The Wheat Sheaf. 26, Carlisle Street, Felling, NE10 0HQ

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The Wheat Sheaf is a tiny little pub in what remains of Carlisle Street in Felling. A Street that used to house stacks of pubs. Unfortunately only three of which remain.

The first time, some months ago, that Cask Task decided on a visit, a phone call was made to discover the opening times. 'What time are you thinking of coming?' was the reply. It turns out its a one man band who actually lives on the premises!

Generally he opens at 5 o'clock so Cask Task turned up. The exterior of the place dates back to the year dot, or 1907, and so does the inside, but its clean and tidy. A very affable chap he turned out to be and a very pleasant time was spent by all the three of us (including him) in his pub.

The connection with the Big Lamp Brewery was apparent as the only ale on offer was the full range of Big Lamp real ales. No problem there then.
I just concentrated on the Big Lamp bitter.

The Old Fox 13-14 Carlisle Street, Felling, NE10 0HQ. Tel:0191 4404815

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The Old Fox in Felling, where I was born, not in the pub I might point out, seems to have been there forever and probably has been. Between Felling High Street and Carlisle Street there must have been a couple of dozen pubs at one time. There's only three left in Carlisle Street now.

After a days hard slog, on behalf of Cask Task of course, The Old Fox and the other Carlisle Street real ale pub were duly visited and the beer severely tested.

On waking up the next day it was discovered that neither the photos, nor a note of the beers sampled, were to be found missing. Now I wonder how that happened?

Every cloud has a silver lining however, as another trip to Carlisle Street Felling was duly made.
The Old Fox had 5 handles, 3 of which were in use and Fuller's London Pride and Durham Brewery's White Gold again proved to be extremely tasty.
The Old Fox, as you might expect, is a traditional but nonetheless comfortable little pub with good beer.

Just as it should be.

The Green. White Mare Pool

Originally, an old pub called The White Mare Pool, which was taken over by The Dixielanders, an extremely popular local singing /comedy ensemble(mainly Billy Martin and Bobby Hooper) who entertained me brilliantly on many an hilarious evening. Feeding the audience on........Drinks were supplied in large stone jugs, if prefered,to save you having to go to the bar too often.

What fabulous nights. Ah, happy days.
The old place was bought and completely demolished by the Fitzgerald group who then built a new place on the same site.

The Green as we know it today became my local until 1996, when I moved away. I still visit it today to enjoy one of its many real and guest ales.
I also still find it a most comfortable and attractive pub/restaurant and highly recommend it.

By the way there's a large, south facing,outside area for summer supping and an enormous car park.

Albion, Bill Quay

Albion Inn, Bill Quay

TUESDAY 20/1/2009

ALBION INN, Bill Quay, Gateshead, NE10 OTY. Tel:01914692418, Reay Street
Good old pub. A bit isolated but right on the bank of the 'Big River',with fabulous views of the Tyne.Superb ales,mainly from the Jarrow Brewery(Rivet Catcher etc.). Well worth a visit.Opens at 4pm during winter.

Alas now closed. What a shame. 25/1/2010.