Low Lights Tavern, Brewhouse Bank, North Shields, Tyne and Wear, NE30 1JN. Tel: 0191 2595593.

LEFT CLICK ON PHOTO TO ENLARGE



The Low Lights Tavern has the potential to be another North Shields real ale gem.
Reputed to be the oldest pub in North Shields and it certain looks it.

A real old fashioned boozer, split into two separate areas, as they used to be, the Low Lights was the original fisherman's drinking place. Loaded with character and of course its share of ghosts roaming upstairs and in the cellars below, as related to us by Sophie behind the bar.
Having just come under new ownership its ancient origins are trying to be revived. And so they should be. Rather than than trying to turn it into a wine bar (holy mackerel!!) as the last owner apparently tried to do!

Your two intrepid Cask Task hunters almost gave it a miss, because of its recent past, but of course we couldn't resist its ancient facade. We're delighted we couldn't.

Among the 4 real ales on offer were Mordues Workie Ticket, Bass and my choice Wylam Bitter.
An enjoyable and entertaining visit.
Good luck to Sophie and the new owners.

Magnesia Bank, 1 Camden Street, North Shields, NE30 1NH. Tel: 0191 2574831

LEFT CLICK ON PHOTO TO ENLARGE

The Magnesia Bank and North Shields in general was suggested, by one of Cask Tasks most prominent members, as worthy of a visit. It certainly was.
The Magnesia Bank had originally been a georgian bank many years ago and the interior and attached restaurant were worth a visit. A relaxing and tasty pint in front of the open fire was very pleasant indeed.
The superb selection of real ales came from the seven taps and included Durham Brewery Magus, Caledonian Double Dark(delicious) and 80 shilling, Poaches Billy Boy, Theakstons loverly Old Peculiar, Devonport The Fall and the ever popular Deuchars IPA.
This lot set us up for the enjoyable day to come.
Grand pub.

The Bell and Bucket, 37-39 Norfolk Street, North Shields, NE30 1NQ Tel:0191 2570680.

LEFT CLICK ON PHOTO TO ENLARGE

The Bell and Bucket turned out to be the end part of an old fire station. Once inside, this cosy little pub turned out to be a warm and relaxing place to have a pint.
One wall kitted out with fishing tackle from divers helmets to photos and the other with a huge assortment of porcelain owls! What's that lot all about?
Never mind. The beer was ok from High Gate and we enjoyed a Dark Mild.

Oddfellows, 7 Albion Road, North Shields, NE30 2RJ. Tel:0191 2574288

LEFT CLICK ON PHOTO TO ENLARGE

What a little belter the Oddfellows turned out to be.
A one roomed inviting boozer full of friendly faces and real ale drinkers. I think all three of Cask Task's members wished we lived next door to this little gem, so that we could take advantage of the Oddfellows Day Time Saver Scheme of buy 5 get 1 free!

Graeme, the owner, had a nice little selection of real ales from Abbott Ale, Jarrow Brewery's Jarrow Bitter and Maxim Brewery's Three Cheers for Christmas which could not be ignored and wasn't!
All round enjoyable visit.
Definitely a pub not to be missed.

Tynemouth Lodge Hotel, Tynemouth Road, North Shields, NE30 4AA. Tel:0191 2577565.

LEFT CLICK ON PHOTOS TO ENLARGE.

The Tynemouth Lodge Hotel goes back a long way. See the picture!

Not to be out done by the others on our North shields booze up, Cask Task stuck manfully to the job and sampled the real ale here. By god it's hard work though.

Another good little real ale pub. Both cozy and comfortable with Greene King IPA, Caledonian 80 shilling and the powerful Abbott Ale.

What a super way to round off the day.