Cask Task

The New Bridge, 2 Argyle Street, Newcastle Upon Tyne, Tyne & Wear, NE1 6PF. Tel:0191 232 1020

2011-12-28T10:29:00.000-08:00

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The New Bridge pub, which is situated on the corner of Argyle Street and New Bridge Street in Newcastle is one of the Sir John Fitzgerald group, and like the others, always offers a decent selection of real ales.

Unlike its neighbour ( The Kings Manor) the New Bridge does afford a carpet for us to spill our beer onto.
With 4 pumps in working order, I ordered the Tyne Bank Monument Bitter and left the Hardknot Infra Red at 6.2 strength for another day.
A good atmosphere.

The Angel View Inn, Low Eighton, Gateshead, Tyne & Wear, NE9 7UB. Tel:0191 4103219.

2011-12-28T08:59:00.000-08:00

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The Angel View is just off the A1M, as you approach Gateshead and The Angel from the south.

What a beautiful pub/hotel/restaurant it is. Cask Task happened to call on a lovely summer's afternoon and

had a snack and a couple pints of real ale, naturally, and enjoyed the sunshine in the central area pictured above.

Without a doubt worth a visit, Even more so if you can catch it in the sunshine, as we did.

The Forth Hotel, Pink Lane, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE1 5DW. Tel:0191 2326478.

2011-12-28T08:26:00.000-08:00

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The Forth Hotel is a tidy pub and eating place, tucked away up Pink Lane in the city centre, near Central Station. Very handy really. (There is another good real ale drinking and eating place just opposite. Also in Pink Lane).
With a generous offering of 5 real ales, including Adnams Green Bullet, Lancasters Blonde and others from Somerset and Cornwall, make this a real good jumping off point for shopping in the 'toon'.

The Old Mill Hotel, Metal Bridge, County Durham, DH6 5NX. Tel.01740 652928

2011-12-28T08:04:00.000-08:00

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The Old Mill is a very pleasant, well appointed, old pub with an extension or two added to give a generous eating area and a reasonable menu to choose from.
I must admit it is tucked away a little, but maybe that's just me being a bit fussy.
The real ale choice was a little disappointing, there being only two to savour. Bishops Finger and Durham Brewery's Summit Wicked.
Still, not a bad place to visit.

Head of Steam, 3 Reform Place, North Road, Durham, DH1 4RZ. Tel:0191 3832173.

2011-11-23T08:43:00.000-08:00

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The Head of Steam was not an easy place to find, but worth a look just the same, as the atmosphere was ok and the choice of real ale was good.

Tucked away, just off North Road, the Wylam's ( I do like their beer) Gold Tankard and Heddon Bitter and Harviestoun Hoptober Fest were for sale so I partook. Smashing.

Worth a look and of course a pint or two.

The Slug and Lettuce, Unit 7, Walkergate, Durham, DH1 1SQ. Tel:0845 1262900.

2011-11-23T08:21:00.000-08:00

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The Slug and Lettuce in Durham City's Walkergate Leisure was a very modern looking place. Rather large and very quiet on my late afternoon visit. Two real ales to be had. Ringwoods Boondoggle, my quick choice, and Black Sheep. I say quick because I didn't hang around. The tables were filthy. Maybe they had been busy but thats no excuse.

The Bishop's Mill, Walkergate Leisure, Town Centre, Durham, DH1 1WA. Tel:0191 3708510.

2011-11-23T08:03:00.000-08:00

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The Bishop's Mill pub is in the Walkergate Leisure, which houses a number of eating and drinking establishments.

This one is a Wetherspoons, and at my late afternoon visit was by far the busiest of the bunch for both eating and drinking.

The usual mamoth choice of 8 real ales was on offer and I couldn't resist the Moorhouse Pendle Porter amongst the multitude. Somerset Broadoak, Abbot, Ruddles, Wadworths etc. etc..

As usual with Wetherspoons the food choice was reasonably priced. If you're out with the kids at lunchtime, this is the place to be.

The Broad Chare, 25 Broad Chare, Quayside, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE1 3DQ. Tel:0191 2112144.

2011-11-18T01:05:00.000-08:00

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The Broad Chare is in Broad Chare! just off the Quayside, near the law courts.(That's not my Merc outside incidentally. My much more desirable Nissan Note is just around the corner)

I must admit I loved the place as soon as I limped in.

The Broad Chare, I think, is owned and was opened by a bloke called Terry Laybourne, who, years ago, had a smashing restaurant called 21 Queen Street. I loved that place as well!

4 real ales in spot on condition. Brew Dog's Trashy Blonde, Bass Premium Ale, Wylam's Gold Tankard and my favourite, Writer's Block, specially brewed for the Broad Chare by Wylams. I found the beer excellent and the young barman very knowledgeable and helpful.

The bar food was excellent but I must admit I've yet to visit the restaurant upstairs. Can't wait.

I'll report on this at a later date.

The Kings Manor, 132 New Bridge Street, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE1 8AG. Tel:0191 2301190.

2011-11-18T00:48:00.000-08:00

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The Kings Manor on New Bridge Sreet, appealed to me as an alternative to the horrible 5 o'clock city traffic jam I happened to be stuck in the other evening.

I don't think the Kings Manor, once the Moot, had been opened until very recently but it is certainly a proper real ale pub. With no less than 10 hand pulls to pick from, I parked up just around the corner in Argyle Street and 'booled' in.

Polished wood floors were the order of the day so I 'plonked' in and ordered a pint of Hadrian's Tyneside Blonde. Very nice it was too.

I must come back without the car to sample more of the ale.

Town Wall, Pink Lane, Newcastle Upon Tyne, Tyne & Wear, NE1 5HX. Tel:0191 2323000.

2011-10-13T09:16:00.000-07:00

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I hadn't realised theTown Wall existed as its that long since I walked up Pink Lane. Another pub sits almost opposite, but thats for another day.

The Town Wall is quite a sizeable pub which has a decent reputation for food and a substantial menu. But I digress.

The selection of real ales is marvelous, with some 8 to choose from. A couple of Wylam beers, one permanent called Toon Waal Ale, and the other, Gold Tankard, were acconpanied by Tyne Banks Monument Bitter, Brew Dogs Trashy Blonde and Punk IPA, Harviestouns Bitter and Twisted, Dalesides Blonde and good old Bass Premium Ale.

Maybe it was the time of day I chose, but the place was sparcely populated and therefore lacked atmosphere. I'll maybe have to call again. Seems like a good idea.

Black Bull, Bridge Street, Blaydon-on-Tyne, Tyne and Wear, NE21 4JJ. Tel:0191 4142846.

2011-10-13T08:14:00.000-07:00

The Black Bull used to have a reputation, some time ago, as a 1st class real ale pub, or so I was led to believe. I don't know what's happened but it now belongs to the Cask Task section of has beens.

We went in, had a cloudy pint of M'Ladys Fancy from the Titanic Brewery, and were completely sunk like the brewery's namesake ship, alas never to be seen again.

M'Ladys Fancy by the Titanic Brewery. Also Deuchers IPA and Black Sheep, were also in the murky depths.

The Seven Stars Inn High Street North Shincliffe Durham DH1 2NU Tel:0191 3848454

2011-09-07T15:33:00.000-07:00

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The Seven Stars, is run by the wife of the boss of the Rose Tree Inn, also in Shincliffe. Like the Rose Tree there are two or three decent real ales on tap, so on this particular beautiful hot afternoon, I decided to have a few pints. I chose a Durham Brewery ale and it was smashing.
The Seven Stars does have a decent food menu on offer and accomodation.

The Rose Tree Inn Low Road West Shincliffe Durham DHI 2LY Tel.0191 3868512

2011-09-07T15:09:00.000-07:00

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I passed The Rose Tree Inn due to a bit of dodgy information on my Sat Nav and by the time I realised where it was, it was shut! A day later there it was.

Not a bad place, majoring strongly on food. It did however have three real ales on tap, so naturally I tried one. The weather was red hot and I did enjoy that pint in the small bar next to the large eating area.

Apparently the boss here has the Seven Stars Inn, which is further in to Shincliffe and is run by his wife.

Must give that a try,

The Central Hotel, Half Moon Lane, Gateshead, Tyne and Wear, NE8 2AN. Tel:0191 4782543.

2011-03-28T22:28:00.000-07:00

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The Central Hotel as it is called, although always known as 'the coffin', because of its shape, was always a real traditional old pub. Used on a couple of occasions in the past in movies, The Central was always known as a bit of a rough dive, but always worth a visit because of its character.

It was allowed to fall into abysmal disrepair but the Head of Steam pub group managed to get some help and lottery money, to completely refurbish it, inside and out. A good job they've made of it too, without losing too much of its old ambience.
With live music upstairs and reasonable food served along with some wonderful real ale (about 8 to choose from) downstairs. Its taken about 2 years to get it to its present state, opening a bit at a time.
On Cask Task's 3 visits over the past 18 months or so its been interesting to see its development and sample some of these beers. Wylam Angel, York Brewery Guzzler, Consett Cast Iron, Ossett Brewery Corker, Copper Dragon Brewery Freddie Truman, Black Sheep, Marston Moor Brewery Cromwell and Hadrian and Border Brewery Byker Light.

Walk out of the door, down the bank, and you're on the old Swing Bridge and the Quayside. Marvelous.

Castle Eden Inn, Stockton Road, Castle Eden, Hartlepool, Cleveland, TS27 4SD, Tel:01429 835137.

2011-03-10T22:29:00.000-08:00

The Castle Eden Inn is just off the A19 in the little village of Castle Eden in County Durham.

An attractive pub from the outside and the interior doesn't disappoint. It has a welcoming feel to it, with a music/TV lounge to the right, a 'U' shaped bar to the centre and a restaurant to the left. Food and drink is served all day.

The real ales on offer were Deuchars IPA, Old Speckled Hen and the delicious Hobgoblin, a couple of pints of which I thoroughly enjoyed.

A small but inviting lunchtime menu found me well satisfied with the starter and main course I had and I'll certainly come back again for more.
I did however have the major embarrasment of being pursued, whilst hobbling to the door, by one of the staff who thought I was absconding without having paid. She was very attractive however, and would certainly be welcome to chase me outside the next time I visit.

Benton Ale House, Front Street, Benton, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE7 7XE. Tel:0191 2661512 or 0191 2665588.

2011-02-16T09:39:00.000-08:00

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The Benton Ale House is, handily, just round the corner from the Four Lane Ends Metro Station. Although there is parking space, the choice of wonderful ales does lend itself to a good session and a rest for the driver! Cask Task did use this facility for the full squad to enjoy a variety of the beers on offer.

Built over 100 years ago and known originally as The Sun, it became the Benton Ale House in 1995 and began promoting real ales and a good name its got for it too.The pub is divided into two rooms with the bar in the middle and the decor is very pleasant throughout.

The four regular beers being Banks Bitter, Jennings Cumberland Ale, Marstons Pedigree(my delicious choice for the afternoon) and Ringwoods Forty Niner. There are 3 guest ales on offer also.

An extremely enjoyable afternoon was had by all and the Benton Ale House is highly recommended.

Jacksons Arms, Tower Street, Hartlepool, Cleveland, TS24 7HH, 01429 862413.

2010-11-26T11:52:00.000-08:00

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Jacksons Arms has not the most attractive or inviting of exteriors but things do improve a little once inside.
A pleasant atmosphere and although 4 pumps were on show only one was in use.
Adnams Bocbier. Never heard of that one but it tasted reasonable enough.

Rat Race Ale House, Platform 2, Hartlepool Railway Station, TS24 7ED.

2010-11-26T10:44:00.000-08:00

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The Rat Race Ale House is actually in Hartlepool Railway Station.
It's tiny.
About 8ft by 8ft, but always has a good selection of ever changing real ales maintained by the ever present Pete Morgan.
Always a regular changing 4 ales, a Perry and a Cider on offer with a reasonable amount of seating.
A most unusual setting and a must for a visit and a pint or two.

White House, Wooler Road, Hartlepool, Cleveland, TS26 0DR, Tel:01429 224392.

2010-11-26T10:02:00.000-08:00

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White House is another attractive and well appointed Ember Inns pub/restaurant in Hartlepool, popular for both food and good real ale.
The superb range of beers included Old Speckled Hen, Black Sheep, John Smiths Cask Ale, Bass Premium Ale and the superb Copper Dragon Black Gold from the Skipton Brewery.
A comfortable and inviting place well worth a visit.

Tall Ships, Middle Warren Local Centre, Mulberry Rise, Hartlepool, TS26 OBF, Tel:01429 273515.

2010-11-26T09:39:00.000-08:00

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Tall Ships is one of two very inviting Ember Inns owned pub/restaurants Cask Task came across in Hartlepool.
Very well appointed in decor and furnishings with a good looking food menu and superb range of real ales.
Black Prince Dark Ale from St Austell, Davenports Fox's Nob, Thwaites Liberation Premium Ale and John Smiths Cask Ale. The Black Prince was superb. These all change regularly.
Definitely worth a visit for both food and drink

Pier 81, Queen Street, Amble, Northumberlaned, NE65 0DA, Tel:01665 713160.

2010-11-22T03:37:00.000-08:00

Pier 81 was once The Tavern, which baffled us temporarily but we were desparately searching for a pint of real ale in this absolute desert of a place and went in.
One pump, yes ONE pump, in this dump, and the only pump of real ale in the whole town centre!!
We sank the Hadrian & Borders Brewery's Tyneside Blonde and left.

The Trap Inn, Main Street, North Broomhill, Northumberland, NE65 9UT. Tel:01670 761672.

2010-11-22T02:59:00.000-08:00

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The Trap Inn is a little isolated, just off the main coastal route through Northumberland.
I must have passed the pub a number of times over the years without giving it a second glance. A refurbishment around 2008 has cheered the place up no end and we thought it was worth a look in.

The man on duty behind the bar was a friendly and welcoming bloke and served up a good pint of Theakstons Old Peculiar. With a choice of 3 real ales, a restaurant and accomodation the place is certainly worth a visit.

Border Minstrel, High Gosforth Park, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE3 5EJ, Tel:0191 2362002

2010-10-29T16:07:00.000-07:00

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The Border Minstrel stands right outside the racecourse and opposite the Parklands Golf Course. A large L-shaped room for both drinkers and diners.
It generally has 3 real ales on tap although only 2 available when Cask Task arrived. Both were from the High House Farm Brewery, one of our favourites. Matfen Magic and Nels Best were the two on offer.
The music in the place , however, nearly blew my little grey cells out.

Stonebridge Inn, Nevilles Cross, Durham, Co Durham, DH1 4PJ, Tel:0191 3709422.

2010-10-25T07:21:00.000-07:00

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The Stonebridge Inn was visited by Cask Task in the early part of 2010, only to draw a blank as far as real ale was concerned. It's only stocked in the summer season we were told. 3 forlorn hand pulls were temporarely redundant.
Cask Task is made of sterner stuff, and did as asked, to find only one in action on the return visit. Spitfire was the one, so a couple of pints were had. The consolation, however, was the accompaniment of some fine sandwiches to go with the beer. One steak sandwich and two exellent lamb sandwiches were served up and despatched with vigour.
Only one real ale choice was a disappointment but the food did make up for it.

The Green Tree, Village Green, Tudhoe, Spennymoor, Co Durham, DL16 6LE. Tel:01388 815679.

2010-10-25T06:35:00.000-07:00

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The Green Tree stands at the side of Tudhoe's village green and is a picturesque little pub.
Although only selling one real ale, I've put it on Cask Task because of its cosy atmosphere and good food.

The beer, Black Sheep, I must say was in excellent condition and the best pint of the stuff I've had for some time.
Certainly, if your in the Spennymoor area it's worth a meal and a pint in The Green Tree at Tudhoe.

The Pollards Inn, 104 Etherley Lane, Bishop Auckland, Co Durham, DL14 6TU, Tel:01388 603539.

2010-10-15T21:59:00.000-07:00

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The Pollards is a little out of the town centre, but believe you me it is a busy and popular eating place.

With good food a priority,the pub was packed with friday lunchtime diners and we, from CaskTask ,couldn't resist the tasty roast beef and gravy sandwiches. They were spot on.

The manager there was an extremely friendly and informative chap and certainly did his pub proud with a fine selection of real ales to accompany his superb grub.

No less than 5 hand pulls in operation, with my Jennings Snecklifter a must. Ringwoods Hufkin, Wychwoods Bountiful, Hobgoblin and Jennings Cumberland Ale, the regular, all on offer. Lovely stuff.

What a smashing pub.

The Stanley Jefferson, 5 Market Place, Bishop Auckland, Co Durham, DL14 7NJ, Tel:01388 452830.

2010-10-15T21:17:00.000-07:00

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The Stanley Jefferson is right in the middle of the town. As usual with a Wetherspoons house, it was busy with friday afternoon meals constantly passing through the place and a 8 real ales on tap.
The name comes from Stanley ( another fine mess you've got me in to ) Laurel who was born here in Bishop.
One of Wetherspoons best, the pub served up Abbot Ale (2 pumps ), Old Peculiar, Spitfire, Ruddles Best ( at £1.59 a pint, I had some of that ), Ringwoods Forty Niner and so on.
A popular and comfortable pub.

The Frog and Ferret, Coulson Street, Spennymoor, Co Durham, DL16 7RS, Tel:01388 818312.

2010-10-15T12:10:00.000-07:00

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The Frog and Ferret is what I'd call a proper pub!
From the outside it looks very ordinary, but just walk inside and you want to sit down and enjoy a few pints. It just oozes inviting warm and welcoming atmosphere. With its old fireplace and central bar it immediately asks you to relax. The staff help with their friendly service too.
To add to this the real ale choice is plentyful and my Wensleydale Falconer was clean and tasty.
If you get the chance, get youself in there. What a super pub

The Promenade, 1 Queens Parade, Seaburn, Sunderland, SR6 8DA, Tel:0191 5292226.

2010-10-12T08:07:00.000-07:00

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The Promenade pub is right on the sea front at Seaburn.

I must admit, I walk along the actual promenade here every week, and if the tide's in and a bit unsettled, it can be spectacular. Strange, for me that is, I had never called at The Promenade to sample the ale even though there's a Cask Marque sign at the door. Must be something wrong with my specs I thought! So after a swift visit to the opticians last week, just to check you understand, I called in for a pint.

A pleasant surprise! Two hand pulls on and a friendly and comfortable interior for the coming winter months. Deuchars IPA and a nice pint of Tetleys real ale.

The Promenade has become a regular haunt.

The White Swan Inn, Prestwick Road, Dinnington, Newcastle upon Tyne, Tyne and Wear, NE13 7AG, Tel:01661 872869.

2010-10-12T07:16:00.000-07:00

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The White Swan Inn was closed at 3.30pm when I last called, a week or so ago, but it looked so inviting I thought it was worth another go.

Although not what I'd call a real ale pub, just the one pump of Black Sheep on sale, I thought I'd mention the Swan because of its popularity as a good eatery. The place was really busy on the thursday lunchtime Cask Task called for the customary pint.

Very obviously a good place to eat.

Poachers Cottage, Callerton, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE5 1NQ, Tel:0191 2140417.

2010-10-12T06:37:00.000-07:00

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The Poachers Cottage is a beautiful pub/restaurant on the edge of the village of Callerton.
We caught it on a sunny autumn afternoon and it looked tremendous. The interior was just as attractive. So much so that Cask Task's team of three had to have a delicious roast beef sandwich each. Super.
The Cumberland Ale and the Snecklifter real ale washed it all down.
I must say that I'll be back here again as soon as possible.

Twin Farms, Main Road, Kenton Bank Foot, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE13 8AB, Tel:0191 2864531.

2010-10-12T06:09:00.000-07:00

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Twin Farms is a very friendly and welcoming Sir John Fitzgerald place on the edge of Newcastle. I'd had a meal in here, a few months ago, with my son and granddaughter and thought it was about time the beer got a try!
As usual with 'Fitzgeralds' there was plenty to choose from and an ever changing variety from 5 real ale pumps. Black Sheep, Skipton Brewery Copper Dragon, Moonshine from Abbeydale Brewery, Red Car Rocks and Brecon County from the Breconshire Brewery. Down I settled, in a very comfortable armchair, and supped. Marvelous.
Another good pub/restaurant.

Jingling Gate, Stamfordham Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE5 1NL. Tel:0191 2869636.

2010-10-12T05:32:00.000-07:00

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The Jingling Gate brings back 25years or more memories of big friendly gatherings and meals for special occasions. Obviously the place has changed now and moved up market but still has a pleasant atmosphere.
Always a big eating place, and that hasn't changed, with a good menu to choose from.
The real ales are on sale from 3 hand pulls. Old Speckled Hen, Green King IPA, and a new one on me, Gangly Ghoul from the Westgate Brewery, which I couldn't resist. Very pleasant it turned out to be!
A good pub and eating place.

The Pavillion, Hotspur North, Backworth Business Park, Backworth, Tyne & Wear, NE27 0FG. Tel:0191 2680711

2010-10-02T21:03:00.000-07:00

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The Pavillion Bar and Grill is what you would call 'ultra modern'. So 'ultra modern' we almost drove past it as it looks nothing like a pub!
Extremely comfortable and welcoming once inside. Very swish.
A Sir John Fitzgerald place opened in 2008, it has a good selection of real ales. Red Car Rocks, Hadrian and Borders Tyneside Blonde, Jarrow Brewerys Swinging Gibbet and the customary Black Sheep. My Swinging Gibbet was smashing.
Good food too.
Definitely worth a visit.

The Wheatsheaf Inn, New York, Tyne & Wear, NE29 8EH. Tel:0191 2708277.

2010-10-02T20:18:00.000-07:00

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The Wheatsheaf Inn is a quite attractive old place which we had some difficulty finding. Not helped by the roadworks upheaval caused by a water leak problem. This had been going on for some time apparently, causing great financial loss and much aggravation to the pub.
We found the place comfortable and homely on our visit. The ales being Courage Best Bitter, which went down very well, Websters Bitter and Mordues IPA.
Lets hope the roadworks problem is sorted quickly.
A good pub.

Shiremoor Farm, Middle Engine Lane, North Shields, Tyne & Wear, NE29 8DZ. Tel:0191 2576302.

2010-10-02T19:46:00.000-07:00

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Shiremoor Farm is a beautiful converted farmhouse now almost impossible to recognise as such. This Sir John Fitzgerald establishment is now a huge restaurant and bar with a selection of real ales, wines and reasonably priced food.
The interior is attractively done out with beamed ceilings and comfortable furnishings.
A couple of good real ales are always available. Mordues IPA and Timothy Taylors Landlord were the two when Cask Task called. The IPA washed down a very nice roast beef sandwich.

If you are in the area it is certainly worth a visit.

Melton Constable, Beresford Road, Seaton Sluice. Whitley Bay, NE26 4DR. Tel:0191 2377741.

2010-09-24T07:14:00.000-07:00

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The Melton Constable is set just off the main road through Seaton Sluice by the sea inlet.
With a conservatory at the rear giving a pleasant outlook, the old pub has a good atmosphere to it.

A really good selection of five real ales, two from Caledonian Brewery, the Red and the Mellow Yellow. The others were Ruddles Best, Wells Bomberdier and Deuchars IPA. I thoroughly enjoyed my pint of Caledonian Red and a pleasant chat with both of the barmaids.

A good pub, serving food too.

Astley Arms, Marine Drive, Seaton Sluice, Whitley Bay, Tyne and Wear, NE26 4JX. Tel:0191 2370057.

2010-09-24T07:09:00.000-07:00

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The Astley Arms once, a long time ago, must have been a good pub. Before and during the 2nd World War, it must have had a loyal following.
There was a major naval base just up the coast at Blyth for a dozen submarines. All but 4 of them were lost or destroyed.
A bottle of Johnny Walker Red Label Whisky was left behind the bar by one of the submarine 'Seahorse' crew, to be collected on his return. This submariner, 'Tug' Wilson, was lost at sea along with the rest of the crew of 'Seahorse' in 1940, and the unopened bottle remains in a glass case in the Astley Arms in his, and all the other lost submariner's memory.
The two real ale pumps, Green King IPA and Black Sheep, are all that remain, in a what is virtually now a family canteen, rather than a pub.

BeeHive Inn, Hartley Lane, Earsdon, Whitley Bay, Tyne and Wear, NE25 0SZ. Tel:0191 2529352.

2010-09-24T06:54:00.000-07:00

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The BeeHive Inn is on a quiet country lane between Earsdon and Old Hartley.

I must admit I've passed this Grade II listed pub and never given it a try, until this late, rain soaked, thursday afternoon. It had a reasonable selection of drinkers and mainly diners, even on this awful day, and it got busier as the afternoon continued. Obviously, the pub was doing something right!
Two real ales on in this little place and both in good health. Timothy Taylors Landlord and the Northumberland Brewery BeeHive Bitter.
Reluctantly, having to leave without sampling the food there, off I trundled, promising to return at some point for a meal.
The sooner the better.

Delavel Arms, Old Hartley, Whitley Bay, Tyne and Wear, NE26 4RL. Tel:0191 2370489.

2010-09-24T06:45:00.000-07:00

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The Delavel Arms is a lovely old boozer on the northern outskirts of Whitley Bay.

The lads from Cavendish Kitchens used to have their Christmas do's here, in the side room, on the right as you go in. Good nights they were too. Unfortunately, for gronks like, me there are two stairs down to the bar. Don't let that put you off as it's a good atmosphere in there.

4 real ale pumps are in working order and one of my favourites, Mordues Workie Ticket, is generally one of them.

A good real ale pub.

Tilleys, 105 Westgate Road, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE1 4AW. Tel:0191 2320692.

2010-09-02T21:28:00.000-07:00

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Tilleys, sandwiching the Tyne Theatre (formerly the Stoll picture house, where I used to 'play the wag' from school to see so called 'dirty' movies in 1960, in what seems like the middle ages now) between it and The Bodega pub, feels a bit more downmarket than its sister pub. Its not really, its just that the Bodega has a more interesting interior.

Still interesting with its 'cinema' inside!! Tilleys is a bit more down to earth, shall we say, but does have a substantial range if changing real ales. JW Lees Strawberry Fruity Ale, Blackberry Cascade(2 bananas and a half pound of apples please?), JW Lees Bitter(thats better), High House Nels Best, Wylams Summer Magic and some of yer actual real? lager. I tried a pint of this, just to say that I had.

A good pub though and worth a visit.

The Bodega, 125 Westgate Road, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE1 4AG. Tel:0191 2211552.

2010-09-02T20:23:00.000-07:00

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The Bodega is a beautiful old pub, both inside and out, with its magnificent domed ceiling and traditional look exterior. Another city drinking establishment Sir John Fitzgerald can be proud of. I can't help feeling though, that the new road, sort of cutting Westgate Road in two, doesn't enhance this part of the city, but on to the Bodega's further good points.

The superb real ale range is as good as ever. Changing constantly. When we called, Prince Bishop Ale, Sharp's Honey Spiced Gold, Milestone Black Pearl (one of my favourites), Nethergate Brewery Painted Lady, Milestones Dark Knight and Durham Brewery's The Durham Magus were all sitting there, ready to be supped.

Get in and get some swallied.

The Crown and Anchor, The Market Place, Holy Island, TD15 2RX. Tel:01289 389215.

2010-08-31T16:19:00.000-07:00

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The Crown and Anchor is right in the middle of the pretty little village itself. But don't visit when we did, 25th August, the kids holidays, as the place was packed.
There's so much to see, Lindisfarne's tiny castle, the Priory ruins, the little church, the village itself and of course the real ale pubs! Always check the tides as its a full days visit to enjoy it to the full.
There were 3 real ales on offer, High House Farms Nels Best, and Hadrian and Borders Tyneside Blonde plus my choice of Secret Kingdom, the darker brew. There was of course a London visitor whinging about the quality of the northern beer, but a pint of my recommended Nels Best settled him down.

Lindisfarne. A grand little Island to spend a day or so on.

The Ship Inn, Marygate, Holy Island, TD15 2SJ. Tel:01289 389311.

2010-08-31T15:31:00.000-07:00

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The Ship is the first pub you'll come across after being shepherded into the tourist car park.
The island was packed, as Cask Task wrongly decided that 25th August was a good time to visit.
I had been to Lindisfarne twice before many years ago and I would highly recommend a visit, but do remember to check the tides before hand. There's so much to see and a full day is required.
The small castle, the Priory ruins, the tiny old church, the little village itself and of course, the real ale pubs! The kids holidays is not a good time.
The Ship is a quaint old place, and at a quieter time, would be a comfortable pub to spend a little time over. With a couple of good real ales to choose from, High House Farm Auld Hemp and Hadrian and Borders Holy Island Blessed Bitter, even the short stay for us was good.

The Lord Crewe Hotel, Front Street Bamburgh, Northumberland, NE69 7BL. Tel:01668 214243.

2010-08-30T22:22:00.001-07:00

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The Lord Crewe Hotel originates back in the 1600's and its front faces the magnificent Bamburgh Castle. What a setting.

Cask Task explored and found the rear of the place to be tastefully extended in similar stone. As the sun was out, we relaxed out the back in the secluded patio area with a tasty pint of real ale, before continuing on to the Holy Island of Lindisfarne.

Dyke Neuk, Meldon, Nr Morpeth, Northumberland, NE61 3SL. Tel:01670 772662.

2010-08-30T22:17:00.001-07:00

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The Dyke Neuk is in a small village a few miles outside of Morpeth.
Have a look for it and pay a visit. I highly recommend it.
In picturesque countryside, the pub has a good atmosphere and a comfortable and welcoming interior.
A couple of good real ales, from Wylam Brewery and Hadrian and Borders, ensure you'll enjoy your drink. I spent a very enjoyable two and a half hours there and a delicious roast beef sandwich certainly helped.
A smashing pub.

The Rohan Kanhai, 1/4 Woodhorn Road, Ashington, Northumberland, NE63 9AS. Tel:01670 857692

2010-08-22T16:23:00.000-07:00

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The Rohan Kanhai. Named after the popular and famous international West Indian cricketer. A superb batsman, who played for Ashington for a short time. This is yet another busy Wetherspoons eating and drinking establishment.
Although I lived for 10 years just a few miles up the road from here, I'd never been in. It was typical Wetherspoons. Characterless, but cheap and cheerful. Ten real ale pumps, all in working order,and all at ridiculously low prices, eg. Courage Directors, which I had, at £1.79 a pint and a reasonable menu of food to boot.
Atmosphere a bit like a works canteen mind you, but it is good to see a pub buzzing.

The Old Mill at Knitsley, Knitsley Mill House, Knitsley, Consett, Co. Durham, DH8 9EL. Tel:01207 581642.

2010-08-20T05:03:00.000-07:00

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The Old Mill at Knitsley is in the most beautiful of country settings next to a trout stream.

The interior is very inviting, extremely attractive and comfortable with a couple of real ales on tap. My pint of Hobgoblin went down a treat, as we sat outside in the sunshine and watched the trout and the ducks meander by. Marvelous.
It is well set up, with an area under canvas, to accomodate large parties and weddings.
I think a meal must be tried to appreciate the place properly. Another time perhaps.

That other time is here! 20/10/2010.
Cask Task enjoyed a venison casserole and a couple of pints of Pedigree, with a beautiful woman, near the open, wood burning fire. What a treat.

Hope & Anchor, 44 Northumberland Street, Alnmouth, Northumberland, NE66 3RX. Tel:01665 830363.

2010-08-18T12:15:00.000-07:00

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The Hope & Anchor is an old favourite of mine. I used to be a frequent visitor to Alnmouth when I was a child and also in much more recent times. A lovely village and a beautiful beach to walk. But watch out for flying golf balls!

This pub has some happy memories for me and I must say it hasn't changed. The welcome feeling hasn't altered and the sup is still good.With Northumberland Premium, Wylam Gold Tankard and Farne Island beers to choose from, you can't go wrong. The food's still OK too.

I recommend it highly.

Sun Inn, 29 Northumberland Street, Alnmouth, Northumberland, NE66 2RJ, Tel:01665 830983.

2010-08-18T12:11:00.000-07:00

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The Sun Inn is a lovely little pub on the main street of Alnmouth. Although once a frequent visitor to the village, I'd never been in this particular pub before.

I don't know why, because its a tidy and comfortable little place with a good atmosphere. Only two real ale hand pulls on offer, but these were both popular favourites. Mordues Workie Ticket and Black Sheep. The Workie Ticket went down a treat.

Good for food too.

Neat pub.

Red Lion Inn, 22 Northumberland Street, Alnmouth, Northumberland, NE66 2RJ Tel:01665 830584

2010-08-18T12:04:00.000-07:00

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The Red Lion. What grand little pub, right in the middle of the main street and loaded with atmosphere, good beer and good food. Through the arch and carry on for a few yards and there's a lovely beer and food garden looking on to the river Aln.

A 1st class choice of real ales from Wylam, Black Sheep, Allendale Golden Plover and Roosters Farm House.

What a smashing pub.

A must visit if you're going to Alnmouth.

Cook & Barker Inn, Newton on the Moor, Nr Alnwick, Northumberland, NE65 9JY. Tel:01665 575234.

2010-08-18T11:58:00.000-07:00

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The Cook and Barker, set high above the A1, in the little village of Newton on the Moor, is a gem. Although I visited the place a number of times about about 25 years ago, for meals and single night stopovers, the place has still got a terrific reputation.

I called on a tuesday lunchtime and the place was full of diners. Such is its following that Cask Task could not even get a seat for a pint! Its always had two or three real ales on offer and still has.

I'll have to call again, but book a table in advance next time.

Widdrington Inn, Widdrington Village, Northumberland, NE61 5DY, Tel:01670 760260.

2010-08-13T09:58:00.000-07:00

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The Widdrington Inn sits right on the side of the A1068 coastal route at the very edge of the tiny village of Widdrington.
When I first went in to this place some fifteen years ago it was a bit of a dump but in the last ten years or so its been transformed into a worthwhile drinking and eating establishment.
Going strongly for food unfortunately has resulted in just a couple of hand pulls on offer.Never mind though. Any port in a storm, Cask Task ventured in.
The real ales were Abbott Ale and Hogshead Bitter (a pint of Hogshead was supped). It was an early August midweek lunchtime visit and the pub was very busy. An ok pint was all we had.
Not a bad pub though.

The Sun Hotel, 6 Castle Terrace, Warkworth, Northumberland, NE65 0UP.Tel:01665 711259.

2010-08-13T09:00:00.000-07:00

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The Sun Inn.
Having had a little run up the loverly coastal route, I was caught in the most horrendous of downpours, so I decided to stop and wait for it to clear. My daughter had stayed for a couple of nights some years ago and recommended the Sun Inn at Warkworth, so I pulled in. I'm so pleased I did.
What a comfortable and cosy bar. Coopers Bar its called and it served a delicious pint of Courage Directors. Northumberland Brewerys Fog On The Tyne and a pint of Theakstons were also on tap. The rain came down for 2 hours and had to force down another Directors. The things I've got to do for Cask Task!

The lounge, conservatory and restaurant were most tempting, but the downpour stopped and I had to make for home. What a pity. I really felt like making a night of it.
This old coaching inn with its views of the Coquet river to the rear and the Castle at the front is worth a stop.

The Hermitage, 23 Castle Street, Warkwoth, Northumberland, NE65 0UL. Tel:01665 711258.

2010-08-13T08:23:00.000-07:00

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The Hermitage is yet another favourite of mine in the beautiful village of Warkworth. The old river crossing, 100 yards down the road, is still standing and the riverside itself is worth a stroll along, if you want to build up a thirst.

I always called in to the Hermitage Inn, knowing its a Jennings house and the Snecklifter would be available. Thank heavens the place has not changed and is still its comfortable and welcoming old self, with all the usual Jennings real ales to choose from. Jennings Bitter, Cumberland Ale, Lakeland Stunner and of course the Snecklifter.
They still serve decent food there too.
A good pub.

Black Bull, Bridge Street, Warkworth, Northumberland, NE65 0XB. Tel:01665 711367.

2010-08-13T07:33:00.000-07:00

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The Black Bull. Yet another old favourite of mine, which always had a wonderful fire glowing in the dark winter evenings. Originally candlemaking in the 1700's, the building became a pub in about 1830, I think, and only recently had inside loos installed.
Its latest owner, a cheerful chap with a keen sense of humour, has an official notice above the three urinals stipulating strict water recycling instructions on where to put your waste. The urinals are marked 'lager', 'real ale' and 'bottled beers'. I think they were to be recycled through the Masons Arms!
A welcoming little boozer with a couple of hand pulls on. Maxims and Wylams Bitter.
Very nice.

Warkworth House Hotel, No16 Restaurant & Bar, 16 Bridge Street, Warkworth, Northumberland, NE65 0XB. Tel:0165 711276,

2010-08-13T07:04:00.000-07:00

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Warkworth House has been a favourite of mine for a number of years though I must say it was for its food rather than its beer.
There have been a number of changes to the bar, now known as No.16. A fairly good number of enhancements, but the beer choice remains totally inadequate. Two pumps on show but only one
in service. The inevitable Black Sheep of course.
Still a good place to eat though.

Masons Arms, 3 Dial Place, Warkworth, Northumberland, NE65 0UR. Tel:01665 711398

2010-08-13T06:02:00.000-07:00

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The Masons Arms in Warkworth seems to have gone through quite a series of management couples in the last few years. Somethings not right about the place, obviously. A pity because the pub is in a beautiful village. Good luck to the latest couple and I hope they have more success.

The Masons has been a real ale house for as long as I can remember and that, I'm pleased to say, has not changed. With 4 active pumps on the go there is a decent choice from Theakstons XB, Adnams Bitter, Wells Bombardier and Deuchars IPA.

Food is also served.

The Blagdon Arms, Village Square, Cramlington, Northumberland, NE23 1DN. Tel:01670 731162

2010-08-04T11:37:00.000-07:00

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The Blagdon Arms is in the beautiful little oasis that is the village.
With its beer garden at the rear, Cask Task found the pub a friendly and welcoming place, with 3 real ale taps. When Cask Task called these were Wells Bombardier, York Brewerys Tettnang (my choice for the day), and the Shepherd Neame Spitfire.
Serving up some food too, the place was quite busy. A pleasant pub.

The Plough, Middle Farm Buildings, Cramlington, Northumberland,

2010-08-04T11:27:00.000-07:00

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The Plough, in what's termed as Cramlington old village, is an attractive part of a still growing, characterless, modern town. In this inviting little oasis sits the Fitzgerald's pub.

I hadn't been for about 12 years, but the chain's attention to its real ales was still apparent in the Plough. I had always found this a large busy place, but I think the lack of a food option, which I'm sure it used to have, seems to have left it a little lacking in lunch time custom.
Still an interesting place though, being built on a farm site, with part of the lounge being the old circular 'ging gan' for grinding the corn.
The bar is still kept as a separate area to the lounge.

Six good beers on offer being North Yorkshire Brewery Organic Flying Herbert, Old Speckled Hen, Nethergate Brewery Painted Lady, Abbott Ale, Ruddles County and the inevertable Black Sheep.

Brockwell Seam, Nothumbrian Road, Cramlington, Northumberland, NE23 1XZ. Tel:01670 732071.

2010-08-04T11:14:00.000-07:00

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The Brockwell Seam at Cramlington is another one of those, not unattractive, but soulless new pubs that have crept up on us over the last 20 or so years, and long may they continue to do so. As far as I'm concerned, anything that keeps the pub business going is a bonus.

I've walked in to umpteen of these and they do keep the real ale business growing. In the large, mainly characterless, sprawling town of Cramlington, its a pleasure to see a Brockwell Seam pub amongst the housing estates.

With a couple of real ales on offer, Waggle Dance and Wells Bombardier, we stopped for a while.

The County, 13 The Green, Aycliffe Village, County Durham. DL5 6LY. Tel:01325 312273.

2010-07-29T05:11:00.000-07:00

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The County is a pub/hotel/restaurant set in the village green of the picturesqe village of Aycliffe.
On the other side of the main road and entirely separate from Newton Aycliffe, the village is a beauty! The village green itself is a gem and The County an attractive part of it.
The County interior has a spotlessly clean look without losing that warm, inviting and comfortable feel. The restaurant looks very attractive and Cask Task must give it a try.

On the real ale front, the place has its own personalised County Best Bitter (supplied by the Yard Of Ale Brewery At Ferryhill), Black Sheep Bitter and another guest ale, Jennings Bitter on this occasion.

Must get back as soon as possible.

Surtees Arms, Chilton Lane, Ferryhill, County Durham, DL17 0DH. Tel:01740 655724.

2010-07-29T04:00:00.000-07:00

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The Surtees Arms was 60yards further up the road. My car's sat/nav turned me into a side street! Funny. When I looked in the mirror, I looked exactly the same. Not like a side street!

Stupid boy.
The pub occupies a corner site with the Yard Of Ale Brewery at the rear. It opens at 4pm.

I was made most welcome by the governor, busy at his books when I limped in, and he very kindly filled out my notes for me.
CAMRA Durham pub of the year, the Surtees is an old place, with the look of a proper drinking establishment. Offering four real ales.
Top of the bill is his own One Foot In The Yard at 4.5%, Best By Yards Best Bitter at 4.3%, both of which are alternated with the brewery's First Yard, Yard Hopper, Winters Yard, Yards Ahead, Y'Ard Ass, Yard Bird, and a good Black as Owt Stout.
A Cornish Orchards Scrumpy and the guest Hadrians Gladiator were the other two.

The Surtees is open all day on Saturday and Sunday when food is served.
A most enjoyable pint was had, and a bit of convivial conversation too.

The William Stead, 8 Crown Street, Darlington, County Durham, DL1 1LU. Tel:01325 465487

2010-07-29T02:59:00.000-07:00

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The William Stead is within walking distance of at least half a dozen other real ale haunts, in the brilliant shopping centre that Darlington has become.

A large two storey pub/restaurant with a special lift to the toilets on the Ist floor for gronks like me. I had to use this facility as the staff failed to pick the lock on the disabled toilet on the ground floor. Some bloke must have absconded with the key! B.....d.

Look at the photo. Its big enough for a Marks & Spencers branch!!

The Ruddles best was £1.39 a pint! I had to suffer a pint at that price. Grainstore Brewery Ten-Fifty (brewed in Rutland for its sins), Daleside Blonde and Old Lubrication, and Abbott Ale were the rest. Although I'm warming to some of Wetherspoons wonderful pubs, this one left me cold.

Must press on.

Tanners Hall, 63-64 Skinnergate, Darlington, County Durham, DL3 7LL.Tel:01325 369939.

2010-07-29T01:30:00.000-07:00

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The Tanners Hall, yet another Wetherspoons pub. This one gets its name from the leather trade once big in Skinnergate in the 16 and 1700's.
Busy of course, with both diners and drinkers, the pub interior is interesting and reasonably comfortable with well priced both beer and food.
The usual multitude of real ale choices from the ridiculously cheap Ruddles, the beautiful Mordues Workie Ticket, Northumberland Brewers Premium, Wentworth Gold, Daleside Monkey Wrench, Big Lamp Premium and on and on.... The Workie Ticket, incidentally, was spot on.
Fancy breakfast? You can have one here for about thirty bob. Its not worth turning the gas on at home, never mind having to wash up afterwards!

Derwent Walk Inn, Ebchester Hill, Ebchester, Consett, County Durham, DH8 0SX. Tel:01207 560347.

2010-07-25T00:00:00.000-07:00

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The Derwent Walk Inn is set on the side of a hill giving superb views of the surrounding countryside for miles around. Especially from the added conservatory seen here on the left.

A Jennings house, it supplies a good selection of their real ales. The powerful and densely dark Sneck Lifter (I couldn't resist a pint of this), Cocker Hoop, Cumberland Ale and Bitter, all on sale here.

Once ensconced in the conservatory, with a pint in my hand, I couldn't resist the food menu and enjoyed, with friends, a good home cooked meal. The staff were friendly and reasonably responsive to our needs and the visit was a success.

A pub well worth the sojourn.

Number 22 Alehouse and Canteen, 22 Coniscliffe Road, Darlington, County Durham, DL3 7RG. Tel:01325 354590.

2010-07-24T16:11:00.000-07:00

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Number 22 Alehouse and Canteen. Certainly a name to conjure with and not a great looker from the outside, but what a grand modern and comfortable interior. A superb real ale pub.

Although not wide, the pub is cavernous inside. Maybe a bit too high. But let's not nitpick. It's friendly and comfortable and by god does it offer some choice of beer.
I counted twelve, yes 12, real ales. It is home to the Village Brewer Brewery, three of whose ales are there. The list is endless. Brakspear, Ringwood, Skipton, Ossett.......I had the Village Brewery Old Raby Ale but, after a long day sampling on your behalf, I got so pissed (you've guessed it) I forgot to take the photo.
Another visit may have to be made. What a shame!

Made a second visit and got the photo.

Tap & Spile, 99 Bondgate, Darlington, County Durham, DL3 7JY. Tel:01325 381679.

2010-07-23T16:36:00.000-07:00

The Tap & Spile sits right next door to the Tapas Bar on Bondgate. Real handy for the dedicated boozer because here is another place to stagger into if you enjoy good ale.

Not the most attractive of interiors but a fine selection of good beers to choose from.
Wychwoods Hobgoblin, Adnams Broadside, Moorhouses Blond Witch and Saltaires Triple Chocolate (yuk!!)

The chalkboard listing the above and forthcoming ales was worth the visit. Some wit had removed some letters and words to give amusement to the reader. Cask Task will leave these changes to your ingenuity.

Old Yard Tapas Bar, 98 Bondgate, Darlington, County Durham, DL37JY. Tel:01325 467385.

2010-07-23T16:34:00.000-07:00

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The Old Yard Tapas Bar looked the most unlikely of real ale pubs. It just shows you how mistaken you can be! No less than six proper beers to choose from.

My old favourite, Theakston's Old Peculiar was top of the list, Ossett Light Ale, Consett White Hot, Wychwood Hobgoblin, Everards Tiger, Caledonian Mexican Bandit and John Smiths Cask Ale followed.

The Tapas Bar is also a substantial restaurant too. A very pleasant way to spend an hour or so in the sunshine out front.

Well worth a visit.

Quaker House, High Row, 2 Mechanics Yard, Darlington, County Durham, DL3 7QF. Tel:07783960105.

2010-07-23T16:30:00.000-07:00

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The Quaker House exterior doesn't exactly invite you in. Look at our photo. And its up a narrow alley! Nevertheless, in we went and I must say the greetings from the guv'nor and the barman were 1st class. So was the beer. Eight on tap! The place was a real drinkers paradise.
Rock music a speciality with umpteen bands billed to appear.
The Quaker House was CAMRA's Town Pub of the Year 2009-2010.

Real ales from Woodfords, Summer Wine Brewery, Rugby Brewery, Shipyard Brewery, Consett's Cast Iron and Brakspears Hooray Henry!

A highly enjoyable visit to a good real ale house.

Britannia Inn, 1 Archer Street, Darlington, County Durham, DL3 6LR.

2010-07-23T16:20:00.000-07:00

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The Britannia Inn is one of a cluster of real ale pubs in this area of Darlington and saved Cask Task a lot of limping around.
It's a lovely old place with an ancient interior. Loads of good and friendly atmoshere and plenty of Ist class beer. Just the job!
Six hand pulls available from Stonehenge Ales, Harviestouns, Marstons, O'Hanlons, John Smiths Cask(would you believe) and Strongarm Ruby Red Ale. A proper pub.
An enjoyable drink we had there.

The Bamburgh, 175 Bamburgh Avenue. South Shields, Tyne and Wear, NE34 6SS. Tel:0191 4541899.

2010-07-16T03:06:00.000-07:00

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The Bamburgh is tucked away off the main coastal road. A fair size, offering food as well as three real ales.
Green King IPA, Abbot Ale and Speckled Hen.
The place is comfortable.
That's about it.

The Shoulder of Mutton, East Road, Longhorsley, Northumberland, NE65 8SY. Tel:01670 788236.

2010-07-14T02:02:00.000-07:00

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The Shoulder of Mutton stands at the side of the A697. An attractive looking pub with a sizeable garden at the rear.
Although four hand pumps were showing, alas only two were in action. Courage Directors from one and Everards Tiger from the other.
Still, any port, I was going to say in a storm, but on this particular gloriously sunny day, we lounged for a little while, Directors in hand, in the beer garden. Not a bad way to finish the days trek.

The Queens Head, Townfoot, Rothbury, Nothumberland, NE65 7SR. Tel:01669 620470.

2010-07-13T10:35:00.000-07:00

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The Queens Head is a pub I've never visited, although driving up to Rothbury many times, as I do like the town. Mind you, having called once, I'll certainly call again. This is my kind of pub.

The place really feels lived in. Old, welcoming, comfortable with its ancient leather armchairs and dining room furniture. Cask Task settled in for a pint of Ruddles County. Smashing.
Also on sale were Marstons EPA (English Pale Ale) and Black Sheep.

I could have stayed there for an hour or two but the quest must continue.

The Anglers Arms, Weldon Bridge, Longframlington, Northumberland, NE65 8AX. Tel:01665 570271.

2010-07-13T09:54:00.000-07:00

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The Anglers Arms has long been one of my favourite country pubs for summer visits. This 1760's coaching inn by the river Coquet is a beauty, for both drinking and eating, with its railway pullman carriage attached at the side.

The four real ales of Old Speckled Hen, Wadsworth 6X, Fullers London Pride and Jennings Cumberland Ale were on offer. Disappointingly, the Cumberland Ale was cloudy and was returned by yours truly, but the London Pride was Ok.

I must call again for a meal.

Duke Of Wellington, Newton, Stocksfield, Northumberland, NE43 7UL. Tel:01661 844446.

2010-06-11T01:09:00.000-07:00

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The Duke of Wellington was always a good food pub. It has certainly got getter in the looks department. In fact it's been extended and completely refurbished. My photo doesn't do it justice.
The interior has been done out in limed oak in a most luxurious way. Both bar and restaurant.The patio area at the rear has been extended, on two levels, facing south, and has wonderful views.

With four real ales on offer. Deuchars IPA, Curlews Return from Allendale, Hadrians Tyneside Blonde and Timothy Taylors Landlord. A couple of Curlews Return went down a treat.
If the food is as good as the place looks it'll be superb.

Must get back and try it.

The Elks Head, Whitfield, Hexham, Northumberland, NE47 8HD. Tel:01434 345282.

2010-06-11T01:01:00.000-07:00

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The Elks Head is an attractive and inviting pub a little out of the way, but beautifully sited, by the river.

Some extensions were being completed to accomodate extra guest rooms overlooking the water at the rear and were going to enhance the place.

The interior was pleasantly decorated and comfortable with a couple of real ales on sale.

Allendale Golden Plover and Deuchars IPA.

A very pleasant visit.

Carts Bog Inn, Langley on Tyne, Hexham, Northumberland. NE47 5NW. Tel:01434 684338.

2010-06-11T00:54:00.000-07:00

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The Carts Bog Inn was originally built around 1775.
It stands virtually on its own and looks, to all intents and purposes, like a roadside cottage. Get yourself inside though, and its a welcoming and attractive little country pub and restaurant.
A decent number of diners seemed to be thoroughly enjoying the grub while we concentrated on the beer.

The three hand pumps offered up Northumberland Brewerys Fuggles Gold, Hadrian and Borders Tyneside Blonde and I couldn't resist trying the Bog Bitter from Mordues. Very nice.

Another wonderful little pub around the edges of the roads from Newcastle to the Lake District and Carlisle.

The Crown at Catton, Nr. Hexham, Northumberland, NE47 9QS. Tel:01434 683447.

2010-06-11T00:47:00.000-07:00

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The Crown at Catton had been closed for a good few years until the Allendale Brewery took it on.

Its a real old country pub which serves meals and of course, Allendale Brewerys good real ales.
When we called, the excellent Curlews Return was on, Golden Plover, Swift, Entrepreneur, and Allendales own Adder Lager.
After a delicious Curlews Return, off we went, to a jig from the Crown's fiddler outside, to continue the quest.

The Black Bull, Market Square, Haltwhistle. Northumberland, NE49 0BL.Tel:01434 320463.

2010-06-10T16:53:00.000-07:00

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The Black Bull was not the easiest place to find, but as we were looking for the centre of Britain, and found it (there is a large stone marking it in Haltwhistle) we almost fell into the pub.

Tucked away in a lane, behind the Centre of Britain stone, sits this little gem. Popular not only its beer (six real ales always available) but its food as well. A cosy little pub with a pleasing atmosphere, we had a good pint there.
Plenty to choose from including Courage Directors bitter, Marstons Merry Monk, Caledonian Mild Mayhem and Hopback Brewerys Summer Lightning to name but a few.

An excellent way to round off the days travels.

The Milecastle Inn, Military Road, Hadrians Wall, Haltwhistle, Northumberland. NE49 9NN. Tel:01434 321372.

2010-06-10T15:35:00.000-07:00

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The Milecastle Inn's directions were passed on to us, as we would never have called here.

I am glad, however, that we did. What a smashing pub inside. Low ceilings, a comfortable feel about it and we must admit, the owner's son, who was on duty, made us feel welcome.
Handy for the Hadrian's Wall visitor, the Milecastle is a good stop off point.

With three hand pulls on, two Big Lamp Beers and Prince Bishop, plus an inviting menu, this is worth a look in.

The Twice Brewed Inn, Military Road, Bardon Mill, Hexham, Northumberland, NE47 7AN. Tel:01434 344534.

2010-06-10T14:58:00.000-07:00

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The Twice Brewed pub is a real ale establishment ideally placed for the Hadrians Wall visitor,

being only 1/2 a mile from a good section of the wall and one of its forts. A busy and well used small hotel with a real buzz about it. Food also.

A must for its real ale choices too. Six pumps including, Twice Brewed Bitter, High House Farm Nettle Beer, Captain Cooks Black Porter(loverly),and more.

Definitely worth a visit.

The Bowes Hotel, Bardon Mill, Hexham, NE7 7HU. Tel:01434 344237

2010-06-10T14:24:00.000-07:00

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The Bowes Hotel was stumbled upon by Cask Task while looking for the Twice Brewed pub.

We called in The Bowes to find that, unexpectedly, two hand pubs were to be had there. Jennings Tom Fool and Wylams Gold. So we had a pint.

As it happened the barman was a bundle of knowledge on real ale pubs in the area. So, not only did we enjoy a decent drink, but we gained our route plan for the day.

Thirst temporarely quenched, off we went.

The Havelock, Bonemill Lane, Washington, Tyne & Wear, NE38 8AJ. Tel:0191 4159739.

2010-05-21T20:50:00.000-07:00

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The Havelock came to me by chance on a beautiful summer's day while motoring through Fatfield.
I parked up and ordered a pint of Workie Ticket and a sandwich and I'm pleased to say both were Ist class. There were only two real ales on but the Mordues was excellent. So good in fact I came back the next day to sample it again.

Good service, good food, good beer. A smashing pub.

Duke Of Wellington, Darlington Road, Durham, Co. Durham, DH1 3QN. Tel:0191 375 7651.

2010-05-14T09:42:00.000-07:00

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The Duke of Wellington looked very welcoming from the outside, so in we went.

What a lovely pub it is. Attractively decorated throughout and an excellent array of real ales to choose from. What more can you ask for.

Six pumps including Black Sheep, Deuchars IPA, Timothy Taylors Landlord(2 pumps), Spitfire and Ruby Red. I thoroughly enjoyed my Black Sheep (in tremendous condition by the way) and sat back to sup it.

A popular eating place and I really look forward to trying it out in the near future.

1st class pub which I thoroughly recommend.

The Bay Horse, 28 West Green, Heighington Village, Newton Aycliffe, Co Durham, DL5 6PE. Tel: 01325 312312.

2010-05-12T23:25:00.000-07:00

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The Bay Horse was not the pub I was looking for when I came to the picturesque village of Heightington, but what a pleasant surprise this one was. A comfortable and welcoming atmosphere and a grand selection of real ales to choose from.

Hobgoblin, Copper Dragon, Marstons Pedigree, Black Sheep, Camerons Strongarm and Timothy Taylors Landlord all on tap. Marvelous.

Ist class village pub with good beer.

The Turks Head, 27 Market Place, Barnard Castle, Co Durham, DL12 8NE. Tel:01833 690874.

2010-05-12T23:20:00.000-07:00

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The Turks Head stands right in the centre of the Market Place and hasn't got much of a frontage to attract you. Once inside though the place is quite interesting. Stretching further back than you might expect with one or two little cosy corners. A not unpleasant feel and atmosphere to it.
Three real ales to choose from. Theakstons Bitter, Old Speckled Hen and Wells Bombardier. Worth a look in.

The Beaconsfield Hotel, 105 Galgate. Barnard Castle, Co Durham, DL12 8ES. Tel:01833 637194.

2010-05-12T23:11:00.000-07:00

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The Beaconsfield Hotel is a huge building which hits you just as you turn down into the town on Galgate.
Recently acquired new management,of the Liverpudlying variety, served up a very pleasing pint of Adnams Bitter. The other real ale was Wells Bombarbier.

We wished the manager and his wife good luck with this grand old pub.

The Beacon, Earsdon Road, Whitley Bay, Tyne & Wear, NE25 9PT. Tel:0191 2536931.

2010-05-06T12:50:00.000-07:00

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The Beacon was introduced to me over 30 years ago by my accountant who lived in Whitley Bay, and I think still does.I was impressed then and even more so now.

Extremely comfortable and pleasantly decorated. The pub, from Cask Task's point of view, was enhanced by its array of real ales. Rudgate Brewerys Ruby Mild, Butcombes Traditional Bitter, Otter Brewerys Otter Ale, Ringwoods Forty Niner, Deuchars IPA and my choice for the day of Exmoors Fox. Very nice.

A fair number of diners in there suggests the food must be good too, but we'd certainly be back for the beer alone.
Smashing pub.

Monkseaton Arms, Front Street, Monkseaton, Whitley Bay, Tyne & Wear, NE25 8DP. Tel:0191 2513928.

2010-05-06T12:43:00.000-07:00

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Cask Task found the Monkseaton Arms a bit of a disappointment.
Lacking in any kind of atmosphere this large pub offered a couple of Wylams beers but no life.

Ye Olde Ship Inn, Front Street, Monkseaton, Whitley Bay, Tyne & Wear, NE25 8DP. 0191 2513677

2010-05-06T12:42:00.000-07:00

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As our intrepid gang's search continued through Tyne & Wear, up came Ye Olde Ship Inn at Monkseaton.

Expecting to be greeted by old sea dogs and the interior walls festooned with fishing memorabiliar, we entered. A comfortable and very pleasant old pub it turned out to be. The decor, however, bore no hint of its sea washed past, but the selection of real ales did make up for that.

Adnams Extra, Theakstons Bitter, Ruddles and Shepherd Neames Bishop Finger was the choice and a very good hour or so was spent there.

Not a bad real ale pub at all.

The Black Horse, 68 Front Street, Monkseaton, Whitley Bay, Tyne & Wear, NE25 8DP. Tel:0191 253 6931

2010-05-06T12:26:00.000-07:00

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The Black Horse at Monkseaton is reputed to be a great real ale pub and I must admit to being impressed on first arriving. It's a warm, welcoming and comfortable place.
With four ales on offer I settled down to a nice pint from the Jarrow Rivet Catcher, the Durham Brewery's White Amarillo, Hadrian's Tyneside Blonde or my old favourite Courage Directors. My preference for the darker stuff pushed me for the Directors.
A bit of a disappointment though, as I think the Directors may have been a bit on the old side and was unrecognisable from its normal tasty self.

Millstone, Haddricks Mill Road, South Gosforth, Newcastle, Tyne & Wear, NE3 1QL. Tel:0191 2853429.

2010-05-01T03:27:00.000-07:00

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The Millstone was a pub not before visited by Cask Task and turned out to be a quite cosy and comfortable place.

Not a real ale pub as such but offering Spitfire and Bass.

White Swan, 18 Newgate street, Morpeth, Northumberland, NE61 1BA. Tel:01670 513532.

2010-05-01T02:57:00.000-07:00

The White Swan is right on the main street in Morpeth and a pleasant enough pub it is, but not one of my favourites.

I get the impression that the Deuchars IPA and the Bombardier were a token gesture to real ale drinkers, although my Deuchars was fine, it must be said.

The Tuna sandwich was OK too.
Scaffold in front. No photo.

Joiners Arms, 6 Wansbeck street, Morpeth, Northumberland, NE61 1XZ. Tel:01670 513540.

2010-05-01T02:25:00.000-07:00

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The Joiners Arms looks like the end of a row of houses, but I must recommend the place if your a pub fan.The bar offers a range of five real ales and has featured in a few CAMRA awards over the years. The setting is right on the river's edge. Beautiful.

My favourite place on an evening was always the lounge but the Fyne Ales Pipers Gold, Mordues Spring Tyne, Deuchars IPA, Black Sheep and my choice from the Stables brewery at Beamish, Old Miner Tommy, tastes good anywhere you have it.

A superb real ale drinkers pub.

The Ridley Arms, Stannington, Morpeth, Northumberland, NE61 6EL. Tel:01670 789216.

2010-05-01T01:44:00.000-07:00

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The Ridley Arms stands in the beautiful village of Stannington, nicely tucked away just off the A1. Handy but quiet. Just the job.

This Fitzgerald pub was one of my favourites when I lived in Northumberland. A welcoming interior, quiet and comfortable, with a fine selection of 6 real ales.

On this occasion I plumped for the Orkney Brewerys Red MacGregor. Lovely.

Deuchars IPA, Harvests Pale Ale, Maxims Lambtons, Black Sheep, and Fyne Ales Crannoq made up the numbers.

Another fine Fitzgeralds pub.

The Rockcliffe Arms, Algernon Place, Whitley Bay, Tyne & Wear, NE26 2DT. Tel:0191 2531299

2010-04-22T03:55:00.000-07:00

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To find the Rockcliffe Arms sat.nav would be handy! Search it out though because its well worth it.

What a gem of a real ale pub it is. A good manager, friendly clientele and a marvelous selection of ales, well kept. A beer drinkers paradise in a quiet side street and comfortably furnished to boot.

Cask Task enjoyed the Caledonian Brewers Passion but High House Farm Top Tup, Dark Star Brewerys Hophead and the rest of the six real ales looked in fine fettle.

An absolute must visit if your in Whitley Bay.

The Briar Dene, 71 The Links, Whitley Bay, Tyne & Wear, NE26 1UE. Tel:0191 2520926.

2010-04-22T03:13:00.000-07:00

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The Briar Dene must be amongst the best real ale pubs in the north east.
Its a Fitzgeralds at the north end of the links. Just when you think there's no watering holes left, there it is. What a lovely building. An absolute pleasure to have your pint in there.

Extremely well appointed with the wood, carpets and furniture giving it a superb feel.
The inevitable Black Sheep, Downtown Brewery Apple Blossom Ale, Derventio Annubis, Spitting Feathers Special Ale and Thirst Quencher, and Elland Brewery Angel Easy complete the line up.

What a treat. Right on the water front.

Fitzgeralds, 2 South Parade, Whitley Bay, Tyne & Wear, NE26 2RG. Tel:0191 2511255.

2010-04-22T02:37:00.000-07:00

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This is a typical Fitzgeralds and large with it!

Comfortable, welcoming and a good atmosphere. I do like a Fitzgeralds pub. Always a good choice of real ales too. Four on here. Westoe IPA, a good strong one this, Allendale Wolf, Axolotl Salamander, a new one on me this one and Harvest Pale.

A good relaxing hour or so well spent.

Fire Station, 18 York Road, Whitley Bay, Tyne & Wear, NE26 1AB. Tel:0191 2939030.

2010-04-22T01:48:00.000-07:00

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The Fire Station. Yet another huge Wetherspoons pub/restaurant with 'cheap as chips' real ale.

We caught a beer festival featuring 50 real ales on in this one! Unfortunately, only a fleeting visit allowing a pint of Black Chalice for me but an amazing selection featuring Elland Marathon Ale, Moorhouse Amber Rambler, Springhead Spring Chicken and on and on and on........

A bit soulless as usual but if the dosh is a bit scarce this is the place to nosh and sup!