Swinburne Arms, 31 North Side, Stamfordham, Newcastle Upon Tyne. NE18 0QG. Tel:01661 886707.

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The Swinburne Arms is one of two Stamfordham pubs on the village green.

Although it's the quieter of the two, it very much depends what you're looking for. One is all hustle and bustle but the Swinburne is more relaxed and just as friendly and full of character. It does feel like a proper village pub. By though it was a cold visit to the toilet out the back.
Cask Task spent a very enjoyable hour or so in the pub.

The real ale choice comes from two pumps. The inevitable Black Sheep and Wylam Festival Ale were on sale and the Festival Ale did go down well.

The Bay Horse, South Side, Stamfordham, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE18 0PB. Tel:01661 886244.

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The Bay Horse, in the delightful village of Stamfordham, is an attractive old pub with a proper fireplace(we were glad of it 'cos it was a sunny but icy day) and a Ford with no hub caps standing outside(well it spoilt me photo!).
A comfortable and welcoming interior with 3 real ales on tap.
My Wylam Bitter was the first one to be pulled off and was cloudy, but the obliging Julie drew me another, which was up to Wylam's good standard.
The other real ales on offer were Nel's Best and the popular Deuchars IPA.

The Bay Horse was busy with both drinkers and diners with a pleasant atmosphere about it. Well worth a look in.