north east Raise a glass to pubs, people and news from your local FREE
ISSUE 13 www.cheersnortheast.co.uk // September 2011
the club cheersmen-only is r top drawer
• A lick of Cornish paint • The grape and the good • A pint with Donkey Kong
tyre-flipping, truck-pulling strong arm tactics inn-side pubs !// news // ideas // opinion // new pubs // old pubs // beer for lunch // beer for tea // beer for dinner // pubs! MAXIM BREWERY
Great Beer, Great Brands
1 Gadwall Road Houghton le Spring DH4 5NL Telephone: (0191) 584 8844 Email: [email protected] D E H J > ; 7 I J HW_i[W]bWiijefkXi" f[efb[WdZd[mi\he c oekhbeYWb ;G:: > H H J : ' )
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best prices. If you’re selling real ale you have to focus on quality.” “We’re always challenging what we do. We’re always trying to do things better, like getting the IN G: ";A>EE>C<I Alastair Gilmour GJ8@"EJAA :G ÉH [email protected] Merrily we roll along. Cheers continues I J H E D = 7 H C its mission to explore strange new J7 9 J ? 9 I
>CC"H>9 : EJ worlds, to seek out new life forms 7H $ $ C :LH$ $ >9:6H$ $ D E >C>D C $ $ C Advertising :L E J7H$ $ D A 9 E J7H$ $ 7 : : G ; D G A JC 8 = $ $ 7 : : G ; D G I :6 $ $ 7 : : 0191 231 6080 and new civilisations and to boldly go G ; D G 9 >C C :G $ $ E J7H where no man has gone before. Cover: Tom Shaw, Wylam Gillian Corney Alastair Gilmour, editor Brewery. See p12 [email protected] OK, that’s the Star Trek mission statement, but when you’re dealing Website: with pubs, breweries and suppliers on a daily basis, it can feel inside www.cheersnortheast.co.uk more like science fiction than fact. Seriously, we have created something in Cheers that’s never been done before and it’s immensely satisfying to know that grand ideas and mountains of NEWS Designed & Published by: hard work are being recognised. 4 Phil the ticker’s virtual world We and the 200-plus pubs in the North East we distribute the magazine to every month are reaping the benefit. Many outlets 5 Best Pub finalists Media Exchange One from Berwick upon Tweed to North Yorkshire report that revealed Coquet Street customers are responding very positively to Cheers – boldy going 6 Tyne Bank opens Newcastle upon Tyne where they’ve never gone before because they’ve seen either an its doors NE1 2QB advert or a review in our pages. That’s the sort of recommendation FEATURES we want. 9 Wine from Our underlying aim (overwhelming ambition, actually) is to Durham grapes? Photography: promote the Great British Pub and all who wassail in her, from It’s no joke Nicky Rogerson microbrewers to publicans and pub pooches to pint pot-wielding www.nrphotography.co.uk 10 Men Only is top punters. Now, this is where we need your help – we may have drawer, not top some great ideas and we might employ the services of some shelf brilliant, passionate and knowledgeable contributors, but every 12 Wylam strong person who picks up this magazine can play a part. man bids for UK We’d like to be everywhere, but we can’t, so if you have any pub top title Whilst every effort has been stories, angles, comments or know of new life forms, please let us 20 The Narrow made to ensure accuracy, know so we can develop our offer and give our supporters what World of Norman the publisher cannot accept responsibility for omissions they want – and deserve (email [email protected]). Cornish and errors. All material in this 24 Durham in a publication is strictly copyright and all rights reserved. leaflet – join the Strong Man Tom newest ale trail Tom Shaw is a 12 drayman at Wylam PUB WATCH 26 The Barrels Ale Brewery, which House, Berwick, means he throws under the spotlight metal casks around all day – perfect fun stuff
training for the UK’s 24 The Quiz, Picture S t eve Dr umm o nd , Mi d Bol n Cl Strongest Man title he Quiz, The Pickled hopes to bring home Egg and Further our to Northumberland. Adventures of Blue
sponsors Pub profile Pub crawl Pub charities Pub fun The Barrels Ale House A-Z pub guide Big-hearted customers Tax your brain
Grow your Club with The pit and 08 own wine 10 ambition 20 the painter Durham’s micro- A first mention, Norman Cornish climate is said a “men-only”, has been painting Wylam Brewery to be ideal for private members’ and drawing since
growing grapes club might not ub he was 14 years that can be turned sound like a old. Now 91, his into wine. That’s progressive lifetime’s work what one man organisation, but includes pubs and did and now he’s Mid Boldon Club pub-goers of all enjoying the fruits has big ideas descriptions news n visit www.cheersnortheast.co.uk to have your say Co-op on the shopping list
Under New Ownership Cheers North East has been following a bid effort, everyone has a say and has one vote The Feathers Inn at Hedley on the Hill, * 5 Cask ales constantly changing by pub lovers in Acomb, Northumberland, to irrespective of the size of their investment. Stocksfield,N orthumberland, is gunning for * Regular appearances from Fyne Ales, buy the local Miners Arms and run it as a co- “The message is: You need a good Three the title Best Gastropub 2011 in the North Highland Brewing Co, Tempest, etc etc * Now featuring local ‘Thistly Cross’ operative for the benefit of the community. combination of people with various East and Yorkshire at the annual Morning traditional cider * Free wi-fi, play your own music on Basically, the pub – a brilliant pub and trading skills. If we can do it, so can you.” Advertiser Great British Pub awards. our mp3 connection very well – is up or sale for personal reasons. For further information and FAQs on The of the Also making the prestigious awards * Join us for the Chain Bridge Vintage Rally After Party on 4th Sept An initial public meeting was held last March Miners Arms Inn Community Project, shortlist – for the Community category – is Live music/DJs most weekends. Check listings and events to gauge local interest in forming The Miners visit www.miners-arms-inn.co.uk the Black Bull at Etal, Northumberland, and on facebook ‘The Barrels Ale House’ Arms Inn Community Project to consider its best the Tynemouth Priory (Best Tenanted Pub). 59-61 Bridge Street, Berwick Upon Tweed, TD15 1ES purchase for the benefit of the community. The awards take place at the London t: 01289 308013 email: [email protected] Initial responses to pledging at least Hilton Park Lane on September 8, hosted £500 per person, group or organisation by Rory Bremner. Winners of each category looked positive but the effort has stuck will be assessed for Great British Pub somewhat short of the target – with of the Year, the title currently held by ABoC Solid Fuels about 30% of the total now reached. The Battlesteads at Wark, Northumberland. Smokeless, Coal, Logs, BBQ Products organisers are not looking for money at “We are over the moon and thrilled to this stage, only expressions of interest, have been selected,” says Helen Greer so there is still time to get on board – who, along with husband Rhian Cradock, imagine being part-owner of a pub! have transformed the pub in the four Martin Booth from the Hudswell short years they have been in charge. Community Pub group in North Yorkshire “We are very thankful to all our staff (which was faced with a similar situation two who continue to grow and support our FREE Delivery, normally within three days. years ago and managed to save the local business along with the regulars and Call the Coal Girls on 0191 295 0523 George & Dragon pub) has lent his expertise, visitors for whom we come to work.” or Visit our Counter Sales at: while Jennifer Swansey and Joanne Davison shortlist: Helen Greer and Let’s hear it for the North East! 1000 Shields Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, Rhian Cradock at The Feathers NE6 4SQ from Muckle Commercial Law Firm have www.SolidFuelMerchant.com been consulted to answer legal questions. Martin Booth says: “We now have a abv) from California – gold medal Emma Harvey, pub manager at The Fancy a pub? Penny board of 11 directors who put in time Hamlin and Campbell winner at the 2010 Great American Mile Castle, said: “It is a fantastic and effort and bring various skills to Donald at the Miners Arms Be a Nectar Beer Festival – is available at beer. We are only receiving two the co-operative. It’s a real community various JD Wetherspoon pubs, casks, approximately 150 pints, Live Music Nights namely The Union Rooms, so I expect it to sell out quickly.” and a great deal of effort to discover more than inspector The Quayside in The Close, Red Nectar – being brewed September: Fri - 9th Stormy Mondays, 16th TBC 1,000 new beers a year, which is Phil’s target. The Five Swans, The Keel in the UK for the first time 23rd Frankies Cafe, 30th Hairy Beavers “My best year was 1,750,” he says. “I’ve been Eight pubs in and around Newcastle are Row and The Mile Castle, – is described as “boasting Sat - 17th The Sheiks doing it since 1988 but not seriously until 2001.” offering customers the opportunity to as well as Wetherspoons a ruby hue and an exquisite October: Fri - 7th Scartoons Phil, left, is also the brains behind enjoy an American cask beer available in the Metrocentre, The floral aroma, with distinctive Local real ales regularly changing www.newcastle-real-ale.co.uk which has for the first time in the UK. Job Bulman, Gosforth, and accents of toasted malt, caramel, Home cooked food + chefs specials served daily recently been relaunched. It’s a mine of The award-winning Red Nectar Ale (5.4% The Fire Station Whitley Bay. spice and residual sweetness”. local information and a fantastic resource The Rising Sun for real ale lovers and pub enthusiasts. Bank Top, Crawcrook, “The idea is that the site will be a good Ryton, Tyne & Wear, source of beers available in the North East NE40 4EE as well as for visitors to the area,” he says. T: 0191 4133316 “At the same time it helps by getting people through the doors of the great real ale pubs.” But Phil needs a hand – by his own THE PLACE to be in admission he can’t possibly visit all the pubs, so he would like anybody interested to tynemouth Tick talk contribute information from any pub visited. He says: “Please do your bit and help 12 REAL ALES to keep this site as current as possible TO QUENCH YOUR THIRST every time by letting me know of any alterations and HOME COOKED Phil Hodgson is a man on a mission. This updates to the list, listing the brewery, beer FOOD summer he reached his 15,000th “tick” which and its strength as well as the date and was celebrated by Ouseburn Valley Brewery time of the visit to the pub concerned. BIG SCREEN TV producing a commemorative beer – and “Also, if you hear of, or are organising, a TO WATCH YOUR FAVOURITE SPORT Stock over 100 Cask Ales every month!! downed at The Free Trade Inn in Newcastle. beer festival I would like to hear from you, Tickers do exactly that – they seek out a new giving as much information as possible Exclusive to Cheers readers! Order 8 casks in your first month of trading and receive 1 cask free! CUMBERLAND ARMS beer and record every detail imaginable – ticking so that we can give it a good plug.” 17 Front Street, Tynemouth, NE30 4DX off name, date and condition and compiling Please send all updates and any articles Please contact Kat our cask ale co-ordinator for details. Tel: 0191 385 1603 email: [email protected] Tel: 0191 2571820 www.cumberlandarms.co.uk tasting notes – but it takes a singular mind to [email protected] 4 cheers september 2011 september 2011 cheers 5 News Overheard in the bar… • The Alum Ale House in South Shields has had two more handles installed, bringing Make the pub up to an astonishing 10 ales available at one time. • The former Adelphi on a run Shakespeare Street, The Czech’s in the post Newcastle, has reopened arty: The plaque on the Town W Libor Vojacek, aka under the name of all CzechBeerMan, our reporter Lady Grey, presumably on the on microbreweries in the in honour of Earl Grey and his monument round number one: Left to right, Mark Czech Republic, is a bit of a the corner. Five real ales are available. McGarry, Alastair Gilmour, Geoff O’Brien and Julia Austin collector of anything beer- • The Boathouse, Wylam, has been named Campaign For Bank related (though he does draw Real Ale’s North East Regional Pub of the Year, a title the line at global giants), so it last held in 2009. It now goes forward to a super- Tyne Bank Brewery held its prompted The Free Trade Inn’s also looking to appoint a sales when he asked if we could regional round before going head to head with the official launch in July, opened Mick Potts to tweet: “It’s good, person in the near future. help him find some beer from rest of the country’s best pubs. Good luck, folks! jointly by Newcastle’s lord mayor very good – like drinking fruit “We have passed our personal Barbados, we were only too • The Town Wall, Bewick Street, Newcastle, has become such a Geoff O’Brien and Cheers editor salad sweets, cracking beer.” licences and I have submitted pleased to help. To prove they popular ale haunt it has introduced another three handpulls. Alastair Gilmour. Owner Julia Julia Austin says: “We’ve also the premises licence. arrived safely in Teplice, North • The Bodega, Newcastle, now has nine handpulls, two of which Austin and brewer Mark McGarry brewed a German Alt Bier “Bottle production will West Bohemia, he sent us are the regulars Durham Magus and Big Lamp Prince Bishop. have got off to a flying start for the Northern Rugby Club commence in September and this photo. Libor’s next View Please send pub news to [email protected] in the former Hadrian Border Oktoberfest, a 4.4% brown hopefully if we get the licence From Abroad will appear in Brewery premises in Byker, ale ‘lagered’ for two months granted we will have the shop October, but in the meantime Newcastle, and keep on coming to produce a very smooth, open for October where bottled you can see what he’s been Can you repeat that? up with new, innovative ales, well-attenuated finish. ales and bright takeaway up to at http://album.inmail. such as Single Blonde (3.5% “Tyne Bank beers are also beers will be available. cz/@beer-articles and http:// Seven pubs in North Shields all set slightly differently and abv) and Southern Star which now available on the SIBA “Bottle sales to trade will also album.inmail.cz/@my-album have combined to launch a therefore appeal to different features New Zealand hops. This delivery scheme and we are be available from October.” new quiz championship in the groups, so this will prove once town. Teams representing The and for all who has the widest Alexandra, The Dolphin, The breadth of knowledge. Gunner, The Magnesia Bank, “We at Oddfellows will be The Red Lion Oddfellows, The Porthole sending our strongest team at Milfield and The Spread Eagle will based on who performs the fight it out in October for the best in our regular Thursday title of North Shields Quiz and Sunday quiz nights. I Champions. A prize of £100 will presume the other pubs will be also go to the brainiest lot. picking their representatives It is hoped to be the first of many in a similar manner. to take place on a quarterly “We think we’ve invited every basis, with the first hosts North Shields pub that has a There’s something for everyone at being The Magnesia Bank. regular quiz night, but if any High House Farm Brewery “This is a fantastic opportunity have been missed they could for teams to compete with strengthen the championship people that they wouldn’t and get in touch to be included Award winning restaurant and tearoom serving speciality teas and coffees normally come across in their in the next quarterly season.” Fresh home made meals using local produce local,” says Oddfellows owner Details: Oddfellows Shop selling hand crafted gifts, jams and preserves Graeme Oswald. “Quizzes are 0191 257 4288. Childrens outdoor play area - Disabled access - Ample free parking Well stocked bar with 4 real ales, ciders, lagers and fi ne wines Pre bookable brewery tours from 2 to 20+ beer. Send your entries to 15 different ales in cask and bottle for trade and retail customers Oh my cod! competitions@cheersnortheast. We offer a good range of real ales Hadrian Border brewer Martin co.uk, putting the word “cod” BEAUTIFUL HAYBARN NOW Hammill has spent a lot of time into the subject field.T he entry STOP using local and national brewers on the North Sea, fishing for a – by Monday September 19 – PRESS HAS WEDDING LICENSE! from both sides of the Border living – and then for pleasure. nearest the correct weight wins. To prove he has not lost any of WEDDINGS AND PARTIES A SPECIALITY - TELEPHONE FOR DETAILS We are situated 9 miles South of the his old touch, he sent us this Scottish Border on the A697 in Milfield, photo of himself with a rather High House Farm, Matfen, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE20 0RG Wooler, Northumberland NE71 6JD. handsome cod. If you can T: 01661 886 192 | E: info@highhousefarm brewery.co.uk Telephone: 01668 216224 guess its weight – in pounds www.highhousefarmbrewery.co.uk www.redlionmilfield.co.uk and ounces – you just might win a case of Hadrian Border 6 cheers september 2011 september 2011 cheers 7 news FEATURE
experience of turning a wide variety of fruits into REAL CIDER very palatable wines and, crucially, grows grapes FESTIVAL at his unlikely elevated Grape minds THURSDAY 6TH UNTIL SUNDAY 9TH OCTOBER have northern setting. The fruit that 16 ciders, perries and pyders your say went into our vintage comprised three varieties available at the north east’s Log on to cheersnortheast.co.uk of white grape – all original dedicated cider festival think alike grown outdoors – and two of black, grown Producing wine from grapes grown in Northumbria might partially under glass. The latter were dessert juicy: Stan Abbott with his grapey pride and ODDFELLOWS seem like taking local sourcing to extremes, but Stan Abbott grapes and, paradoxically, joy. Photo: Stuart Outerside, North News FREE HOUSE and his two climbing vines in Durham have other ideas these are less sweet. This, combined with number of new growers eager to nearest mid-scale commercial North Shields best kept secret here are things that on the other hand, it is actually contributions of back gardens under-ripening of some of the white contribute this year’s harvest. wine producer is at Levensthorpe, ’ stick in my mind simpler than you might thin. Our across the capital, I appealed grapes, meant that we had to add But, back to blanket assertions on the edge of Leeds; I have seen 7 Albion Road, North Shields, NE30 2RJ Tel. 0191 257 4288 about viticulture – my Müller Thurgau and Chardonnay for other northern vine-owners both sugar and water to our original about growing grapes.I think my fruit-bearing vines – albeit under geography teacher vines came from a local garden to come out of the gazebo must. Such fiddling would probably own crop benefits from various glass – in the Arctic and even out of Tdefining the northern limit of centre for the primary purpose and see if we could replicate a not be commercially acceptable. A factors – the soil is dry and not doors, trained up a sloping slab of the vine as the requirement of coveringthe south-facing front similar collective approach. The small amount of additional sugar particularly nutritious, both granite on an island near Stavanger. Nine handpumps for five frost-free months and wall of our house in Durham. That result was 63 bottles of our first was added prior to bottling. of which are good for grapes. In short, the grape vine is serving award the glib assertion by so-called they would also produce fruit all-Northumbrian vintage. But our wine fared well in a The Durham micro-climate is hardy beast. Our greatest enemy, climate experts at a geographers’ was an early bonus and the first This is not a commercial product blind Stork-and-butter tasting dry and we miss the sea frets I suspect, is the North Sea, whose winning cask ales conference in the 80s that global crop was sufficient to yield a very – our wine producer is a very clever against two other light rosés that drift up the Tyne Valley. tempering qualities in winter must and cider warming would have us all nice litre of fresh grape juice. man called Ron Barker who runs and, crucially, was enjoyed by Our hot dry April deterred be weighed against unseasonal growing Chardonnay grapes in In year two, inspired by a radio High Cup Wines on the western wine expert Dr Helen Savage, snail proliferation and kick- onshore winds in summer. But I the North of England by 2030. programme featuring London flanks of the Pennines, in Cumbria’s live on Radio Newcastle. The started things, but we need now know that that there are many 2nd Annual Oktoberfest Well, it just ain’t that simple – wine made from the combined Eden Valley. Ron has a lifetime’s result is that we now have a plenty of sun as the fruit ripens, grapes in Northumbria just waiting ursday 13th - Sunday 16th October ideally right through to the end to become wine. of October, to maximise both *To contribute your grapes in Showcasing thirty cask ales the quantity and quality (sugar return for wine, email stan@ plus real cider & perry content) of the harvest. gravity-consulting.com or I remind myself that our visitwww.northumbrianwine.com Kings Arms Admission Free Beach Street Deptford, Sunderland Large screen TV’s showing the very SR4 6BU best in League, Cup, European and Flaky or what? (0191) 5679804 International football We’ve heard of the determined said one. “I’m stuffed already.” souls doing the ultimate North They reckoned there are Y.WUfhgVc[]bb4\chaU]`"Wc"i_ East pub crawl – visiting every 11 Greggs shops with an NE1 Traditional Country Pub kkk"WUfhgVc["Wc"i_ entry in our A-Z Pub Guide (page postcode (but discovered another located in The North Pennines; 28-29). A little less ambitious, two on their travels) and they an area of outstanding beauty but certainly more original, had given themselves between @cmU`hm7UfX was one that dropped intothe 1pm and 5pm to complete 5jU]`UV`YZfca %ghCWhcVYf Bacchus in Newcastle recently. the circuit. Flaky or what? 6IM-A95@G;9H Four lads were out %$H<A95@:F99 celebrating a 40th birthday. One had a list of pubs cross-referenced with the location of every Greggs shop in the city 8 cheers september 2011 september 2011 cheers 9 FEATURE Mid Boldon Club In the beginning Mid Boldon Club was started in 1912 by Great Food, Great Ales local entrepreneurs who had businesses Freshly made home cooked meals. Men-only club Wide selection of real ales. in the area. They disliked going into 2 Dine for £9.50 Mon-Sat 12-2pm & 6-9pm. pubs where their workers would more FRIDAY & SATURDAY NIGHT STEAK SPECIAL 2x soup, 2x 10oz steaks, 2x glasses of wine £25.00 than likely frequent as it may have Traditional Sunday Lunch 12-3pm £7.25 been uncomfortable for both “sides”. Small functions catered for i.e Birthdays, Funerals etc They bought the current premises in THE 7 Manor Road, 1936 and issued 400 shares. There Medomsley Village, is top drawer Co. Durham, DH8 6QN is still a membership limit of 400. Royal Oak girl power: When services are provided by a private Free House Tel: 01207 560336 Pubs and clubs have to meet the future head on. Alastair Amy Edmondson pulls the pints at Mid Boldon Club. Left: Steve Drummond takes a break members’ club, it is not bound by the Sex Gilmour visits one that faces more challenges than some Discrimination Act as a service provider and can lawfully discriminate on grounds ome people see it as a 21st century and from wider afield – those that have no women, their wives like it too. Previously Grey Horse, Black Bull and the Red Lion.” of gender. However, private clubs must Real Ale - Real Fire anachronism, others relish its performed highly in national and regional the club never had a plan. We’ve created We’ve asked the big question, now for still obey the Sex Discrimination Act in REAL PUB! sense of independence. But, is Mid competitions. As with everything at Mid three phases which started with getting the the dumb one. Amy Edmondson looks a the way they treat their employees. Extensive Menu - Crisps, Nuts & Pickled Eggs! Boldon private members’ club Boldon, the emphasis is tilted towards quality. club back into profit. Secondly, we decided bit blank when she’s asked about being the flying the flag of democracy to prove a “We’re always challenging what we do,” to get the upstairs flat sorted as a source of sole female in a men-only environment. IAOJL0 S B_l[Ifehj_d]7Yj_ed point about self-government through its he says. “We’re always trying to do things income and thirdly there’s refurbishment “It’s never crossed my mind,” she “men only” policy, or is it stuck in a pre-sex better like getting the best prices we can of the club itself. It’s our centenary next says. “I ‘ve never thought about it. I was >_h[FehaoÊi>e]HeWij discrimination groove it daren’t step out of? to benefit our members. Bar manager year and I’d like to see it done for then.” nervous at first, but that was because I 6CNE6GIN#6CNI>B: A bit of both, actually. While Mid Boldon Club Amy Edmondson has certificates in bar A student from Newcastle College has had never worked in a pub before.” is not quite at a crossroads in its 99-year history, and cellar management. If you’re selling been invited to look at the club as an interior Mid Boldon Club’s motto is: Res Hominis The it has been taking a long look into the future real ale you have to focus on quality. design project – a female student at that. Est – It’s A Man’s Thing. But it can only Black Bull with half an eye on its idiosyncratic past. It has “And we’re seeing a steady stream of new Steve says: “We’ve basically got 1950s be a man’s thing if women let men get on MWhamehj^"Dehj^kcX[hbWdZD;,+&N8 to – like many pubs and clubs are finding these members – in fact, a group of young lads who tables and velour upholstery, but we with it. And don’t they just know it. J[b0&',,+-''),- UK Strength Council. to get to the top of his sport. years ago to help out one day a “It’s tough and it’s “Jonathan died on the night week and now he’s full-time. Strong arm tactics brutal, but there’s a lot of my leaving do, although he “They’re very good with time of camaraderie in the wasn’t there,” says Tom. “It was off for competitions and training,” sport,” he says. “We look one of those tragic accidents. I he says. “And, I get paid to drive Fitness training is all in a day’s work for one after each other. I tore a started doing it in his honour and around Northumberland all Northumberland man, as Alastair Gilmour discovers bicep last June flipping found I was quite good at it.” day, which is just marvellous.” tyres and that kept me out Tom, also a former forestry and n Further details and events can be Rugby League commentator Eddie Waring “When I was in the English final we for quite a while. It’s sport conservation worker, approached found at: www.ultimatestrongestman. used to describe a large player as “a big had to run with kegs filled with concrete and you never quite know Wylam Brewery a couple of com/competitions/index.asp lad”. Even in a sport made for big lads there which weighed 180kg. But the real graft what will happen but as was always “a big lad” lurking somewhere. is when I’ve finished work.I train for long as I make the final Tom Shaw couldn’t be accused of lurking, an hour and a half in the gym at least I can do the business. Beer for health but the first thing you’d say about the 6ft 5ins, three times a week, as well as three I’m in it to win it. Although Tom Shaw doesn’t drink, he could benefit from a regular 22st 7lb Wylam Brewery drayman is (in an hours’ event training on a weekend.” “This time it’s three intake of beer – in moderation, of course. Beer’s wholesome Eddie Waring voice):“He’s a big lad”. The question is, however, enough. I eat every two-to-three competitions in three days, which ingredients – malted barley, hops and yeast – contribute to a Tom has been bidding to how does his wife Kerry manage hours – cereal and a lot of milk. is hard – normally you wouldn’t do healthy balanced diet. become the UK’s Strongest Man to feed him enough to keep I eat protein bars supplied by three in three weeks because you Beer is rich in trace elements as magnesium but is low in both iron in a competition that will be “In the morning I’ll up his phenomenal strength? Reflex Nutrition, a company could get injured or simply wear and calcium. It contains vitamins B1, B2, B3 and B6. televised towards the end of the eat eight Weetabix Cow pie à la Desperate Dan? that’s big on green power and yourself out. It’s quite a technical It has no fat content, so glass for glass, beer is less fattening than year, representing England in out of a pasta bowl “I don’t steal her food or anything renewables. Sometimes I struggle sport and you’d hurt yourself if apple juice, milk or yoghurt. Beer contains no “bad” cholesterol. the event in Belfast. He qualified – a normal one isn’t like that,” says Tom, “but I eat to eat enough and have to force you just relied on brute strength.” after coming second in the big enough.” roughly 6,000 calories a day. I’m feed which is quite unpleasant.” Tom got into strong man EEH! NUMBERS England’s Strongest Man finals always grazing and that means a Tom and the other contestants competitions as a policeman 11 The page in last month’s Cheers where we suggested in Essex. And, working in a brewery is the lot of protein, carbohydrates, fruit and veg. I – there are qualifying heats and with Durham Constabulary. He Darren Clarke might win the British Open. ideal training regime for “a big lad”. eat a lot of cheese and pasta and a lot of meat an eight-man final – pull 40ft and his best mate Jonathan His pre-tournament odds. “The main part of my job is to deliver and veg but keep it all balanced – it’s no use trucks and trailers, form human Green would talk regularly about 175/1 our beer across the whole of the region,” being strong if you’re not fit and healthy. I don’t wheelbarrows, carry “atlas” World’s Strongest Man events. 800 The return in pounds from investing a fiver in the result. he says. “Some of these casks weigh smoke or drink, either, although I used to. stones, perform deadlift car Tragically, Jonathan was killed 0 The amount the Cheers team won by omitting cask hale: Work and training are almost 110kg so it’s good practice and “In the morning I’ll eat eight Weetabix holds and flip tyres in the fierce in a car accident while on duty very similar, according to Tom Shaw to put its money where its mouth is. it’s good conditioning for your cardios. out of a pasta bowl – a normal one isn’t big competition organised by the which gave Tom the extra impetus Real Ale, Real Food, Duke of Wellington Inn Real People C C Hudson’s Eat in & food to go Newton | Northumberland | NE43 7UL Open daily from 6:00am - 7:00pm 4FSWJOHt)PUBOEDPME beverages t#SFBLGBTUNFOVGSPN 7:00am - 11:00am t'SFTIMZNBEFTBOEXJDIFT t1BOJOJT XSBQTBOEQJ[[BT t%FMJDJPVTDBLFT QBTUSJFT BOEDPPLJFT t)PUNFBMTTFSWFEJOUIF Café and Grand Room from 11:00am - 5:00pm Bar & Deli (SBOE$FOUSBM4UBUJPO /FWJMMF4USFFU /FXDBTUMF6QPO5ZOF /&%( Tel: 0191 2616611 T: 01661 844 446 | E: [email protected] | W: www.thedukeofwellingtoninn.co.uk www.centurion-newcastle.com 12 cheers september 2011 september 2011 cheers 13 10-H.shire Brewey 1/2 A4 ad:Layout 1 17/8/10 10:05 Page 1 Hexhamshire Brewery. THE Roger Sterling Column A real taste of traditional ale, defending, and bar staff who designed to enhance your mood, treatment (you poor things), this Bell hell for dancers a beer for every occasion. wouldn’t know a single malt not bully it into submission. could be as close as you ever get. Delivered directly and through from a packet of Nobby’s Nuts. My travels took me to the Hotel The likelihood is that you won’t A group of Morris dancers have The bland can complained after they were SIBA DDS in the North of England And I will do this bar by bar, malt Du Vin in Newcastle. The feel at home in this place and by quality wholesalers nationally. by malt, and as a new “truffle setting is lovely, sitting if your default pint is thrown out of a pub because of delights” is unearthed, I at the mouth of the have some impersonation the bells on their clogs put E: [email protected] play elsewhere shall share it with you, so that Ouseburn and within your say of beer brewed by them in breach of a music T: 01434 606577 W: www.hexhamshire.co.uk together we can protect the easy, pistachio nut- some kangaroo- ban. Members of the Slubbing Log on to Can a hotel really have a great bar – as in pub bar? next generation from believing flicking distance of cheersnortheast.co.uk botherers on the other Billys troupe had retired to the that all bars are modelled some of the finest side of the world. Swan and three Cygnets pub in Sharp-eyed Roger Sterling certainly thinks so on the Big Brother house. bars on the planet. It However, if you like to Durham after a performance. EAT DRINK SLEEP This month I want to share with occupies its place in this try something new, in a One of their number said a Situated in the tranquil village of Acomb, just a stones throw away from the ou know how I like my able to steer the odd jaded you my love of good hotel bars. Yes, veritable Milky Way of bar- very old sort of way, then you barmaid shouted “no bells” historic town of Hexham bars to be; grown-up, well imbiber to some of the area’s more you read that correctly – “good” hopping magnificence very could find few better bars at before telling them “in the Ideal location to explore the beautiful Northumberland countryside presented, impeccably characterful and charismatic hotel bars – because there are comfortably and with stylish ease. which to sit and explore. Forget strongest possible terms” to Well stock bar offering a great selection of real ales dressed, faultlessly well bars. I like to see myself as such things. When This is a place to bask in big, homogenous, brewing leave – their tinkling costumes Traditional homecooked food served in either our cosy restaurant or bar Ymannered, overflowing with some kind of new-age crusader, you find a good one; the perfect, thermally monoliths and think small, went against the no music Comfortable B&B accomodation - Single from £40, Twin/Double from £70 timeless charm. helping stave off the onslaught of in this case a really, balanced caress bespoke, craft brewers producing policy of Samuel Smith pubs. Family Run - Awarm welcome awaits from Brian, Lorraine and their staff Remind you mediocrity and “bar blandery”. really good one, it is and flattering half- “experiences” not commodities. of anyone? The good stuff is out there. The an oasis of civilisation light of a beautifully This is a very, very good bar. Quote: Through these Grail exists. And my work here in an otherwise “I like to see myself appointed cocoon. Why not pull up a stool and try columns, will not be done until our world increasingly alien Breeze through the it out for yourself? If your last as some kind of “I still like to jam, particularly I have is free of muzak, Crombie-coated and arid barscape. tranquil, shabby- experience of a hotel bar was at new-age crusader, with young musicians, but I hopefully doormen wider than You will be treated with helping stave off ‘bar chic homage to the a Holidaylodgetravelharvester now make a point of finishing been the doors they are courtesy and respect blandery’.” Eighties (the lounge) being served by someone with at 7.30 then make a vodka by staff thankful of and on into the the vocabulary of a goldfish, martini. Vodka martinis are Main Street, Acomb, Hexham, your company and bijoux delights of the this is an altogether more Northumberland, NE46 4PW like breasts. One’s not enough sensitive to your needs for either modestly-proportioned bar. business-class experience. Tel: 01434 602934, – and three’s too many.” convivial conversation or silent A warm welcome awaits – and email: [email protected] Dave Stewart, musician, Loose www.thesuninn-acomb.co.uk sanctuary. The surroundings even for those of you who have n THE HOTEL DU VIN IS oN city Ends, BBC Radio Four. will be well thought through and never had the matinee idol road, OUSEBURN, NEWCASTLE. October is Right up his street Some of us sit in the pub on a and put it all on paper. And what a Harviestoun Friday night, while others – like superb piece of work it is, too. LYH Malcolm Jones pictured here – “I’ve done scenes all around 10 Northumberland Road, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, NE1 8JF sit outside drawing it. Malcolm Newcastle and Sunderland,” 0191 232 1308 [email protected] month at is an illustrator who teaches on he says. “I draw wherever I go, Throughout October, on 7 handpulls, a casual basis at Sunderland sometimes it’s buildings, other University – and is about to start times it’s landscapes.” Real ales available at all times exclusively featuring Harviestoun ales, including: a Phd at Northumbria University Malcolm worked in graphic design – and was so attracted by the and illustration in Canada for on our 6 handpulls, Ptarmigan (4.5%) fines lines and detailing of the more than 30 years. View some of Presents Brewed from an intriguing blend of Newcastle Arms in Newcastle his work and read his approach to from breweries such as Caledonian, pale crystal and wheat malts he decided to squat right down all things visual at: www.malcolmjones.com Theakstons, Castle Rock, Adnams, Bitter & Twisted (3.8%) A sharp blonde beer with a superb and many more. fresh hop profi le 7th, 8th and 9th of October 2011 Real cider from Westons is In Aid Of Schiehallion (4.8%) Shine the Light on Aniridia also available on draught. Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS A true pilsner-style beer; dry, crisp, NHS Foundation Trust football refreshing and wonderfully fl avoursome Natural Blonde (4.0%) @ LYH A stunning blend of four hop shown live Haggis Hunter (4.3%) varieties: Pilot, Styrian Goldings, on our huge A fruity, hoppy nose, complemented Cascade and Glacier LIVE MUSIC FEATURING THE RANGE ON SATURDAY EVENING by a palate of biscuit and spice screen £5 ENTRY INCLUDES, COMMEMORATIVE GLASS, A PROGRAM Number of the Beast AND YOUR FIRST DRINK ...console with 2 controllers, Hoptober Fest (4.0%) (3.6%) The Red Lion Inn 22, Northumberland Street, Alnmouth, NE66 2RJ Wii sports & Wii Sports Resort, Brewed using fresh, unkilned or ‘green’ 01665 830 584 [email protected] and a HUGE screen to play it on! Quiz�Night�at�LYH Quenching, rounded and delicious www.redlionalnmouth.com Wednesdays�8pm-11pm Find us on hops, only available at this time of year Facebook www.facebook.com/pages/Alnmouth-Beer-Festival 10 Northumberland Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 8JF LYH IN ASSOCIATION WITH Tel: 0191 232 1308 10 Northumberland Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 8JF Email: [email protected] Tel: 0191 232 1308 www.theheadofsteam.co.uk Email: [email protected] www.theheadofsteam.co.uk 34-36 Lime St, NE1 2PQ, (0191) 230 4474 • www.thecluny.com Daily sketch: Malcolm Jones busy at work © Malcolm Jones 2011 14 cheers september 2011 september 2011 cheers 15 news whisky with Eddie Ludlow four ciders and a clutch of lagers have are made not only from American oak, but also the biggest colours and flavours from the cask. Ker-ch-King been installed on the polished granite- What’s wood got have held American whiskey. You can apply Once the barrel is emptied of bourbon topped counter – with landlord John “Jay this to Irish, Japanese, English, Indian and after four to six years or so, it is then The feeling was: “They’re coming to Jay” Bennett reporting steady custom to do with it? just about any other whisky-making country broken down into staves again and sent to take him away,” but one of the North in its early days. It will also operate as in the world too – to varying degrees. Scotland. There the handful of remaining East’s most charismatic pub owners is the Hadrian Border Brewery tap. Scotch whisky – malt or blend – would The fact is that American oak cooperages will reconstruct the about to prove doubters wrong. Norman “We hope to have up to 10 ales on not taste the same without bourbon. is probably the best wood in the lots casks, adding new ends, and then Weatherburn from the Boathouse in just like the Boathouse,” he says. “I’ll be Now there’s a statement. world from a whisky-making more about filling with the first batch of what Wylam, Northumberland, has taken over splitting my time between the two pubs, Let’s get this straight; without the American perspective. It is extremely strong whisky is to become Scotch whisky. The The Kings Manor on New Bridge Street, but the potential here is enormous.” whiskey industry, the staunchly proud and and flexible but also full of the rest, as they say, is history. log on to Newcastle, a previously neglected pub. It is indeed; the pub, even in its “wet highly thought-of “waterof life” from Scotland elements that impart desirable thewhiskylounge.com These American oak barrels But Norman knows a thing or two, and on paint” stage has an engaging ambience and would not taste the way it currently does. flavours into the spirit. Fortunately, arguably are more “sympathetic” first impressions he’s onto a winner. it’ll certainly be a popular venue – the New It’s true. Roughly 98% of all whisky being there is also an awful lot of it. in what they impart to the The official opening day is in early Bridge pub is right next door, too. A full matured in Scotland is doing so in casks that By a quirk of their own legislation, Scotch, so it is not just a convenient September, but already six handpulls, report will appear in October’s Cheers. the American whiskey distilleries must only relationship. Classic “modern” ex-Bourbon use casks made from brand spanking-new cask single malts include Glenmorangie oak. The wood is dried, either in the open 10 Years Old, Glenlivet 12 Years Old, and Just wild about Oscar has six real ales as standard – double air or in a kiln, and then cut into individual on the peated side, Caol Ila 12 Years Old. New arrivals the previous total. Tel: 0191 519 1796. staves. These staves are formed into a Before you ask, I have tried “whisky” Mighty Oak brewery’s Oscar Wilde (3.7% *Chris Spoors, who runs the Sportsmans barrel and then the inside is charred by matured in woods other than oak abv) has been crowned the best beer in Meet Jane and Graeme Oswald’s first- Arms in Belmont, Durham, has taken over fire in order to seal the cask.I t is the heavy and it was grim to say the least. Britain at the Great British Beer Festival. born Jack Edward Thomas (5lb 12oz at The Aletaster, Low Fell, Gateshead. char of the inside of the barrel that imparts n Eddie Ludlow’s company, The Whisky The Maldon, Essex-based beer is described without the Newcastle *Roger and Janet Dale, who run the rich, spicy vanilla-driven flavours and Lounge, hosts whisky tasting festivals and in Camra’s Good Beer Guide as “a roasty United hat), who was the Dun Cow in Bournmoor, gives bourbon its brick-red colour. events all over the UK. His next event in dark mild with suggestions of forest fruits born in August. The County Durham, have also If you put spirit from a Scotch whisky the region(ish) is the York Whisky Festival and dark chocolate. A sweet taste yields to a couple own Oddfellows taken charge of the Smiths distillery into the same new barrels, you on Saturday September 17– details at more bitter finish”. This year’s silver award in North Shields. Arms, Brecon Hill, Chester le would end up with something with similar www.thewhiskylounge.com Eddie is went to Marble Brewery’s Chocolate, whilst *And, Martin Street. Tel: 0191 385 7559. woody: Scotch characteristics to bourbon. Bourbon is great also a judge on the spirits panel of the bronze was awarded to Salopian Brewery’s Thompson’s (The *Trevor Hudspeth and his whisky relies on in it’s own right, but we don’t want Scotch to prestigious International Wines and American oak for Shropshire Gold. Courtyard, Washington partner Gwen, landlord and flavour taste like it too. But the bourbon has now done Spirits Competition (IWSC) and writes Arts Centre) wife Rebecca landlady at the Barley Mow its job as far as Scotch is concerned in striping for various publications on whisky. gave birth to their first in Birtley, have added the baby Millie Grace in July, Cross Keys in Esh, County weighing 7lb 10oz. Durham, to their business *The Duke of interests. Tel: 0191 373 1279. Wellington, Newton, Northumberland, *Hugo’s in Tynemouth features North East favourite Jason Isaacs has a new management team – Phil NOW OPEN on Thursday October 6. Welcome drink, Hall, manager, was assistant manager Durham’s Best Kept Secret two-course meal and entertainment from at the Bacchus in Newcastle, and he’s Jason – tickets £35. Tel: 01661 844446. been joined by Stuart Douglas, formerly Cosy Bar serving 4 Real Ales and *The Grey Horse, East Boldon, now of the Rockcliffe Arms, Whitley Bay. ciders from local and regional producers Festival fun Fine wine list Durham Beer Festival runs from Thursday • Tynemouth Cricket Club Beer Festival Bar Snacks available The place to meet September 1 to Saturday September 3 at is at Preston Avenue, North Shields Dunelm House, New Elvet, Durham. Up to NE30 2BG, from September 15- in Darlington... 80 beers are promised and hot food is also 18. Beers will be mainly from West COMING SOON!! Traditional Ale House and Canteen. available. Details: www.camradurham.org.uk Yorkshire and Derbyshire, so there Bigger and better the nortorious We serve a superb range of real ales, will be plenty of new visitors. Details: continental beers and wines • The fourth Berwick Beer Festival is www.tynemouthbeerfestival.co.uk ursday Night Quiz Darlington CAMRA Pub of the year 2008 open from noon to 11pm on September Starts 9.30pm 9 and 10 and from noon to 7pm on • Oddfellows’ Real Cider Festival runs Food served 12 - 2pm Monday to Saturday BE THERE OR BE SQUARE!! September 11. Entrance is free. It’s between October 6-9, no doubt with part of Berwick Food Festival and takes regular appearances by The Cider Tarts. place on The Parade opposite the Further information, tel: 0191 257 4288. Barracks Square (which hosts the Food A warm welcome guaranteed Festival activities). Champion beers • Oktoberfest is at the Northern Rugby of Scotland and Britain are promised Club, McCracken Park, Great North Road, with others from the likes of BrewDog, Gosforth, Newcastle NE3 2DT, October THE SMITHS ARMS Coniscliffe Road, Darlington, DL3 7RG Roosters, Fyne Ales, Hadrian Border and 7-8 with around 30 real ales and ciders, Brecon Hill, Castle Dene, Chester le Street, County Durham, DH3 4HE Telephone 01325 354590 Highland. Visit www.berwickfoodfestival. German wine and German sausage. Telephone 0191 3857559 com or www.dmeventcatering.co.uk Details: www.northernfootballclub.co.uk 16 cheers september 2011 september 2011 cheers 17 view from abroad New york The Pony Bar is a relative most are served in 14-ounce glasses are the done thing in New York. new comer to the craft beer with other speciality and high- “They’ve started a new scene, quickly establishing itself gravity ones served in eight-ounce prize,” Scott continued. “Rate Star Done it, got as a force to be reckoned with. measures to prevent people from 480 and get a jumper. Old Located in historic Hell’s Kitchen having too much of the strong stuff. cards don’t count though.” billing in Manhattan, the name comes Ask at the bar for a tasting card The range of beer in this great not from a horse and you’ll bar is amazing. A gong sounds This Sunderland off-license but from the short receive to a cry of “New Beer” whenever may have borrowed one or the T-shirt beers that used to membership a cask goes live, which, thanks two things from the world of be served between to the Pony to the unquenchable thirst of music, but it made us laugh, Andrew Mitchell continues to work races at the local Bar tasting its customers, is very often. anyway. And sometimes an track. A ten to 15- club. Rate Standout brews included unexpected guffaw can work his way from tap to tap during a minute stroll from each beer Dogfish Fish Aprihop, massively wonders after a tough day. Time Square makes you try, bitter with, as the name suggests, recent trip to the Big Apple the Pony Bar one get to 100 notes of apricot and Long Trail’s n Any other daft – or not so of the best-see bars ratings and Reserve Porter offered a rich daft – signs? Send them to true original on the perfectly kept seasonal ales. A in Manhattan. you can espresso and malt wallop. [email protected] New York craft ale scene couple of blocks from Barcade is The bar is focused claim a Pony However, the real highlight of the is Barcade. Not only the Charleston, a stereotypical on supplying an ever- Bar shirt. session, the holiday, and possible does it stock 25 ales rock-and-roll rathole. Be sure to rotating selection “I got the the best tasting beer I’ve had all on draught and cask and has an bag a window seat and enjoy your of superlative shirt pretty year came courtesy of HeBrew’s A beer time: The Pony Bar assortment of beers from local pint whilst watching Bedford’s American craft beers is named after a measure quickly,” Barrel Aged Origin from the microbreweries that include hipsters swagger past. Dirt-cheap with absolutely no said Scott, Schmaltz Brewery – a tart, peach- Sixpoint Ales, Dogfish Head rock shows play downstairs in imports – everything a Hell’s coloured beer with mountains and and Blue Point, this what looks like a WWII served is brewed in the good Kitchen local. “I’ve already filled mountains of pomegranate flavour. excellent bar features bunker. The crowd is old US of A. The only bottles eight cards but some guys in The mellow aftertaste made for more than 30 vintage vintage Williamsburg, on offer are Bud and Bud Light here have filled more than 20.” something quite remarkable. arcade games. “Be sure to grab a with battered leather – not that you will see anyone I looked down at mine. Where else could window seat and jackets and ironic drinking them, for at the Pony Over the course of the *Andrew Mitchell concludes you enjoy a high- enjoy your pint whilst moustaches the uniform. Bar, draught beer is craft beer. afternoon I’d rated nine. his New York beer and bar watching Bedford’s hopped IPA whilst Again the range of All of the beer is priced at $5 and Not bad considering pints of beer review in November. hipsters swagger playing Donkey Kong, past.” beers is amazing, 12 craft Centipede and Q*Bert? ales, one draught and After realising I another 40 variations in wasn’t quite as good at Arkanoid as bottle. We tried two quality New Love I had once thought, I tried a lovely York state ales – the massively 105 Westgate Road, Brooklyn Middle Engine Start while bitter Kelso IPA and a flavoursome Newcastle upon Tyne, Emma went for Coney Island IPA. Sixpoint Righteous Rye – both NE1 4AG Real Ale? The bar itself is the textbook superb. But the Charleston 0191 232 0692 [email protected] You’ll Love Coppers!! “dive”, with the only light coming has another trick up its sleeve from the flickering screens of the – free pizza (one per $4 order Possibly one of the BEST arcade cabinets. Get $10 worth until 3:30am) which is a perfect Real Ale Emporiums in the of quarters and recapture your way to keep the drunkenness Dark Star Brewery North East! youth with the added benefit of at bay and you at the bar. Over 300 varieties of bottle horse sense: Pony Bar regulars Beer Festival conditioned ales, ciders, enjoying their evening starting 1st October continental beers and lagers from around the world 18 different cask beers from the award winning Brighton based brewery New stock arriving daily American Pale Ale Original Don’t see what your’e looking for? ASK and we will try and Espresso Over the Moon get it for you! Festival Partridge Best Hophead Saison New website coming soon watch this space Hylder Blonde Seville Come on in and see for yourself Imperial Stout Smoked Porter IPA Summer Meltdown Join in our Passion Oktoberfest Sunburst Old Chestnut Victorian Ruby Mild COPPERS Delicious homemade food served all day 17 Princess Road, Brunton Park, Gosforth, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE3 5TT | Tel: 0191 2170043 @copper8till8 18 cheers september 2011 september 2011 cheers 19 culture The Narrow World of Norman Cornish show at the University Gallery has never before been seen in public, having emerged blinking The karaoke king from plan chests, drawers and drawing pads possibly for the Elvis has another go at sorting out first time since pencil touched Jeff Price’s love life. But will it work? paper. And, anyone who was ever in Scottish & Newcastle’s Tyne I made a bad decision, a very out of my skull and downright Brewery visitor centre will recall bad decision, I let Elvis talk me unpleasant to be around, the massive, brown-hued painting in to singing one of his songs. I could still end up in the of flat-capped drinkers, handpulls I made an important decision Jungle room with any woman I and pint glasses in varying that night in the Brandling Villa wanted, and you know why? degrees of drainage – which is bar; I was going to turn my life “Because you were Elvis? I said quintessential Norman Cornish. around. I didn’t want to be a single “No, because I was on stage, “There are two things that man in a low-paid job any more that’s why performers perform, fancy another? Busy Bar hung in the visitor are important to me – people with no-one for company but a it’s the power of command the centre at Scottish & Newcastle’s Tyne Brewery and shapes,” he says. “When pint of beer (actually quite a few microphone gives them.” you see two people talking in pints but that’s not the point). “So, you’re saying, if I get a pub you see how their heads I had an opportunity to be happy up on stage in Las Vegas and A lick of Cornish paint go together and form a shape but it seems women do sing, she will want me? like a bridge. A conversation is not appreciate things have Not much chance of The pub is a favourite subject of one of the North East’s greatest a bridge between two minds.” like a frying pan as a that happening.” So, what better place to have birthday gift and now your say “It doesn’t have artists. Alastair Gilmour ogles the work of Norman Cornish a conversation than in a pub? the only girl who has to be Las Vegas,” Log on to Man with dominoes, man with Widely acknowledged as one is familiar to Cornish devotees given me a second cheersnortheast.co.uk Elvis said. “Dave whippet, man with pint grasped of the most important artists to but that merely underlines his n The Narrow World of Norman glance threatened to has an open mike “Love me tender followed by the dog yapping and in his hand – the world of a have emerged from the region undeniable – and undiminished Cornish is at theUniversity call the police when I night here; get yourself Love me sweet barking at me like I’m burglar. County Durham artist is one all in the post-war years, Cornish – talent. Gallery, Northumbria phoned her. I need to win up there and sing to her. Never let me go Forcing back the tears, I pub lovers should peer into. has been painting and drawing More recent University, her back but I haven’t a clue She’ll melt, believe me. I’ll teach You have made my life complete slump on to a seat in the beer The smell of beer is all- since he was four years old. He “painters” have Newcastle, how to do that and as I sat in the you a couple of my numbers. And I love you so.” garden. Next thing I know, Elvis pervading in a Norman Cornish worked in the Dean and Chapter attempted a until October 8 bar contemplating my dilemma, How about Love Me Tender? At that precise moment this comes out looking for me. He canvas, as is the reek of cigarette Colliery from the age of 14, finally similar route 2011. Visit www. Elvis sidled up beside me. Guaranteed knicker dropper, beagle appears from nowhere and puts a hand on my shoulder and smoke and the din of a crowded leaving at 47 to take up painting (and have northumbria.ac.uk/ “What’s up, pan boy?” he said. that one. I’ll play the guitar, sits right in front of me. And as I says: “Could have gone better.” Sunday lunchtime working full-time and making such an inexplicably universitygallery/ “Ah, ah, very funny. What am all you need to do is sing.” launch in to the chorus, he tilts “Bloody dog,” I say. men’s club. Described as the impression that in 1963 he was made a very normancornish/ I going to do? I want to get her So, here I am waiting for my his head back and starts to howl. “Ruined my performance.” master of the informal portrait the subject of Melvyn Bragg’s nice living out normancornish back but I don’t know how.” turn in front of the audience and Up until that point no-one – “Don’t blame him,” Elvis replies. and the unguarded moment, first-ever BBC documentary. of it) without “That’s a big mountain you there she is sitting with her friends including her – had been taking “He ain’t nothin’ but a hound dog.” Norman Cornish has been An exhibition featuring work displaying want to climb, friend,” said Elvis. trying very hard to ignore me. any notice of me, but suddenly capturing the world around his from virtually his life span is one iota of the “A conversation is a “How am I going to get her Ron, the man who runs Henry’s the whole bar goes quiet, then n If you have missed previous native Spennymoor for almost currently on view at the University Cornish ability. bridge between two to forgive me?” I pleaded. Swing Club, comes up and says, laughter erupts like a boil Elvis stories and have a Kindle eight decades – unbelievably, Gallery, Northumbria University, in Some of minds.” Elvis said: “When I was at my “you’re on next” and up we get. bursting. First I freeze and then you can catch up athttp:// he will be 92 in November. Newcastle. Much of the collection the work on worst – overweight, drugged I take a deep breath and sing: I panic and rush outside, closely tinyurl.com/3cw9tc4 Fresh Food served daily until 10pm Saturday Brunch, Sunday Roasts from 12 noon, fresh joints cooked FOOD AVAILABLE NOW throughout the day Sunday Sessions: The Brandling Arms WE ARE PROUD TO launches a Sunday like no other from 6pm. ANNOUNCE THAT THE Newcastle’s best house DJ’s, Chris Williamson & friends are live every week KITCHEN IS OPEN! playing the ultimate mix of tech, groovy & funky house to provide a cool & relaxed Bar meals available daily atmosphere on your doorstep Traditional Sunday roasts served from 12pm ursday night is quiz night! BEST BAR NONE Love Tuesday Love Wine: world wines at Great food & drink prizes up for grabs! 2011 WINNER discounted prices from 5pm OF THE BEST Alternative Tuesdays: LOCAL PUB IN 8pm local singer songwriter Leah Goldie performs original & stripped down versions NEWCASTLE of songs you know & love Wednesday quiz nights: THE BRANDLING ARMS 8pm with quiz master Mark High Street Gosforth, NE3 1HD T: 0191 2854023 Christmas day bookings now being taken; 204-206 High Street, Gosforth e:[email protected] contact Dawn tel: 0191 2858060 www.thebrandlingarmsgosforth.co.uk A WARM WELCOME AWAITS FROM Brandling Arms DAWN AND THE BRANDLING TEAM 20 cheers september 2011 september 2011 cheers 21 charity WINTER BREAKS Two Course Dinner, Bed & Breakfast From £40 pppn Fun with the fund raisers LOOKING TO PLAY GOLF? What a kind-hearted lot pub kind-hearted THINKING OF SWITCHING TO A NEW CLUB? regulars are. Just say the word customers “charity” and they’ll don daft turn up to put As well as being one of the most picturesque courses in the Tyne Valley, costumes, do unusual things, themselves Stocksfi eld remains a friendly and traditional golf club where you don’t and generally get into the spirit through fairly have to book in advance to play your golf or suffer hotel prices for a drink! of raising money for those less arduous fortunate than themselves. conditions for 18 MONTHS GOLF ONLY £550 FROM Last month The Central bar in the benefit of a 1ST OCTOBER 2011 to 31st MARCH 2013! Gateshead organised a 22-mile load of kids on bike ride in aid of its favourite the other side s ./ STARTING SHEETS s "UGGY (IRE SEAHOUSES charity, the Pahar Trust Nepal. The of the world s ./ *OINING &EE &LEXIBLE 0AYMENT /PTIONS aim is to raise £15,000 to fund the who they’ll s 3UPERB /UTDOOR $ECKING &ACILITY Ideally situated to explore the wonderful Northumberland’s coastline building of a school at the village never meet. s ! GENUINELY FRIENDLY GOLF CLUB ATMOSPHERE and surrounding areas. of Mayum, high in the Himalayas. “This pub A GOLFING JEWEL IS ON YOUR DOORSTEP!! The main Saloon bar has tremendous character, the wooden fl oor made from Fifty-three hardy souls took to surely has the most wonderful ships pine decking, lit by stained glass windows and an impressive array of sea the saddle, leaving The Central customers in the country. We hope “Pit stops” faring artefacts. Among the memorabilia is the name plate from the Forfarshire to ride along the north bank of in due course to twin the new at The &URTHER DETAILS RING .ORMA of Grace Darling fame. SEPTEMBER SPECIAL the Tyne to the Keelman pub at school to be built in Nepal with Boathouse, on 01661 843041 Excellent homecooked food served using local produce complemented a Gateshead school. and the or email [email protected] Round of Golf only with a variety of real ales. Newburn, then after “It would be Keelman, quote CH02 £10.00 We have 18 comfortable en-suite rooms and a beer garden with unrivalled refreshments to Tuesday - Thursday only views of the fi shing boats and the Farne Islands. The Boathouse at fantastic if one day Newburn, 3TOCKl ELD 'OLF #LUB .% 2% Must Quote CH01 Wylam (for more someone from and the when booking. refreshments), Gateshead could Boathouse, www.sgcgolf.co.uk For further information telephone 01665 720200 email: [email protected] | www.seahouses.co.uk before turning go to the finished Wylam back along the school in Nepal south bank of the – or vice versa.” river and across to The Boathouse n You can’t at Newburn (further get a higher target 7JJ;DJ?ED refreshments) to for a charity walk than The Aletaster head back to the the one that Stew Nixon starting point where from the Newcastle LOW FELLS GREATEST TRADITION =EB<;HI lots of refreshment “It would be fantastic Arms in Newcastle and was waiting. if someone from two colleagues set out 706 Durham Road, Low Fell, Gateshead, NE9 6JA Some of the 53 had Gateshead could go on. Barman Stew, Lynn 10-Dipton 41x93.5 ad:Layout 1 19/1/11 13:36 Page 1 ;jaabZbWZgh]^e not been on a bike for to the finished school Campbell and Julie Telephone 0191 4870770 CdgZhig^Xi^dch!jca^b^iZY\da[! decades; it was cold, it in Nepal – or vice Tekin headed for the adnVainXVgY[dg[ddYVcYYg^c` was wet, it was muddy, versa.” summit of Ben Nevis 6C9'8DJGH:HIDEA6N but all 53 made it back to raise money for sporting huge smiles. The total the Alzheimer’s Society. Dipton Mill Inn 6aa[dgdcan)%*eZg&'bdci]h raised is expected to top £3,000. “Lynne also wanted to do All you’d want a country pub to be... Dave Campbell, manager of The something different to celebrate Dipton Mill Dg)M&%&#'*fjVgiZganY^gZXiYZW^ieVnbZcih Central, said: “We are absolutely her 50th birthday coming up,” says Road, Hexham [gdbHZeiZbWZg delighted that we had so many Stew, “and we also wanted to do NE46 1YA Tel: something for the 01434 606577 charity that we’d www.diptonmill.co.uk all remember. I had collected more than £400 before we even started.” Donations can The Sportsmans Arms Longhirst Hall be left with any GOLF CLUB member of staff FOOD at the Newcastle GREAT ALES, GREAT Experience a taste of Florida in the heart of Northumberland Arms, St Andrews GREAT VALUE... Street, Newcastle. Telephone 01670 791 562 www. Moor End Terrace, Belmont, Durham, DH1 1BJ big ben bound: Stew newcastlearms. T: 0191 3842667 [email protected] www.longhirstgolf.co.uk Nixon at the Newcastle Arms co.uk 22 cheers september 2011 september 2011 cheers 23 Focus on DURHAM A new leaflet outlines a real ale trail in Durham, so what else could we do but Up hill and down pints follow it? It would be rude not to News of the brews The Head Of Steam Durham Brewery has been deep rich sherry notes beneath than public transport, so we’ll the 19th Century actors who year award-winner, a time-warped busy updating its website caramel and cinder toffee body”. begin at Durham Bus Station. frequented it. Luckily, the rear of the 110-year-old delight and a divine and redesigning logos and He continues: “Bede’s Chalice Durham First, it’s over Framwellgate pub, with its cosy, panelled snugs glory-hole of a pub. Little wonder labels. A new bottled IPA is (9% abv) in the bottle won silvers Bridge and into the Market Square survives. Its claims to fame include the most oft-heard comment is: being launched at the Durham at the British Bottlers’ Institute The largest selection of to the Market Tavern, an 1851- being one of the most haunted “It’s like stepping back in time.” Beer Festival (September (BBI) and International Beer vintage pub and a meeting place pubs in Britain, the smallest pub After a 15-minute leg-stretcher 1-3) – Bombay 106 Challenge this year. Belgian Beers in Durham! for Durham University Ale Society in Durham and, having hung to absorb picture-postcard is named after Last year it got Gold (students particularly like the around since 1190, Durham, we’re now a brigade of the at BBI – not bad Sunday roast). There’s good food the city’s oldest. back on Silver Street Durham Light for a beer that was International and a great beer choice from the Next, we’re and up Crossgate Infantry and is launched last year. small bar. Sit in the window and heading over – another steep based on an original “We’re getting more Food & Drink Festival watch the world go by, or at the Elvet Bridge to haul – to Ye Old 19th century recipe. vessels to make back overlooking the indoor market Old Elvet and the Elm Tree, a basic Also a beer festival beer for our five-litre In September we’ll have and… watch the world go by. Dun Cow. This boozer divided special is Viennese minicasks of Magus From the Market Square head 16th Century into three areas. Maltz (5% abv). and Fallen Angel. food and drink from a across to North Road to The pub is one of This is another Made using Vienna The development is different country for each Head of Steam – formerly Reform those gems you centuries-old pub consetmalt,t ale it’s worksred in is a micro-brewery based a cross between keg he Durham branch Place – which may be hidden up a wish was your local. (1600s), another colour withat the toffee grey horse pub and cask and the week - including Mexican, of the Campaign For ginnel, but it’s worth seeking out There are two distinctly charmer and another (first rightand afcaramelter villa in thereal roundabout) in consett. beer will have all the Real Ale has compiled for terrific ales and spirits, a great different areas – through the ghost-boaster with five ales. body with spice in the finish. flavour of cask with the ease of Spanish, Italian and a beer trail featuring atmosphere and knowledgeable sliding door lies the small, cosy In all these pubs you’ll find leaning Aheand,vil there’sy on the a sneak town’s preview iron works herituse ofage, keg. They’re not filtered or some of the best pubs in Durham staff – put that in the mix with and friendly bar. Next door, the some of the best ales around – we haveof Ddevelurham’soped C hristmasfour distinctive ale – brandspasteurised, with have no sediment, Caribbean specials! T red dust, steel town bitter, white hot and cast iron. city centre. All ale trails should good tunes and home-cooked lounge area is bright and tranquil. from Consett Ale Works, Yard Redemption (10% abv) was and they can be put in the fridge. 3 Reform Place, North Road, Durham, DH1 4RZ Tel: 0191 383 2173 start sensibly, it’s where you end food and you’ve got a winner. Back on to Old Elvet, it’s of Ale brewery, Hadrian Border, our beers brewedhark back last toChristmas the days and when prosperity“Fallen could Angel is an authentic Email: [email protected] Web:www.theheadofsteam.co.uk up that might cause a problem, Now it’s back over to Saddler across to Hallgarth Street and the Black Sheep and Theakston. not be sepbreweryarated fromowner the Steve steel Gibbs which tells buil tB blackpoolavarian beer, properly lagered so it would be reckless of us to Street to The Shakespeare, which treasure that is the Grade II-listed Don’t just take our word for towerCheers and thethat na it’stion’s “developing nuclear submarines.with full rich flavour.” recommend anything other has had more makeovers than Victoria. It’s a regular pub of the it, grab a leaflet and go for it. the recipes for the brews were created with the former ironworkers in mind. we wanted to have ales Traditional Pub in the Heart of DURHAM’S ONLY that we thought would be flavoursome enough to have quenched theDurham’s thirst of the Market ironworkers Square as they left Regular Ales - Always Available THE A traditional CAMRA NATIONAL work afSixter fia ne hot local and & gruelling national realday in ales front 8c\jn`k__\i`kX^\ INVENTORY Mondays:of theOpen furnaces. Mic Night from 9pm (with a free drink for every performer) pub in the LISTED PUB Tuesdays: Curry Night, £4.99 curry & drink. Efgfjk$Yl[^\k DURHAM Xe[_`jkfip gi`Z\`eZi\Xj\ Five cask ales including guests Wednesdays: Burger Night, 4.5% ABV 3.8% ABV 4.0% ABV heart of Friendly atmospheric bar £4.59 burger & drink. BREWERY Bed & Breakfast accommodation, >i\Xk]fik_fj\Zljkfd\ijn_fnXekX The Market Tavern, Market Square, Durham, all rooms en-suite DH1 3NJ | 0191 3862069 i\]i\j_`e^Y\m\iX^\X]k\iX_Xi[[Xpjnfib% Launching Bombay 106 at Durham Durham City English Heritage Grade 2 listed www.originalpubco.com CAMRA beer festival. Private car parking Durham Light Infantry would have 5 Local Real Ales always available THE VICTORIA 3.8% ABV 4.0% ABV 4.5% ABV drunk this original IPA in Bombay! Home cooked food DURH AM CITY Always a friendly welcome Free House, 86 Hallgarth Street, Durham, DH1 3AS Occasional Ale - Brewed Regularly Come to our shop and bar at TELEPHONE 0191 3865269 THE SURTEES ARMS CAMRA DURHAM PUB OF THE YEAR 2003,2005,2007, 2009 Bowburn. 4.3% ABV & 4.1% ABV V 4.5% AB V Brewery tours for the enthusiast. 4.0% AB YARD OF ALE BREWERYABV furnaces. FliY\\ij_XibYXZbkfk_\[Xpjn_\egifjg\i`kp 3.8% of the Bede’s Chalice already a multiple The Dun Cow Zflc[efkY\j\gXiXk\[]ifdk_\jk\\cn_`Z_Yl`ck 9cXZbgffcKfn\iXe[k_\EXk`feËjElZc\XiJlYdXi`e\j% award winner nationally and A traditional pub serving 4.3% ABV internationally. 4.1% ABV 4.3% ABV real ales and bar snacks. Camra N.E. Pub of the YEAR 2010 Quiz night Mondays. Local deliveries FREE to DH1 and Camra Durham Pub of the YEAR 2010 & 2011 4.3% ABV 4.6% ABV DH6. Folk night Thursdays. We Brew Ale! We Sell Ale! Try Our Ales! V ABV A warm welcome guaranteed. 4.3% AB 4.3% Beer for parties, special occa- Delivering all over the North East - SIBA Listed For more information contact V sions. Custom labels! 12 Crossgate, Durham City, 37 Old Elvet, Durham 4.1% AB LYNN (Telesales) 07730 896 766 or RUFUS (Brewery) 01207 591 540 County Durham, DH1 4PS The Grey Horse, 115 Sherburn Terrace, Consett, DH8 6NE 0191 3869219 HALLOWE’EN BEER FEST - OCT 27th - 29th 4.6% ABV 4.3% ABV www.durhambrewery.co.uk Telephone 0191 3864621 Purveyors of Fine Ales & Beers Ferryhill Station, Co.Durham, DL17 0DH. 01740655724. surteesarms.co.uk. Facebook V cheers 4.3% AB cheers 24 september 2011 of the furnaces. september 2011 25 V 4.3% AB V 4.6% AB Where is it? Almost on the Old Bridge over the Tweed – the single-track, red sandstone crossing originally constructed in 1634. It’s near The Lowry Trail, one of Berwick’s cultural highlights that traces the “Matchstick Man” painter’s Profile sojourn in the town. The easy way is to keep going downhill till you come to Bridge Street, The Barrels Ale House, Berwick then follow that. Overview Owner: Simon Vickers Manager: Martin Thompson The Barrels Ale House, 59-61 Bridge Street, Berwick upon Tweed TD15 1ES t: 01289 308013 www.thebarrels.co.uk Small but perfectly formed is the phrase that might have been coined especially for The Barrels. It feels right, it looks right and it is right. It’s one of a dwindling breed – the “proper” pub with few frills, a friendly atmosphere and comfortable surroundings. The framed images on the walls are a music historian’s treasure trove. A quieter, well-upholstered lounge sits just off the main bar, while the basement bar serves as a great live music venue – it has a “your mother wouldn’t like it” ambience, the perfect atmosphere for bands. The beer The decoration Five real ales are a welcome Framed photos on the (still) It might be wee but sight and there’s an ever- nicotine-stained walls, revolving choice, although ranging from Muhammed it’s big on quality Allendale Brewery and Ali, The Beatles (signed), Hadrian Border Brewery Keith Richards and the Kray An award-winning and well-stocked bar may be the first beers are regular as twins to vintage images thing that greets you but the most arresting feature of the clockwork. Manager of Berwick and enamel pub is the framed copy of the Liverpool Post from December Martin Thompson is a bit signs, set the tone – not 9, 1980 with the headline: John Lennon Shot Dead. It of a fanatic, so you can be too serious, but acting as a just makes you think. The beer choice – five handpulls – assured of the consistency. great conversation piece. studiously ranges through all main styles which can be from Dark Star Double Espresso to Stewarts IPA, so there’s something for everyone. Appropriately, there are barrels everywhere, serving as decoration and for seating – though the focus in that direction is a dentist’s (or barber’s?) chair in the corner of the bar. The Barrels is more than a repository for bric-a-brac though, it’s an extraordinary pub, a recommended resting place and an anchorage for good beer and friendly banter. And, a word about the toilets – immaculate. That’s the word, immaculate. 26 cheers september 2011 good for An anchorage banter beer and friendly wine with Suzanne Lock and Bill Oswald Proprietor Mr Norman Weatherburn Manager Mr J.J Bennett fine wine: Chateau d’Ychem What makes a good year? Reading recently that an 1881 at their best. In the top areas/ bottle of Chateau d’Yquem has chateaux of Bordeaux for both become the most expensive 2009 and 2010 the spring and white wine ever bought – by a summers were good, there were UNDER NEW French collector for £75,000 – no late frosts in May or early lead us to thinking about the June to damage the forming OWNERSHIP AND price of wines from Bordeaux. grapes, they enjoyed good steady The latest top chateaux wines temperatures with plenty of NOW OPEN are changing hands at £11,000 sunshine and not too much rain a case (of 12) for Latour, while during the ripening season. 10 Handpulls Chateau Margauxgoes for £7,450 Prices are decided every year in – and these are reduced prices April, when the wines are tasted serving real ales on last year. These are “en primeur”, out of the and real ciders prices well beyond the barrel, to be sold before average pocket, but bottling. Wines are why do these wines “Wine collectors judged for their longevity Snacks and and top restaurants cost so much, I hear by wine writers, critics buy direct from the sandwiches you ask? What is so chateaux and much and buyers and prices available special about them? is traded like stocks are decided here by Many factors come and shares.” the amount of points into account when it gained (out of 100). Live big screen comes to the top wines Wine collectors and of the world, not just France. In top restaurants from around sports shown - the old European wine-making the world buy direct from the pool table countries tradition has a lot chateaux and much is traded like to do with it. Back in the 19th stocks and shares by a company Century, certain wines were called Live-Ex. Older wines are OFFICIAL LAUNCH PARTY better than others and gaining sold at auction by Christie’s Wednesday 7th September from 7pm an enviable reputation. Now, 130 and Sotheby’s after careful years or so later, many of these assessment for authenticity. Entertainment and more!! areas still trade on these old, Footnote: Chateau d’Yquem perhaps out-of-date traditions. is a dessert wine from the There is no doubt that good Sauternes area of Bordeaux. land, soil and slope aspect, Only very small quantities are the drainage, water, climate and made and prices usually start weather conditions all influence at around £2,400 case of six. Kings manoR the production of any crops, n Suzanne Lock and Bill including grapes. When we read Oswald are Advintage. The or hear that a certain year was a company’s next wine holiday Brewery Tap for Hadrian and Border Brewery fantastic vintage, it only means to Tuscany is October 15-22, 132 140 NEW BRIDGE STREET, that in that particular area the seven nights DBB and five NEWCASTLE, NE1 5SZ weather during the growing days with wine tasting visits, season was perfect and that £699. See website for details. the grapes at harvest time were www.Advintagewine.co.uk september 2011 cheers 27 The Angel inn The Hadrian Hotel The Tap & Spile Delaval Arms Red Lion The Broad Chare The Kings Manor The Robin Hood Northumberland Main Street, Corbridge, Wall, Hexham, Eastgate, Hexham, NE46 1BH Old Hartley, NE26 4RL Redcar Terrace, West Boldon, 25, Broad Chare, Trinity Gardens, 32-140 New Bridge Street, Primrose Hill, Jarrow, NE32 5UB NE45 5LA NE44 4EE t: 01434 602039 t: 0191 237 0489 NE36 0PZ, Quayside, Newcastle NE1 3DQ, Newcastle, NE1 2SZ t: 0191 428 5454 Bamburgh Castle INN t: 01434 632119 t: 01434 681232 t: 0191 536 4197 t: 0191 211 2144 Seahouses, NE68 7SQ The Travellers Rest THE Duke of Wellington e: www.thebroadchare.co.uk The Lambton Arms The Swinburne Arms A-Z Pub guide t: 01665 720283 The Blackbird The Hermitage Inn Slaley, Hexham, NE46 1TT High Bridge, Newcastle Ristorante Fiume Eighton Banks, Gateshead, 31 North Side, Stamfordham, North Road, Ponteland, 23 Castle Street, t: 01434 673231 NE1 1EN 16 Bonemill Lane, The Causey Arch Inn NE9 7XR, t: 0191 487 8137 NE18 0QG, t: 01661 886707 Barrasford Arms NE20 9UH Warkworth, NE65 0UL www.travellersrestslaley.com t: 0191 261 8852 Washington, NE38 8AJ Beamish Burn Road, Marley Hill, e: http://[email protected] n You can pick up your copy of cheers at any of these great pubs... Barrasford Hexham, t: 01661 824208 t: 01665 711 258 t: 0191 4150007 Newcastle, NE16 5EG The Low Lights Tavern The Wellington Crown Posada NE48 4AA t: 01207 233925 Brewhouse Bank, I=:I=G::IJCH t: 01434 681237 The Black Bull The Joiners arms Main Road, Riding Mill, NE44 6DQ 31 Side, Newcastle Rockliffe Arms North Shields, NE30 1LL Cheers is all about pubs in the North East Middle Street, Newton-by-the-Sea, NE66 3EA t: 01434 682531 NE1 3JE Algernon Place, Whitley Bay, The Central t: 0191 2576038 H]Zg^[[h=^\]lVn! Barrels Corbridge, t: 01665 576 239 t: 0191 2321269 NE26 2DT Half Moon Lane, 28 cheers september 2011 september 2011 cheers 29 Proprietor Mr G.N. Weatherburn Manager Mr J. J. Bennett fun stuff Classified the dogs Blue the dog’s canine adventures in beer For more information on how to Camra 2011 North East Regional Pub of the Year Winner advertise your services, vacancies This summer, being a family The Mistress will deny to her The Red Lion is home to stir that our swift and events contact Gillian Corney which is nothing if not in dying day that our staycation has friendly folk happy to while away afternoon pint turned on 0191 231 6080 or email: touch with current trends, we anything to do with the fact that their afternoon with a pint or into a lengthy session and, as [email protected] have had a “staycation”. we’re on our uppers, though she three of Josepg Holt IPA, the racing we wandered into the night This is a holiday at home and has yet to explain why my posh on the telly and plenty of chat about some hours later, the Mistress Est 1979 it is what right-minded people do dog nosh has been replaced the state of the global economy. asserted, in between hiccups, that Lashbrooks.com when there is a recession on. by tinned goo from the pound Being a dog of rare good looks, she was seeing not only stars, I know this because I heard shop, but that’s another story. I do tend to attract attention but spots in front of her eyes. BASED IN THE NORTH EAST, SUPPLYING THE NORTH EAST!! the Mistress telling the lady I am delighted to report, wherever I go, and the regulars at What she expected at midnight next door that it is vulgar to however, that we are not the Lion were most appreciative of and with a Dalmatian at her side, EPOS SYSTEMS & CASH REGISTERS TILL ROLLS & CONSUMABLES splash the cash on Caribbean skimping (yet) on the pub, and my noble bearing, even before the I don’t know, but something holidays when the economy is during our staycation I was Mistress mentioned that I was, in tells me it’s best not to suggest Red Lion St, Redcar TS10 3HF on its knees. Not that we’ve ever presented to the regulars at fact, the star of this column and it had anything to do with the T: 01642 482629/489720 been to the Caribbean, but that’s what is soon to be our new local, about to become a local resident. beer. What’s a staycation for, E: [email protected] beside the point, apparently. The Red Lion at Newbrough. This revelation caused such a if not to enjoy yourself, eh? www.lashbrooks.com Specialists in Beer Books, Postcards, Pub Posters & Signs Permanent beer festival with Quiz Our product range covers material from England, Belgium, France, Picture Quiz The Dirty Dozen The Netherlands, Germany and the U.S.A. They will be of interest to 15 ever changing handpulls beer drinkers, memorabilia lovers, brewers, publicans, bar designers Where do these stouts come from? Twelve stinkers with pubs as a theme plus many more beer enthusiasts. We deliver by mail order and can also ship abroad. Right next to the station at Wylam 1. 2. 1. In which county is the Tan Hill Inn? 9. what is the most common name for a British pub? Beer-Inn Print (Est 1997) Station Road, Wylam, Northumberland NE41 8HR 2. what was the previous name of the Merry Long High Top, Hebden Bridge, West Yorkshire, HX& 7PF tel: 01661 853431 email: [email protected] Harrier pub in Devon, which meant it had 10. In which country would you find ’t Ij Tel: 01422 844437 open 11am till 11pm everyday except Sun 12pm till 10.30pm the shortest name in the country? Proeflokaal pub? order online at: www.beerinnprint.co.uk 3. on which famous course is the Sulby Glen 11. Where is the highest place you can buy Hotel? beer in Wales? EkhAdemb[Z][3 3. 4. where is The Old Thirteenth Century 12. Which Soho pub was Jeffrey Bernard’s NDJGHJ88:HH Cheshire Astley Volunteer Rifleman Corps favourite haunt? BEERS & CIDER 4. Inn? 5. there are two pubs in Emmerdale – one is rewery. B rains B :?9A7JJB;; The Woolpack, what’s the other one? 4. rewery. B Meantime 3. rewery. B elhaven B GZVa6aZIZX]c^XVaHZgk^XZh FESTIVAL 2011 6. the Lakeside Inn is reputed to be Britain’s 2. rewery. B amp L ig B smallest pub. Where is it? 1. ERS W ANS z I/%&.&*.,.++- SATURDAY 10TH SEPTEMBER Qui Picture orses. H & oach C B/%,,''+(&,-, 7. which pub in Bromley, Kent, is said to be 12. ar. B Summit Snowdon he T olland. H ion. L ed R he T 11. 10. IN AID OF THE GREAT NORTH AIR AMBULANCE the country’s largest? 9. ovejoy. L avern. T ownham D Southport. Shovel. Malt he T 8. 7. 6. :/Y^X`5gVihWZZg#Xdb 5. Stalybridge. course. TT Man of Isle X. orkshire. Y orth N 4. 3. 2. & THE ABBEY ROOF APPEAL 8. which antique dealer might you have met 1. ERS W ANS z at the Butt & Oyster in Suffolk? Qui G.A. WEDDERBURN & CO. LTD. Live Music Local Ales & Ciders Beautiful garden in the grounds of an historic hotel Tony Franklin Tel: (023) 8022 7645 50% discount on tickets for CAMRA members • EPOS SYSTEMS Advanced purchase tickets £8.00 including commemorative glass CASH REGISTERS • Fresh food served all day every day Sunday Lunch - 3 course £16.95 • LICENCED TRADE SPECIALIST (bookings advisable but not essential) Comfortable en-suite accommodation • SERVING THE N.E. FOR 15 YEARS www.wedderburn.co.uk The Lord Crewe Arms Blanchand, North Pennines, Northumberland, DH8 9SP 4ELEPHONE s EMAIL RECEPTION LORDCREWEHOTELCOUK 30 cheers september 2011 september 2011 cheers 31