The South Causey Inn. Beamish Burn Road, Stanley, Co.Durham. DH9 0LS. Tel:01207 235555.

The South Causey Inn. I was making my way to Sunniside via the scenic route on a hot summers day when I stumbled across the South Causey Inn. And am I glad I did. It's beautiful.
In something like 100 acres of its own land comprising livery stables, fishing lake, herb garden, sheep, pigs, alpacas! and, oh, I almost forgot, a fabulous 16th century farmhouse extended to accomodate a restaurant and bar! I decided to settle down outside, admire the fabulous countryside and have a pint.
Sampling a half of the Jarrow Brewery's Caulker(not to my liking) I moved on to a pint of the Wylam's Red Kite. Lovely!
I was amazed to find that the place was family owned, being purchased in 1976 and beautifully restored and extended to its present state.
Another visit must be had to maybe sample the food and the beer (again). For if its as good as the surroundings then it will be excellent.
Another visit 5/11/2010. For a couple of pints of Hobgoblin, a roast lamb and a venison casserole. All smashing and the service 1st class.

The Chillingham. Chillingham Road, Heaton,Newcastle NE6 5XN

The Chillingham is an enormous pub at the Byker end of Chillingham Road. I used to motor past it regularly on my way to work many years ago. I must admit it looked a bit forbidding and I never stopped to go inside.
A few days ago my son was after a bit of business in Heaton so I cadged a lift and ventured inside. What a pleasant surprise.
The place was sumptiously decorated and had plenty of ornate wood at the bar. Also, it was reasonably quiet!
It turned out I was in the restaurant end. The bar had to be entered via the second outside door. As there was a selection of 4 real ales to choose from here, I had a swift half of Holden's (4.1%)Thigh Bones followed by a second half of Northumberland Brewery's Fog on the Tyne, both beautifully served up by the helpful young barmaid from Harrogate. Smashin'.
Off outside to the other door, to the bar. What a difference. Loud music and an outrageuosly noisy game of pool going on played by 4 inebriated blokes. Harmless enough though! Besides, the Mordue's Workie Ticket was spot on and the atmosphere good.
If your passing this way don't miss it (like I did for years). Sir John Fitzgerald, I'm sure, would give you a warm welcome.

Bowes Incline Hotel Northside Birtley Gateshead

The Bowes Incline. Now there's a pub that brings back some memories!
There's only one road in and out. A drinker's nightmare in my younger days when I had 2 or 3 pints and had to risk the chance of the law waiting on the only road out! What a gambler.
Older and wiser now with a taxi in and out. By, how the place has got posher. A good restaurant part and Black Sheep, Jennings Cumberland and Mordue's Five Bridges Bitter to wash it all down with.
Although this is not now a great boozer as such, it was worth a visit for old times sake.

















Bowes Incline Hotel
Northside
Birtley
Gateshead
Tyne & Wear
DH3 1RF

Tel: 0191 4102233
Fax: 0191 4104756

E-Mail: info@thebowesinclinehotel.co.uk

website

The Ship, Eighton Banks, Gateshead

At The Ship, Eighton Banks, the crowd used to meet some 25 or 30 years ago for a good social boys wednesday neet oot. Very convivial those neets were too! Alas no more.
Although I hadn't been in for years, I was greeted by an old black labrador in the bar after almost nose diving over the builders alterations at the entrance. So I settled down to sup a Spitfire Lancaster Amber. The place looked as busy as ever with drinkers and now has a reasonable restaurant as well.
Well worth a visit.
















The Ship,
The Mount, Eighton Banks, Gateshead, Tyne And Wear,
NE9 7YP
Telephone: 01914160273

Wetherspoons, The Metro Centre, Gateshead, Tyne & Wear

LEFT CLICK ON PHOTO TO ENLARGE

Wetherspoons in the Metro Centre had not been on my schedule but as my son was meeting a business acquaintance there I grabbed the chance of a lift with (I was about to say both hands but one of them's pretty useless) one hand.

It was well worth the visit with a superb range of real ales to choose from. Listen to this!
My nearby Northumberlannd Brewery's Bucking (I said bucking mind you) Fastard and Brown Ale, Marston's Pedigree, Abbot Ale, Ruddles Best and, exclusive to Wetherspoons, Leap Dogdales powerful Alan Hansen at 5.5%. All at reasonable prices. What a feast! And the place was full! Of both drinkers and diners. Just goes to show that if the price is right the people will troop in.
Good to see and, with a lift home to follow, did I have a belter of an evening.