 0191 2321448 www.thetownwall.com t: 0191 2326408 Millstone Hotel Birtley, DH3 2AH t: 0191 285 6919 e: [email protected] Hadricks Mill Road, t: 0191 410 4504 Central real ale bar, 6 hand the tyne bar South Gosforth, NE3 1QL The Courtyard pulls always available, large t: 0191 285 3429 The Berkeley Tavern Arts Centre, Biddick Lane, selection of bottled ciders ‘Part of the www.wearinns.co.uk Marine Avenue, Whitley Bay, Washington, NE38 8AB Wylam Gold/Fosters £2.40 - Sir John NE26 1LY t: 0191 219 3463 12 noon til 4pm Fitzgerald group’ Newcastle Arms t: 0191 2527755 Food available all day 57 St Andrews Street, the Cumberland Arms Bridle Path Newcastle, NE1 5SE The Black Horse James Place Street 101 Front Street, Whickham, t: 0191 260 2490 68 Front Street, Monkseaton, off Byker Bank the Pavilion NE16 4JJ, t: 0191 4217676 NE25 8DP t: 0191 2536931 Newcastle upon Tyne, NE6 1LD ODDFELLOWS FREE HOUSE www.blackhorse.co t: 0191 265 6151 Britannia www.thecumberlandarms.co.uk Maling Street, Ouseburn, Newcastle upon Tyne 3 Boldon Lane, Cleadon, The Boathouse NE6 1LP SR6 7RH, t: 0191 536 4198 Water Row, Newburn, The Green NE15 8NL t: 0191 2290326 t: 0191 2652550 Chesters e: [email protected] Chester Road, Sunderland, SR4 The Bodega www.thetyne.com 7DR, t: 0191 5659952 125 Westgate Road, Newcastle NE1 4AG Tartan carpet, Condeco Bar t: 0191 221 1552 Hotspur North beer garden under a bridge, Newcastle International Airport Backworth Business Park sexy bar staff.... 7 Albion Road, North Backworth, NE27 0BJ Woolsington, Newcastle upon Shields, NE30 2RJ the Briar dene Tyne, NE13 8BZ t: 0191 257 4288 The Turks Head t: 0191 2680711 41 Front Street, e: [email protected] e: [email protected] Delaval Arms www.oddfellowspub.co.uk White Mare Pool, Tynemouth, NE30 4DZ Old Hartley, NE26 4RL Listed in CAMRA Wardley, Gateshead, t: 0191 2576547 t: 0191 237 0489 Good Beer Guide 2011 NE10 8YB ‘Part of the Bottle conditioned range Sir John The Victory THE Duke of Wellington Air conditioned, Sky Sports t: 0191 4950171 Fitzgerald group’ Killingworth Road, High Bridge, Newcastle e: [email protected] South Gosforth, NE3 1SY NE1 1EN t: 0191 261 8852 The Olde Ships Inn t: 0191 285 1254 Old Red Bull Inn ‘Part of the 71 The Links, Durham Road, East Rainton, Dark Lane, Morpeth, NE61 1ST Sir John DH5 9QT, t: 0191 5840944 The Wheatsheaf collingwood arms Whitley Bay, t: 01670 513306 26 Carlisle Street, Felling, Jesmond Tyne & Wear, NE26 1UE Fitzgerald group’ The Packhorse Gateshead, NE10 OHQ Brandling Village, Jesmond Popolo’s t: 0191 2520926 Crookgate, Burnopfield, t: 0191 4200659 NE2 4RS 82 Pilgrim Street, Newcastle, e: [email protected] The Grey Horse NE16 6NS t: 01207 270283 www.biglampbrewers.co.uk t: 0191 2121000 NE1 6SF, t: 0191 2328923 Front Street, East Boldon, Jesmond’s No.1 and only real ‘Part of the NE36 0SJ, t: 0191 519 1796

ale bar - open till midnight Red Lion Sir John Redcar Terrace, West Boldon, The Head of Steam You can also pick up a copy of cheers at: Friday/Saturday Fitzgerald group’ NE36 0PZ, t: 0191 536 4197 2 Neville Street, Newcastle Alnmouth, Bellingham, Centurion Park, Hexham, Beer garden NE1 5EN t: 0191 230 4236 Houghton Le Spring , Linden, Longhirst, Matfen, Food served all day Ristorante Fiume The Brandling Arms 16 Bonemill Lane, 176 High Street, Gosforth, The Hotspur Parklands, Stocksfield and Washington Golf Washington, NE38 8AJ NE3 1HD, t: 0191 2854023 103 Percy Street, Newcastle Fitzgerald’s t: 0191 4150007 NE1 7RY , t: 0191 2324352 Clubs, Coppers at Brunton Park, Gosforth, 10-12 Green Terrace, The Brandling Villa Darlington Snooker Club, Rehills of Jesmond, Sunderland, Rockliffe Arms Haddricks Mill Road, South The Job Bulman Durham, High House Farm, Hadrian & Borders, SR1 3PZ Algernon Place, Gosforth, NE3 1QL St Nicholas Avenue, Gosforth, t: 0191 567 0852 Whitley Bay, NE26 2DT t: 0191 2840490 NE3 1AA, t: 0191 2236320 Mordue & Wylam Breweries, Lindisfarne Mead t: 0191 2531299 on Holy Island, plus Fenwicks of Newcastle and Fitzgeralds The Broad Chare The keelman Tourist Information Centres across the region. 60 Grey Street, Newcastle, Rosies Bar 25, Broad Chare, Trinity Grange Road, Newburn, NE1 6AF 2 Stowell Street, NE1 4XQ Gardens, Quayside, Newcastle Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE15 8NL t: 0191 2301350 t: 0191 2328477 NE1 3DQ, t: 0191 211 2144 t: 0191 267 1689 To subscribe telephone e: www.thebroadchare.co.uk e: [email protected] Gillian Corney on: 0191 231 6080 Crown Posada Shiremoor House Farm www.biglampbrewers.co.uk 31 The Side, Newcastle Middle Engine Lane, North The Causey Arch Inn or click on to: www.cheersnortheast.co.uk NE1 3JE Shields NE29 8DZ Beamish Burn Road, Marley The Kings Arms t: 0191 2321269 t: 0191 2576302 Hill, Newcastle, NE16 5EG Beech Street, Deptford, SR4 6BU for more information. e: [email protected] e: [email protected] t: 01207 233925 t: 0191 567 9804

june 2011 cheers 29 Specialists in Beer Books, Postcards, Posters & Signs Remarkable tenth for Tynedale Our product range covers material from England, Belgium, France, The Netherlands, Germany and the U.S.A. They will be of interest to beer drinkers, memorabilia lovers, brewers, publicans, bar designers The first sign of summer - in the North East at success and worrying if anyone would plus many more beer enthusiasts. any rate - is the marquee that hosts the annual actually come. Would people venture out We deliver by mail order and can also ship abroad. Tynedale Beer Festival appearing seemingly from town and city centres to sample beer Beer-Inn Print (Est 1997) overnight. Up she goes and here comes three under canvas? But here we are getting Long High Top, Hebden Bridge, months of glorious sunshine. We can dream. ready for what has developed into one of the West Yorkshire, HX& 7PF This year celebrates the tenth Party On North’s biggest participator events attracting Tel: 01422 844437 www.beerinnprint.co.uk The Pitch at Tynedale Rugby Club, Corbridge, beer and music lovers from all corners. where more than 120 real ales and ciders will The advert on this page has all the be available over three days (June 16-18). details and we at Cheers wish the festival Our Knowledge = Is it really ten years? Some of us can even greater success than ever. And Your SucceSS remember the tentative discussions over there’s only one word we can use... the first one, wondering if it would be a Cheers!

DicK Attlee Real Ale Technical Services T: 0191 5979668 M: 07722 631787 2011 E: [email protected] 16th - 18th June Great live music! Get your Thursday: Tyne Valley Stompers, Tynedale Rugby Club, Corbridge tickets Northumberland Fayre, Hexham Morris now to ensure Over 120 real ales & ciders Friday: Ali Reay and the Johnny Baboon Band you get in! Sat Afternoon: Vieux Carré Jazz Band Plus wine, soft drinks, hot and cold food Sat Night: Northumberland Fayre and The Proper Boys TIMES: Thurs and Fri 6pm to 11pm Sat 1pm to 11pm www.tynedalebeerfestival.org.uk CATERING EQUIPMENT SUPPLIES & SERVICING TICKET HOTLINE: 01434 652 220 Also available at Hexham and Corbridge Tourist Information Centres

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30 cheers june 2011 fun stuff the dogs Blue the dog’s canine adventures in beer I have grim news. I have propping up the Wylam bar in world. She also had all her happier than at one with witnessed, with my own eyes (one the Cheers-sponsored beer fleece intact, magnificently so. a bowl of Gold Tankard and a blue, one brown – a distinctive tent for perhaps longer than Further evidence, if ever it were plentiful supply of Walker’s crisps. characteristic that enhances was absolutely necessary. needed, that the human race is a I spotted some of my own by noble bearing) a sheep, But back to those poor lady highly unusual species, particularly kind parading round looking very magnificently woolly, being sheep, who I witnessed being where sheep are concerned. pleased with themselves, along sheared of its proud coat with not a made to sit, legs akimbo, as I was grateful to be led from with some others which looked bit of dignity, and in public to boot! they were unceremoniously de- the sheep-shearing contest and more sheep than canine. This strange happening was fleeced by muscular young men. back to the beer tent, where Mr I chose not to join them and witnessed at Northumberland It was an unsettling sight, made Matt from the esteemed Wylam as the day wore on and the Gold County Show, where the Mistress all the more so by the fact that Brewery served up three pints of Tankard flowed, I developed a deep was not only thrilled to be another of their kind was treated his magnificent Gold Tankard to appreciation of that champion lady honoured with second prize for entirely differently; crowned the the Mistress, Mr Alastair (editor sheep with the silken fleece. I have a fine fruit cake (oh, for just one Champion of the whole show and of this esteemed organ) and my dreamed of her a good deal since. sniff...) but she was also seen treated like the empress of the good self. Never was a Dalmatian Was it the beer, do you think? Ruff! Pub Picture Quiz The Dirty Dozen Quiz Where do these barrels belong? Twelve stinkers by Tony Gold, Sunderland Quiz League 1. 2. 3. 1. Where in the North East can you visit the was released in 1994 and subtitled Mission Greggs Children’s Room, the Barbour to Moscow? Room or the Sir Michael Straker Café? 9. Who drives a white Mercedes with the 2. Located beneath the bladder, which gland registration plate ORV 1L? is exclusive to man and dogs in the animal 10. In lonely-hearts ads, what does ACA stand kingdom? for? 3. In which US state is Corbin, where Harland 11. What name is associated with a US No1 by Sanders once owned a service station? Herman’s Hermits; a Judi Dench film; and 4. Name either of the nations that made the the comic creation of Brendan O’Carroll? Siachen Glacier the highest battlefield in 4. 5. 12. Which famous country house, three miles the world. upstream from Maidenhead in Bucks, 5. The name chosen for which well-known was built in 1851 for the First Duke of

chain was inspired by one of founder Tim Sunderland?

Pilsner Urquell Brewery, Plzen, Czech Republic (trick one) (trick Republic Czech Plzen, Brewery, Urquell Pilsner Martin’s teachers in New Zealand? 5.

Big Lamp Brewery Lamp Big 4.

High House Farm Brewery Farm House High

6. If you bought something for a dime and 3.

Durham County Place, No Inn, Mary Beamish

proffered a dollar, how many cents would 2. Broad Chare, Newcastle Chare, Broad 1.

ANSWERS z i Qu re u t c i

you get in change? P

Cliveden. Brown. Mrs Answered. Calls All Harris. Keith 12. 11. 10.

7. From April 5 1995, see-through windows 9.

Academy. Police shops. Betting 90. Wetherspoon. JD 8. 7. 6. 5.

India/Pakistan. Chicken). (Fried Kentucky 4. were legalised for what type of shops? 3.

The prostate gland. gland. prostate The Gateshead. Sage, The 2. 1.

ANSWERS z i 8. The sixth sequel to which series of films Qu

june 2011 cheers 31 The Angel Inn The Queens Head

The Black Bull The Blue Bell

The Angel Inn The Queen’s Head Inn The Black Bull The Blue Bell Main Street, Corbridge, Northumberland, Great Whittington, Matfen, Hill Street, Corbridge, NE45 5LA • Tel: 01434 632119 Northumberland, Northumberland, Northumberland, Email: [email protected] NE19 2HP, NE20 0RP, NE45 5AA www.angelofcorbridge.co.uk Tel: 01434 672267 Tel: 01661 886330 Tel: 01434 632789