north east Raise a glass to pubs, people and news from your local FREE

ISSUE 14 www.cheersnortheast.co.uk // October 2011

New Pubs cheersopen house old boys deuchars comes of age

Also When Elvis met Jimi And Roger schmoozed Vic We ask the questions

live music playing a few bars inn-side pubs !// news // ideas // opinion // new pubs // old pubs // beer for lunch // beer for tea // beer for dinner // pubs! CheersMag_280x210_Sept11.indd 1 27/09/2011 09:23 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 4

www. cheersnortheast .co.uk // October 2011 neW puBs c ho p e en eHsr o u s e PuB iS THE HuB i T ’s A L L AT oLd BoYs T H e C o - o p d e u C H A r s SOciAL MEDiA C o M e s G iV e Y o u r o F A G e F r ie n d s A T W e e T ALso Editorial When Elvis met Jimi And Roger schmoozed vic 0191 231 6080 We ask the questions Alastair Gilmour ‘that was lovely, do you want a pint?’ “I often say that Noel Gallagher gets to play Knebworth but nobody says as he comes off stage LiVe MusiC [email protected] We’re heading into autumn with the P L A Y Ni G traditional end-of-season beer festivals A F E W B A R S 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 taking place all over the region. We / / B E E R F O R T E A / / B E E R F O R D IN N E R Advertising / / P U B S ! 0191 231 6080 call it the Oktoberfest factor – after the famous Munich Beer Festival which, Cover: Simma, singer and Gillian Corney Alastair Gilmour, editor songwriter [email protected] despite its name, actually took place in September (German humour, you see) – but what better way of inviting people into your pub or club than Website: offering them the best in cask ale and cider? inside www.cheersnortheast.co.uk We should put our hands together (put your glass down first) and applaud the vision and commitment of the North East’s pub and Designed & Published by: NEWS brewery operators. Brewery owners Jess and Alison McConnell 4 The Good Beer and Norman Weatherburn, the charismatic owner of the Boathouse in Guide is launched Wylam, have invested heavily in the future by opening new pubs. 6 What’s Media Exchange One Jarrow already owns the Robin Hood in the town and The Maltings in brewing in our Coquet Street , but has seen the future in the Isis, a grade II-listed pub microbreweries in , which will open in the middle of this month after being 8 New arrivals on NE1 2QB closed for several years. The Victorian building’s fine features have been lovingly restored. the pub scene Website: www.offstonepublishing.co.uk And, Norman Weatherburn – a canny operator – has spotted the FEATURES potential of Kings Manor in Newcastle. In a few short weeks the pub has 12 What playing live

become an essential call-in point. Photography: S imma : i ng e r, s ong in pubs means to Nicky Rogerson Read their stories on pages 10 and 11, but we welcome this quote from performers Alison McConnell. www.nrphotography.co.uk 18 Kath Croft She says: “As soon as the false ceiling and other non-original fittings entertains us with were removed, I got a sense that the building could breathe again. her Q&A People who don’t remember the real Isis will be amazed.” Whilst every effort has been 23 Deuchars IPA is made to ensure accuracy, Good luck to all of them. 21 this month. We the publisher cannot accept responsibility for omissions Cheers - Alastair Gilmour, editor look at its history w r ite r, p o et and errors. All material in this 25 When Elvis publication is strictly copyright and all rights reserved. offered to buy Jimi Live Music Hendrix a pint It’s the essence of 29 Roger Sterling 12 the pub, but recently gives the Vic a rub live music has been down under threat. We ask what performing in fun stuff pubs means to 34 The Quiz, Picture those who learned Quiz, The Pickled their craft there. Egg and Further Adventures of Blue our

sponsors The News Pub crawl Culture Birthday Boy What’s going on A-Z pub guide Elvis meets Jimi Deuchars IPA at 21

New Pubs The view Head of 10 Some of 16 from abroad 26 Steam our more visionary CzechBeerMan The initiatives characters are continues his keep on coming Wylam Brewery investing heavily in investigations from the Head of what they see as into his country’s Steam group with a great future for micro-brewing beer festivals, the pub industry. scene. This month cider festivals, There’s one thing – he visits a huge film festivals and they’re not daft. gathering of terrific menus to microbreweries. complement them. news Baa-ck from the baa-rbers great Food, great ales Freshly made home cooked meals. The Black Sheep Brewery logo have carefully redrawn our Wide selection of real ales. has undergone a shearing to give sheep and freshened up the 2 Dine for £9.50 Mon-Sat 12-2pm & 6-9pm. it a fresh new look. The Masham, text. It has all the DNA of the FriDay & SaturDay Night Steak Special 2x soup, 2x 10oz steaks, 2x glasses of wine £25.00 North Yorkshire, based company original logo so still is easily traditional Sunday lunch 12-3pm £7.25 has given its branding a revamp recognisable as Black Sheep.” Small functions catered for i.e Birthdays, Funerals etc for the first time – nearly 20 years The brewery has increased THE 7 Manor road, after its first ale was brewed. sales of Black Sheep Ale in Medomsley Village, Will Daykin of Blue Design in bottles by a healthy 13%, and Royal Oak co. Durham, Dh8 6QN Free house tel: 01207 560336 Askrigg – who also designed cask beer sales are showing the original brewery logo – good like-for-like growth on drew up the new version. last year, driven by Best Bitter Jo Theakston, director of marketing, says: and Golden Sheep. Sales have been bolstered The only sign to look for on Hadrian’s Wall “We have put a lot of thought into the design. by the success of recent limited edition Scores on the Doors: It is a subtle evolution of the original as Russian Imperial Stout, a new departure for Set in the shadows of Steel Rigg this country inn offers we wanted to show that the business is Black Sheep into the specialist ale category, 3 Diamond accommodation, Real Ales, moving forward and aiming to grow. We and one they hope to repeat in the future. superb wines and excellent food. It is an ideal location to explore the land of Reivers, Romans and Myths. Strong

Bardon Mill, Hexham, NE47 7AN t: 01434 344534 performance e:[email protected] w: www.twicebrewedinn.co.uk Tom Shaw, our September cover boy, came Find us on Facebook, You Tube& Flikr sixth in the UK’s Strongest Man finals in Belfast over the August bank holiday. The 6ft 5in, 22st 7lb, Wylam brewery drayman was apparently confident of a third place as he was doing ABoC Solid Fuels well in the disciplines that include pulling 40- Smokeless, Coal, Logs, BBQ Products foot trucks, deadlift car holds and tyre flips, but an arm injury caused him to slip down the field. It’s a tremendous feat at any rate and we at Cheers are all proud of him – and we’ll watch the event when it’s televised over Christmas. Tom’s a determined lad, though, and says it’s a case of watch this space. FREE Delivery, normally within three days. Call the Coal Girls on 0191 295 0523 or Visit our Counter Sales at: 1000 Shields Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE6 4SQ According to www.SolidFuelMerchant.com the good book The Campaign For Real Ale (Camra) Good years. And, Local Real Ales Beer Guide 2012 has been launched with this doesn’t Allendale, Mordue, several new entries in the , take into Black Sheep, Wylam etc County Durham and Tyne & Wear sections. account The independent guide features the best the few thousand extra Home Cooked Food 4,500 real ale pubs according to Camra’s seasonal and one-off brews that British brewers Live Music in October 130,000 members – and new findings churn out during the course of a calendar year. Friday 7th The Scartoons, show there are almost 5,500 beers now in Four new entries in the Northumberland area 14th The Revolutionaires, regular production across Britain. Such a the Plough in Cramlington, the Red Lion Inn in 21st Bessie and the Zinc Buckets, marked growth comes at a time when 99 Alnmouth, the Red Lion Inn in Wooler, and the 28th TBC new breweries have opened in the past 12 Carts Bog Inn at Langley. The Brandling Villa in months, taking the national total to 840. South , The Central in , The The The guide’s editor Roger Protz has estimated County and the Queen Victoria (both Gosforth), Rising Bank Top, , Ryton that if a real ale fan were to drink every beer and the Mile Castle and LYH in Newcastle Sun NE40 4EE • T: 0191 4133316 now regularly produced in Britain at a rate of are new entries for the Tyneside area. one a day, it would take them just short of 15 Details: www.camra.org.uk/shop 4 cheers october 2011 n visit www.cheersnortheast.co.uk to have your say

Feathers in the cap

There’s something in the what we do and the extremely Northumberland water – or more hard work that the whole team likely its beer. For the second and community put into this place. consecutive year a pub from “We have so many more plans ’s largest county has been and hopes to improve how we do voted Great British Pub of the things, we are still learning all Year in the Publican’s the time. We love pubs Morning Advertiser spending as much of awards. In 2010 it was our free time in them “We have so many Battlesteads at Wark plans and hopes to as we can and we and this year it’s… The improve how we do only really became so Feathers Inn at Hedley on things and we are obsessed after coming the Hill, near Stocksfield. still learning all the here four years ago. It’s an incredible time” “Most of all, it makes accomplishment for a me so proud I actually region that’s often overlooked for get tearful, the thought that such praise and it demonstrates someone or group thinks we are the quality and determination of the best and set an example to the our publicans. So, it’s well done industry. The hard work by Rhian’s Rhian Cradock and Helen Greer, mum and dad as well as our the driving force behind The staff and the support of previous Feathers’ success. landlady Marina and the whole “This may seem a strange thing village has made it all possible.” to say but we simultaneously feel So, come on you other CONGRATULATIONS: Helen Greer and Rhian unworthy and very, very pleased” Northumberland pubs – Cradock at The Feathers Inn, Hedley on the Hill says Helen. “I am really proud of we’re on a hat-trick. CAC New Cheers NE Advert 85x190_Layout 1 15/09/2011 15:23 Page 1

ALL ALES ONLY £66.50 Minimum 1 Cask per week for the 12 week scheme Please contact Kat our cask ale co-ordinator for details. Tel: 0191 385 1603 email: [email protected]

october 2011 cheers 5 News Big ideas from our microbrewers What’s lurking in their conditioning tanks?

WYLAM beers. St Mungos is an authentic, Matt Boyle, brewery business true-to-type German lager (4.9% development manager: “We have abv); Munich Red, a malty-caramel, just brewed our Houblon Nouveau copper-coloured beer (5.2% abv), 2011 with fresh green Pilgrim and Hefeweizen, a natural wheat hops – one to look out for. beer (5.2% abv). All will be available going strong: Maxim Brewery, home of the legendary Double Maxim “We have also brewed the third at the start of November, but we of our “Yankee Hop Charge” craft will be launching them at Broad range – Chinook (4.0% abv) , Chare in Newcastle October 9 flavours. But there’s a twist; chocolate, roast and black malts. named after the American hops as part of the pub’s Oktoberfest the ale has been lagered for Already quite complex in flavour used in the brew. It has the colour which will include a menu that two months to produce a very another level is added with a mix of a pale western sunset features some iconic smooth, well-attenuated finish. of sweet and sour cherries to and a subtle orange “We’ve just brewed German dishes.” “We are also asking our provide a subtle cherry background. aroma which gives our Houblon customers to help us choose The use of oatmeal gives the way to a citrus zest Nouveau 2011 with TYNE BANK a Christmas beer through our beer an almost velvet-like feel. fresh finishing flavour. fresh green Pilgrim Brewery owner Julia website, but what to brew? It’s part of a limited hops – one to look Austin (pictured right) Please read the tasting notes Belgian Yeast Spiced edition series, so once out for.” says: “We have a new and vote on our website www. Pale Ale (5.0% abv) its gone, its gone. beer out for the Northern tynebankbrewery.co.uk/index. The hops and yeast used will “We will be launching new Rugby Club Octoberfest – Alt Bier php/christmas-brew-poll. provide their own very special products from the Glasgow-based (4.6% abv). Similar to Newcastle spice infusion which will be West Brewery as the exclusive Brown Ale, it has a malty character Oatmeal Cherry Stout (5.2% abv) helped with the addition of distributor for their range of keg with slight caramel and chocolate A dark and rich stout with a mix of some traditional festive spices

6 cheers october 2011 “We are asking our customers to help us choose a Christmas beer through our website.”

the TOWN WALL Public House & Eatery

YOUR CHRISTMAS PARTY IN THE HEART OF THE CITY...

CHRISTMAS IS COMING THE DIARY’S FILLING QUICK GET YOUR OFFICE PARTY BOOKED OR ELSE YOU’LL LOOK A...BIT SILLY!

Our first Christmas at The Town Wall will to bring some Christmas perhaps 8.30am might be a bit be celebrated with much merriment and cheer to your tastebuds. early in the morning to experience the odd glass of port for good measure something as satisfying as a Stiff MAXIM Tackle. On the other hand... Chef has created a fantastic festive feast for Mark Anderson, director, says: parties of all shapes and sizes “We’re dead busy which is good. HADRIAN BORDER We’ve got 940 casks going out to Brewery director Andy Burrows Whether it be a full sit down affair or a Wetherspoons’ beer festival, so it’s says: “We’re still increasing sales bustling buffet we can cater all go. We’ve now brewed 80,000 at a good rate and yet again we amply for your Christmas needs pints of Swedish Blonde in total; can record a record summer with it’s been very, very popular. We’ve sales. More cellaring capacity in got Stiff Tackle IPA to celebrate the new brewery makes us a bit To view the menu please visit the the Rugby World Cup and 5,000 more flexible. Centurion is being CHRISTMAS BOOKINGS pints sold out within the first week. knocked off the permanent list to We’ve brewed more because when be replaced with Northumbrian section at www.TheTownWall.com people tried it they said ‘this is Gold (4.5% abv) as a permanent, lovely, make it a permanent one’. due to popular demand. EARLY BOOKING ADVISED “We’ve gone national in “The Free Trade Inn in Berwick Mitchells & Butler pubs with has started selling real ale again Double Maxim which is good, and landlady Brenda Collins steady business and it showcases takes Secret Kingdom most us as a brewery across the rest weeks. And, it’s good luck to of the country. We’ve also brewed Andrew Wood who is leaving us to Anderson’s Best Scotch because resume his engineering degree we wanted to produce something at Northumbria University.” different for Wetherspoons. At Vaux we had Lorimers Best Scotch n The Free Trade in Berwick is and Alan and Glenn, our brewers, celebrating this month. Landlady produced loads of McEwans Best Brenda Collins has been in charge Scotch when they were at S&N, for 40 years come October 1. It’s so it seemed right to continue a remarkable feat and we wish with a proper name – mine. I her sincere, continued success. Find us on Pink Lane, NE1 5HX found out my great-grandfather Her husband, the late Eddie, had been an artist in Scotland.” was one of those characters www.TheTownWall.com The England v Scotland Rugby we don’t see enough of behind World Cup match kicks off at pub counters nowadays. He is 8.30am on October 1 – a bit of still sorely missed around the @TheTownWallPub a decider, as it happens – but town – and further afield. october 2011 cheers 7 Competition winner

News

The weight of the NEW ARRIVALS cod that Hadrian *A big hello to Sylvie Rea, right, who was Appleby and Danny Lynch. The brewery Border brewer born on July 4, weighing 5lbs 1oz. Proud is losing Rob Bergstrand who is leaving parents are Emma and Ben Rea, manager for the wintry climes of Northern Canada Martin Hammill of the Bodega in Newcastle. Guess which where he will be teaching unsuspecting caught in the Fitzgerald’s pub will be celebrating American folk how to ski (amongst other things). North Sea (Cheers Independence Day next year? *Tyne Bank Brewery has a new September) *The Seven Stars in Ponteland recruit starting in October. has a new owner. Paul Gibb Joe Roberts will initially be was 17lb 4oz, so returned to the pub in the employed part-time as a congratulations to Paul Dunn summer and promises a new general brewery assistant, but for getting the closest. Your – but traditional – offering. hopefully will become full- case of Hadrian & Border Paul has worked in the time as the fledgling brewery leisure trade for more than develops and sales grow. beer will be with you shortly. 25 years, first managing the *And, it’s a big welcome to a Seven Stars for S&N in 1993, teenager. Barley Mow, Birtley, until moving on in 2001 to take landlord Trevor Hudspeth tells over at the Waggon Inn. He retired us the pub has recently installed in 2008, but when the opportunity arose to its 13th handpull. What an amazing turn- Total take over the pub again he decided the time was round for a pub that only a few years right “to get the Seven Stars back on the map”. ago was in danger of closing down. Six cask ales are on the bar, so get out the A-Z. *Michael Gregory, a student who worked eclipse *Wylam Brewery welcomes two new the summer at Hadrian Border Brewery, Spotted on Grey Street in Newcastle – one employees, former Tyne Bar manager Mike has decided to take a brewing degree of the most appropriately-named firms on Marra, Kiwi rugby fanatic and “all-round course, starting next September, at the Tyneside. Bonnie Tiler herself tells us that piss-taker”, and Mick Robson, a time-served, world-renowned Heriot-Watt University she gets loads of business because of the ex-S&N, ex-Kuehne & Nagel drayman who in Edinburgh – incidentally, HB director inspired name – and customers often ask joins other resident K&N delivery men Kev Andy Burrows’s alma mater. her to sing down the phone. Send amusing signs to [email protected] Duke of Wellington Inn Newton | Northumberland | NE43 7UL

T: 01661 844 446 | E: [email protected] | W: www.thedukeofwellingtoninn.co.uk

8 cheers october 2011 Mayor necessities

It’s been pouring in Gateshead for some time – and everyone with a love for the Millennium Bridge and a taste for fine ale is absolutely delighted. The first pints of Mordue Brewery’s special 10th Anniversary Millennium Bridge Ale were carefully drawn at The Central pub in Gateshead by the town’s mayor, councillor Joe Mitchinson. The beer was specially We’re a big draw commissioned by Gateshead Brilliant caricaturist Paul Hutchinson Council to enable North East featured in the July/August issue of drinkers to raise their glasses Cheers, tells us he has been inundated with in praise of one of Tyneside’s requests for illustrations similar to the one most popular and eye-catching pictured here of Gazza. landmarks. This is the second time “The commissions keep on coming,” says the council has commissioned the Paul, from , Gateshead. “It’s been ale – in 2001, the - brilliant – ever since I appeared in Cheers, based brewery produced a beer the work has been rolling in from all over the to mark the public opening of country, too. Thank you so much.” battlesteads cheers north east - 128x93.5_Layout 1 20/09/2011 10:06 Page 1 the award-winning structure. Visit www.hutchfaces.co.uk

forthcoming ATevents BATTLESTEADS Dine with Matching Wine Christmas Menu Thursday 3rd Nov Lunchtimes £18.95 Five delicious courses Evenings £21.95 with organic and Throughout December biodynamic wines to match! £40.00 per head Christmas Day Lunch all food and wine included 5 courses for only £52.50 per adult Vegas comes Sittings at 12noon and 2pm to Wark Thursday 24th Nov Escape to the golden era of swing with live 5New courses Year’s for Eve only music while you dine. £45 per person £28.00 per head £20.00 deposit per guest

Why not stay the night with us - ask for details

Wark, Hexham, Northumberland NE48 3LS. Tel: (01434) 230 209 Fax: (01434) 230 039 Email: [email protected] www.battlesteads.com

october 2011 cheers 9 new pubs

have your say Open Log on to house cheersnortheast.co.uk It’s said the country is losing two pubs a day, but we take a look at two brave and confident ventures by entrepreneurs with terrific vision and a canny knack of developing quality premises. Peter Bedingfield reports from Isis in Sunderland and Alastair Gilmour classic pub: Isis in Sunderland, formerly brings us up to date on Kings Manor in Newcastle Livingstones, has been lovingly restored

n old pub reputed to The new venue adds to because of its isolated position, but and branch – it be the spookiest in an already well-trodden ale everything about the Isis and its has been a labour of love. Sunderland has got a route, taking in neighbouring location is right. Sunderland is one of “The pub was extensively new lease of life. But Museum Vaults, Fitzgeralds and, our main outlets for ale so it makes altered internally in the late 1980s spiritsA are not the main attraction in nearby Deptford, the Kings sense to have a pub here, though we in an effort to modernise it,” he as Isis re-opens in all its former Arms, TJ Doyles and Saltgrass. won’t be brewing on the premises.” says. “As far as possible we have glory following a £500,000 revamp Empty since 2009, the central Architect Dave Brown of Castle- returned it to its original internal by award-winning Jarrow Brewery. location of the Grade Eden-based Beaumont layout, restoring features like The 125-year old pub in II-listed building was a Brown was charged Victorian doors, chimney breasts, Silksworth Row gives Wearside’s major factor in Jarrow with restoring Isis to its fireplaces, mosaic flooring and real ale fraternity a fine new venue boss Jess McConnell’s “As far as Victorian splendour and high ceilings with original coving.” close to the city centre in which to decision to buy it four possible we to acquire the planning Customers entering the restored choose from 12 hand pumps offering months ago, viewing it as have returned it and conservation front entrance now step into an four guest ales, three Jarrow brews, the perfect companion to its original permission required to ornate public bar with a giant one each from Sunderland-based to The Robin Hood in internal layout” work on listed buildings. chandelier as its centrepiece. A Bull Lane and Maxim breweries, Jarrow and The Maltings For Wearsider Dave, snug and select room provide two cask ciders and one perry. Also brewpub in South Shields. a Campaign For Real Ale (Camra) further options while the décor on offer is a selection of special He says: “We lost a pub, The member for 30 years – ten of which includes old photographs of lagers and Belgian bottled beers. Albion in , Gateshead, he was chairman of the Sunderland Sunderland pubs, many long since

10 cheers october 2011 n visit www.cheersnortheast.co.uk to have your say

Kings Manor also operates as the “tap” for Hadrian Border brewery – with the likes of Tyneside Blonde part of the fixtures and fittings accompanied by one or two others on a permanent basis. “It’s got everything going for it,” says Jay. “We’re even getting groups in doing the pubs on the Metro line.” Kings Manor was opened officially by Bob Mains, one of the founder members – in 1974 – of the Tyneside & Northumberland branch of the new venture: Kings Manor in Newcastle will complement the Boathouse in Wylam Campaign For Real Ale (Camra) and still an active member. He said: “There are so many pubs being offered the last To the Manor born rites nowadays, but this is a very happy occasion. Kings Manor in Newcastle has success – and now spruced up “People go to pubs for different an illustrious past. Formerly The and bristling with handpulls reasons and I can name three demolished. A wide staircase leads Adelaide, the pub on New Bridge there’s no reason why Kings – a good selection of real ales, to an upper level restaurant area Street was also known as The Manor shouldn’t follow suit. the people serving it with the with views over the River Wear. Stout Fiddler and Joe Wilson’s “We certainly hope it’s as popular knowledge of when to put them on, All in all, it’s a happy new chapter – named after the acclaimed as The Boathouse,” says pub and where the manager and staff in the long story of a pub first named musician who wrote the ditty manager John “Jay” Bennett, treat you as welcome guests.” The Ship and later The Ship Isis Keep Your Feet Still who will combine his He emphasised that all three Geordie Hinnie. Boathouse duties points were high on the list at from the days when the crew from “It’s got that 19th century trading vessel But further back in everything with Kings Manor. “It’s The Boathouse and that it’s regularly collected their pay there. the mists of time, the going for it. different, being a city good to see a similar approach And the spirits? Infamous area was where where We’ve even had pub, but we’re offering at Kings Manor – plus there’s Sunderland-born serial poisoner Henry VIII convened his groups in doing the same quality of ales the advantage of having another Mary Ann Cotton is said to have Council of the North – the pubs on the in a great atmosphere. particularly fine pub within buried two of her children in a after which, it became Metro line.” “We’ve got televisions for walking distance of Newcastle city tunnel leading from the pub to the known as Kings Manor. live sports, for example, centre and right next door to the river and Isis has featured in several The pub was bought by Norman but the emphasis is on real ale Fitzgeralds-owned New Bridge. books and television programmes Weatherburn, the engaging and cider. Hopefully we’ll get that So, Norman and Jay should documenting ghostly goings-on. character who has steered The up to about a dozen real ales. have no problems in assuming n Isis opens at 12pm on Oct13. Boathouse in Wylam to great The potential is enormous.” the title, Kings of the Manor. www.jarrowbrewing.co.uk

Good luck to the Kings Manor Newcastle from Hadrian Border Brewery

Cask Ales delivered weekly to Edinburgh, Scottish Borders, Carlisle, County Durham and North Yorkshire as well as daily to Tyne & Wear and Northumberland

Tel: 0191 264 9000 E: [email protected] www.hadrian-border-brewery.co.uk Unit 5, The Preserving Works, Industrial Estate, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE15 9RT

october 2011 cheers 11 Live Music

You can sit at home with your cans and your pizza listening to studio albums on headphones or you can be entertained in the pub by a ‘hot and sweaty’ band. Alastair Gilmour knows what he’d rather do Sing-a- longa pint

et’s raise our voices in perfect the DCMS, points to an example of permission has been in has had – and still has – a close harmony – and our glasses. At long being needed for a folk duo performing in the association with pubs. last, politicians have admitted that corner of a village pub, but not for big-screen “Pubs and live music go together like salt current entertainment licensing rules broadcasts of football matches in a packed city and pepper, beer and chips,” he says. “Pubs are Lare “a mess” and the pub should once again centre pub. community centres. If you ever wanted to know be the home of live music and the possible He says. “The distinctions are what’s going on you went to the pub – springboard to stardom. inconsistent, illogical and capricious. it’s a bit like what the kids do now with Our most enduring rock stars honed their There is evidence that pubs which “All musicians Facebook. careers in public bars and pub back rooms – the diversified their offer to include start off needing “All musicians, starting off, need likes of Dire Straits’ frontman Mark Knopfler activities other than drinking were somewhere to play, somewhere to play, they need to get gigged for years around Leeds where he went to better able to survive the recession. they need to get their act together and pubs are a great university, and Bruce Springsteen continues to Making it easier for them to put on their act together place to do that, it’s where you learn your play unannounced in neighbourhood bars to keep entertainment may therefore provide and pubs are a great stagecraft.” in touch with his musical roots. an important source of new income place to do that.” Cue British Beer & Pub Association As party of a new consultation from the to struggling businesses such as pubs, chief executive Brigid Simmonds. She, Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) restaurants and hotels. like Ray Laidlaw, stresses that pubs are often the that could prove a major boost for the industry, “As long as you have proper controls on alcohol place where live music acts make their debut – pubs will not require specific permission to host and spectator safety, the rest is mostly bonkers red vital stages for new talent and for bringing in new live music or other forms of entertainment for tape, and it’s time we consigned it to the bin.” customers. crowds under 5,000. And a lot of pubs come into It’s a view endorsed by Ray Laidlaw, one of the She says: “The thinking here (behind the DCMS that category! North East’s most enduring and hard-working consultation) is very positive, as pubs would no John Penrose, the minister leading the issue at musicians. Every band the Lindisfarne drummer longer have to go through their local council to 12 cheers october 2011 have your say you’ll stay till the end even if you don’t like it. It’s approval, honest approval. It sharpens you like a Log on to cheersnortheast.co.uk razor.” Young bands getting a foot in the pub door is one thing, but some people discover later on in life when the time is right for them. Perhaps there were too many other responsibilities. Phil Mitchell from the band Someone Else’s Omelette says: “We just love playing and I love it especially, because I’m doing something I would have loved to have done when I was a lot younger, but never had the confidence. “If it hadn’t been for pubs putting music on, this old man would have never been able to fulfill his ambitions. There are so many bands around and fewer pubs putting on live music, so competition for gigs is quite fierce until an establishment gets to know you. “In the present economic climate, it must be even harder for pubs to be able to afford to put bands on – this seems to be especially true of the pubs owned by ‘leisure companies’ which seem to squeeze pubs’ budgets for things like entertainment, so landlords are often loath to bother with live entertainment. “There are exceptions, of course. I would always try to support a pub that puts bands on and regularly go

It’s not just new talent that thrives on the pub guitar man: Like so environment – gnarled many other performers, singer, songwriter, old hands love to sit in poet Simma loves playing in pubs – they’re front of small audiences where confidence and stagecraft are earned out to see other bands when we’re not playing. It’s always a bonus if you’re playing somewhere that provide this entertainment. If the Government There’s the obvious advantage of beer in pubs, has good beer, too.” were to sweep these unnecessary restrictions but the attraction goes much deeper than that, Ray Laidlaw holds pubs in such high regard away, this would be great for pubs and for the according to acoustic artist Simma, a regular on that Lindisfarne once did a whole tour with a pub whole hospitality industry. Pubs want to provide the North East pub and club circuit since 1996. set on stage – bar, stools, windows, the lot. great entertainment for customers and introduce Simma is a singer, songwriter, poet – who has “It was based on a Tap & Spile who sponsored new emerging talent. These changes would written something specially for Cheers on page the tour,” he says. “It all packed into three cases. improve their ability to do just that.” 15) and raconteur which adds up to a young man It was great fun and if you weren’t in a particular But it’s not just new talent that thrives on the with a huge talent. song you just sat at the bar and ate a packet of pub environment – gnarled old hands love to sit “All I ever wanted to do was play in bars,” he nuts. in front of small audiences because the buzz and says. “It was my ambition. “Pubs are fantastic; they’ve got a great the banter never leave them. Where did Mark “I often say that Noel Gallagher gets to play atm o sph ere.” Knopfler and Brendan Croker take The Notting Knebworth but nobody says as he comes off stage He has some advice for those who might think Hillbillies gigging after Dire Straits mega-stardom? ‘that was lovely, do you want a pint?’ It makes my all they have to do is turn up to set an audience The pub. The Groove in Holbeck, Leeds, to be night when people say ‘thanks, that was great’ and on fire. precise, before – like Springsteen, booking small that’s what you get in pubs. “Hot and sweaty doesn’t appeal to a lot of venues to go and “play the geetar”. “There’s also something about being in a musicians,” he says, “and it’s no good being note The reasoning is clear. “You’ve got to get used to pub and people coming up to you having not perfect if you’ve got no soul. You’ve got to present playing to an audience which is maybe a little bit expected you to be there. It’s not just like they’ll your music, not just keep your head down and smaller (in numbers) than the band,” Knopfler told stay and give this guy a chance, but they’ll stay look at your shoes. That’s not going to get you very one interviewer, recalling the single figure total and say you were really good. Pub audiences can far in a pub. You’ve got to see the whites of people’s that watched Dire Straits at Dundee University in get up and leave whenever they want, so it’s a lot eyes. their early days. tougher. When you pay to go to a theatre or a film “I still play in Billy Mitchell’s band – we’re >> october 2011 cheers 13 Live Music

<< obviously linked to Newcastle City Hall “I like getting the taxi home because taxi but we do small venues because we all cut drivers are great for keeping your feet on the our teeth in pubs.” ground,” says Simma. “And they’re usually the He muses on the fact that Duran Duran only sober ones at that time of night. and Culture Club could never have played in “I remember having just supported the poet pubs; they’re not quite their style. And, we’ve John Cooper Clarke and told the taxi driver who all seen bands which are so accomplished the I’d been appearing with. wonder is that they’re “still” playing in pubs. “He said, ‘Poetry? What for like?’” “Performing in pub rooms is at the cutting edge of songwriting and poetry,” says the Peformance art versatile Simma – a solo performer who duets and forms a trio as well as touring with Ray Laidlaw – still performing live – is part the Too Far North Band every summer for of Tyne Idols Tours, visit www.tyneidols.co.uk the last ten years. He has played as support for details. to a wrestling match, to hundreds at an open-air event in San Sebastian, a wedding Simma has regular residences around in a lighthouse, the Edinburgh Festival on the Newcastle, including The Slug & Lettuce on same bill as Norman Wisdom. the Quayside. Visit www.simma.co.uk for the He says: “It’s proper art going on in front of rest of his gigs. you while you’re having a pint.” Putting it another way, former Undertone Someone Else’s Omelette are at the Feargal Sharkey, now chief executive of UK Trimmers Arms in South Shields on Friday Music, the umbrella body for the music October 7 and the Garrick’s Head on industry, says: “Enabling live music to flourish Saturday October 29 playing “music you has potential to drive social cohesion, normally don’t hear in pubs”. entrepreneurialism and economic growth.” At the end of the night, though, the pub Mark Knopfler is supporting Bob Dylan on lights inevitably go off and the audience drifts SUPERSTAR: Mark Knopfler his upcoming UK tour. You never know, you away. What then? began his career playing in pubs might just see them in the pub.

WINTER Ice machine broken down? can’t cope with demand? BEER FESTIVAL 10 Handpulls, Cask Marque accredited Thursday 3rd Nov: 7pm till late We deliver to your premises Nationally selected Ales, Global beers Friday 4th Nov:11am till late - approx 3kg bags of ice only £1.20 Meet the Brewer nights, Camra presentation of Club of the Year 2011 (40p kilo) Local beer festivals, Maxim Brewery tap Saturday 5th & Sunday 6th Nov: Fine wines & lagers 11am till late • Pie & peas: £1.50 Pubs, Clubs, Restaurants, Monday Quiz night - Tuesday Steak FREE ENTRY Hotels, Cafe’s, night Thursday Curry Club Outside caterers etc DARLINGTON Sunday lunches Snooker Club 1 Corporation Road, Darlington, County Easy Ice Durham, DL3 6AE TEL: 01325 241388 Telephone 07904 957780 The Wild Boar www.icecubedeliveries.co.uk Houghton le Spring DH4 4BN Tel: 0191 5128050 Find us on facebook www.houghtonlespring.org.uk

UNDER Robin hood inn New Management Open Daily from Noon A warm welcome awaits Traditional homecooked food served everyday Real ales on tap - we support local breweries 6 Handpulls serving local and national Real Ales Cosy bar & lounge plus a separate restaurant Excellent selction of fine wines Families welcome - We are dog friendly (in the bar) Snacks and coffee served from 10am Large beer garden - Ample parking Comfortable and cosy surroundings This Christmas relax and enjoy wonderful Glenn, Chris and the team look forward Come on in and see for yourself food in traditional surroundings. to seeing you So whether it is a cosy meal for two or a gathering of friends the rustic Lion & Lamb makes Robin Hood Inn the perfect retreat this Christmas. East Wallhouses, Military Road, For more information on our Christmas menus Northumberland, NE18 0LL The Seven Stars visit our website or give us a call Tel: 01434 672273 21 Main Street, Ponteland, NE20 9 NH email:[email protected] Telephone 01661 872670 Telephone 01661 852952 • www.lionlamb.co.uk www.robinhoodinn-militaryroad.co.uk 14 cheers october 2011 One Grateful Bar Star The bar’s a panorama from a Seventies drama as we carry our contraptions in The landlady has a grimace and a neck tattoo, and is seventy per cent gin Her husband is a bulldog with a broken face who spent the last four years inside The stage is a corner of a darkened room where last Saturday’s singer died

The punters have a fair share of professional drinkers and the clearly quite unwell There’s an old man at the bar who looks like he might have had a paper round in hell The lads are all resplendent in their ironed shirts that their mothers put them in the girls are wearing little but a scowl and a tan waiting for the band to begin

But singing in the beer is my dream career, from the first chord to the last I’ll still tell tales of how I won them over when my turn as the turn has passed The clapping and the laughter will echo ever after, in the end we’ll raise the roof as one The singer, the punters, the pub and the night are all parts of the people’s song.

A poem about performing live, written specially for Cheers by Simma

EHH! NUMBERS

The temperature that James Bond preferred his 98.4 Japanese sake, immortalised in You Only Live Twice. Bond: “I like sake, especially when it is served at the correct veteran: Ray Laidlaw, formerly of Lindisfarne, temperature – 98.4 degrees Fahrenheit – like this is.” but still very active in the region’s music scene Tiger Tanaka: “For a European, you are exceptionally cultivated.”

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 High House Farm Brewery • Breakfast menu from 7:00am - 11:00am Award winning restaurant and tearoom serving speciality teas and coffees • Freshly made sandwiches Fresh home made meals using local produce • Paninis, wraps and pizzas Shop selling hand crafted gifts, jams and preserves • Delicious cakes, pastries Childrens outdoor play area - Disabled access - Ample free parking and cookies Well stocked bar with 4 real ales, ciders, lagers and fi ne wines • Hot meals served in the Pre bookable brewery tours from 2 to 20+ Café and Grand Room from 15 different ales in cask and bottle for trade and retail customers 11:00am - 5:00pm LIZZIES DIMPLES OUR NEW Bar & Deli STOP GOLDEN BROWN ALE PRESS NOW AVAILABLE Grand Central Station, 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

october 2011 cheers 15 view from abroad CzechBeerMan

you will not go short of anything. Your palate and stomach will be satisfied – Scrooge is CzechBeerMan can easily guarantee that! Guess whose beer was voted this year as the best? Yes, you are right, it was the tiny, almost unknown Rukodelny pivovarek Trebonice (Hand-Crafted Little Brewery of number one Trebonice (www.pivovarektrebonice.com) with its magnificent “Skrblik” (Niggard, Scrooge) The latest report from Libor Vojacek, alias CzechBeerMan, is from top-fermented Scottish Ale 12° extract* with Eastern Europe’s largest annual microbrewery festival a touch of heather! Bingo! And this is all about the Sun in The Glass Festival. This is a festival ear Cheers readers, hello my of tastes, not a festival of big commercialised dear British beer lovers, let me and profaned, vulgarised names. This is a now invite you to the biggest festival of surprises! Only taste is winning. festival of microbreweries in the And it seems to me that the festival is getting DCzech Republic. Every year, on the second also international attention and reputation. I met Saturday of September, there is the “Slunce guys from two Swedish buses there; I talked to a ve Skle” (Sun in the Glass) microbreweries group of Americans, guys from Lithuania as well. festival organised by Purkmistr Brewery there are some 130 of them in the country, and What are you waiting for? I wanna next year (www.purkmistr.cz) and taking place on at the festival itself was this year represented meet guys from the UK and from Camra too! their own brewery courtyard in Plzen city. about 44 Czech microbreweries, plus the Come on. Mark in your calendar September 22, This is a pure festival of microbrewing and Slovakian microbrewery Sandorf Prievaly and 2012 – this is the date when the next Sun in the “big fish” like Staropramen and Krusovice the Vietnamese Hoa Vien Brewery as guests. Glass Festival is gonna to be. Welcome to Plzen, are not represented or invited and neither So, a good number to taste really excellent welcome to the city where the first lager was born. are they welcomed. Banned! Haha. beers – all unfiltered, of course, and under one Welcome actually back “home”. Microbrewing is booming in the Czech roof. Estimated attendance this year was 10,000 n The festival has also its own Republic; microbreweries are born – some with people. The brewery courtyard was filled up website www.slunceveskle.cz big “birth pains” – almost daily and you can hardly by breweries’ stands, there is live music, beer Email: [email protected] find a week without a new one established. Today surveys, food, outside grills… do not worry, http://album.inmail.cz/@beer-articles

The place to meet in Darlington... Traditional Ale House and Canteen. We serve a superb range of real ales, continental beers and wines Darlington CAMRA Pub of the year 2008 Food served 12 - 2pm Monday to Saturday

Coniscliffe Road, Darlington, DL3 7RG Telephone 01325 354590

16 cheers october 2011 n visit www.cheersnortheast.co.uk to have your say

lotta bottle: The Tomcat Brewery’s stall Flanders and swanning it The annual Brussels Beer weekend was yet another great success, as Alastair Gilmour finds out

There’s one very good reason why we the Grand’Place, the stunningly beautiful pretend there are no famous Belgians. square in Brussels which last month We’re frightened of them. Or more to hosted the Beer Weekend (or Brussels the point, we’re scared of their beer. Beer Festival). It’s surely the most delightful Fear often comes out of misunderstanding setting of any for a beer festival. and we don’t get the hang of a nation that brews Granted, virtually all of the festival’s beers Abbey beers, Trappist beers, white beers, fruit come from Belgium’s more familiar producers, beers, spontaneously-fermented beers, Antwerp but that doesn’t mean that the beers aren’t barley beer, West Flanders brown, Duvel, worth travelling all that way for. Who would want Oudenaarde, Gildenbier and Saison de Silly. to miss out on Strubbe Pils, Duboisson Gauloise We understand Bitter, Mild, Lager and Stout; Ambrée, or Boon Gueuze Mariage Parfait? familiar terms, friendly names, comfortable, The Beer Weekend is an aficionados delight and n The strength of Czech beer is measured enjoyable, pleasant and loose-fitting styles. North Shields-based DFDS seaways recognised in degrees on the Plato (or Balling) scale Lambic, Faro and Gueuze could be Anderlecht’s this by organising a special trip to Brussels. which represents the percentage of extract midfield for all some of us know. But, actually, And, the plan is to do it again in 2012. Cheers (sucrose) in a solution. A 10° beer would some of us care; some of us love Belgian will be running a special feature in the have a 10% extraction and have an alcohol beers with a passion and enjoy their vast early part of the year, so don’t miss out. range of flavours, aromas and strengths. n www.dfds.com by volume strength of 3.8-4.2%. Trebonice And, the place to educate your palate is www.weekendelabiere.be/en/pages/home.htm Brewery’s Skrblik is around 5.0% abv. !"#$%&'(()

Everybody’s !*+#&,*+# Talking About Us - Why? -&."#/0&)/1&(20 Because we have a 3/$0#4&521&/+)&6#/"+&/5(20&,*+#$ FANTASTIC range of bottled /6(+.$*)#&."#/0&7((8*+.&'"(9&:/7%*+$ Real Ales, Continental Beers, Lagers & Ciders /+)&3%#&!#/0%#"$&;++&<&=>&?/$0"(@25 /+)&?"#/0&A"*0*$%&B25&('&0%#&C#/"&DEFFG&-66&*+& Don’t take out word for it /&&7*H*6*$#)&"2"/6&$#00*+.4&*+&'6(("#)&/+)&%#/0#)& come on in and see for yourself or check us on Twitter '#$0*H/6&9/"I2##$4&,*0%&6*H#&92$*7&/+)&9("#J COPPERS  %"#)! # "##  $% 17 Princes Street, Brunton Park, Northumbria Gosforth, NE3 5TT Food & Wine Festival !"#%& #""!(!$%'  Telephone 019 2170043 "&"#% $!%%$ @copper8till8

october 2011 cheers 17 Q&A Kathleen Croft, The Grey Horse, Consett We ask the questions Kathleen Croft, The Grey Horse, Consett

How long have you been in the that after a few pints. Ha ha, so pub trade and how long have ’way back in 1997 I took a part- you been at The Grey Horse? time job in a small local pub. I’ve enjoyed my working life here at this great pub, affectionately What is the best thing known as The Horse, for over six about your job? years. Never for one moment did There’s nothing more wonderful I ever imagine I would work in in life than hearing laughter. a pub serving real ale, for I had It’s infectious and good for you, studied at university for three years too. The Grey Horse is one of to become a graphic designer. those special pubs where you can do just that; we don’t have What made you do it TVs or juke-boxes, we just chat in the first place? and laugh. The crack is brilliant. in the cold cellar, moving and If you had a pet hamster I love the atmosphere in pubs, the It’s the best feeling in the world lifting casks and barrels. That what would you call it? evening especially when people making someone laugh. I love it. soon puts you right. If it doesn’t, It’s almost similar to a hamster come in to unwind have a few there’s always gin and tonic. as its often found asleep in the drinks and relax. You talk about And the worst? bar. Everyone calls him Crofty but anything and everything. I believe You know that feeling when Are you a pint or a he’s my rock. He says: ‘Someone all young people should have you have to get up early after a halves person? has to be the QC and sample work experience in a bar – it gives late night and you’re slow and What????? Of course not, “I’m the beers. After all, we wouldn’t you life and social skills. Think sluggish? Yes that one, its not a Lady”. Only champagne want the good reputation of our about it, you use maths, sciences, too good is it? Working here, will do, but I don’t mind Consett Ale Works to be tarnished English – oh and my favourite, however, I’ve discovered a quick drinking it from the bucket. would we, so I’ll just try another Gobbledygook. Everyone uses remedy – it’s called working out (Is bucket a legal measure?) White Hot, mmmmmmm. The Red Lion maxim Brewery at Milfield

Great Beer, Great Brands

We offer a good range of real ales using local and national brewers from both sides of the Border

We are situated 9 miles South of the Scottish Border on the A697 in Milfield, Wooler, Northumberland NE71 6JD. 1 Gadwall Road Houghton le Spring DH4 5NL Telephone: 01668 216224 Telephone: (0191) 584 8844 Email: [email protected] www.redlionmilfield.co.uk

18 cheers october 2011 AUTUMN BEER FESTIVAL Thursday 20th till Sunday 23rd October

Over 25 real ales & West Country ciders. Apart from The Grey Horse, Mel loves White Hot Ale and Saturday 19th - Hog Roast from 6pm, £6.50 per person what’s your favourite pub/pubs? can be found enjoying his pint (includes jacket potato & salad). If you ever get a chance to visit at weekends in the bar in our Music from the decades from 9pm. Tickets on sale now! London, you must go to The aptly-named Bullshit Corner. Christmas Fayre and Christmas Day menus now available Jerusalem Tavern, 55 Britton High Horton, Cramlington, NE24 4HF Street EC1. It’s great. Built in What words or phrases Three Horseshoes 01670 822410, www.threehorseshoes.horton.co.uk 1719, it was once a merchant do you most overuse? house, a watchmaker’s and a Drink… along with thank you, but coffee house. Its dimly lit interior my favorite phrase is ‘One more? welcomes you on a dark winter’s Arggh go on’. They can’t resist NEWCASTLE ARMS night. It’s a tiny pub with wooden and that’s when I’ll sit down and floors, candles, hidden tables and relax and have my cocoa. That AWARD WINNING stuffed animals. The beer is nice is how you spell wine isn’t it? and a variety of peculiar flavours CASK ALE PUB are on offer from bitter to lemon After the last customer has left, do and ginger, elderberry beer and you relax with whisky or cocoa? grapefruit ale. Well worth a look. My pillow. It’s a long day HALLOWEEN BEER FESTIVAL but I wouldn’t change it. Who was the last celebrity Thursday 27th till Sunday 30th October you served in the pub and n The Grey Horse is on Sherburn Featuring some frighteningly good beers what were they like? Terrace, Consett. The pub dates The Grey Horse has its very back to 1848 and is a two-roomed, served on handpull over the weekend. own local celeb – Mel Ayton, an traditional and very friendly oasis A real pub with real tradition. investigative journalist and true close to the Coast to Coast pathway. crime writer who has appeared Consett Ale Works beers Come on in, the beer is great. in many documentaries for are brewed in buildings National Geographic and the at the rear of the pub. 57 St Andrews St, Newcastle NE1 5SE Discovery Channel and as a Tel: 01207 502585. www. t: 0191 260 2490 | w: www.newcastlearms.co.uk historical consultant for the BBC. greyhorseconsett.co.uk

FREE ADMISSION Pants REAL ALE on fire FESTIVAL – in November Jennings of Cockermouth’s – a contest WITH A COUPLE October “special” ale is is held in the OF REAL CIDERS Laughing Gravy, but look out Bridge Inn at for next month’s. It’s a true Santon Bridge, THURSDAY 20TH OCTOBER late autumn-early winter ale Cumbria, to TILL 23RD OF OCTOBER called World’s Biggest Liar award the title of AT THE DUNES, SOUTH SHIELDS (4.3% abv). “The Biggest Liar THURSDAY OPENS 7:00PM - 11:00PM The dark golden-brown bitter in the World” to the person FRI, SAT & SUN OPENS 11:00AM - 11:00PM with a chocolate, toffee and roast who is worthy of following in his IN ASSOCIATION WITH malt character is named after a footsteps. WWW.SMALLBEERWHOLESALE.CO.UK Cumbrian called Will Ritson (1808- Further information at 1890). He liked to tell a tale or two www.santonbridge.com and - 20 ALEʼS OF THE FINEST QUALITY SOURCED did “Auld Will”, so now every year www.jenningsbrewery.co.uk LOCALLY AND NATIONALLY - CASK CONTIONED REAL ALE - NORMAL BAR OPEN AS USUAL QUOTE OF THE MONTH Jarrow Brewing is providing something local & special Madame Lilly Bollinger on when to drink champagne: RIVET CATCHER at 3.9% “I drink it when I am happy and when I am sad. Sometimes WWW.DUNESADVENTUREISLAND.CO.UK I drink it when I am alone. When I have company I consider DUNES TELEPHONE: 0191 455 5255 it obligatory. I trifle with it when I am not hungry and drink it The Dunes, Sea Road, South Shields, NE33 2LD when I am. Otherwise I never touch it – unless I am thirsty.” october 2011 cheers 19 Advertisers announcement news A new name Small in the brewing medium industry... in largely scary night

Something has been stirring in the that’s weird…) but apparently lots night at High House Farm brewery of his information matched up. near Matfen in Northumberland. Dates, names of former workers Or not. One or two people reckon and specific messages from farm they have heard spooky goings- family members had many of the on in the award-winning, Grade High House staff a little bit more II-listed former cowsheds – black convinced he was on to something – Gerard Christie has been running Advanced Packaging shadows, footsteps, doors closing Materials for 14 years, manufacturing protective packaging and scared, even. corrugated boxes in the specialised low-volume, niche market. – then a spiritualist group called Ouija board messages were SpiritNights UK got to hear of it. relayed from the 1800s about a little “We have always looked for new opportunities in the packaging General manager Heather Scott boy aged five who couldn’t read or industry,” says managing director Gerard. “And I believe we have says: “They contacted us asking write (again, he was only five), but found two unique offerings that are ideal for the brewery industry.” if we’d do a paranormal activity was very upset. There were also Advanced Packaging Materials has gathered together several evening. I ended up staying the messages about a “George A”. segments of the packaging industry so the company – based in whole time, till about 3.30am. There George Angus used to run the farm. Blyth, Northumberland – is now able to offer high quality printed were seven or eight of them – two “They said something about a lady packaging without the expense of having to buy large quantities. of them mediums – plus about nine called Elsie,” says Heather. “Well, “We can supply volumes from as few as 100 full graphic boxes”’ says of us. that’s Steven Urwin’s (the brewery’s Gerard. “Artwork is kept to a minimum, as printing plates which would “They set up cameras and we first owner) grandmother and she normally cost hundreds of pounds are no longer required. had to do a ‘circle of protection’ was saying something about beware “This allows businesses to purchase boxes for special events such and held vigils. They said there of burning yourself on the oil lamp. as Christmas or for corporate clients without having to purchase was something strange about Steven’s dad Geoff burned himself quantities of thousands from traditional packaging companies. We the conditioning room and that’s when he was young.” have had a lot of interest from local brewing companies with orders where the old steam threshing The corner of a farm trailer was being placed and discussions taking place for special brews and for machine used to be. I’ve often sat apparently raised, but did that make the Christmas market.” here working on my own through Heather any more accepting that Gerard Christie believes that this low-volume capacity will give the the night, but I’ve never felt afraid. paranormal activity exists and was drinks industry the opportunity to market its products without a large It’s an old farm; it’s bound to creak. there something from the night vigil outlay on packaging. Some of the staff were impressed that struck her particularly? though.” “I’m very sceptical about this Advanced Packaging Materials’ other initiative has emerged from One of the mediums – called sort of thing,” she says. “But one its long experience in the protective packaging industry. The fi rm is developing a unique, cost-effective suspension system for the Alan – picked up on a dog from medium came back for Sunday transportation of bottles which is being aimed at the internet market. the past (ooh, dogs and farms, lunch.” This highly cost-effective system will help to prevent breakages in transit – not only for beer, but for wine and other bottles. He’s Office head Ricky Gervais, star and co-creator of The Advanced Packaging Materials Office and Extras has admitted he has had to give up going to the pub – because strangers For further information please telephone Gerard on insist on trying to drink a pint with him. 01670 546677 or 07814011486 Gervais said: “People are lovely, but someone email: [email protected] will come and sit down and ask, ‘Can I join you 16A Cowley Road, Blyth Industrial Estate, for a pint?’ and I say, ‘No, I don’t know you, so obviously not.’ Blyth, Northumbelrand, NE24 5TF “People then tell me, ‘You’ve changed’ and then I think, ‘I haven’t, I never used to drink with fucking strangers’.” 20 cheers october 2011 STUFF THE SUPERMARKETS 2011 FREE BEER TO TAKE HOME!

Black Sheep Brewery Buy 48 pints of Black Sheep, get a case to take home FREE Harviestoun Brewery Buy 48 pints of Harviestoun, get a case to take home FREE Wylam Brewery Buy 72 pints of Wylam, get a case to take home FREE Westons Cider Buy 72 pints of Westons, get a case to take home FREE Buy 48 pints of Grolsch, Grolsch Lager get a case of Carling to take home FREE Coca Cola Buy 80 bottles of Coca Cola, get a case to take home FREE Erdinger Buy 12 pints of Erdinger, get a gift pack FREE Start collecting your stamps now for collection before Christmas! Exclusions apply - please see in outlets for full details Support your favourite pubs and get your take home from us! The Head Of Steam Newcastle 2 Neville Street 0191 230 4236 The Central Half Moon Lane, Gateshead 0191 478 2543 The Cluny 36 Lime St, , Newcastle 0191 230 4474 LYH 10 Northumberland Road, Newcastle 0191 232 1308 Tilleys Bar 105 Westgate Road, Newcastle 0191 232 0692 The Head Of Steam Durham 3 Reform Place, North Road 0191 383 2173 terms and conditions at www.theheadofsteam.co.uk

Feature: Caledonian deuchars ipa have your say

Log on to Birthday cheersnortheast.co.uk beer – you’re due one One of the nation’s favourite ales celebrates its 21st anniversary this Here’s to us: Deuchars IPA has become one month, so raise a glass to Deuchars IPA of Britain’s favourite beers

t’s the name that people still Stone Brewery of JS Arnison in company lived on was taken over the Lochside Brewery of William have difficulty with, though , Newcastle (pictured). By by Newcastle Breweries in 1953. Ross & Co in Montrose, Scotland, heaven knows why. Deuchars 1900 Robert Deuchar Ltd Then there was the and the aerated water company is pronounced Due-cars, not controlled 40 licensed other one. James of Robert Emmerson Junior on IDoichers or Dukkers as is often houses on Tyneside. Deuchar was said Scotswood Road, Newcastle. heard in pubs across the country. In 1899 he had to have arrived Beers were carried south Caledonian Deuchars IPA (3.8% bought Pattinson’s on Tyneside from Montrose on the firm’s own abv) comes of age this month and Duddingston from Scotland steamers, Lochside and Lochside it has been a success story from Brewery near in the mid- II. Robert Deuchar had also built day one. In a world of vibrant cask Edinburgh at 1860s with only up a portfolio of public houses ale sales it is now running Sharp’s auction. A year two shillings and hotels in Newcastle –The Doom Bar a close second in terms later he acquired the in his pocket. Grand in Barras Bridge (1890), of percentage sales, which last year business of Simpson He became a the Royal Turk’s Head in 1927 and grew by an impressive 26.8%. & McPherson which had publican at the Argyle in the 1930s the company built But where did the name come breweries in Edinburgh “Around 1888, Hotel, Gateshead, then in the Corner House, Heaton, and from and why put such importance and Melrose, and Robert Deuchar 1872 he became licensee the Three Mile Inn, Gosforth. on it? The answers lie in the fertile Tyneside pubs belonging began brewing of the Ridley Arms in James Deuchar died in 1927 beer market between Tyneside to John McPherson. at the Sandyford Pilgrim Street, Newcastle, at the age of 78, leaving an estate and Edinburgh. According to Deuchar himself Stone Brewery carrying out extensions valued at £1,331,716. He was thought the marvellously informative developed an interest in Jesmond, and alterations to the to be the largest farm owner in Newcastle.” book Brewers and Bottlers of in horse-breeding and brewery at the rear. Northumberland with more than Newcastle upon Tyne by Brian farming and gradually Deuchar’s brewing 7,000 acres across the county. Bennison (Newcastle City Library handed over the business to activities took off, centred firstly James Deuchar Ltd was taken and Arts) Robert Deuchar came his son Farquar. Production in Sunderland, then in Scotland. over by Newcastle Breweries in 1956. from Forfarshire as a young man increased at Duddingston but In 1888 he stepped up brewing So, Due-Cars it is. Perhaps and entered the beer trade as a the company ceased brewing at operations by buying WH Allinson’s it’s time to give yourself a licensed victualler. Around 1888 he Melrose and Sandyford. Robert Brewery. In 1900 birthday treat. Your due one. began brewing at the Sandyford Deuchar died in 1904 but the James Deuchar Limited bought

Feature: what’s available From bespoke ales to major brands LWC Limited, the Washington-based distributor, is in a vast range that embraces the major brands to the launching a new range of cask ales, with a strong most progressive microbreweries. The company – local theme. Sailor Geordie and Northern Star are with eight other centres around the country alongside bespoke ales brewed by Hadrian & Border Brewery. its state-of-the-art Washington depot – has its focus They will complement the 4,800 items the company very much on service, price and product range. keeps in stock from draught lagers, cask conditioned Bengali beer? Coming right up. English ale? You got beers, bottled beers, premium packaged spirits, it. German beer? Ja, mein herr. Vintage champagne? wines, spirits, soft drinks, gas, glassware and cleaning Ooh-la-la. materials. Start off your day in the best possible fashion by LWC sells more than £40m worth of beer every year calling Kat Crammon on 0191 385 1600. october 2011 cheers 23 10-Dipton 41x93.5 ad:Layout 1 19/1/11 13:36 Page 1

Beer festivals Dipton Mill Inn All you’d want a country pub to be... Beer festivals to set Dipton Mill Road, Hexham NE46 1YA Tel: the pulse racing 01434 606577 www.diptonmill.co.uk Wetherspoons Beer home-made food. Festival: Wednesday October 5 Entry £3 includes festival glass to Sunday October 23. Featuring and programme (strictly no 800-plus pubs nationwide, 45 under-18s). Great Ales - 2 Great Pubs beers including five from the US and festival specials. The Dunes Beer Festival: Five American cask-conditioned Sea Road, South Shields NE33 beers will be on offer as part 2LD: Thursday October 20 (7pm) of the company’s 19-day beer to Sunday October 23. Twenty ales festival. Tasting notes for all the expected. beers are available in-house. Three Horseshoes Beer Sunderland Octoberfest: Festival: High Horton, Bonded Warehouse, Low Street, Cramlington, Northumberland. Sunderland SR1 2RQ. Thursday Thursday October 20 to Sunday October 6 (4pm) to Saturday October 23. Twenty ales expected. The Crown Inn October 8. Thirty ales plus cider, Details: http://threehorseshoes- Entry £1 (free to Camra members horton.co.uk/FolkFestival.aspx Homecooked food and students). Station Road, Corbridge, Children always welcome Details: www.camra-angle.co.uk Chester le Street Cricket Northumberland NE45 5AY The Crown Inn Club Beer Festival: Ropery Humsaugh, Hexham, Northern Rugby Club Lane, Chester-le-Street DH3 Tel: 01434 633633 or visit Northumberland, NE46 4AG Oktoberfest: McCracken Park, 3PF. Friday October 21 to www.dyvelsinn.co.uk Telephone 01434 681231 Great North Road, Gosforth, Saturday October 22. Details: Newcastle NE3 2DT. Friday www.chesterlestreet-cc.com October 7 (5pm) and Saturday October 8. Entry £3 (free to Newcastle Arms Beer Camra members). Around 30 ales Festival: St Andrews Street, and ciders, German sausages, Newcastle NE1 5SE. Thursday German wine. Details: www. November 3 to Sunday November northernfootballclub.co.uk 6. About 30 beers, 13 at a time, all mostly “new”. As landlord Neil VOTED TOP 100 PUBS IN BRITAIN Alnmouth Beer Festival: Amos puts it: “No food, no music, The Red Lion Inn, Alnmouth just excellent beer”. Details: www. NE66 2RJ. Friday October 7 to newcastlearms.co.uk Sunday October 9. Thirty beers. £5 entry includes special glass, Newcastle Cricket Club programme and your first beer. Real Ale and Cider Festival: Osborne Avenue, Jesmond, Snods Edge Beer Festival: Newcastle NE2 1JS. Thursday St Johns Church Hall, Snods November 3 to Monday November Edge, Consett, County Durham 7. More than 30 ales and ciders DH8 9TJ. Friday October 8 (6- with a specially-brewed “124 Idyllic countryside location 11pm) and Saturday October 8 (2- Not Out” to celebrate the club’s 11pm). Real ales from around the imminent 125th anniversary. Excellent selection of Real Ales and Fine Wines A warm region, plus ciders and traditional Details: www.newcastlecc.co.uk Homecooked food served daily welcome awaits from 2 For 1 Offer - Sunday to Thursday 5.30- 7.30 pm Lesley, Matt Sunday Lunch - 3 course £16.95 and the team Exotic Menu Nights - Telephone for details En-suite accomodation - Explore Northumberland and the Pennines

Blanchland, County Durham, DH8 9SP Telephone 01434 675 251 www.lordcrewehotel.co.uk Thurs 3rd - Mon 7th Nov • www.newcastlecc.co.uk 24 cheers october 2011 Feature: Culture Busker silly question icons: According to Jeff Price, Jimi Hendrix Jeff Price reveals some musical history met Elvis Presley in Newcastle... involving giants of the radiogram I was enjoying a pint of Deuchars and I decided to do a bit of I never forgot this place. I came something I’ll never forget. Two IPA in the Brandling Villa on one travelling and I got a ferry to back again in 1966. Newcastle Jehovah’s Witnesses were selling of those sultry summer’s nights North Shields. I had a long weekend was really buzzing then. I saw the their magazine and Jimi looked we don’t often get in Newcastle and I wanted to get away and it Animals at the GoGo Club and Bob at it and said: ‘It’s funny how and I was thinking how wrong it seemed like the perfect place.” Dylan at the Odeon. Anyway, I was most people love the dead. Once was that smokers had made beer “How come this is the first having a pint in the Chillingham you’re dead you’re made for life.’ gardens almost uninhabitable I ever heard of Elvis visiting Arms when I heard the sound of “He looked down at the magazine when Elvis sat down beside me. Newcastle?” I said, sarcastically. somebody thrashing a guitar like a again and said, ‘That reminds me, “Do you know,” he said, “it was a “It wasn’t like today,” Elvis said. nun beating a schoolboy, and there I must get in touch with Bob Dylan, day like this in 1958 when I made “There are thousands of pictures was this young black guy busking I want to record one of his songs.’” my first visit to Newcastle.” of celebrities in every newspaper on the corner. I offered to buy him “Which one,” I asked. “What!” I spat the words now. I was well known, but not that a pint. Turns out he was a fellow “All Along The Watchtower.” out, nearly spilling my pint famous here and with my shaved American – from Seattle – his n Missed some of previous Elvis in the process. “What were Army haircut, no-one seemed name was Jimi and he was staying and the Geordie stories and have you doing in Newcastle?” to take much notice of me. nearby with a guy called Chas. a Kindle? Catch up by going to “It was my first year in the Army “I only stayed for a few days, but “As we were chatting, he said http://tinyurl.com/3cw9tc4

Stefan Glerum whose style infuses The Duvel you know influences from Art Deco to Bauhaus, Russian Constructivism Following on from the success Initially developed in the 1960s, and Psychedelia. And Emil Kozak’s of last year’s inaugural Duvel Duvel’s glass is designed to design has been inspired by a Collection of glassware, the accentuate the aromas and lifelong passion for skateboarding. Belgian speciality ale has flavours of the 8.5% abv bottle- n For further information, visit collaborated with four new artists conditioned beer. http://duvelcollection.com/ to launch its second edition of One of the limited-edition DuvelSite_en.html. RRP £15.50 bespoke designs. glasses was created by artist per glass including delivery. Inaugural Autumn Beerfest A Gem in the heart of Ponteland Thursday 3rd - Monday 7th November • Private Function room available • En-suite accommodation 15 Real Ales all from Yorkshire plus ciders and perrys • Enjoy Friday night here - save on taxi fares (B&B) Open: Thursday, Friday, Saturday & Monday • Real ales - homecooked food 12 noon -12 midnight Sunday 12 noon - 4 pm & 7 pm - 1 pm Food served 12 noon - 9 pm Sunday lunch 12 noon - 4 pm Trevor and Gwen (The Barley Mow) look forward to seeing you

The Cross Keys Front Street, Esh, Main Street, Ponteland, NE20 9BB County Durham, DH7 9QR Telephone: 01661 872898 Telephone 0191 3731279 email: [email protected] www.thediamondinn.co.uk

october 2011 cheers 25 FEATURE: head of steam group special

The Head of Steam group’s pubs have a full calendar of events right through to the new year Octoberfest is not only for Germans

The Central in Gateshead – a new entry The Head Of Steam - at Reform Place, off Tilleys Bar - on Westgate Road, Newcastle, in the Camra Good Beer Guide 2012 – is North Road in Durham City – another new has its very own film festival sponsored by hosting Oktoberfest at Das Zentrale over entry in the Camra Good Beer Guide 2012 – is Harviestoun Shiehallion, and will ask: “Who is the weekend of October 8-9, featuring featuring some terrific events through October the world’s greatest living actor?” Customers exceptionally rare real ales such as Fernandez and November. have been voting on Facebook and in the Weiss Beer, Downtown German Pale Ale, They include “Halloweek” from October 25 till pub for a Top Ten and films from that list Durham Viennese Maltz, Harviestoun November 1 where a selection of themed ales will be shown every Monday, Tuesday and Hoptoberfest, Tyne Bank German Alt plus will be available plus fiery Mexican specials on Wednesday night throughout October. The Rauchbiermarzen (smoked beer) and Erdinger the food menu. first film (October 2) is The Fighter. There will Festival Weiss. Special bottled beers will Throughout November, the theme is “hot and be a number of free tastings of Shiehallion include the delightful Hacker Pshhorr, fiery” – hot fruit wines (popular in Poland) will during the month. The film festival is running Kuppers Kolsh, Schneider Weiss Blonde and be available. November 1 is “Day of the Dead”, a alongside the aptly named Dark Star Brewery Flensburger Gold. There will also national holiday in Mexico celebrating real ale festival which features 18 ales from be a selection of themed menu the favourite foods and drinks of the cult West Sussex brewery. specials. The Central is deceased family members, so hot Details: Tel Graham Frost on 0191 232 0692. The Central is also launching also launching Mexican food specials will be available regular comedy nights – planned for regular comedy to be cooled down with refreshing The Cluny - in Ouseburn, Newcastle, nights – the first Thursday of every month ice-cool Mexican beers such as Dos has decreed October Harviestoun Month, planned for the (from October 6), a showcase of up- first Thursday Equis, Pacifico, Sol, Corona, Modelo with every available beer from the famous and-coming comic talent, starting of every month and Negra Modelo. Harviestoun Brewery in Scotland available. with Howard Lee, Sean Turner and November 5 is also Bonfire Night It is also Cider Month with an ever-changing George Zach. Tickets £3. with a fire pit burning outside and a range of 20 ciders to complement the pub’s Thursday at The Central is also Curry Night free cup of soup while listening to the Blues regulars, Westons Old Rosie and Cider Twist – any cask ale or glass of wine and a curry from the likes of Muddy Waters and Seasick Ginger. And you can dine on Old Rosie sausage for £5.99 is in anybody’s books an absolute Steve. and mash and pears baked in spiced cider. bargain. The lamb bhuna has been a massive November 24-26 will see American A different weekly menu special will appear hit with a quality to match – if not surpass – Thanksgiving with turkey dishes on the menu, with the likes of Normandy pork with mustard, the best Indian restaurants. All home-made, warming pumpkin and squash-style soups plus cream and apples; locally-sourced rabbit pie sourcing local ingredients where possible. American beers such as Flying Dog, Sierra cooked with cider, celery, apples and juniper Also look out for a focus on cider with a Meet Nevada and Goose Island. berries, and moules marinère cooked in the Cider Maker event on October 13 just During the month, everyone is being encouraged cider with shallots, parsley, chilli and cream. one part of the month’s activities – alongside to grow a moustache for the November Details: Tel Julian Ives on 0191 230 4474. vintage, organic, traditional and scrumpy initiative, in support of prostate cancer research, Head of Steam, Reform Place, Durham. ciders which will also influence the menu. culminating in a party on November 30. Details tel Simon Ritson 0191 383 2173. Details: Tel Dave, Ian or Gav 0191 478 2543. Details: Tel Simon Ritson on 0191 383 2173. 26 cheers october 2011 COUNTRY INN HOLIDAY COTTAGES RAILWAY INN & CARAVAN PARK Offering a superb choice of menu Stuff The including gluten free - with a wide range of high quality food and drink all Supermarkets served within a relaxed and informal Christmas atmosphere. ‘A warm welcome awaits you at The Railway Inn whether it be for a bar meal, or a meal in our newly refurbished restaurant or simply a drink in front of our cosy fire. We hold regular themed nights, please check out our website for details’ Club 2011 Telephone: 01670 760320 The Railway Inn, Acklington, Northumberland, NE65 9BP. www.railway-inn.co.uk In an effort to combat the effect of the supermarkets on the pub industry, the Head of Steam is running a promotion based on obtaining free take-home drinks The Duke is Back!! if you choose selected products in the group’s pubs. We think it’s Oktoberfest - Thursday 27th - Sunday 30th October a lovely thank-you to our loyal customers. Now you can save 20 + Real Ales from local and national brewers stamps every time you purchase Why not come along, enjoy a few beers then pop over to the a particular product. This enables Comedy Cafe for some great entertainment you to get a free case or gift to Food served Monday to Saturday from 12pm Chef ’s Daily Specials take home after the promotion ends on Friday December 2. Monday is Quiz Night, great fun and prizes with Big Baz central Every time you purchase a product Wednesday is FIFA Night meeting: that is part of the promotion, The Central in your collector card – which fits LIve SpORt ShOWN Gateshead has quickly asserted neatly into your wallet or purse itself on the real – is stamped. Once you have had The Duke of Wellington ale and music stamped all the boxes, simply fill circuit high Bridge, Newcastle Upon tyne in the contact details and hand it Ne1 1eN back to staff at one of the pubs. n If that isn’t enough for cider For example, buy any 48 pints of t: 0191 2618852 lovers, Durham Head of Steam Black Sheep Ales over the 77-day will feature a vast array of promotion and receive a case of bottled and draught ciders, plus eight 500ml bottles free. It actually hot cider with orange and a Meet equates to less than a pint a day the Cider Maker event with Alan over the period. Products include “Beautifully restored to its Robinson from Westons (details Grolsch, Erdinger Weiss, Diet Original Victorian splendour” from the pub). Cider also gets Coke and all Wylam Brewery Jarrow Brewery are proud to re- open THE ISIS a look-in on the menu with a beers (except Heddon Light), plus selection of food specials. several others. The Head of Steam on Neville After the promotion ends you will Street, Newcastle, will stock be contacted to come and collect a selection of real ciders from your free beer to take home. makers such as as Broadoak, What could be easier? Visit any Gwynt y Draig and Westons Head of Steam group pub for an with Old Rosie cider sausages explanatory leaflet – or ask any in baguettes for the late-night member of staff. Details: Tel Ian crowd. Details: Tel Chris on Taylor 07766 332 556 or 0191 221 0191 230 4236. 2659.

12 Handpulls. On tap : Bitburger, Leffe, Erdinger, Staropramen & Timmermans plus a fine selection of Belgian bottled ales 26, Silksworth Row, Sunderland, SR1 3QJ OfficiaLLy OpEnS TO THE puBLic: 12 nOOn THuRSday 13TH OcTOBER 2011

october 2011 cheers 27 Proprietor Mr Norman Weatherburn Manager Mr J.J Bennett

UNDER NEW OWNERSHIP AND NOW OPEN 10 Handpulls serving real ales and real ciders Snacks and sandwiches available Live big screen sports shown - pool table the Kings manoR Brewery Tap for Hadrian and Border Brewery 132 140 NEW BRIDGE STREET, NEWCASTLE, NE1 5SZ

1448 Kings Manor - Full Page.indd 1 27/9/11 15:59:35 Feature: roger sterling

crawl will not be over-strenuous on this place was first imagined. It’s tiny. the legs, with an average distance I’m thinking whoever designed the of about 75 metres between Tardis did this place on their day off. cracking pints in cracking bars. The back shelves positively A good rub Not all is rosy about this groan under the weight of an embarrassment of fine ancient and unusually generous selection of atmospheric alehouses, however. enticing delights and the range Durham is as guilty as most in of cask ales belies the impossibly laying waste to some of its great modest proportions of the bar. with Vic “inn-heritance”. Crown jewels have A small fireplace, when lit (ie, been plundered in the vain cause most of the summer) provides Our pub talent scout lived in Durham for over of progress. But on the whole, the enough heat to toast a crumpet 20 years and it obviously search for a great bar in which from any point in the bar. gives maximum played a huge part in forming to sit and absorb some uniquely I was reminded of how enjoyable marks to a venerable my appreciation of what rewarding bar-karma in it is to sit and listen to Imakes a bar great. Durham is the shadow of the City’s the Vic’s widely varying Durham watering hole well blessed with some truly great epic “parish church” is “The range of cask “town and gown” old bars and I do mean “old”. not a difficult one. ales belies the clientele going about the In many of them you can And sparkling brightly impossibly modest ancient process of social easily imagine the odd Cavalier or amongst the very best proportions of the networking (you must of Roundhead popping in for a pre- of Durham’s treasure bar.” course, realise that bars punch-up flagon. It is abundantly trove of gems nestles The were, and for some will clear that the Prince Bishops had Victoria Inn, BKA “The Vic”. This always be, the original Facebook, a very sociable approach to most bijoux of bars sits quietly on where people went to twitter-on town planning and licensing the corner of a residential terrace about the issues of the day). laws. A Durham bar- on the edge of the city’s core. So next time you fancy a tweet, It is said that people are you could do little better than visit growing bigger by each generation, The Vic; a very venerable bar. which possibly provides a clue to THE VICTORIA INN IS ON what was in the builders’ plans when HALLGARTH STREET, DURHAM.

CUMBY AUTUMN CIDER A5_C1_CUMBY AUTUMN CIDER A5_C1 30/09/2011 16:19 Page 1 Entertainment Nights in October Thursday 6th Tom Mitchell Autumn Cider and Thursday 13th Open Mic Night with Den and Dave Perry Festival 2011 Everyone is welcome to play and/or sing Friday 14th, Saturday 15th and Sunday 16th October Saturday 15th KATH’S BIG THANK YOU PARTY As a special treat for all of our regular customers that have 60 ciders and perries supported us over the year Ales £1.50 a pint, All other beers £1.90 a pint available all weekend. Live music from The Midnight Assassins with Shaun Henderson, Plus FREE buffet ALL WELCOME - DONT MISS IT Good Food : Thursday 20th The Buskers An apple and pear mad menu available Thursday 27th Jon Gordon throughout the weekend and the Monday 31st HALLOWEEN NIGHT following week, featuring England’s A selection of Spooky Ales only £1.90 and free delicious homemade spicy pumpkin soup and warm crustye Grey bread with Horse lashings of butter finest ciders and perries. Kath and her staffHOME look TO forward CONSETT to seeing ALEWORKS you 115 Sherburn Terrace, Consett, County Durham, DH8 6NE e Grey HorseTelephone 01207 502585 HOME TO CONSETT ALEWORKS 115 Sherburn Terrace, Consett, For more info on all our gigs, festivals and news County Durham, DH8 6NE Telephone 01207 502585 visit www.thecumberlandarms.co.uk october 2011 cheers 29 The Angel inn The Hermitage Inn Northumberland Main Street, Corbridge, 23 Castle Street, NE45 5LA Warkworth, NE65 0UL Bamburgh Castle INN t: 01434 632119 t: 01665 711 258 A-Z Pub guide Seahouses, NE68 7SQ t: 01665 720283 The Black Bull The Joiners arms Middle Street, Corbridge, Newton-by-the-Sea, NE66 3EA n You can pick up your copy of cheers at any of these great pubs... Barrasford Arms NE45 5AT t: 01665 576 239 Barrasford Hexham, t: 01434 632261 NE48 4AA The Lindisfarne Inn Cheers is all about pubs in the North East t: 01434 681237 Beal, TD15 2PD The Black Bull t: 01289 381 223 and this should be a good place to start... Barrels 59-61 Bridge Street, The Lord Crewe Berwick,TD15 1ES Arms Hotel County Durham The Chelmsford The Royal Oak t:01289 308013 Blanchland, DH8 9SP Front Steet, Ebchester, 7 Manor Road, Medomsley t: 01434 675251 Butcher’s Arms DH8 0PJ Village, DH8 6QN Battlesteads Hotel Middle Chare, t: 01207 565811 t: 01207 560336 Wark, Hexham, The Manor Inn Chester le Street, DH3 3QB NE48 3LS Main Street, Haltwhistle, t: 0191 388 3605 The County The Scotch Arms t: 01434 230209 NE49 0BS 13 The Green, Aycliffe Vilage, Blackhill, Consett, DH8 8LZ e: [email protected] Bridge Street, t: 01434 322588 DERWENT WALK INN County Durham, DL5 6LX t: 01207 593709 www.battlesteads.com Warkworth, e: [email protected] Ebchester, t: 01325 312273 NE65 0XB www.themanorhousehaltwhistle.co.uk DH8 0SX The Smiths Arms Cross Keys t: 01207 560347 The Cross Keys Brecon Hill, Castle Dene, Thropton, Rothbury, NE65 7HX t: 01665 711367 The Olde Ship inn Front Street, Esh, DH7 9QR Chester le Street, DH3 4HE t: 01669 620362 9 Main Street, Seahouses, Dun Cow t: 0191 3731279 t: 0191 3857559 NE68 7RD 37 Old Elvet, Crown & Anchor Inn Real Ale, Real Fire, Real Pub t: 01665 720 200 Durham, DH1 3HN The Derwentside The Ship Market Place, Holy Island, Hire Porky’s Hog Roast any e: [email protected] t: 0191 386 9219 101 Durham Road, Blackhill, Low Road, Middlestone TD15 2RX party, any time www.seahouses.co.uk Consett, DH8 8RR Village, Middlestone, t: 01289 389215 Head of Steam t: 01207 590919 DL14 8AB The Pilot Inn 3 Reform Place, t: 01388 810904 Dipton Mill Inn The Black Bull 31 Low Greens, Durham, DH1 4RZ The Dun Cow Dipton Mill Road, Hexham, 2-4 Main Street, Lowick, Berwick upon Tweed, TD15 1LZ t: 0191 3832173 Primrose Hill, Bournmoor, The Sportsmans Arms NE46 1YA TD15 2UA t: 01289 304214 DH4 6DY Moor End Terrace, Belmont, t: 01434 606577 t: 01289 388228 HigHfield Hotel Bar t: 0191 385 2631 DH1 1BJ e: [email protected] The Plough & tHai restaurant t: 0191 3842667 www.diptonmill.co.uk The Black Bull Village Square, The Dun Cow Matfen, NE20 0RP Cramlington, NE23 1DN Front Street, Sedgefield, The Square & Compass Duke of Wellington t: 01661 886330 t: 01670 737633 TS21 3AT 7 The Green, West Cornforth, Newton, NE43 7UL t: 01740 620894 Ferryhill, DL17 9JQ t: 01661 844446 The Black Bull Inn The Queen’s Head Inn t: 01740 653050 Etal, TD12 4TL Great Whittington, NE19 2HP The Floater’s Mill Errington Arms t: 01890 820200 t: 01434 672 267 Woodstone Village, The Stables Stagshaw, Corbridge, , DH4 6BQ Beamish Hall Hotel, Beamish, NE45 5QB The Blue Bell The Railway Hotel t: 0191 385 6695 DH9 0BY t: 01434 672250 Hill Street, Corbridge, Church Street, Haydon Bridge, t: 01207 233 7333 NE45 5AA NE47 6JG 101 Durham Road, The George & Dragon General Havelock Inn t:01434 632789 t: 01434 684254 , 4 East Green, Heighington The Stables Haydon Bridge, NE47 6ER Houghton le Spring, Village, DL5 6PP West , t: 01434 684376 The Boathouse The Railway Inn DH5 9QT t: 01325 313152 Houghton le Spring, DH4 4ND e: [email protected] Wylam, NE41 8HR Acklington, Morpeth, NE65 9BP t: 0191 584 9226 t: 01661 853431 t: 01670 760 320 t: 0191 5120905 The Grey Horse Joiners Arms [email protected] 115 Sherburn Terrace, The Three Horseshoes Wansbeck Street, The Burnside The Rat Inn www.highfiedhoteldurham.co.uk Consett, DH8 6NE Pit House Lane, Leamside, Morpeth, NE61 1XZ Longhoughton, Alnwick, Anick, Hexham, NE46 4LN t: 01207 502585 Houghton Le Spring, t: 01670 513540 NE66 3JQ t: 01434 602 814 DH4 6QQ t: 01665 577303 Number Twenty-2 The Half Moon inn t: 0191 584 2394 Lion & Lamb The Red Lion 22 Coniscliffe Road, 86 New Elvet, Durham, Horsley, NE15 0NS The Carts Bog Inn 22 Northumberland Street, Darlington, DL3 7RG DH1 3AQ The Whitehills t: 01661 852952 Langley on Tyne, Alnmouth, NE66 2RJ t: 01325 354590 t: 0191 3741918 Waldridge Road, Hexham, NE47 5NW t: 01665 830584 e: [email protected] Chester le Street, DH2 3AB Newcastle Hotel t: 01434 684338 www.redlionalnmouth.co.uk www.twenty2.villagebrewer.co.uk The Honest Lawyer t: 0191 3882786 Front Street, Croxdale Bridge, Croxdale, Rothbury, NE65 7UT The Crown The Red Lion Inn Old Mill Hotel DH1 3HP The Wild Boar t: 01669 620334 Allendale Road, Catton, Milfield, Wooler, NE71 6JD Thinford Road, t: 0191 3783782 Frederick Place, NE47 9QS t: 01668 216224 Metal Bridge, Houghton le Spring, Dh4 4bn Olivers t: 01434 683 447 www.redlioninn-milfield.co.uk Coxhoe, DH6 5NX The Manor House Hotel t: 0191 5128050 60 Bridge Street, Blyth, t: 01740 652928 The Green, West Auckland, NE24 2AP The CROWN INN The ridley arms DH14 9HW The Victoria Inn t: 01670 540356 Humshaugh, Hexham, South Causey Inn t: 01388 834834 86 Hallgarth Street, NE46 4AG Beamish Burn Road, Durham, DH1 3AS Red Lion Inn t: 01434 681 231 Stanley, DH9 OLS THE MANOR HOUSE INN t: 0191 3860465 Stanegate Road, Newbrough, t: 01207 235555 Carterway Heads, Hexham, NE47 5AR The Diamond Inn Shotley Bridge, DH8 9LX Ye Olde Elm Tree t: 01434 674226 Main Street, Ponteland, Sun Inn t: 01207 255268 12 Crossgate, Durham City, www.redlionnewbrough.co.uk NE20 9BB Houghton Road, DH1 4PS t: 01661 872898 Newbottle, DH4 4EG The Market Tavern t: 0191 386 4621 Riverdale Hall Hotel t: 0191 584 1019 27 Market Place, Durham, Bellingham, NE48 2JT The Dyke Neuk DH1 3NJ t: 01434 220254 Meldon Nr Morpeth, Stannington, Surtees Arms t: 0191 3862069 North Yorkshire e: reservations@ NE61 3SL Morpeth, Chilton Lane, riverdalehallhotel.co.uk t: 01670 772 662 NE61 6EL Ferryhill, DL17 0DH The Mill The Crown Inn www.riverdalehallhotel.co.uk t: 01670 789216 t: 01740 655724 Durham Road, Rainton Bridge, Vicars Lane, Manfield, The Dyvels Inn e: [email protected] DH5 8NG, t: 0191 5843211 DL2 2RF Three Horseshoes Station Road, Corbridge, The Avenue Inn t: 01325 374243 Hathery Lane, Horton, NE45 5AY Avenue Street, The Miners Arms Cramlington, NE24 4HF t: 01434 633 633 ‘Part of the High Shincliffe, DH1 2PT 41 Manor Road, The Dog & Gun t: 01670 822410 e: thedyvelsinn@googlemail. Sir John t: 0191 386 5954 Medomsley, DH8 6QN Coopers Lane, Potto, com Fitzgerald group’ t: 01207 560428 DL6 3HQ Twice Brewed Inn www.dyvelsinn.co.uk The Bay Horse t: 01642 700232 Military Road, Bardon Mill, The Robin Hood 28 West Green, The Newfield Inn NE47 7AN The Feathers Inn East Wallhouses Military Road Heighington, DL5 6PE Newfield, Chester le Street, The White Swan t: 01434 344534 Hedley on the Hill, Newcastle, NE18 0LL t: 01325 312312 DH2 2SP, t: 0191 3700565 1 West End, Stokesley, e:[email protected] Stocksfield, NE43 7SW t: 01434 672273 TS9 5BL www.twicebrewedinn.co.uk t: 01661 843 607 www.robinhoodinn-militaryroad.co.uk The Beamish Mary Inn The Punch Bowl Inn t: 01642 710263 No Place, Nr Beamish, Edmundbyers, DH8 9NL The Allendale Inn The Fox & Hounds The Seven Stars DH9 0QH, t: 01207 255545 Market Place, Allendale, Main Road, Wylam, 21 Main Street, Ponteland, t: 0191 370 0237 Cumbria Hexham, NE47 9BJ NE41 8DL NE20 9NH The Quakerhouse t: 01434 683246 t: 01661 853246 t: 01661 872670 The Black Horse 2 Mechanics Yard, Blenkinsopp Castle Inn Red Row,Beamish, DH9 0RW Darlington, DL3 7QF Greenhead, Brampton, The Anchor Hotel The Golden Lion The Ship Inn t: 01207 232569 t: 07783 960 105 CA8 7JS Haydon Bridge, NE47 6AB Market Place, Allendale, Marygate, Holy Island, www.quakerhouse.net t: 01697 747601 t: 01434 688121 NE47 9BD TD15 2SJ, t: 01289 389 311 The Brittania Inn t: 01434 683 225 1 Archer Street, Darlington The Red Lion The Beer Hall The Anchor Inn The Sun Inn County Durham, North Bitchburn Terrace, Hawkshead Brewery, Whittonstall, Nr Consett, The Hadrian Hotel Acomb, NE46 4PW DL3 6LR North Bitchburn, DL15 8AL Mill Yard, Staveley, LA8 9AR DH8 9JN Wall, Hexham, NE44 4EE t: 01434 602934 t: 01325 463787 t: 01388 763561 t: 01539 825260 t: 01207 561110 t: 01434 681232 www.thesuninn-acomb.co.uk

30 cheers october 2011 The Swinburne Arms THE Duke of Wellington Rosies Bar The Centurion The Kings Manor The Rising Sun 31 North Side, Stamfordham, High Bridge, Newcastle 2 Stowell Street, NE1 4XQ Neville Street, Newcastle, 32-140 New Bridge Street, Bank Top, Crawcrook, NE40 4EE NE18 0QG, t: 01661 886707 NE1 1EN t: 0191 2328477 NE1 5DG, t: 0191 261 6611 Newcastle, NE1 2SZ t: 0191 4133316 e: [email protected] t: 0191 261 8852 Shiremoor House Farm The Chillingham The Lambton Arms The Robin Hood The Tankerville Arms Crown Posada Middle Engine Lane, North Chillingham Road, Eighton Banks, Gateshead, Primrose Hill, Jarrow, NE32 5UB 22 Cottage Road, Wooler, 31 Side, Newcastle, NE1 3JE Shields NE29 8DZ Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE1 1RQ NE9 7XR, t: 0191 487 8137 t: 0191 428 5454 NE71 6AD t: 0191 2321269 t: 0191 2576302 t: 0191 265 3992 e: [email protected] The Low Lights Tavern t: 01668 281581 e: [email protected] e: [email protected] The Three Tuns The Tap & Spile Brewhouse Bank, Eastgate, Hexham, NE46 1BH Fitzgeralds Sun Inn The Clarendon North Shields, NE30 1LL Sheriffs Highway, t: 01434 602039 60 Grey Street, Newcastle, Market Lane Swalwell, 143 High Street East, t: 0191 2576038 Gateshead, NE9 5SD NE1 6AF Gateshead NE16 3AL Sunderland, SR1 2BL t: 0191 4870666 The Travellers Rest t: 0191 2301350 t: 0191 442 9393 t:0191 5103200 The Magnesia Bank www.thethreetuns.com Slaley, Hexham, NE46 1TT e: [email protected] 1 Camden Street, Great range of real ales t: 01434 673231 www.sjf.co.uk Tilleys Bar The Clock North Shields, NE30 1NH and pies www.travellersrestslaley.com 105 Westgate Road, Victoria Road, East , t: 0191 257 4831 Fitzgeralds Newcastle, NE1 4AG NE31 1YQ, t: 0191 424 1134 Live music 7 nights a week The Wellington 10-12 Green Terrace, t: 0191 232 0692 The Maltings Comedy Club - 1st Sunday of Main Road, Riding Mill, NE44 6DQ Sunderland, SR1 3PZ The Cluny 9 Claypath Lane, South Shields, every month. t: 01434 682531 t: 0191 5670852 Twin Farms 36 Lime Street, Ouseburn, NE33 4PG, t: 0191 4277147 e: [email protected] 22 Main Road, Kenton Bank Newcastle, NE1 2PQ THE Victoria Hotel www.sjf.co.uk Foot, NE13 8AB t: 0191 230 4474 The Marquis Of Granby THE Town wall 1 Front Street, Bamburgh, NE69 7BP t: 0191 2861263 Streetgate, Sunniside, t: 01668 214431 Fitzgeralds e:[email protected] The Cock Crow Inn NE16 5ES 2 South Parade, , www.sjf.co.uk Mill Lane, Hebburn, NE31 2EY t: 0191 4880954 Teesside NE26 2RG t: 0191 428 5730 t: 0191 2511255 Lodge The Mile Castle Cleveland Bay e: [email protected] Tynemouth Road, North Shields, The Copt Hill 52 Westgate Rd, NE1 5XU Yarm Road, Eaglescliffe, TS16 0JE www.sjf.co.uk NE30 4AA Seaham Road, Houghton le t: 0191 2111160 t: 01642 780275 t: 0191 257 7565 Spring, DH35 8LU Free Trade Inn t: 0191 5844485 The Mill House The Salutation St Lawrence Road, , The Aletaster , Birtley,DH3 1RE 5 West Road, Billingham, Newcastle, NE6 1AP 706 Durham Road, The Cottage Tavern t: 0191 415 1313 Cleveland, TS23 1BP t: 0191 265 5764 Gateshead, NE9 6JA North Street, , SR6 7PL t: 01642 559119 t: 0191 487 0770 t: 0191 519 0547 The New Bridge HUGOS 2 -4 Argyle Street, The Fishermans Arms 29 Front Street, Tynemouth The Barley Mow Inn The County Newcastle, NE1 6PF Southgate, The Headland, NE30 4DZ Durham Road, Barley Mow, High Street, Gosforth, NE3 1HB t: 0191 2321020 Hartlepool, TS24 0JJ t: 0191 2578956 Birtley, DH3 2AH t: 0191 285 6919 Pink Lane, Newcastle, t: 01429 266029 e: [email protected] t: 0191 410 4504 The Northumbrian Piper NE1 5HX The Courtyard House, 1 Fawdon www.thetownwall.com The Rat Race Isis The Berkeley Tavern Arts Centre, Biddick Lane, Close, Red House Farm Estate, Hartlepool Railway Station, 26 Silksworth Row, Washington, NE38 8AB Gosforth, NE3 2AH Hartlepool, TS24 7ED| Sunderland, SR1 3QJ t: 0191 219 3463 t: 0191 2856793 the tyne bar

TYNE & WEAR Lady Grey’s the Cumberland Arms The Pavilion 20 Shakespeare Street, James Place Street Hotspur North Alum Ale House Newcastle, NE1 6AQ Newcastle upon Tyne, NE6 1LD Business Park, Ferry Street, South Shields, t: 0191 2323606 t: 0191 265 6151 Backworth, NE27 0BJ NE33 1JR www.thecumberlandarms.co.uk t: 0191 2680711 LYH e:info:sjf.co.uk Bacchus 10 Northumberland Road, The Dunes 42-48 High Bridge, Newcastle, NE1 8JF Sea Road, South Shields, The Quayside Bar Newcastle, NE1 6BX t: 0191 2321308 Marine Avenue, Whitley Bay, NE33 2LD The Close, Newcastle, NE1 3QR t: 0191 2611008 Tyne & Wear, NE26 1LY t: 0191 4555255 t: 0191 2210828 Maling Street, Ouseburn, e: [email protected] Millstone Hotel t: 0191 2527755 e: [email protected] Newcastle upon Tyne Hadricks Mill Road, The Olde Ships Inn NE6 1LP Blue Bell South Gosforth, NE3 1QL Quality Cask Ales The Five Swans Durham Road, East Rainton, Fulwell, Sunderland SR6 9AD t: 0191 285 3429 Range of Pot Meals St Marys Place, DH5 9QT, t: 0191 5840944 t: 0191 2652550 t: 0191 5494020 Newcastle, NE1 7PG e: [email protected] Function Suite - FRee to www.thetyne.com Newcastle Arms large parties t: 0191 2111140 The Pack horse Bowes Incline Hotel 57 St Andrews Street, Crookgate, Burnopfield, the Green NE16 6NS Tartan carpet, Northside, Birtley, Newcastle, NE1 5SE beer garden under a bridge, Gateshead, DH3 1RF t: 0191 260 2490 The Black Horse White Mare Pool, Wardley, t: 01207 270283 sexy bar staff.... t: 0191 410 2233 68 Front Street, , Gateshead, NE10 8YB NE25 8DP t: 0191 4950171 The Porthole Bridge Hotel ODDFELLOWS FREE HOUSE t: 0191 2536931 e: [email protected] 11 New Quay, North Shields, The Turks Head Castle Square, Newcastle, www.blackhorse.co www.sjf.co.uk NE29 6LQ 41 Front Street,Tynemouth, NE1 1RQ t: 0191 2576645 NE30 4DZ t: 0191 232 6400 The Boathouse The Grey Horse www.porthole.co.uk t: 0191 2576547 e: [email protected] Water Row, Newburn, NE15 8NL Front Street, East Boldon, t: 0191 2290326 NE36 0SJ, t: 0191 519 1796 The Potters Wheel The Union Rooms Bridle Path Sun Street, 48 Westgate Rd, Newcastle, 101 Front Street, Whickham, The Bodega The Harbour View Sunniside, NE16 5EE NE1 1TT NE16 4JJ 125 Westgate Road, Benedict Street, , t: 0191 4888068 t: 0191 2615718 t: 0191 4217676 Newcastle NE1 4AG Sunderland, SR6 0NU e: [email protected] 7 Albion Road, North t: 0191 221 1552 t: 0191 5671402 www.potterswheelpub.com The Victory Britannia Shields, NE30 2RJ Road, 3 Boldon Lane, Cleadon, SR6 7RH t: 0191 257 4288 The Briar Dene The Head of Steam The Queen Victoria South Gosforth,NE3 1SY t: 0191 536 4198 e: [email protected] 71 The Links, Whitley Bay, 2 Neville Street, Newcastle 206 High Street, t: 0191 285 1254 www.oddfellowspub.co.uk NE26 1UE NE1 5EN, t: 0191 230 4236 Gosforth, NE3 1HD Chesters Listed in CAMRA t: 0191 2520926 t: 0191 2858060 The Wheatsheaf Chester Road, Sunderland, Good Beer Guide 2011 e: [email protected] www.sjf.co.uk The Hotspur 26 Carlisle Street, Felling, SR4 7DR, Bottle conditioned range 103 Percy Street, Newcastle The Ravensworth Arms Gateshead,NE10 OHQ t: 0191 5659952 Air conditioned, Sky Sports The Brandling Arms NE1 7RY, t: 0191 2324352 , Gateshead, NE11 0ER t: 0191 4200659 176 High Street, Gosforth, t: 0191 487 6023 www.biglampbrewers.co.uk Cumberland arms NE3 1HD, t: 0191 2854023 The Job Bulman Old Red Bull Inn St Nicholas Avenue, Gosforth, Dark Lane, Morpeth, NE61 1ST The Brandling Villa NE3 1AA, You can also pick up a copy of Cheers at: t: 01670 513306 Haddricks Mill Road, t: 0191 2236320 South Gosforth, NE3 1QL Alnmouth, Bellingham, Centurion Park, Hexham, Popolo t: 0191 2840490 The keelman 82 Pilgrim Street, Newcastle, Grange Road, Newburn, Houghton le Spring, Linden, Longhirst, Matfen, NE1 6SF, t: 0191 2328923 The Broad Chare Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE15 8NL Stocksfield and Washington Golf Clubs. Coppers 25, Broad Chare, Trinity t: 0191 267 1689 Red Lion Gardens, Quayside, Newcastle e: [email protected] at Brunton Park, Gosforth, Darlington Snooker Redcar Terrace, West Boldon, NE1 3DQ, www.biglampbrewers.co.uk Club. Durham, High House Farm, Hadrian & 12 Front Street, NE36 0PZ, t: 0191 211 2144 Tynemouth t: 0191 536 4197 e: www.thebroadchare.co.uk The Keel Row Border, Lindisfarne Mead Holy Island, Mordue, NE30 4DZ The Gate, Newcastle, NE1 5RF Tyne Bank and Wylam Breweries, Fenwicks of Ristorante Fiume The Causey Arch Inn t: 01912299430 t:0191 2571820 16 Bonemill Lane, Beamish Burn Road, Marley Newcastle, Northumberland Cheese Company www.cumberlandarms.co.uk Washington, NE38 8AJ Hill, Newcastle, NE16 5EG The Kings Arms Blagdon, Rehills of Jesmond and Tourist Real Ales t: 0191 4150007 t: 01207 233925 Beech Street, Deptford, SR4 6BU Information Centres across the region. Home Cooked Food Rockliffe Arms The Central t: 0191 567 9804 Big Screen TV Algernon Place, Whitley Bay, Half Moon Lane, To subscribe telephone Gillian Corney NE26 2DT Gateshead, NE8 2AN The Kings Arms Delaval Arms t: 0191 2531299 t: 0191 4782543 West Terrace, Seaton Sluice, on: 0191 231 6080 or click on to: www. Old Hartley, NE26 4RL e: [email protected] e: central@theheadofsteam. NE26 4RD cheersnortheast.co.uk for more information. t: 0191 237 0489 www.sjf.co.uk co.uk t: 0191 2370275

october 2011 cheers 31 Nine handpumps Classified serving award winning cask ales For more information on how to advertise your services, vacancies and cider and events contact Gillian Corney on 0191 231 6080 or email: [email protected]

Est 1979 .com Lashbrooks 2nd Annual Oktoberfest BASED IN THE NORTH EAST, SUPPLYING THE NORTH EAST!! ursday 13th - Sunday 16th October EPOS SYSTEMS & CASH REGISTERS TILL ROLLS & CONSUMABLES Showcasing thirty cask ales Red Lion St, Redcar TS10 3HF plus real cider & perry T: 01642 482629/489720 E: [email protected] www.lashbrooks.com Admission Free Specialists in Beer Books, Postcards, Posters & Signs Kings Arms Large screen TV’s showing the very Our product range covers material from England, Belgium, France, best in League, Cup, European and The Netherlands, Germany and the U.S.A. They will be of interest to Beach Street beer drinkers, memorabilia lovers, brewers, publicans, bar designers International football plus many more beer enthusiasts. Deptford, Sunderland We deliver by mail order and can also ship abroad. SR4 6BU Beer-Inn Print (Est 1997) (0191) 5679804 Long High Top, Hebden Bridge, West Yorkshire, HX& 7PF Tel: 01422 844437 order online at: www.beerinnprint.co.uk

Our Knowledge = Your SucceSS Generations of Quality DicK Attlee - Air Conditioning Real Ale Technical Services T: 0191 5979668 - Refrigeration M: 07722 631787 E: [email protected] - Catering Equipment G.A. WEDDERBURN & CO. LTD. Serving our cutomers 24/7 Tony Franklin Tel: (023) 8022 7645 since 1965 • EPOS SYSTEMS • CASH REGISTERS • LICENCED TRADE SPECIALIST Unit 1, Boldon Court, Boldon Business Park, Boldon, Tyne & Wear NE35 9PY • SERVING THE N.E. FOR 15 YEARS Tel: 0191 491 0096 Fax: 0191 482 0514 Email: [email protected] www.coolrite-refrigeration.co.uk www.wedderburn.co.uk Mention Cheers to receive 5% discount on your fi rst call out

32 cheers october 2011 WINE with Suzanne Lock and Bill Oswald What matters when choosing wine? Recent research in the drinks altogether a different product trade reveals that big brands in to everyday wine, but research wines and spirits stand firm – the shows that people expect certain likes of Smirnoff, Bacardi and things from luxury or expensive Johnny Walker in spirits products, whether it’s drinks, and Gallo, Blossom clothes or perfumes. Hill, Concha Y Toro Consumers expect and Yellow Tail in reliability and the wine sector reassurance from are here to stay. a well-known We’ve previously brand and that looked at “what what they drink is makes a good going to be good. year”, discussing However, wine the vital importance brands in general are of vineyard location, not as strong as other slope aspect, sunshine, drinks categories for rainfall and wine-maker many reasons. When in small to medium- buying wines made sized vineyards, but The ‘super brands’ by a big brand you what about those wine are available in may only get the most producers who supply every supermarket, basic of information 3 MINI PIES - A great accompaniment more than 20 million corner shop and on the label. Do to your ale tasters (limited edition). cases a year? What some pubs. wine buyers require matters to them? more? Or do they The “super brands” are available trust the brand to deliver? Are in every supermarket, corner they bothered? Does it matter? shop and some pubs, names Wine is special because when that are owned by international produced by smaller firms it conglomerates which make and never tastes the same – the same supply many wines, spirits and grape varieties taste different beers. Wine is only one of their depending where they come from. commodities, so we have to ask We know that Cheers readers ourselves, do these huge firms really do care about their ale; they really care what their products care what it tastes like, where it really taste like, where it comes is made and who makes it. So from and how the grapes (or when choosing a wine, take a THE MILE CASTLE, 52 Westgate Rd, Newcastle NE1 5XU hops or barley) are grown? little time to read the label, try Tel: 0191 2111160 Smaller producers – people something new, spend a little THE KEEL ROW, The Gate, Newcastle NE1 5RF who are doing it for themselves more and you will taste something Tel: 0191 2299430 – generally do care for both the better. And, if you want to spread grapes and the sustainability of the the cost of tasting, why not join THE UNION ROOMS, 48 Westgate Rd, Newcastle NE1 1TT environment. The question must your local wine tasting group? Tel: 0191 2615718 also be asked; do wine drinkers THE QUAYSIDE BAR, The Close, Newcastle NE1 3QR in general really want to know n Suzanne Lock and Bill Tel: 0191 2210828 or care about where their wines Oswald are AdVintage (www. come from, or what grape variety Advintagewine.co.uk). The company THE FIVE SWANS, St Marys Place, Newcastle NE1 7PG they are drinking? Or do drinkers is hosting a “French night” with Tel: 0191 2111140 in general just go for the bottom overnight stay at the Manor price; those wines on special offer? House Hotel, West Auckland, Big brands such as Moet & County Durham, on Saturday Chandon are linked to glamour, November 26. DBB and wine celebrity and prestige – this, tasting for £75 per person. Check of course, is champagne and the website for details. october 2011 cheers 33 fun stuff the dogs Blue the dog’s canine adventures in beer The Master’s old friend Mr near Wolsingham, Mr Jeff admitted December 15 1935, in the where we found, Jeff is a man of unusual taste, to what is commonly known as The days when a pint cost only £6. wait for it, Weardale an acknowledged fact which Nordic Thirst (ie, lack of beer). I bet they regret that now. Brewery’s Top Dog! may explain his residence in This is partly due to the fact But I digress. Back to Mr Jeff’s I wouldn’t like to claim the country of Norway, where that Mr Jeff’s Nordic home brew thirst and a highly entertaining late it was named for me, but beer is at least £8 a pint and recently blew up, and because summer tour of some excellent surely, one has to wonder? therefore beyond the reach of there is no pub in Vaksdal, I am pubs in Weardale, notably The Black Certainly, they are a hearty even the most noble hound. told because the whole village Swan in Wolsingham, where the bunch at the Hare & Hounds; Recently, it seems Mr Jeff would have to club together to most enthusiastic landlady thrilled so hearty that when four of the was thirsty and, discovering purchase one expensive pint. us by serving up Shepherd Neame’s regulars ventured to Darlington it was cheaper to fly home to Very interestingly, Vaksdal does Canterbury Jack on draught recently for the Camra Beer England than to purchase a have a railway station; a railway Armed with the trusty Ordnance Festival they managed to sample drink in his village of Vaksdal, station which has its own page Survey map, we continued our 46 of the cask ales on offer. he headed home to Weardale. on Facebook. The restaurant tour of Weardale, eventually to With a thirst like that, what would Arriving back at the family farm on the station was closed on Westgate and the Hare & Hounds they do if they lived in Norway? Ruff!

Picture Quiz Pub Name the pubs by their greenery The Dirty Dozen Quiz and floral arrangements 12 stinkers to get you thinking 1. 2. 1. What is the world’s fastest-moving 9. What did the sport baggataway become? insect? 10. The Case of the Terrified Typist was 2. At what height (in hands) does a pony unique in the long-running TV series become a horse? Perry Mason. Why? 3. How many legs does a lobster have? 11. In cricket, how many runs is a Nelson? 4. Which actor is Anthony McMillan 12. Why is the Queen’s Hotel in Pontefract 3. better known as? called a calendar hotel? 4. 5. What is Hansen’s Disease commonly called?

6. What is the world’s most densely

Broad Chare, Newcastle. Chare, Broad Durham. County Bournmoor, Cow,

populated country? 4. Dun Dun Hexham. near Inn, Mill Dipton Newcastle. Hotel, Bridge 3. 3. 2. 1.

ANSWERS Quiz re u t

7. How many minutes are there in a Pic

week? entrances. seven and floors four bedrooms, original 12 windows, It has 365 365 has It 111. court. in lost he one only the was It 12. 12. 11. 10.

Lacrosse. Lacrosse. garlic. and Beer 10,080. Bangladesh. Leprosy. 9. 8. 7. 6. 5.

Robbie Coltrane. Robbie Eight. hands. 14.2 cockroach. Tropical 4. 3. 2.

8. What is added to Cheddar cheese to 1.

make Ilchester cheese? ANSWERS Quiz

34 cheers october 2011

2 Great reasons to visit Belford.... 1. A Relaxing Short Break

The Old Vicarage, 1 North Bank, Belford, Northumberland, NE70 7LY 01668 213025 Complimentary bottle of house wine in your room if you mention Cheers www.belfordoldvicarage.co.uk 2. A great Day Out