cheers - february 2015

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WWW.CHEERSNORTHEAST.CO.UK // FEBRUARY 2015 // ISSUE 47

SHEEP AND GOATSTHE WONDER OF WOOLIES

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EDITORIAL01661 844 115 07930 144 846 Alastair Gilmour [email protected]@CheersPal www.cheersnortheast.co.uk

While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, the publisher cannot accept responsibility for omissions and errors. All material in this publication is strictly copyright and all rights reserved.

It’s all over at last. We’re not talking about winter winds or Newcastle United’s managerial shenanigans but a plague that’s getting more virulent year by year.

Dry January. We recognise that some people might feel they have to have some time away from alcohol and to “detox” their bodies (which has been proved to be utter nonsense), but anyone who has the slightest interest in the licensed trade, the brewing industry and the leisure sector knows that concentrated efforts by “health” groups are kicking pubs when they’re at their lowest ebb. It could spell the end for some teetering on the brink.

January is traditionally a slow month for the pub business as customers count the cost of the festive season when they perhaps spent a lot more than they could afford. Again, we understand that belts sometimes have to be tightened, but if people were implored by road safety groups not to buy cars in the first month of every year, like they’re persuaded to shun beer, you’d have the motor industry up in arms, crying “restraint of trade”. The Government wouldn’t hear of it and would quote the importance of cars to the British economy, so why are our MPs sitting on their hands – and some of them even smugly joining in with such nonsense.

The #Tryanuary social media initiative got off to a great start by highlighting what’s great about

pubs in January, so let’s fight back and get stuck into #FeBREWary.

Alastair GilmourEditor, Cheers North East

As if we needed an excuse to write about beer, we celebrate the Chinese New Year on February 16 by highlighting the traditional lucky symbols associated with it. The next 12 months of the lunar calendar are given over to the Year of the Goat (or Year of the Sheep as many Chinese observers prefer). We’re hedging our bets by involving Black Sheep Brewery on the sheep side, obviously, and Velkopopovicky Kozel, a superb Czech beer gaining popularity in the North East. Kozel means “goat”, so we’ve got both bases covered.

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CONTENTS

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Publishers: Jane Pikett & Gary Ramsay Unit One, Bearl Farm Stocksfield Northumberland NE43 [email protected] twitter: @offstonepublish www.offstonepublishing.co.uk

YEAR OF THE GOAT/SHEEP16

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2624

0812 28

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ADVERTISING01661 844 115 Gillian Corney [email protected]

Emma Howe [email protected]

Photography: Peter Skelton

COVER: JO THEAKSTON, BLACK SHEEP BREWERY. PHOTOGRAPHY BY PETER SKELTON

KAREN ERRINGTON, THE RAT INN, ANICK

4 / CHEERS / www.cheersnortheast.co.uk

NEWS

TANKS ARRIVE IN GREAT CONDITIONWylam Brewery has installed some impressive new kit at its Heddon on the Wall, Northumberland, site. It’s a huge investment, driven purely by a nationwide demand that appears to be insatiable.

“The four new 10-barrel, cylindro-conical, uni-tanks are to increase our kegging capacity to 60 barrels,” says Wylam business development manager Matt Boyle. “We’ve had calls from all over the country from pubs and distributors looking to get their hands on our kegged beers.

“Jakehead IPA in particular seems to be getting a tasty little reputation for itself nationwide. Also with Haxan Wit winning a gold award at SIBA North we have been inundated with enquiries for it.

“So the install is a reaction to demand, which is obviously a nice thing to have to react to. Having sold proper beer in the North East for well over a decade it’s great to now be able to reach out further and see our beer served in proper pubs all around the UK.”

ALL ROADS LEAD TO DRUMNADROCHITRob Jenner, who memorably – and appropriately – officially retired from his sales job at Fyne Ales at the Scottish Beer Festival in Edinburgh in July 2013 is back on the Scottish brewing beat. The lure of the B(eer) road has proved irresistible and’s he’s now director of sales at Loch Ness Brewery, based at Drumnadrochit in Inverness-shire (try saying that after a couple of Darkness Black Stouts).

“I’m proud to be part of this exciting new company,” he says.

Rob spent nearly 40 years in sales, working for the likes of Harviestoun and Orkney breweries as well as Loch Fyne, covering an estimated three million miles. Loch Ness Brewery was founded in 2011 mainly to provide beer for the Benleva Hotel on the shores of Loch Ness.

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THE SPRING FESTIVAL TO HEAD FORThe folks at Hawkshead Brewery, Staveley, Cumbria, are deep in preparation for their Spring Beer Festival which runs over the weekend of March 6-8. More than 50 beers are promised from independent breweries – some appearing at the Beer Hall for the first time – with food from The Beer Kitchen and live music.

Staveley is on bus and rail routes, so best synchronise timetables for

a 12noon start each day (no tickets required). The brewery’s newest offering is Hop Black (5.6% abv) which may be dark in colour but is hopped with Chinook, Citra and Simcoe varieties and is available in cask, keg and bottle.

Additionally, Hawkshead Cumbrian Five Hop has won yet another award – this time at the Manchester Beer & Cider Festival, where it came home with silver in the competition for Overall Champion Beer of the North West 2015.

NEWS

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HI HONEY, I’M HOME-BREWING

SIGNS LOOKING GOOD FOR TILLEYS

In recognition of their support and participation in home-brewing, the American Homebrewers Association (AHA) has gifted lifetime memberships to President Barack Obama and outgoing White House chef Sam Kass.

Obama made history when he purchased a home-brewing kit and – under the eye of chef Kass – began to brew White House Honey Ale, the first beer believed to have been brewed in the White House.

Kass – personal chef to the Obama family and senior adviser for nutrition policy –

announced in December he was stepping down. Gary Glass, director of the AHA, says: “As

chef Kass finishes his tenure at the White House, we hope his AHA membership will allow him to stay engaged in the hobby. Home-brewing is a model example of a bipartisan, pro-community and pro-business activity that all kinds of people can be passionate about and enjoy.

“President Obama and chef Kass are among the nation’s 1.2m home-brewers. We look forward to seeing the president continue to brew beer from the most famous and important home in the world.”

Tilleys Bar in Newcastle is the latest of The Head of Steam pubs to benefit from a bit of spit and polish. Others in the group, such as The Dun Cow in Sunderland, have undergone major – and expensive – refurbs, but Tilleys has come up trumps with a good old wash and brush-up. New signage, fresh paintwork, more emphasis on cubicle-style

seating, a new menu and a general sparkle have made a real difference (and does the floor space seem bigger?). Star attraction, though, is the back bar fridge with world beers from every continent. Just look at those babies. That and seven handpulls plus lots of lovely keg fonts, all combine to keep Tilleys on top as a great city bar.


NEWS

HELPING SCAPA FLOWThe Bacchus, Newcastle, filled its counter with Orkney-based Highland Brewery beers for a special 21 Beers In 21 Days event recently. On hand to answer questions was brewer Lewis Hill, whose father Rob started the brewery in 2006.

The North East is well acquainted with the likes of the mighty Orkney Blast and summer fruity Dark Munro, but a rather special visitor was Scapa Bere, made from 100% barley grown on Orkney.

“Distribution is an odd situation,” says Lewis, right. “We drive right by pubs in the far north of Scotland then take the beer to a depot where some of it is brought back to the pubs we’ve just passed. Sometimes it can add 200 miles to the beer’s journey.

“Similarly with the barley we use in Scapa Bere – it grows on Orkney and is sent to Morayshire for malting then brought back across to make the beer. It’s just one of those things when you’re based where we are.”

WHISKY TAKES CENTRAL ROLEThe recently-refreshed Central in Gateshead picked an appropriate night to launch its new whisky lounge – Burns Night. More than 80 whiskies are now available in the Buffet Bar with expressions that will tease and please the most demanding uisge beatha devotee. Plans include tastings, “meet the maker” and beer matching events.


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NEWS

NEW PLATFORM FOR BREWERYDevelopments at the Station Hotel in Gateshead are anything but stationary at the moment. The tiny pub on Hills Street was bought at auction by Hadrian Border Brewery in late 2014 and the task now is to rip out what was left, so architects and builders can have a good look.

And there has been a discovery or two. Brewery manager Martin Hammill is project managing the scheme with an opening date of this summer but a huge amount of work has to be done before

any fitting out is started. He has uncovered some interesting architectural features – such as stone roundels – set in the Victorian bridge structure that the pub nestles into.

“It would be a shame not to make a feature of them,” he says. “We’ve also found more space than we anticipated as the purchase involved renting a railway arch from Network Rail. We’re working with them and various other agencies to maximise the potential. It’s really exciting.”

NEW ROLE FOR BUDVAR’S BARNES

IT’S A FARMER’S LIFE FOR SEAN

Budweiser Budvar sales representative Jonathan Barnes is leaving his present post to join Timothy Taylor, brewers of the legendary Landlord and Boltmaker, the current Camra Champion Beer of Britain. It wasn’t a decision Jonathan took lightly after 12 years with the iconic Czech brand, but

as he says: “I have enjoyed every minute with the company and have worked with some amazing customers and colleagues over that time.”

Jonathan’s new role with Keighley-based Timothy Taylor will be looking after North Yorkshire, the North East and Scotland. He leaves Budvar on March 13.

Sean Schofield is back as manager for the Sir John Fitzgerald (SJF) group. Formerly at The Green at Wardley where he built a reputation for community engagement, Sean took over the management of the Duke of Wellington in Durham on behalf of Ember

Inns. He is now manager of the prestigious Shiremoor House Farm on North Tyneside. The pub is known for its welcoming and relaxed attitude, the consistently high standards of its menu, and its reputation for quality wine and perfectly conditioned cask ales.


UP UP AND HOWAY

NEWS

Flying to New York, Paris, Brussels, Amsterdam, Dublin, Copenhagen, Dubai or any one of 80 other destinations? Relax in style before you board.

Newcastle International Airport is progressing impressively with a £14m departure lounge development with a host of new bars, restaurants and retail outlets already open or due to open shortly for passengers.

The latest phase of the work sees new bar/restaurant The Cabin open its doors alongside retail outlets Traveller, Cuba Lily, Travelex and WH Smith which complement last year’s development of The Beer House, Flying Hippo and Aspire lounge. It’s all part of a massive development programme, purely with the aim of providing the passenger with a better travel experience from the word go.

The Cabin features several interesting beers (including Harviestoun Old Engine Oil and Einstock Toasted Porter from Iceland) working alongside a

carefully selected wine list with champagnes and cocktails that sit perfectly with a range of food – outstanding dishes made from locally-sourced ingredients where possible – such as meat from Dropswell Farm, County Durham, and cheese from Northumberland. It’s an oasis of calm drinking and dining – a premium experience without being exclusive and sniffy. The range of drinks doesn’t shove brands in your face – there’s only one example of every spirit, for instance – and a wine list that doesn’t bamboozle.

Bar 11, based on the idea of 11 great things about the North East (including a seating section resembling a Metro carriage), is set to open in late March, so there’s no letting up on the huge new configuration of the departure lounge.

The Beer House and Flying Hippo which opened last year are high on Tyne Bank Brewery beers with an enviable selection of draught and bottled offerings


NEWS

THE BRIDGE TAVERN BREW PUB & EATERY

www.thebridgetavern.com

BT_Cheers.indd 1 30/01/2015 14:07

that include Meantime London Stout and Czech classics Kozel and Pilsner Urquell. Food is “hand-held”, drizzled in local provenance, with pulled pork and roast beef “proper stotties” fresh from the artisan Geordie Bakers, plus burgers, ribs and bacon from Manners Butchers.

While we’re in travelling mode, Cheers reader Nick Snaith brought this beer back from a recent trip to Burkina Faso in West Africa. Landlocked Burkina Faso is a poor country, even by West African standards.Nick says: “Brakina is the most popular brand of beer in Burkina Faso. It’s 4.0% abv and it’s hardly going to win a beer of the year award – however, at 600 West African francs (75p) for 65cl, it’s not going to break the bank either!”Burkina Faso has significant reserves of gold, but cotton is the economic mainstay for many Burkinabes. A military uprising forced long-term leader Blaise Compaore from office in October 2014 and an interim administration put in place for a year, after which elections are to be held.

OUT OF AFRICA

“We like to relate to the region,” says Lucy Knowles, SSP group marketing director (the company that pulls the food and drink strings). “The Cabin allows travellers to relax and enjoy a little bit of luxury before their flight. They’re going away but we want it to feel like home.”

“MY GRANDMOTHER IS OVER 80 AND STILL DOESN’T NEED GLASSES. DRINKS STRAIGHT OUT OF THE BOTTLE.”HENNY YOUNGMAN

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DOWN THE BROWN AND PUT AWAY THE BLACKDarlington Snooker Club celebrates a significant anniversary this year. The club is 100 years old and although its amazing bar lags some way behind the green baize in terms of years, it is certainly a winner when it comes to enjoyment.

Owner Peter Everett is staging a 100 Beer Festival this month (Thursday February 26 – Sunday

March 1) to mark the occasion. A rolling 50 beers will be on handpump at any one time with Campaign For Real Ale stalwarts even coming from North Shields to lend a hand behind the bar.

The club on Corporation Road, which actually opened on February 27 1915, has been named North East regional club of the year every year – bar one – since 2004. Peter

has run the club for 15 years and says it’s a constant effort to keep standards high.

“There are always new pubs and clubs popping up, so we can’t take anything for granted,” he says.

He had been working as a chef at Holme House Prison near Stockton when the Snooker Club came on the market.

“I was actually after a pub,”

he says, “but the snooker club came up first – and it was a lot cheaper. I saw it as a good business opportunity.

“It’s the oldest surviving snooker club in the North East. It was built for Willie Smith, a local billiards champion. It’s been largely a snooker club since then though it had a spell as a prize bingo club then a pool room in the 1960s. We’re hoping to get a big crowd. We like to support local microbrewers and some of them are doing one-off specials for us, such as Mithril Brewery Pot Black 100 (7.0% abv), a strong, flavoursome Imperial Stout, but we’ll also have some beer from North and West Yorkshire.”

A newspaper cutting from 1915 says of the club: “The building is illuminated in electric light and a gas heating apparatus preserves an even temperature.”

So, this month, go in off the cushion then down the brown and pot the black.*Darlington Snooker Club tel 01325 241 388


FEBRUARY MUSICSUN 1 TBUSKERS 4.30SUN 1 THE BONNEVILLES 8:00 SUN 8 THE ALLEY CATS 4:30SAT 14 ACOUSTIC VALENTINE’S NIGHT 8:00 FEATURING 3 LOCAL ARTISTS SUN 15 THE GROOVE-A-MATICS 4:30SAT 21 FRACTURED VALVES 8:30SUN 22 THE SOUR MASH TRIO 4:30SAT 28 GEORGE SHOVLIN 8:30

EVERY WEDNESDAY IS QUIZ NIGHT FIRST THURS OF THE MONTH IS THE

AULD ROCKERS MUSIC QUIZGREAT FOOD SERVED

MON-SAT 12-8 AND SUN 12-4

NEWS

IT’S THE BEER THAT KEEPS YOU WRITECheers editor Alastair Gilmour has been presented with one of the beer and pub industry’s top prizes.

He was named Regional Writer of the Year by the British Guild of Beer Writers (BGBW) at the organisation’s annual dinner in London. The award recognises his contribution to the North East’s pub and brewing sector which the judging panel said is “the envy of the country”.

*Wednesday February 11, 7pm for 7.30pm, £45pp (overnight offers available). Details: tel 01434 230 209, www.battlesteads.com

Alastair says: “This latest award is really for the brewers, publicans and beer lovers I write about in the North East. Pubs and microbreweries in the region are doing some remarkable things and I couldn’t have gained this success without their support and influence.”

A PHEASANT WAY TO ENJOY THE GAMEBattlesteads Hotel at Wark, Northumberland, is hosting a real country-style event this month. The award-winning pub and restaurant run by Richard and Dee Slade (once of the Magnesia Bank in North Shields) presents a Game Taster Evening with the opportunity to sample some of the finest traditional dishes from the

winter table. The six-course menu will be preceded by canapés and fizz on arrival and accompanied by specially-selected wines or beers.

During the evening, wine merchant Richard Pickles from Bibendum Wines will talk customers through how his choice of wine or beer is perfectly paired with each course on the menu.


GEOFF BROOKER

1 4 H o r s e m a r k e t , D a r l i n g t o n , C o u n t y D u r h a m , D L 1 5 P T • T e l e p h o n e : 0 1 3 2 5 4 6 6 7 2 0

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One of Northumberland’s most popular landlords and brewers has died. Geoff Brooker, 67, owned the Dipton Mill Inn and award-winning Hexhamshire Brewery near Hexham with his wife Janet for more than two decades, building an enviable

reputation for the quality of their home-cooked food, superb ales and genuinely hearty welcome.

Geoff was a great supporter of North East beer festivals and more often than not would be awarded a certificate in some category or other for the likes of Blackhall

English Stout and the specially-formulated Lightside. In fact, the stout gained so much popularity in the pub he had to make Guinness redundant.

Geoff was invariably described

as the perfect country pub landlord. If you asked anyone to draw the stereotypical pint-pulling publican they would illustrate somebody rotund and bearded. He’d be a jolly soul, a slight eccentric who

RAISE A GLASS TO A REAL CHARACTER

The passing of one of the region’s best-loved publicans reminds us how lucky we were to

know him, writes Alastair Gilmour


DARLINGTON SNOOKER CLUB2015 Beer Festival

Thursday 26th Feb - Sunday 1st MarchCelebrating 100 years at Corporation Road, Darlington! FREE ENTRY

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For further details telephone 01325 241388 • 1 Corporation Road, Darlington, DL3 6AE

chuckled at his own jokes. He’d drape a tale in wit and whimsy. Customers would join the laughter; they’d heard the stories before, but that was half the fun.

That was Geoff Brooker. He didn’t just laugh, he guffawed and hooted, giving vent to great cackling peals of the stuff. And it didn’t go unappreciated; a framed poem hanging in the pub commemorates the couple’s 20th anniversary in charge and is recited to the tune of The Kinks’ 1968 hit Village Green Preservation Society. One line goes: “God save the Brooker laugh to keep us from anxiety”. He used to roar at that.

Geoff and Janet took over the Dipton Mill Inn just before Christmas 1989, with Geoff starting Hexhamshire brewery three years later. The Dipton Mill Inn is the quintessential English country pub

– ivy-covered, middle-of-nowhere, sitting by a stream, woods and farmland. A mill race loops round the building and its enchanting, sun-trapped beer garden. There has been a corn mill and a fulling mill – for the treatment of animal skins – here since the 1300s and licensee

GEOFF BROOKER

records show it has been a pub since 1820. Again, if you had to draw a coaching inn, this would be it.

There are normally four Hexhamshire beers on the bar – such as Devil’s Water (4.1% abv), a slightly fruity, copper-hued best bitter; Devil’s Elbow (3.6% abv), a hoppy, dark amber brew with a bitter finish; Shire Bitter (3.8% abv), an easy drinker with a delicious hop and fruit balance, and Whap Wheasel (4.8% abv), hoppy with slivers of citrus and a long bitter finish. All are named after local beauty spots. Geoff also brewed Old Humbug (5.5% abv), a winter ale. “That one’s named after me,” he would say.

Hexhamshire Brewery uses a Thomas Bewick 18th century woodcut as its logo, a charming device showing two men in hats and breeches with a wooden barrel suspended on ropes between them. It was in use for quite a while before an elderly female visitor referred to Hexham’s once-thriving leather tanning industry and that what they were lugging wasn’t beer as Geoff had been given to understand.

“It’s urine,” she said. Needless to say, he laughed long and loud at the revelation.

Geoff was a lovely, lovely man and a real source of inspiration. The North East pub and beer community will miss him enormously. Losing Geoff is terribly sad, but when we think of him now we just have to join in his laughter.

Yet another seasonal range of ales has been launched from the tiny Mithril Brewery based at Aldbrough St John, near Darlington. Brewer Pete Fenwick has produced Scrum Dog (4.1% abv) a brown ale, named by members of Darlington Rugby Club for their inaugural beer festival that coincides with the first match of the Six Nations international series on Saturday February 14. Heading Home (4.2% abv) is a golden beer, only available at the beer festival, but this time in honour of Darlington FC, in celebration of the club’s return next season to Darlington (playing at the rugby club).

GAME FOR A NEW BREW


NEWS

One of the region’s most prolific pub entrepreneurs of recent times has stepped back completely from involvement in the licensed trade – but putting his feet up is not an option.

Tony Brookes, the former transport planner who set up Legendary Yorkshire Heroes real ale off-license chain and distribution company in the early 1980s, has retired after selling the resultant Head of Steam group of pubs to Cameron’s and spending the past year as a consultant to the Hartlepool-based brewer.

Legendary Yorkshire Heroes bought a portfolio of 18 pubs from Scottish & Newcastle in the 1990s, but the property crash soon after saw him sell on the bars and the wholesale business.

Out of that came the Head of Steam concept – pubs and bars set up in disused spaces in railway stations. The business would go on to buy the Express Bar opposite Newcastle Central Station in 1995 as well as a pub on Huddersfield

Station, and also taking up leases on pubs in Liverpool Lime Street and Euston Station in London, and operating The Cluny and Tilley’s Bar in Newcastle plus The Central in Gateshead. Cameron’s has added Whitby, Sunderland and Leeds to the HoS thrust.

“I’m properly retired now and not coming back as some people do as a consultant and working twice as hard,” says Tony, pictured left on a Cheers cover. “Anyway we’ve got our eighth grandchild due. Family life opens up a

whole new vista.“I’m not someone to sit in front

of the fire; I want to keep active. There’s lots I want to do, such as golfing, cycling, motorbiking, gardening and all the sporting activities I was interested in before but never had the time – tennis, table tennis and cricket.”

Liverpool’s Head of Steam was sold to JD Wetherspoon in the last few weeks, while one of the latest refurbishments has the Brookes approval.

“The Dun Cow in Sunderland is the jewel in the crown,” he says. “What a magnificent pub that is. There are lots of other things in the pipeline with the Head of Steam group – and the Neville Street, Newcastle, one gets a facelift in March – the scaffolding is down at last and a hotel upstairs is opening shortly, so with the wider pavement outside as a result of the redevelopment of that part of the city, the pub should get a new lease of life.”

A bit like himself.

SHY NOT. RETIRING YES

EEH! NUMBERS

0 The amount of songs The Beatles wrote and recorded together that mention beer. Zero, zilch, nada, nil, nowt. Wine and gin, yes. Beer, Sweet Fanny Adams.


SHEEP AND GOATS THE WONDER OF

WOOLIESAccording to the Chinese calendar, this year is going to be a good one for sheep and goats,

writes Alastair Gilmour

The Chinese New Year begins on February 19 and brings with it a fortnight of celebrations across the world. The next 12 months commemorates the Year of the Goat. Or should that be the Year of the Sheep?

The Chinese calendar (a lunar one, so it’s a moveable feast) counts on a cycle of 12 years, each one named after an animal – Rat, Snake, Horse, etc – but there appears to be some confusion about 2015. Google “Chinese New Year 2015 Goat” and you’ll find just over nine million references. Do the same, substituting “Sheep”, and it’ll turn up the thick end of 10 million. When we’re talking seven figures, there’s not a lot of difference. A Chinese dictionary refers to both sheep and goats as: “Ruminant animals with horns on their head.” Let’s call it a draw.

So, we invited North Yorkshire’s Black Sheep Brewery to tell us what it has in store for the next 12 months and also put a call in to Velkopopovický Kozel, a superb example of a Czech beer that’s gaining popularity in the UK and here in the North East. Kozel translates as “goat”, so that’s Google covered straight away.

Black Sheep performed a sharp intake of breath last year when it posted a loss for the first time since the brewery was founded by Paul Theakston in Masham in 1992. The reasons for the unexpected handbrake are many and varied, but as the beer market has shifted considerably over the past few years, many national operators have been caught unguarded while regional brewers are unable to benefit from the government’s progressive beer duty (50% tax relief ) because they’re too big. Additionally, Black Sheep doesn’t have a pub estate to support the business.

“We’ve improved on last year and taken positive steps forward,” says Black Sheep sales and marketing director Jo Theakston (pictured right). “The results were a combination of lots of different things, so we looked at overheads, keeping things as tight as possible, and looked closely at our beer range. We’ve been cutting through the noise.”

The Black Sheep range has always represented quality and brands such as Yorkshire Square Ale, Holy Grail and Golden Sheep which could arguably have slipped under the drinkers’ radar have been given a branding make-over and a prominent place in the annual calendar of special and seasonal beers alongside solidly performing stalwarts Black Sheep Best Bitter and Black Sheep Ale.

Significantly, though, they rub shoulders with Hoptacular (3.6% abv), a big-in-flavour session ale that makes great use of hop varieties Polaris, Magnum, Ella and Galena. Similary, Blind Side (4.3% abv) will celebrate the Rugby World Cup later this year – a brew that contains eight different English hop varieties (the same number as in a rugby pack, we note).

Jo Theakston says: “We’re working through the brands. Golden Sheep was always a good selling beer and with new branding and a look at tweaking the liquid to give it a bit of oomph, we can make it really sharp.”

But it’s also the Year of the Goat, a fact not lost on the citizens of Bohemian town of Velké Popovice, situated some 25km from Prague. Historical references to local beer production can be traced to the 14th Century and it eventually came into the “modern” era in 1874 with the building of a new brewery. It had been bought four years previously by Baron Frantisek

“WEEK IN. WEEK OUT, THEY’RE PRODUCING ABSOLUTELY TOP QUALITY BEER”

FEATURE: THE YEAR OF THE GOAT/SHEEP


Ringhoffer, a wealthy industrialist and mayor of Smichov (now a suburb of Prague) seeking a new challenge. With ready access to new technologies, he rebuilt the brewery, breathing a new lease of life into it.

Ten wells in the woods that surround Velké Popovice provide a pure and consistent source of water, naturally filtered through layers of granite. The malt used in Velkopopovický Kozel is pale, caramelised and coloured, while the famous Zatec hops (Saaz in German) and Ustek varieties are “double hopped” – first using the bitter variety then the sweet which gives the beer its unique aroma. The yeast is cultivated and preserved at the brewery’s own laboratories with the end process prompting one employee to scrawl on a quality control department wall: “A fine beer can be judged with only one sip. But it’s better to be thoroughly sure.”

After the First World War, the Ringhoffers realised their brewery could stand out by embracing the local tradition of a strong, dark beer known as a billy goat (Kozel).

A Kozel spokesperson says: “Around this time, a French painter was passing through Velké Popovice and was touched by the townsfoks’ hospitality. To say thank you, he offered to make an emblem for the brewery.

“Using the Kozel goat as his inspiration, he created our mascot that has now lasted for nearly a century. Since this time, the beer has been registered as Velkopopovický Kozel.”

Black Sheep is also a badge of quality. The imagery has been modified and modernised over the years – and recently undergone an overhaul – but brewing great beer is much more than coming up with bonny graphics. For example, a five-barrel microbrewery nestling inside the brewhouse is used for experimentation. Crucially, it’s an exact scaled-down version of the main 50-barrel plant.

“We get a pretty accurate idea of how any beer will perform when in full batch production,” says Jo Theakston. “Our Yorkshire squares – open fermenters – have such a tangible effect on our beers, so if you don’t get it right on the microplant you’re not going to get the flavours to transfer. We’re pushing the kit to its limits and our brewers are loving the challenge.

“Week in, week out, they’re producing absolutely top quality beer but they still need that challenge.”

A new Black Sheep website was launched last month – clean lines and image-led for easy access on tablets. Hop varieties new to the brewery are driving experimentation and building on the success of the likes of Velo (brewed specially for last year’s Yorkshire stages of the Tour de France) are all part of 2015’s

Positive: Jo Theakston, Black Sheep Brewery


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Helping pubs serve

quality products for over13 years

thrust. Year of the Sheep, then?The brewery still has its own flock of black

sheep regularly turned out for festivals and agricultural shows in immaculate condition. In the 1930s, in an effort to further establish Kozel as the best “billy goat” beer, a young buck was brought to the Czech brewery. A caretaker regularly combed the animal’s hair and polished its hooves, ensuring the well-groomed beast was a star visitor attraction. The brewery has kept one ever since.

In the 1970s, bottle-filler Oldrich (Olda) Lenca was appointed the goat’s caretaker. In honour of his dedication, every goat that has taken up residence has been named Olda.

At risk of creating the worst link ever – “hope I die before I get Olda” – Black Sheep is again looking to the future through a collaboration with industry marketing specialist Jonny

FEATURE: SHEEP AND GOATS

Kirkham to create My Generation Beer Company, a brand new “label” aimed at what it believes is an untapped audience of drinkers.

My Generation is the signature brew (with a big, fresh aroma and a cracking bitter finish) and will be the official beer of Record Store Day 2015 in April – a nationwide celebration of vinyl records. A three-month seasonal listing has been agreed with Mitchells & Butlers’ collection of Castle and Nicholson’s pubs from March, while there will also be a selective on-trade distribution with a bottled version, ahead of a planned 330ml can offering. A programme of My Generation activity around festivals and other music-related events is being scheduled for throughout 2015.

“It’s all positive,” says Jo Theakston. “We’ve now got to keep the momentum going.”

Who said sheep are followers?

Pampered: The current Olda

and the original Kozel goat image

WE GOAT RHYTHM

THE CHINESE CALENDAR

Wylam Bohemia is a Czech-style lagered beer made with Pale and Carpils malts, and using a Pilsner strain on the yeast. Delicately balanced with Saaz and Hallertau hops, the beer is deep gold in colour with a heady bouquet of malt and hops and a rich fruit finish. It uses the goat image in homage to Czech culture.

The Chinese Lunar Calendar is a yearly one based on the cycles of the Moon. Legend has it that the Lord Buddha summoned all the animals to come to him before he departed from Earth. Only 12 came to bid him farewell and, as a reward, he named a year after each in the order they arrived – Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat/Sheep, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, Pig.

A HOUSE. WITH BEER. WHAT MORE DO YOU WANT?

Huge range of draught & cask beers. Bottled beers from all over the world.

Local & seasonal selections including Tyne Bank Brewery. Prosecco on tap. Proper stotties with pulled pork and BBQ beef brisket.

We don’t do prim & proper... We just do proper.

Come and have a pint before your flight.

The Beer House is now open at Newcastle International Airport.

Follow us on Twitter @_thebeerhouse


BUDWEISER BUDVAR TOP 50 GASTRO PUBS

Bar and kitchen staff at two North East pubs have had good reason to raise a smile. Once again, The Broad Chare in Newcastle and The Rat Inn at Anick, Hexham, have been named in the Budweiser Budvar Top 50 Gastropub Awards,

organised by The Publican’s Morning Advertiser. It’s about as good as it gets – and considering Britain’s number one gastropub, The Sportsman at Seasalter, Kent, has a Michelin star, the region’s pubs aren’t doing too bad, are they?

Up for specialist awards were The Angel in Corbridge for innovation, and The Staith House in North Shields for best turnaround pub, but sadly neither made the final cut.

The Broad Chare team led by manager Steve Dunn and

head chef Chris Eagle came in at number 36, while The Rat – run by Karen Errington and Phil Mason – took the number 38 spot.

This is just the latest accolade for both pubs. The Broad Chare, part of Terry Laybourne’s successful 21 Hospitality Group,

BROAD SMILES ALL ROUND

The region has been honoured with a couple of placings in a national pub

awards scheme. But we know there’s scope for more Steve Dunn, left, and Chris Eagle at The Broad Chare


Traditional family run pub since 1975

Regular Music & Folk NightsMon - Fri: from 4pm • Sat: from 12pm

Sun: 12pm - 3pm & from 7pm

BRIDGE END INN, Ovingham 01661 832219

We’re in the G� d B r Guide... again (2013)

Regular Music & Folk NightsMon - Fri: from 4pm • Sat: from 12pmMon - Fri: from 4pm • Sat: from 12pmRegular Music & Folk NightsRegular Music & Folk NightsRegular Music & Folk Nights

A WARM WELCOME AWAITS YOU FROM THE

NEW MANAGEMENT

THE WHITE SWAN

LUNCH TIME SPECIALSSERVED DAILY

REAL ALES & HOMEMADE FOOD

OPENING TIMESMONDAY - FRIDAY12 NOON - 3PM / 5PM - CLOSE WEEKENDS 11AM - 11PM

MAIN RD, OVINGHAM, PRUDHOE NORTHUMBERLAND NE42 6AG 01661 833 188

SERVING TRADITIONALSUNDAY LUNCH12 NOON - 5PM £7.50

From

THE PERCY ARMS

THE PERCY ARMS

W A L B O T T L EOpen 7 days a week

Serving delicious home cooked food Mon - Sat 12pm-9pm

DAILY SPECIALS £5.00 MONDAY - FRIDAY OAP SPECIALS £4.00 FRIDAYS - LIVE MUSIC

TRADITIONAL SUNDAY CARVERY 12PM - 3PM

Queens Rd, Walbottle, NE15 8JB Like us on Telephone: 0191 2648071 www.thepercyarms.co

Come and join us this Summer and enjoy our heated outside drinking area. Serving a range of local ales, lagers, ciders and cocktails!

Low Fell, GatesheadThe Black Horse

For futher information please follow us on facebook and twitter

Black Horse, Low Fell • @BlackHorse_GHD

166, Kells Lane, Low Fell, Gateshead, NE9 5HY0191 491 0534 • [email protected]

has received further national recognition by being named in the Good Food Guide’s top 50 UK pubs; the Quayside pub also won the prestigious Editor Award for best new entry for pubs.

Meanwhile at The Rat Inn, owners Karen Errington and Phil Mason are very comfortable rubbing shoulders with Michelin star winners and collecting terrific reviews in all the most admired food and beer guides. Let’s not forget that there’s a big beer, wine and spirits element to a gastropub – and The Rat can have up to six ales on its tiny bar at the one time.

Chef and restaurateur Terry Laybourne said of the latest Broad

Chare award: “It’s always great for our team when their hard work is acknowledged. It reflects the dedication to consistently delivering proper food in a proper pub where customer service is second to none.

Karen Errington says: “We’re all dead pleased with the award at The Rat. Obviously people like it here, the food is very consistent, locally sourced wherever possible, and our customers know what they’re going to get, so it’s got to be good, particularly where we’re situated.”

It goes to show that if you’re honest and consistent and care about what your customers eat and drink, you deserve to be in the charts – heading for Number One.”

Steve Dunn, left, and Chris Eagle at The Broad Chare The Rat Inn


CHIP IN WITH SOME GREAT

MENUSNational Chip Week (February 16-23) presents pubs with an ideal excuse to bring in more custom. The contribution great chips make to pub menus is often overlooked, but it’s something customers really value – and remember.

Quality, consistent hand-cut chips just can’t be beat. Pub chefs

vary on cooking style and potato variety – for example, in Young’s managed houses Agrier potatoes are prized for their triple-cooked robustness, producing a texture that is fluffy on the inside with a crispy outer, while Maris Piper has its followers and the debate still rages whether beef dripping or rapeseed oil is the better fryer.

Caribbean-style sweet potato fries are becoming very popular, while in Corbridge, The Angel features its own fish and chip takeaway in an outbuilding. In North Shields the emphasis – at The Staith House at least – is

on the condiments. Vinegar is flavoured with the likes of rosemary, while home-made tartare sauce (complete with tarragon, chervil, parsley and chives) has been a great chip-hit. Get frying!

NATIONAL CHIP WEEK


NEWS

Battlesteads Hotel & Restaurant, Wark on Tyne, nr Hexham, Northumberland NE48 3LS

T: 01434 230209 E: [email protected] www.battlesteads.com

Join us for our Game Tasting Evening

Wednesday 11th February 2015 – 7pm for 7.30pmJoin us for our FIRST EVER Game Taster Evening and sample some of the

finest dishes from the winter table.

Starting with canapés and fizz on arrival, followed by a 6 course gametaster menu, accompanied by specially selected wines OR beers.

During the evening we will have on hand, our wine merchant RichardPickles from Bibendum Wines. He will be talking us through how his

choice of wine OR beer is perfectly paired with each course on the menu.

£45.00 per person including matched wines OR beers

BS_GAME_TASTER_93x128_AD_Layout 1 30/01/2015 11:25 Page 1

Monday Co� ee MorningCome in from 10.30am for a cup of tea or co� ee & a fresh homemade

scone with preserve & cream! £3.00

Tuesday Senior Citizen SpecialA main course from the specials board, something sweet from our

selection of home baked goodies & a cup of tea or co� ee.£6.50

� ursday Steak & Gourmet Burger NightChoose from a selection of steaks or handmade gourmet burgers to have with a pint of ale, 125ml glass of wine or a so� drink of your

choice. £9.95

Friday Winter WarmerPick two or three courses from our set winter warmer menu.

Two course £7.95 � ree Course £9.95Sunday

Join us for a traditional Sunday Lunch, including a choice of � ve meats. One Course £9.25 Two Course £12.75 � ree Course £16.25

please book to avoid disappointment

High House Farm Brewery, Matfen, Northumberland,NE20 0RG

01661 886192www.highhousefarmbrewery.co.ukinfo@highhousefarmbrewery.co.uk

Monday Co� ee MorningCome in from 10.30am for a cup of tea or co� ee & a fresh homemade

scone with preserve & cream! £3.00

Tuesday Senior Citizen SpecialA main course from the specials board, something sweet from our

selection of home baked goodies & a cup of tea or co� ee.£6.50

� ursday Steak & Gourmet Burger NightChoose from a selection of steaks or handmade gourmet burgers to have with a pint of ale, 125ml glass of wine or a so� drink of your

choice.£9.95

Friday Winter WarmerPick two or three courses from our set winter warmer menu.

Two course £7.95 � ree Course £9.95Sunday

Join us for a traditional Sunday Lunch, including a choice of � ve meats. One Course £9.25 Two Course £12.75 � ree Course £16.25

please book to avoid disappointment

High House Farm Brewery, Matfen, Northumberland,NE20 0RG

01661 886192www.highhousefarmbrewery.co.ukinfo@highhousefarmbrewery.co.uk

High House Farm BreweryRestaurant, Tea Rooms, Wedding & Function Venue

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WHAT’S ON SKY TONIGHT?Join amateur astronomer Dave Woodford to view the brilliant night sky from Hedley on the Hill, Stocksfield, Northumberland. The Feathers Inn in the village has extended an invitation to all ages to see stars on Sunday February 8 (from 7pm). If the weather’s clear you’ll be amazed at what you can pick out – Jupiter is at its closest to Earth until 2019, for instance - but

if it’s cloudy, no doubt the pub chat will be all about the night sky. Bring a telescope if you’ve got one, but there’s no real need. Bring a thirst too – owners Helen Greer and Rhian Cradock (pictured above), always have a stellar selection of ales available. It’s going to be a regular second Sunday of the month event – plus it beats Sunday night telly!

WHEN HARRY MET JARROW

TRIAL SET TO FIND BEER GUILTY – OF EXCELLENCE

One of the region’s favourite brews has made its inaugural appearance at a slick Newcastle city-centre bar. Jarrow Rivet Catcher is now available in Harry’s Bar on Grey Street - and a very welcome sight it is too. It makes sense for such a

pub like to stock cask ales as most of its competitors and neighbours on the block do very well out of it. Cheers can just imagine Jarrow Brewery owner Jess McConnell slipping in daily to check on its progress!

Cameron’s Brewery has been busy of late in the experimental stakes – and the customer is set to be the winner. The Hartlepool-based company will be trialling three new test brews at its Head of Steam and Blue Lounge pubs where feedback

and opinion will be invited. Trial Brew #1 is a Chocolate Stout (4.4% abv), Trial Brew #2 is an American Pale Ale (5.1% abv) and Trial Brew #3 is a Red Rye at 4.3% abv. Feedback forms will be available at each venue.


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three kings Advert.pdf 1 30/10/2014 18:33

ALL TO PLAY FORThe star of the show is the theatre

itself, as Alastair Gilmour discovers It’s often called “the smallest pub in Gateshead” and though that might be open to dispute, there’s no arguing that the bar in the Little Theatre that faces the town’s Saltwell Park is one of the most welcoming.

The problem – and the beauty – is that it’s only open when there’s a production on for pre-theatre drinks, interval refreshment and post-

performance catch-ups. But when there are 10 stage shows each year with runs of at least a week, there are plenty of opportunities for the general public to join in the entertainment.

Theatre-goers arrive well before the start of a show and there’s generally a fair old gathering of beer drinkers and wine-by-the-bottle sippers. The bar empties quickly when the

LITTLE THEATRE, GATESHEAD


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Open Mic nights - Fortnightly on Tuesdays

Function rooms available for private hire

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Grand Central Station, Neville St,Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 5DG

Thank’s to all of our customers for your support, we are only here because of you!

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second bell goes rather more urgently than the first one, as no-one is allowed to sit there until the interval or the final curtain – voices and clinking glasses travel surprisingly far.

The Little Theatre bar is run by Dave Duffy who volunteered a few years ago – his wife Maureen is in charge of Wardrobe. He used to drop her off for productions then pick her up but started to make himself useful as a bartender and drinks “fetcher”.

“Everyone here is a volunteer,” says Dave. “The Progressive Players is an amateur theatre group and the only paid staff are the cleaner and the caretaker. Apart from the door money, there is no other income for the theatre except the bar and ice-cream.

“I try and find as many interesting beers and wines I can – all bottled at the moment, but we always have Budweiser Budvar, Deuchars IPA and Timothy Taylor’s Landlord in stock – as well as premium brand wines and spirits.”

The Little Theatre is Gateshead’s only theatre. It was built during World War II, thanks to the foresight of sisters Ruth, Sylvia and M Hope Dodds who had a great interest in drama. Two years ago the fabric of the building was brought right up to date – including the bar and foyer – as a result of a bequest from former Low Fell resident Jim Ord who had emigrated to Canada. He left £114,000 in his will for that precise purpose.

The theatre is also let out to various groups, such as the Jumpin’ Hot Club and the Magic Circle. But a psychic society had to cancel its booking “due to unforeseen circumstances”.For an evening’s entertainment, a few drinks and a splash of culture, the Little Theatre is a real star. *The Little Theatre Box office: 0191 478 1499February 16-21: Playhouse Creatures by April de AngelisMarch 23-28: The Dumb Waiter and Betrayal by Harold Pinter

A SPOONS FULL OF MEDICINESThe world and its brewers are about to descend on a JD Wetherspoon pub near you. Wetherspoon pubs across the North East will be serving ten real ales from around the world alongside a selection of up to 40 beers from the UK during a 17-day festival (Friday March 13 to Sunday March 29 inclusive).

Each of the beers is being brewed using only British-grown hop varieties.

The overseas beers have been sourced from Brazil, Canada, South Africa, New

Zealand, US, Spain, Ireland and Australia – with each of the overseas brewers producing their individual beer at a UK brewery.

These include: Spider Bite (Devils Backbone, US), Shipwreck IPA (Lighthouse, Canada), Wee Heavy (Bodebrown, Brazil) and JCIPA (Townshend, New Zealand).

UK beers include: Play it Again Sam from Phoenix Brewery, Monty Python’s Holy Grail (Black Sheep), Puffin Ale (Orkney) and Lazy Dog (Wolf).

Three, third pints available for the price of a pint.


PUB PROFILE: ISIS, SUNDERLAND

THE BEER THE FOOD

ISIS, SUNDERLANDPUB PROFILE

Egyptian goddess Isis taught women how to weave, bake bread – and brew beer

WHERE IS IT? Isis, 26 Silksworth Row, Sunderland, SR1 3QJ Tel 0191 514 7684, www.facebook.com/pages/The-Isis-Sunderland/214780425210106. Landlords Carol Graham and John Stubbs (together Bottoms Up Leisure) lease the pub from Jarrow Brewery who converted it from one-room dilapidation in 2011 into a stylish, opulent, award-winning pub.

Step inside this 1885-vintage, Victorian, Grade II-listed beauty and gasp. The impression of opulence is amazing and an enormous transformation from where the pub had been abandoned before Jarrow Brewery got its creative hands on it.

It was once known as The Ship Isis in tribute to the city’s shipbuilding tradition (and not the Islamist rebel group whose occasional reference is a constant irritation to landlords Carol Graham and John Stubbs). Isis was an Ancient Egyptian goddess revered as the ideal mother and patron of nature and magic. She taught women how to weave, bake bread and – significantly – brew beer. She is commemorated on the pub sign, its interior mirrors, and the ship’s prow-like busts hovering at either end of the bar. Those mirrors sparkle, the large fireplace is an immediate attraction and heavy drapes offer an extra feeling of warmth. Isis is divided into two with a Select Room and Snug and Public Bar where immediate features are the wood panelling and stylish Art Deco-style lamps on the counter which add a touch of class. It’s twice winner of the Sunderland and South Tyneside Camra branch’s Pub of the Year – not a bad record in three years – and a new Premier Inn next door will do trade no harm either. Monday is quiz night (with free half-time buffet), and Wednesday’s music night attracts buskers and their followers, with “pints for players” an added extra.

Eight handpulls, three ciders and several keg fonts. Jarrow Brewery beers include Old Cornelius, McConnells Irish Stout and Rivet Catcher. Regular guests also keep the interest high. The list goes on through Staropramen, Brooklyn Lager, and San Miguel while bottled speciality beers and lagers further excite the palate.

An impressive menu is presented upstairs by Barnett’s At The Isis. It’s all home-cooked, very reasonably priced and invites comments such as “the best steak in Sunderland”. Sunday lunches are hugely popular but oysters in chilli and ginger, pan-fried wood pigeon and venison are unexpected – and very welcome – “pub grub” surprises. A real find.


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A-Z PUB GUIDETHE PLOUGHMountsett, Burnopfield, NE16 6BA t: 01207 570346THE PUNCH BOWL INN Edmundbyers, DH8 9NL t: 01207 255545 THE QUAKERHOUSE2 Mechanics Yard, Darlington, DL3 7QF t: 07783 960105

THE QUAYS5 Tubwell Row, Darlington, DL1 1NU t: 01325 461448

THE ROYAL OAK 7 Manor Rd, Medomsley Village, DH8 6QN t: 01207 560336

THE SCOTCH ARMSBlackhill, Consett, DH8 8LZt: 01207 593709 THE SHIP Low Road, Middlestone Village, Middlestone, DL14 8AB t: 01388 810904

THE SMITHS ARMS Brecon Hill, Castle Dene, Chester le Street, DH3 4HE t: 0191 3857559

THE SPORTSMANS ARMSMoor End Terrace, Belmont, DH1 1BJ t: 0191 3842667 THE STABLESBeamish Hall Hotel, Beamish, DH9 0BY t: 01207 233 7333

THE STABLESWest Herrington, Houghton le Spring, DH4 4NDt: 0191 584 9226 THE THREE HORSESHOESPit House Lane, Leamside, Houghton le Spring, DH4 6QQ t: 0191 584 2394

THE WHITE LIONNewbottle Street, Houghton le Spring, DH4 4ANt: 0191 5120735

THE WHITEHILLS Waldridge Road, Chester le Street, DH2 3AB t: 0191 3882786

WICKET GATEFront Street, Chester-le-Street, DH3 3AX t: 0191 3872960

THE WILD BOAR Frederick Place, Houghton le Spring, DH4 4BN t: 0191 5128050

THE VICTORIA INN 86 Hallgarth Street, Durham, DH1 3AS, t: 0191 3860465

NORTH YORKSHIRE

THE CROWN INNVicars Lane, Manfield, DL2 2RF t: 01325 374243

THE DOG & GUNCoopers Lane, Potto, DL6 3HQ t: 01642 700232

THE WHITE SWAN 1 West End, Stokesley, TS9 5BL t: 01642 710263

CUMBRIA

THE BEER HALLHawkshead Brewery, Mill Yard, Staveley, LA8 9LRt: 01539 825260

NORTHUMBERLAND

ADAM & EVEPrudhoe Station, Low Prudhoe, NE42 6NP t: 01661 832323

BAMBURGH CASTLE INNSeahouses, NE68 7SQt: 01665 720283

BARRASFORD ARMSBarrasford Hexham, NE48 4AA t: 01434 681237 BARRELS59-61 Bridge Street, Berwick, TD15 1ES t:01289 308013 BATTLESTEADS HOTELWark, Hexham, NE48 3LSt: 01434 230209www.battlesteads.com BEADNELL TOWERS HOTELBeadnell, NE67 5AYt: 01665 721211

CLENNELL HALL HOTEL Harbottle,Morpeth,NE65 7BG t: 01669 650 377 CROSS KEYSThropton, Rothbury, NE65 7HXt: 01669 620362 DIPTON MILL INNDipton Mill Road, Hexham, NE46 1YA t: 01434 606577e: [email protected]

DOCTOR SYNTAXNew Ridley Road, Stocksfield, NE43 7RG, t: 01661 842383 DUKE OF WELLINGTONNewton, NE43 7ULt: 01661 844446

DYKE NEUKMeldon, Nr Morpeth, NE61 3SLt: 01670 772662

ELECTRIC WIZARDNew Market, Morpeth, NE61 1PS t: 01670 500640

FOX AND HOUNDSMain Road, Wylam NE41 8DL t: 01661 598060

GENERAL HAVELOCK INNHaydon Bridge, NE47 6ERt: 01434 684376

JOHN THE CLERK OF CRAMLINGTONFront Street, Cramlington, NE23 1DN t: 01670 707060

JOINERS ARMSWansbeck Street, Morpeth, NE61 1XZ t: 01670 513540

JOLLY FISHERMANCraster, Alnwick, NE66 3TRt: 01665 576461

MINERS ARMSMain Street, Acomb, NE46 4PWt: 01434 603909

LION & LAMBHorsley, NE15 0NSt: 01661 852952

NEWCASTLE HOTELFront Street, Rothbury, NE65 7UT t: 01669 620334

OLIVERS60 Bridge Street, Blyth, NE24 2AP t: 01670 368346

PERCY ARMS HOTELMain Road, Chatton NE66 5PSt: 01668 215244

RED LIONFront Street West, Bedlington, NE22 5TZ t: 01670 536160RED LION INNStanegate Road, Newbrough, Hexham, NE47 5ARt: 01434 674226

RIVERDALE HALL HOTELBellingham, NE48 2JTt: 01434 220254

THREE HORSESHOESHathery Lane, Horton, Cramlington, NE24 4HFt: 01670 822410

THREE WHEATHEADSThropton nr Rothbury, NE65 7LRt: 01669 620262

TWICE BREWED INNMilitary Road, Bardon Mill, NE47 7AN t: 01434 344534

THE ALLENDALE INNMarket Place, Allendale, Hexham, NE47 9BJ, t: 01434 683246 THE ANCHOR HOTELHaydon Bridge, NE47 6ABt: 01434 688121

THE ANCHOR INNWhittonstall, Nr Consett, DH8 9JN t: 01207 561110

THE ANGEL INNMain Street, Corbridge, NE45 5LA t: 01434 632119

THE BADGERStreet Houses, Ponteland Newcastle upon TyneNE20 9BT t: 01661 871037

THE BLACKBIRDPonteland, NE20 9UH t: 01661 822 684

THE BLACK BULLMiddle Street, Corbridge,NE45 5ATt: 01434 632261

THE BLACK BULLMatfen, NE20 0RPt: 01661 855395

THE BLACK BULL INNEtal, TD12 4TLt: 01890 820200

THE BLACK & GREYNewgate St, MorpethNorthumberland NE61 1BU t: 01670 504312

THE BLUE BELLMount Pleasant, West Mickley, Stocksfield NE43 7LPt: 01661 843146

THE BOATHOUSEWylam, NE41 8HRt: 01661 853431

• 14 Real ales on tap• CAMRA 2013• Northumberland Pub of the Year Winner

THE BOATSIDE INNWarden, Hexham, NE46 4SQt: 01434 602233

THE BRIDGE END INNWest Road, Ovingham Prudhoe, NE42 6BNt: 01661 832219

• 5 Real Ales• Traditional family run pub• Folk & music nights

THE CARTS BOG INNLangley on Tyne, Hexham, NE47 5NW. t: 01434 684338

THE CRASTER ARMSThe Wynding, Beadnell,NE675AX t: 01665 720 272

THE CROWN INNHumshaugh, Hexham, NE46 4AG t: 01434 681 231

THE DIAMOND INNMain Street, Ponteland, NE20 9BB t: 01661 872898

THE DYVELS INNStation Road, Corbridge, NE45 5AY t: 01434 633 633

THE FEATHERS INNHedley on the Hill, Stocksfield, NE43 7SW t: 01661 843 607

THE GOLDEN LIONHill Street, Corbridge, NE45 5AA t: 01434 632216

THE GOLDEN LIONMarket Place, Allendale, NE47 9BD t: 01434 683 225

THE HADRIAN HOTEL Wall, Hexham, NE44 4EE t: 01434 681232

THE HERMITAGE INN23 Castle Street, Warkworth, NE65 0UL t: 01665 711 258

THE HORSESHOES INNRennington, Alnwick, NE66 3RS. t: 01665 577665 THE JOINERS ARMSNewton-by-the-Sea, NE66 3EAt: 01665 576 112

THE MANOR HOUSECaterway HeadsShotley Bridge, DH8 9LXt: 01207 255268

THE MANOR INNMain Street, Haltwhistle, NE49 0BS t: 01434 322588 THE NORTHUMBERLAND ARMSThe Peth, West Thirston, Felton, NE65 9EEt: 01670 787370

THE OLDE SHIP INN9 Main Street, Seahouses, NE68 7RD t: 01665 720 200

THE PACKHORSE INNEllingham, Chathill, NE67 5HAt: 01665 589292

THE PILOT INN31 Low Greens, Berwick upon Tweed, TD15 1LZt: 01289 304214

THE PLOUGHVillage Square, Cramlington, NE23 1DN t: 01670 737633

THE PLOUGH INNFront Street, Ellington, NE61 5JB t: 01670 860340

THE RAILWAY HOTELChurch Street, Haydon Bridge, NE47 6JG t: 01434 684254

THE RAILWAY INNAcklington, Morpeth, NE65 9BPt: 01670 760 320

THE RAT INNAnick, Hexham, NE46 4LNt: 01434 602 814

THE RIDLEY ARMSStannington, Morpeth, NE61 6ELt: 01670 789216

THE RED LION22 Northumberland Street, Alnmouth, NE66 2RJt: 01665 830584www.redlionalnmouth.co.uk

THE RED LION INNMilfield, Wooler, NE71 6JDt: 01668 216224 www.redlioninn-milfield.co.uk

Cheers is all about pubs in the North East and this should be a good place to start... COUNTY DURHAM

BUTCHER’S ARMSMiddle Chare, Chester le Street, DH3 3QBt: 0191 388 3605

DUN COW37 Old Elvet, Durham, DH1 3HN t: 0191 386 9219

GREENBANK HOTEL90 Greenbank Road, Darlington, DL3 6ELt: 01325 462624

HALF MOON INN130 North Gate,Darlington, DL1 1QSt: 01325 465765

HAT AND FEATHERSChurch Street, Seaham, SR7 7HF t: 01915 133040

HEAD OF STEAM3 Reform Place, Durham, DH1 4RZ t: 0191 3832173

HOLE IN THE WALL14 Horsemarket, Darlington, County Durham DL1 5PT t: 01325 466720

ITALIAN FARMHOUSESouth Street, West RaintonHoughton - le - SpringDH4 6PA t: 0191 5841022

NUMBER TWENTY-222 Coniscliffe Road, Darlington, DL3 7RGt: 01325 354590e: [email protected]

SURTEES ARMSChilton Lane, Ferryhill, DL17 0DHt: 01740 655724

THREE HORSESHOESMaiden Law, Durham, DH7 0QT t. 01207 520900

YE OLDE ELM TREE 12 Crossgate, Durham City, DH1 4PS t: 0191 386 4621

THE AVENUE INNAvenue Street, High Shincliffe, DH1 2PTt: 0191 386 5954 THE BAY HORSE28 West Green, Heighington, DL5 6PE t: 01325 312312

THE BEAMISH MARY INN No Place, Nr Beamish, DH9 0QH t: 0191 370 0237

THE BLACK HORSE Red Row,Beamish, DH9 0RWt: 01207 232569

THE BRITTANIA INN 1 Archer Street, Darlington County Durham, DL3 6LR t: 01325 463787

THE CLARENCE VILLA Durham Road, Coxhoe, County Durham, DH4HX t: 0191 377 3773

THE COUNTY 13 The Green, Aycliffe Vilage, County Durham, DL5 6LX

t: 01325 312273

THE CROSS KEYSFront Street, Esh, DH7 9QRt: 0191 3731279 THE CROWNMickleton, Barnard Castle, DL12 0JZ t: 01833 640 381 THE DUKE OF WELLINGTONDarlington Road, Durham DH1 3QN t: 0191 375 7651

THE DUN COWFront Street, Sedgefield, TS21 3AT t: 01740 385 6695

THE FLOATER’S MILLWoodstone Village, Fence Houses, DH4 6BQt: 0191 385 6695

THE GARDEN HOUSE INNNorth Road, Durham, DH1 4NQ t: 0191 3863395

THE GEORGE & DRAGON 4 East Green, Heighington Village, DL5 6PP t: 01325 313152 THE GREY HORSE 115 Sherburn Terrace, Consett, DH8 6NE t: 01207 502585

THE HALF MOON INN 86 New Elvet, Durham, DH1 3AQ t: 0191 3741918

THE HONEST LAWYER Croxdale Bridge, Croxdale, DH1 3HP t: 0191 3783782

THE JOHN DUCK91A Claypath, Durham City, DH1 1 RG

THE LAMBTON WORM North Road, Chester le Street, DH3 4AJ t: 0191 3871162

THE MANOR HOUSE HOTEL The Green, West Auckland, DL14 9HW t: 01388 834834

THE MANOR HOUSE INNCarterway Heads, Shotley Bridge, DH8 9LXt: 01207 255268

THE MARKET TAVERN27 Market Place, Durham, DH1 3NJ t: 0191 3862069

THE MILL Durham Road, Rainton Bridge, DH5 8NG t: 0191 5843211

THE MINERS ARMS 41 Manor Road, Medomsley, DH8 6QN t: 01207 560428

THE NEWFIELD INN Newfield, Chester le Street, DH2 2SP t: 0191 3700565

THE OAK TREE Front Street, Tantobie, Stanley, DH9 9RF t: 01207 235 445

THE OLD WELL INN The Bank, Barnard CastleDL12 8PH t: 01833 690 130


THE ROBIN HOOD East Wallhouses, Military RoadNewcastle, NE18 0LLt: 01434 672273

• Real ales• Home cooked food• Accomodation

THE SEVEN STARS21 Main Street, Ponteland, NE20 9NH, t: 01661 872670

THE SUN INN Acomb, NE46 4PW t: 01434 602934

THE SUN INNHigh Church, Morpeth, NE61 2QT, t: 01670 514153

THE SWINBURNE ARMS31 North Side, Stamfordham, NE18 0QG t: 01661 886051

THE TANNERYGilesgate, Hexham, NE46 3QD t: 01434 605537• Beer & Whisky room• Live music• Dog friendly

THE TAP & SPILEEastgate, Hexham, NE46 1BH, t: 01434 602039

THE TRAVELLERS RESTSlaley, Hexham, NE46 1TTt: 01434 673231www.travellersrestslaley.com

THE WELLINGTONMain Road, Riding Mill, NE44 6DQ t: 01434 682531 THE WHITE SWANMain Road, Ovingham,PrudhoeNorthumberland NE42 6AG t: 01661 833188 THE WHEATSHEAFSt Helens Street, Corbridge, NE45 5HE t: 01434 632020

THE VICTORIA HOTEL1 Front Street, Bamburgh, NE69 7BP, t: 01668 214431

THE VILLAGE INNLongframlington, Morpeth, NE65 8AD t: 01665 570268www.thevillageinnpub.co.uk

TEESSIDE

BEST WESTERN GRAND HOTELSwainston Street, Hartlepool, TS24 8AA t: 01429 266345e: [email protected]

BRITANNIA INN 65 High Street, Loftus, TS13 4HG t: 01287 640612

CLEVELAND BAY Yarm Road, Eaglescliffe, TS16 0JE t: 01642 780275

THE CLEVELAND HOTEL9-11 High Street WestRedcar, Cleveland, TS10 1SQ t: 01642 484035

THE FISHERMANS ARMSSouthgate, The Headland, Hartlepool, TS24 0JJt: 01429 266029

THE RAT RACE Hartlepool Railway Station, Hartlepool, TS24 7ED

TYNE & WEAR

ALUM ALE HOUSEFerry Street, South Shields, NE33 1JR

ASHBROOKE SPORTS CLUBAshbrooke Road, Sunderland, SR2 7HH, t: 0191 528 4536

BACCHUS42-48 High Bridge, Newcastle, NE1 6BX t: 0191 2611008

BENTON ALE HOUSEFront Street, LongbentonNE7 7XE t: 0191 2661512

BEST WESTERN ROKER HOTELRoker Terrace, Sunderland, SR6 9ND, t: 0191 5671786e: [email protected]

BIERREX 82 Pilgrim Street, NE1 6SG

BRIDGE HOTELCastle Square, Newcastle, NE1 1RQ t: 0191 232 6400e: [email protected]

BRIDGE TAVERN7 Akenside HillNewcastle upon Tyne, NE1 3UFt: 0191 232 1122

• Selection of real ales• Food served daily• Roof terrace

BRIDLE PATH101 Front Street, Whickham, NE16 4JJ t: 0191 4217676

CHESTERSChester Road, Sunderland, SR4 7DR t: 0191 5659952

COPPERFIELDSGrand Hotel, Grand ParadeTyne And Wear, NE30 4ERt: 0191 293 6666 CUMBERLAND ARMS12 Front Street, Tynemouth, NE30 4DZ t: 0191 2571820www.cumberlandarms.co.uk

DELAVAL ARMSOld Hartley, NE26 4RLt: 0191 237 0489

CROWN POSADA31 Side, Newcastle, NE1 3JE t: 0191 2321269

FIRE STATIONYork Road, Whitley Bay, NE26 1AB t: 0191 293 9030

FITZGERALDS60 Grey Street, Newcastle, NE1 6AF t: 0191 2301350 FITZGERALDS10-12 Green Terrace, Sunderland, SR1 3PZt: 0191 5670852 FITZGERALDS2 South Parade, Whitley Bay, NE26 2RG t: 0191 2511255

FOX & HOUNDS Coalburns, Greenside, NE40 4JN t: 0191 4132549

FREE TRADE INNSt Lawrence Road, Byker, Newcastle, NE6 1APt: 0191 265 5764

GOSFORTH HOTELHigh Street, Gosforth, NE3 1HQ t: 0191 2856617

HOTEL DU VIN & BISTROAllan House, City RoadNewcastle Upon Tyne, NE1 2BE

HUGOS29 Front Street, Tynemouth, NE30 4DZ t: 0191 2578956

ISIS26 Silksworth Row, Sunderland, SR1 3QJ t: 0191 5147684

IVY HOUSEWorcester Terrace, SunderlandSR2 7AW

LA TAVERNA Stella Road, Ryton NE21 4LU t: 0191 413 2921

• Tapas • Real Ale • Chicken

LADY GREY’S20 Shakespeare Street, Newcastle, NE1 6AQt: 0191 2323606

MAGNESIA BANK1 Camden Street, North Shields, NE30 1NH t: 0191 257 4831 MARQUIS OF GRANBYStreetgate, Sunniside, NewcastleTyne & Wear NE16 5ES t: 0191 257 4831

NEWCASTLE ARMS57 St Andrews Street, Newcastle, NE1 5SEt: 0191 260 2490

ODDFELLOWS7 Albion Road, North Shields, NE30 2RJ t: 0191 4358450

PUB & KITCHEN 13/14 Albion Road, North Shields NE30 2RJt: 0191 2573199

RED LIONRedcar Terrace, West Boldon,NE36 0PZ t: 0191 536 4197

ROCKLIFFE ARMSAlgernon Place, Whitley Bay, NE26 2DT t: 0191 2531299

ROSIES BAR2 Stowell Street, NE1 4XQt: 0191 2328477

SHIREMOOR HOUSE FARMMiddle Engine Lane, North Shields, NE29 8DZt: 0191 2576302

SUN INNMarket Lane, Swalwell, Gateshead, NE16 3ALt: 0191 442 9393

TILLEYS BAR105 Westgate Road, Newcastle, NE1 4AG t: 0191 232 0692

TOBY BARNESDurham Road, SunderlandSR2 7RB, t: 0191 5285644www.tobycarvery.co.uk

TRAVELLERS RESTNorth Road, Wide OpenNE13 6LN t: 0191 2366300

TWIN FARMS22 Main Road, Kenton Bk Ft, NE13 8AB t: 0191 2861263

TYNE BARMaling Street, NewcastleNE6 1LP

TYNEMOUTH LODGETynemouth Road, North Shields, NE30 4AAt: 0191 257 7565

THE BEEHIVE Hartley Lane, Earsdon,NE25 05Z t: 0191 2529352

THE BODEGA125 Westgate Road, Newcastle, NE1 4AG t: 0191 221 1552

THE BRIAR DENE71 The Links, Whitley Bay, NE26 1UE t: 0191 2520926

THE BRANDLING ARMS176 High Street, Gosforth, NE3 1HD t: 0191 28540

THE BRANDLING VILLAHaddricks Mill Road, South Gosforth, NE3 1QLt: 0191 2840490

• Large selection of real ales• Regular food & drink festivals• Food served

THE BROAD CHARE25 Broad Chare, Trinity Gardens, Quayside, Newcastle, NE1 3DQ t: 0191 211 2144

THE CAUSEY ARCH INN Beamish Burn Road, Marley Hill, Newcastle, NE16 5EG t: 01207 233925

THE CENTRALHalf Moon Lane, Gateshead, NE8 2AN t: 0191 4782543e: [email protected]

THE CENTURIONNeville Street, Newcastle, NE1 5DG, t: 0191 261 6611

• Real ales• Food available• Live sports shown

THE CHILLINGHAMChillingham Road, Newcastle, NE1 1RQ t: 0191 265 3992

THE CLUNY36 Lime Street, Ouseburn, Newcastle, NE1 2PQt: 0191 230 4474

THE COCK CROW INNMill Lane, Hebburn, NE31 2EYt: 0191 428 5730

THE COPT HILL Seaham Road, Houghton le Spring, DH35 8LU t: 0191 5844485

THE COTTAGE TAVERNNorth Street, Cleadon, SR6 7PL t: 0191 519 0547

THE COUNTYHigh Street, Gosforth, NE3 1HBt: 0191 285 6919

THE COURTYARDArts Centre, Biddick Lane, Washington, NE38 8ABt: 0191 219 3463

THE CUMBERLAND ARMSJames Place Street, Ouseburn, Newcastle, NE6 1LDt: 0191 265 6151

DAT BAR11 Market St, Newcastle, NE1 6JN t: 0191 244 2513

THE DUKE OF WELLINGTONHigh Bridge, Newcastle NE1 1EN t: 0191 261 8852 THE DUN COW 9 High Street West, SunderlandSR1 3HA t: 0191 5672262

THE FIVE SWANSSt Marys Place, Newcastle, NE1 7PG t: 0191 2111140

THE GREENWhite Mare Pool, Wardley, Gateshead, NE10 8YBt: 0191 4950171

THE GREY HORSEFront Street, East Boldon, NE36 0SJ t: 0191 519 1796

THE GREY HORSEOld Penshaw Village,Houghton-le-Spring, DH4 7ERt: 0191 512 6080

THE HARBOUR VIEWBenedict Street, Roker, Sunderland, SR6 0NUt: 0191 5671402

THE HASTINGSWheatridge Row, Seaton Delaval, NE25 0QH t: 0191 237 6868

THE HEAD OF STEAM2 Neville Street, Newcastle NE1 5EN t: 0191 230 4236

THE HEAD OF STEAM 3 The Arcade, Front Street, Tynemouth, NE30 4BSt: 0191 272 8105

THE HOTSPUR103 Percy Street, Newcastle, NE1 7RY t: 0191 2324352

THE JOB BULMAN St Nicholas Avenue, Gosforth, NE3 1AA t: 0191 2236320

THE JOLLY STEWARDFulwell Ave, South Shields,NE34 7DF t: 0191 427 2951

THE KEELMAN Grange Road, Newburn, Newcastle , NE15 8NL t: 0191 267 1689

THE KEEL ROWThe Gate, Newcastle, NE1 5RFt: 01912299430

THE KINGS ARMSBeech Street, Deptford, SR4 6BUt: 0191 567 9804

THE KINGS ARMSWest Terrace, Seaton Sluice, NE26 4RD t: 0191 2370275

THE KING GEORGENorth Parade, Whitley Bay t: 0191 251 3877 THE LAMBTON ARMS Eighton Banks, Gateshead, NE9 7XR t: 0191 487 8137

THE LOW LIGHTS TAVERN Brewhouse Bank, North Shields, NE30 1LL t: 0191 2576038

THE MALTINGS9 Claypath Lane, South Shields, NE33 4PG t: 0191 4277147

THE MID BOLDON CLUB60 Front Street. East Boldon, NE36 0SH

THE MILE CASTLE52 Westgate Rd, NE1 5XUt: 0191 2111160

THE MILL HOUSEBlackfell, Birtley, DH3 1REt: 0191 415 1313

THE MILLSTONE HOTELHadricks Mill Road,South Gosforth, NE3 1QLt: 0191 285 3429

THE NEW BRIDGE2 -4 Argyle Street, Newcastle, NE1 6PF t: 0191 2321020

THE NORTHUMBRIAN PIPERFawdon House, Red House Farm Estate, Gosforth, NE3 2AHt: 0191 2856793

THE OLD GEORGEOld George Yd, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 1EEt: 0191 260 3035

THE OLDE SHIPS INNDurham Road, East Rainton, DH5 9QT t: 0191 5840944

THE PACKHORSECrookgate, Burnopfield, NE16 6NS t: 01207 270283

THE PAVILION Hotspur North, Backworth, NE27 0BJt: 0191 2680711

THE POTTERS WHEEL Sunniside, Newcastle, NE16 5EEt: 0191 488 8068

THE PRIORYFront Street, TynemouthNE30 4DX. t. 0191 257 8302

THE QUEEN VICTORIA 206 High Street, Gosforth, NE3 1HD. t: 0191 2858060

THE RAVENSWORTH ARMSLamesley, Gateshead, NE11 0ER. t: 0191 487 6023

THE RISING SUNBank Top, Crawcrook, NE40 4EE. t: 0191 4133316

THE ROBIN HOODPrimrose Hill, Jarrow, NE32 5UB. t: 0191 428 5454

THE ROSE & CROWNNorth Street, WinlatonNE21 6BT. t: 0191 4145887

THE SCHOONERSouth Shore Road, Gateshead, NE8 3AF t: 0191 477 7404

• Champion casks• Best bands• Gorgeous grub

THE SIR WILLIAM DE WESSYNGTON2-3 Victoria Road, Concord, Washington, NE37 2JY t: 0191 418 0100

THE STAITH HOUSE57 Low Lights, North Shields, NE30 1JA t: 0191 2708441

THE STEAMBOAT27 Mill Dam, South ShieldsNE33 1EQ t: 0191 454 0134

THE TANNERS1 Byker Bridge, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 2NS

THE THREE TUNSSheriffs Highway, Gateshead, NE9 5SD t: 0191 4870666

THE TOWN WALLPink Lane, Newcastle, NE1 5HXwww.thetownwall.com

• Selection of real ales• Food served daily• Cinema room available

THE TURKS HEAD41 Front Street, Tynemouth, NE30 4DZ t: 0191 2576547

THE VICTORYKillingworth Road, South Gosforth, NE3 1SYt: 0191 285 1254

YE OLD CROSS INNRyton Village, NE40 3QPt: 0191 4134689


YOU COULDN’T MAKE IT UP

In the April 2012 issue of Cheers we featured a Virgin Media van called Van Morrison. Well, here’s his little brother. A pint for the first person who sends a photo of Robin Van Persie.

A MAN WALKS INTO A BAR……DRESSED AS A SET OF JUMP LEADS. THE BARMAN SAYS: “I’M SORRY, SIR, I CAN’T SERVE YOU WEARING AN OUTFIT LIKE THAT, WE HAVE A STRICT DRESS CODE IN HERE. THE CUSTOMER SAYS: “I’M ONLY HAVING A QUICK PINT BEFORE I GO TO A FANCY DRESS PARTY.” THE BARMAN THINKS FOR A SECOND, THEN SAYS: “OK, AS LONG AS YOU DON’T START ANYTHING.”

SIGN OF THE TIMES

1 In the Tarzan films, what was Jane’s surname?2 Airstrip One is the new name for Britain in which book?3 The name of which central European capital city means “ford” (as in river)?4 Who cooks with nose of Turk and Tartar’s lips?5 The name of which popular herb comes from the Latin for “dew of the sea”?6 Petula Clark had a No1 hit in February 1967 with This Is My Song. Which knight of

the realm wrote it?7 Which film couple had a daughter named Bonnie Blue?8 What was Belize called until 1973?9 Which European country has the most lakes? (Russia excluded)10 Which 1969 Oscar-winning film was X-rated in the US?11 Plus or minus 50 years, how long does it take Pluto to orbit the sun?12 The name for which musical ensemble means “dancing place”?

TWELVE QUESTIONS TO TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGETHE DIRTY DOZEN

The Pub Landlord – aka comedian Al Murray – has announced he is to contest the South Thanet constituency at the General Election in May. He’ll directly oppose UKIP leader Nigel Farage. But “opposition” isn’t the point – both Pub Landlord and Farage rather scarily share ideals (although the comedian’s are admittedly a lot less serious).

During his campaign launch, Murray promised to “save the British pub, fight Germany if they’re up

for it and burn down Parliament for the insurance”. He also pledged to slash the price of a pint to a penny, brick up the Channel Tunnel, ditch Europe by 2025, then leave the Solar System by 2050 and introduce National Service only for those who don’t want to do it.

Best joke, however, is probably shared by the pair. Murray says: “It seems to me the UK is ready for a bloke waving a pint around offering common-sense solutions.”

QUIZ ANSWERS 1 Parker (Porter in the books) 2 Nineteen Eighty-Four 3 Prague 4 The witches in Macbeth 5 Rosemary (Rosmarinus). Ros – dew; marinus – sea 6 Sir Charlie Chaplin 7 Scarlett O’Hara and Rhett Butler (Gone With The Wind) 8 British Honduras 9 Finland 10 Midnight Cowboy 11 248.54 years 12 Orchestra

FUN STUFF

LOW MOON OVER HIGH TOWNOur competition to win a brilliant Ben Holland print of a Newcastle pub has produced three winners:

SOPHIA STOVALL

MICK LAWS

ROISHEEN CHILDS

Many thanks to all who entered (Visit www.lowmoonoverhightown.com)

A B I G T H A N K Y O U T O A L L O F O U R S T A F F A N D C U S T O M E R S !

H E R E ’ S T O A F A N T A S T I C 2 0 1 5 !

9 1 A C L A Y P A T H D U R H A M C I T Y2 0 1 4 D U R H A M C I T Y B E S T B A R N O N E A W A R D S - B E S T P U B

2 0 1 5 D U R H A M C A M R A T O W N C I D E R P U B O F T H E Y E A RL I V E M U S I C - A L E S - S A L S A

5 3 C R O S S G A T E D U R H A M C I T Y2 0 1 4 D U R H A M C I T Y R E T A I L A W A R D S - B E S T B A R

L I V E M U S I C - J U K E B O X - B A N T E R

1 2 C R O S S G A T E D U R H A M C I T Y2 0 1 5 D U R H A M C A M R A T O W N P U B O F T H E Y E A R

L O C A L B E E R - P R O P E R F O O D - F I R E

cheers - february 2015

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