The Badger, Street Houses, Ponteland, Newcastle Upon Tyne, HE20 9BT. Tel:01661 871037.

The Badger, now a super pub and restaurant, was three houses in about 1700, in the original village of Street Houses just outside of Ponteland. Now a super pub and restaurant in which I have had many a good meal not to mention quite a few gluggable vinos and various real ales over the last 6 or 7 years or more.

I love the atmosphere, the garden in the summer, and the open fires in the winter. Some happy memories there. Oh dear, pass the hankie.

The Badger has always tried really hard, and sometimes failed, as most of these type of places do, to offer a decent selection of real ales. On offer this time was Sharps Doombar(a Cornish beer), Brakspear Oxford Gold, Harviestoun Bitter and Twisted(which I had), Black Sheep and last but not least the Badgers ever present Bass.I always used to have a Bass and sent a few back in my time. Don't let me be too harsh as they are trying.

Worth a visit.

The Blackbird Inn, North road, Ponteland, Northumberland NE20 9UH Tel: 01661 823200

The Blackbird Inn was a favourite pub of mine when I didn't drink!














Yes, I was 17 and a motorbike nut often calling at the Blackbird to meet the other nutcases before roaring off for a spin! God, that was a long time ago.

A mere blinking of an eye in relation to the Blackbird. Parts of whose life go back to the 1300's (Left click on the sign).

Now, from being an out and out pub, it seems to have made various attempts at becoming an eating place. What a lovely Sunday lunch I had about 5 or 6 weeks ago. If the chef has remained the same then I've got to say your food will be very good.

But boy has the real ale suffered. My beer was cloudy as hell and the staff and manager had no idea why or what to do about it!
Spoilt my day.

What a pity.Don't go for the real ale.