Delavel Arms, Old Hartley, Whitley Bay, Tyne and Wear, NE26 4RL. Tel:0191 2370489.

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The Delavel Arms is a lovely old boozer on the northern outskirts of Whitley Bay.

The lads from Cavendish Kitchens used to have their Christmas do's here, in the side room, on the right as you go in. Good nights they were too. Unfortunately, for gronks like, me there are two stairs down to the bar. Don't let that put you off as it's a good atmosphere in there.

4 real ale pumps are in working order and one of my favourites, Mordues Workie Ticket, is generally one of them.

A good real ale pub.

The William Jameson,(Wetherspoons), 30/32 Fawcett Street, Sunderland, SR1 1RH.Tel:0191 5145016.

The William Jameson in Fawcett Street was at one time Joplings Department Store, I think. It was so long ago since I was in Sunderland city centre, and there have been so many changes, some not so good. This good building has been saved and is thriving thanks to Wetherspoons.
The beer fest was in full swing with Northumberland's Coffin Dodger, Theakstons Old Peculiar, Ruddles and Abbott to name but a few of the 10 real ales on offer. I went for a Leg Over (chance would be a fine thing) from the Daleside Brewery. Very nice.

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.

Courtyard Cafe Bar. Arts Centre Washington, Biddick Lane, Fatfield, Washington. Tyne & Wear. NE38 8AB. Tel:0191 2193455.

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The Courtyard Cafe Bar in the Arts Centre Washington is a must for a visit. Cask Task certainly highly recommends it.

Although a bit difficult to find, through a covered passageway into a square and then not too obvious a frontage, it is worth the hunt. The beer is tremendous, and I must say well kept, with a choice of 8 real ales.
Buffy's Norwich Terrier, Wylam Northern Kite, Big Lamp Bitter, Mordue's Autumn Tyne, Capt. Cook Brewery's Slipway, Salopian Brewery's Hop Twister, Maxim's Lambtons and Timothy Taylor's Landlord.

There must be something there suits you, surely?

Good food is served there too. I did enjoy my vegetable panini almost as much as the beer. I hadn't had a pint of Big Lamp stuff for years and now admit it has improved and the bitter at the Courtyard Cafe Bar went down nicely thank you. The two real ale drinkers that we spoke to enjoyed the Courtyard's hospitality and beer as well!

Must call again.

The Saltgrass, Ayres Quay, Hanover Place, Deptford, Sunderland, SR4 6BY. Tel: 0191 5657229.

The Saltgrass hove into view about 6 months or so ago when looking for a drink after visiting some friends.It was a chilly day and a warm
and welcoming open fire greeted us and a good pint of real ale. My second visit today found the place under new management!
Mark Scott, a Heart of Midlothian man originally,
although now living in Sunderland for some years, has taken it on.
Three wooden handles on show but, disappointedly, only one serving ale! Green King's Abbott Ale it had to be then! It was ok.
Plans for six real ales in total, a sprucing up (not too much I hope) of the interior, and a tidying up of the beer garden are in the pipeline. The previous people were strong on food but Mark is going to concentrate more on the beer. I hope he gets his skates on. One real ale on offer?
Based in Hanover Place, a real ale area with two or three good pubs within easy reach of each other, The Saltgrass is a gem. Loaded with 150 or so years of tradition. Just some choices of beer lacking.
Based behind B&Q and within easy reach of The Stadium of Light, Sunderland's football ground, the pub is a good starting point for the match.
A smashing pub . So come on Mark, get your finger out and get all these pumps working!
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