Category: Pub Trips

Darlington #1 – July 2026

Up the main line to Darlington. A short hop from Durham and a send off for a friend heading into hospital for a major op.

Coniscliffe Road

ORB Micropub

Area: Coniscliffe Road
Style: Micropub, clue is in the name
Visit order: 1

I associate ORB with sunshine, I’ve only visited when the weather has been great and we’ve sat ourselves outside. There are always friendly greetings on arrival and we may have been better inside today as it was unseasonably warm. The beer was a little warmer than was required on a day like today, but enjoyable all the same. I hope it’s a cooler day on our next trip to ORB; I’d like to try the inside.

Brewery Beer ABV
Wylam Confessions 4.5%

Number Twenty2

Area: Also Coniscliffe Road
Style: xxx
Visit order: 2

A wide range of real ale on show as ever in Number Twenty2, a busy pub with plenty of wood fittings and a high ceiling. We got the booth by the door, which was a lovely quiet spot in this busy location. It was still hot and we were looking forward to a bit of corporate air conditioning. Number Twenty2 does what it does very well, with good beer, plenty of choice and a busy atmosphere. Sometimes that’s enough.

Brewery Beer ABV
Rudgate Brewery Treble Charge 3.7%
Rudgate Brewery Citra 4.2%

Skinnergate

The Tanners Hall

Area: Skinnergate
Style: Spoons
Visit order: 3

Ah, air conditioning. And cold beer. And a meal deal of course. This was a bit of a reset to bring our temperatures down.

Brewery Beer ABV
Erdinger Weissbräu Erdinger Weißbier (bottle) 5.3%
Mad Squirrel Brewery $UMO (keg) 4.7%

The Corner House

Area: Skinnergate
Style: New Independent Pub
Visit order: 4

A welcome addition following the closure of the previous pub in this location. This is a pub operated by Talking Tides, a local microbrewery. The pub itself is a lovely spot. Comfortable, classy and a pleasure to be in. Friendly bar staff gave us the quick history which was good to learn, then a couple of beers and a game of dominoes.

Brewery Beer ABV
Talking Tides Brew Co. Low Viz 5.2%
Talking Tides Brew Co. Majuba 5.2%

The Quakerhouse

Area: Mechanics Yard
Style: Laid back and traditional
Visit order: 5

A Darlo classic. Located down one of Darlo’s ginnels, lanes, or yards. Traditional interior with top ales and a great atmosphere. Nice to sit in the yard as it was well shaded. The upstairs room is also well worth a look.

Brewery Beer ABV
Trig Brewery Plough On 3.4%
weekend project High Force 4.2%

Back of Boyes (Houndgate)

House Of Hop

Area: Houndgate
Style: Homely independent bar
Visit order: 6

I always enjoy my visits to the House of Hop, and there are old school sweets on each table, Parma Violets anyone? And dominoes. I won a game this time. There is a good mix of folk in here and you feel at home as soon as you step through the door.

Brewery Beer ABV
Iron Pier Bitter 4.0%
First & Last Brewery #5 Learn To Fly 5.5%

The Other Side

Area: Houndgate
Style: Micropub with an alternative theme
Visit order: 7

Another new one to me. It’s less than a year old, I think. Steampunk vibe and a happy atmosphere. The independent pub scene is strong in Darlo and there were a couple we didn’t get to this time.

It’s next door to Vesuvio which is an unlikely place for real ale but worth a visit for sure. That’d be the one that got away on this trip.

Brewery Beer ABV
Mithril Ales On The Other Side 4.0%

Today’s Summary
Total Pubs: 7
Total Beers: 12
Cask: 10
Keg: 1
Bottle: 1
Strongest: 5.5%
Mildest: 3.4%

A great Darlington pub crawl. There’s a theme in Darlo, you find one pub and another turns up next door. ORB and Twenty2, House of Hop and The Other Side (and Vesuvio) and The Corner House and Spoons. It’s a relatively small town centre, but there is an impressive selection of good independent pubs and micropubs to sample.

July 24, 2026
Newcastle #6 – July 2026

A lazy day on the walking front. We decided to stick to pubs within about 100 metres of Newcastle Central Station. Well done Newcastle. There are plenty of options for cask ale in that small radius. And we didn’t even make it to the full selection.

Near Newcastle Central Station

Gunner Tavern

Area: By Pink Lane
Style: Modern and popular
Visit order: 1

With no real plan, we stepped out into the sunshine and, seeing the light reflecting off the Gunner Tavern’s green tiles, decided that would do nicely for our first stop. Well… perhaps it wasn’t quite that deliberate, but it made an excellent start to the day.

No picture this time, there are enough already posted from earlier visits. We did end up drinking a bit of a mix of cask and keg during this visit to ensure adequate refreshment in this very warm weather.

Brewery Beer ABV
Duration Brewing Charm 3.4%
Howling Hops Small Batch Special Cold IPA (keg) 5.3%

Mosaic Tap

Area: Pink Lane
Style: Micropub
Visit order: 2

We were lucky enough to grab a seat in Mosaic Tap. In that strange way pubs have, there was a complete changeover of customers, giving me just enough time to take a photo that makes the place look deserted. It really wasn’t. Atmosphere and beers were top drawer as ever. And as ever, I’m very happy with the new location on Pink Lane. Much handier.

Brewery Beer ABV
Pomona Island Brew Co. PENSAMIENTO 4.5%
Kellerbier Hacker-Pschorr (keg) 5.5%

The Forth Hotel

Area: Pink Lane
Style: Stylish traditional/modern mix
Visit order: 3

This was a favourite of mine back in the 90s, it was scruffier and more studenty back then with a cracking jukebox. I remember being disappointed when the makeover happened. It’s changed again since then and I appreciate the contemporary take on the traditional pub that I think it’s trying to achieve. Oh, and there’s food now. Very good.

Brewery Beer ABV
Leeds Brewery Leeds Pale 3.8%
Verdant Brewing Co Lightbulb (keg) 4.5%

The Mile Castle

Area: Westgate Road/Grainger Street
Style: It’s a Mega-Spoons
Visit order: 4

The obligatory food stop. One of five Spoons in the Toon and spreading over three floors with hotel and beer garden. And always busy. Time for a meal deal before moving on.

Brewery Beer ABV
Erdinger Weißbier Erdinger Weißbier (bottle) 5.3%

Newcastle Tap

Area: Neville Street
Style: Modern Craft
Visit order: 5

I’m still haunted by the slip and fall down the stairs that a mate of mine did a while ago. We take refuge on the ground floor nowadays. The cask and keg selection here is second to none and I like the airy refined vibe of the place.

Brewery Beer ABV
Tapped Brew Co Electric Works 4.2%
Elvington Brewery Mittel 3.8% Lager (keg) 3.8%
Silent Brew Co Greater Good 4.0%

Beer Street

Area: Forth Street
Style: Micropub
Visit order: 6

A short walk through the tunnel under the railway station brings us to the arches, one of which contains Beer Street. There is always a warm welcome here and a good atmosphere to boot. We brought the average age up significantly. Feeling old, we enjoyed our beers and headed back for our train.

Brewery Beer ABV
Brew York Citrus Cinema 4.5%

The Telegraph

Area: Forth Street
Style: Traditional pub with modern interior
Visit order: The One That Got Away

The train was due so we missed this one today, but it looked so good, I couldn’t resist a picture. We did manage a visit during the Newcastle #4 trip, so there is that.

Back to Durham

The Station House

Area: Under the Viaduct
Style: Cosy Micropub
Visit order: 7

And a last beer before heading home. The Station House can always be relied upon to have well kept beer and a warm welcome. And so it was.

Brewery Beer ABV
Wensleydale Brewery Sign of the Times 4.0%

Today’s Summary
Total Pubs: 6+1
Total Beers: 12
Cask: 7
Keg: 4
Bottle: 1
Strongest: 5.5%
Mildest: 3.4%

We set ourselves the challenge of barely straying from Newcastle Central Station, and still managed seven excellent pubs, twelve beers and one missed opportunity. That says everything about how good the area around the station has become for beer lovers. There are still plenty left for another visit.

But “please stop putting litter here”.

July 4, 2026
Bangor, Co. Down #1 – June 2026

After a morning in Newtownards including a visit to Spoons, I took a short bus ride to Bangor to meet up with the rest of the group. We followed an ice cream and a stroll along the seafront with a few beers before heading back to Belfast for the evening.

The Rabbit Rooms

Area: Near the Water
Style: Traditional bar with a nautical style
Visit order: 1

Following a wander along the shore, it was time for a beer. The Rabbit Rooms made a pleasant first stop. I started with a red ale while we looked over the menu, which was tempting enough to make us briefly reconsider our plans. It was fairly quiet, but a handful of locals propping up the bar gave the place a relaxed, local feel.

Sorry Rabbit Rooms, I forgot the pictures here.

Brewery Beer ABV
The 5 Lamps Brewery Dublin Five Lamps Red Ale (keg) 3.8%

Jenny Watts

Area: High Street
Style: “Bangor’s Oldest Pub”
Visit order: 2

Bangor’s oldest pub has plenty of character, with photographs and memorabilia covering the walls and giving you something to look at wherever you sit. Seeing their own Out of Office beer on the bar was an unexpected bonus and naturally had to be sampled. There was also a chocolate orange stout from Out of Office on the bar. A quick taster confirmed it was excellent, but at around 7% it felt a little ambitious for the middle of the afternoon. Maybe next time.

Brewery Beer ABV
Out of Office Jenny’s (keg) 4.0%

The King’s Quay

Area: Off Main Street
Style: Smart neighbourhood pub
Visit order: 3

We weren’t sure what to expect as it’s tucked away down a side street. It turned into a real treat. Plenty of folk in, pool table occupied and as an added bonus, a cask ale on the bar. There was a great atmosphere here and it’s another of those pubs that you could settle into for the rest of the day. After two beers though, we felt Belfast calling us back and had to sup up and head back for the train.

Brewery Beer ABV
Bangor Bay Brewery Bangor’s Best Bitter 3.9%
Bangor Bay Brewery New Zealand Pilsner (keg) 4.8%

Today’s Summary
Total Pubs: 3
Total Beers: 4
Cask: 1
Keg: 3
Strongest: 4.8%
Mildest: 3.8%

Bangor turned out to be much more than somewhere to fill a couple of hours. Three very different pubs, all worth visiting, and enough to convince me there’s another trip waiting to happen. There’s plenty more exploring to do too, as the coastline is beautiful..

June 12, 2026
Belfast #1 – June 2026

A Birthday Trip to Belfast

A friend’s birthday, so an opportunity to take a look at some of the pubs and beers in Belfast. There’s more than Guinness if you care to take a look. Not that there’s anything wrong with Guinness of course.

Belfast turned out to be a great city for beer, with modern brewery taprooms and traditional Victorian snugs sitting (almost) side by side. Throw in some fantastic street art and the odd cask ale, and it made for a cracking few days.

Not strictly in order as I’ve grouped the pubs into (rough) areas. Apologies for my lack of Belfast geographical nous if the locations are a bit loose.

City Centre

The Garrick

Area: West of City Hall
Style: Cosy traditional pub
Visit order: 1

After a bit of sightseeing, this was a welcome stop for a break. Alcoves and plenty of wood. A bigger room and an outside area for when the snug gets a little too snug. A relaxed atmosphere and a pub I returned to as it was in the centre of town and handy for a drop in. The Althea went down a treat.

Brewery Beer ABV
Erdinger Weissbräu Erdinger Weißbier (bottle) 5.3%
Galway Bay Brewery Althea (Keg) 4.8%

Bullitt Espresso Bar

Area: By Victoria Square
Style: Stylish hotel bar
Visit order: 9

I think we were initially drawn in by the sign outside. Then the Steve McQueen picture. Only afterwards did we realise it was actually a hotel bar.

Brewery Beer ABV
Guinness Guinness Draft 4.2%

Bittles Bar

Area: Opposite Victoria Square
Style: Traditional “flat iron” bar
Visit order: 13

Famous for its caricatures on the walls and its “no halves” policy. We duly ordered pints (even though the halves is a Guinness thing) and enjoyed the wall art.

Brewery Beer ABV
Hercules Brewing Co Yardsman – Belfast Pale Ale (keg) 5.6%

Linen Quarter

Linen Hall Bar

Area: Near Spoons
Style: Irish Style
Visit order: 2

All the requirements of an Irish themed pub are here, live music included. Lively and with a good atmosphere. However, I would have liked a little more choice on the beer front.

Brewery Beer ABV
Heineken Ireland Beamish Irish Stout 4.1%
Heverlee Heverlee Blond Lager (keg) 4.4%

The Crown Liquor Saloon

Area: Opposite the Grand Opera House
Style: A National Trust Gem of a Pub
Visit order: 4

It would have been remiss of us not to visit here given its reputation. It’s a beauty of a pub with the old fittings, booths and flooring intact. Being run by Nicholson’s it also serves cask ale. We’d visit upstairs later in the trip to try out the menu.

Brewery Beer ABV
Timothy Taylor’s Brewery Golden Best 3.4%

The Crown Dining Rooms

Area: Above The Crown Liquor Saloon
Style: Restaurant with history
Visit order: 12

Upstairs this time and a couple more decent pints accompanied by a good bite to eat. The upstairs isn’t as much of a beauty as the main bar, but still a good location for food.

Brewery Beer ABV
Timothy Taylor’s Brewery Landlord 4.3%
Budějovický Budvar Budweiser Budvar (keg) 5.0%

University Quarter

The Woodworkers

Area: University
Style: Craft Ale Pub
Visit order: 3

Had been looking forward to this one and the pub didn’t disappoint. Unfortunately, we managed to arrive five minutes before quiz night took every table in the building. The selection on the beer board emphasised the serious failure of planning on our part. We grabbed some excellent beers and headed next door for a bite, so not a wasted visit.

Brewery Beer ABV
Neon Raptor Crushing Blows (keg) 4.2%

Cathedral Quarter

Sunflower Public House

Area: North side
Style: Traditional, lively pub with an extensive beer garden
Visit order: 5

Another highlight. The bar was packed thanks to an impromptu session that was taking place. We grabbed a beer and headed outside. Equally packed. A good sign for an evening so early in the week. The cage on the door, now a tourist attraction in itself, is a reminder of darker times.

Brewery Beer ABV
Kinnegar Brewing Scraggy Bay (keg) 5.3%

Kelly’s Cellars

Area: By Castlecourt shopping centre
Style: Landmark Pub
Visit order: 6

An old stone building (around 1720) with a modern covered outside area. A fine looking pub with the usual suspects on the bar. Another buzzing location. A great photo opportunity for the team.

Brewery Beer ABV
Guinness Open Gate Brewery Dublin Citra IPA 5.0%

The Deer’s Head

Area: South side
Style: Victorian saloon and brewpub
Visit order: 10

Another Belfast landmark. Spacious, with an impressive long bar. Some of the crew returned later for the music session and the local craft beer.

Brewery Beer ABV
Bell’s Brewery Garfield NEIPA 4.7%

The John Hewitt

Area: South side
Style: Legendary traditional social enterprise pub
Visit order: 11

A pub that’s run by the Boundary Brewery people. And sure enough, it meant quality Boundary beers to sample.

Brewery Beer ABV
Boundary Brewing Tomorrow’s Dream (keg) 3.4%

Ulster Sports Club

Area: High Street
Style: Classic sports club with cosy bar
Visit order: 14

I’d been looking forward to this one. The name itself is enough to make you, well me, want to visit. It has a great club feel and we received a warm welcome in the front bar before venturing further back to take a seat in the back where the pool table and table football were in constant use. Another place that I could spend the whole evening, but schedules demand movement.

Brewery Beer ABV
Out Of Office Pencil Pusher 4.0%

East Belfast (Connswater)

It had been a long day, and somehow I managed to completely forget to take any photographs of these two fabulous locations. I think that is probably a compliment, as I was clearly too busy enjoying the beer, pizza and atmosphere to remember to capture them.

Bullhouse East

Area: Newtonards Road
Style: Modern Brewery Taproom
Visit order: 7

A Glider trip out of town and well worth the effort. Spacious interior and a bar with 20 taps. Always a good sight. Good smells also emanating from the wood-fired pizza oven located in the beer garden. Reader, I confirm that both the beers and the pizza were excellent. I’d happily camp out in here until all beers had been tried. Sadly, time didn’t permit this approach so we moved on after a couple.

Brewery Beer ABV
Bullhouse Brew Co Spratt’s (keg) 4.0%
Bullhouse Brew Co Road Trippin’ (keg) 4.0%
Bullhouse Brew Co Frank The Tank (keg) 5.0%

Boundary

Area: Newtonards Road
Style: Modern Brewery Taproom
Visit order: 8

You make your way to a brewery taproom and another turns up practically next door. The running club had taken over the pub when we arrived and one of the rooms was hosting wine tasting a little later. Great to feel the community vibe here.

Brewery Beer ABV
Boundary Pillows 4.3%

The Airport

Northern QTR

Area: Airport
Style: Airport Bar
Visit order: 15

And with that, we were heading home. Just time for a pint of Harp with all the folk going on holiday. The bar was doing great business serving the thirsty many heading off for some R&R.

Brewery Beer ABV
Guinness Harp Premium Lager (keg) 4.5%

Today’s Summary
Total Pubs: 15
Total Beers: 20
Cask: 2
Keg: 17
Bottle: 1
Strongest: 5.6%
Mildest: 3.4%

Not my first visit to Belfast, but my first to many of the pubs above. As a real ale fan, I’d been a bit concerned about the lack of options. I needn’t have worried. Belfast’s brewing scene is in rude health, with excellent beer available well beyond the obvious names. Particular highlights for me were Bullhouse, Boundary and Out of Office. I’ll happily return to continue working my way through the beers I didn’t have time to try.

June 5, 2026
Newcastle #5 – May 2026

Heaton and Byker

Another trip east of Newcastle, this time taking in Heaton and Byker. A surprisingly varied crawl featuring two standout venues that made the journey worthwhile.

The Waiting Room

Area: Durham
Style: Railway Snug
Visit order: 1

The usual starter before boarding the train. Not a new one, but a refreshing pint on a sunny afternoon.

Brewery Beer ABV
Vaux Brewery Premium Pilsner (keg) 4.8%

Heaton Road

The Last Resort

Area: Heaton
Style: Atmospheric Micropub
Visit order: 2

A wee walk from Byker Metro station and past the Tipsy Toad, which wasn’t open yet but ready for a visit on our way back towards Shields Road.
The Last Resort was a great find with a few friendly folk enjoying an afternoon drink. The owner gave us plenty of detail on the beers and the pub itself. They’ve recently opened an event space downstairs and the pub is embedding itself into the community and becoming a real asset.
We stayed here longer than planned. It was worth it for the beer and the chat. This place was a real find. Credit to my drinking partner for the day as it was his recommendation.

Brewery Beer ABV
Twice Brewed Brewing Co Best Bitter 3.8%
RedWillow Brewery Effortlessly Citra 3.7%
weekend project meadows (keg) 5.2%
Brass Castle Hoptical Illusion (keg) 4.3%

Tiipsy Toad

Area: Heaton Road
Style: Micropub
Visit order: 3

Not so many steps back down Heaton Road lies the Tipsy Toad. A compact micropub with additional seating stretching further into the unit and an eye-catching set of speakers that looked like they could pack a punch. A brief stop for a couple of beers before continuing our journey towards Byker.

Brewery Beer ABV
Pomona Island Brew Co. Phaedra (keg) 5.0%
Brains Brewery Barry Island IPA 4.5%

Shields Road – Byker

The High Main

Area: Shields Road
Style: Wetherspoons
Visit order: 4

Obligatory food stop at Wetherspoons. The outside doesn’t promise much, but it’s hiding a lovely interior. Food, beers and onwards.

Brewery Beer ABV
Metalhead Brewery Pretty Vacant 4.1%
Arkell’s Brewery Spring Hopper 4.0%
Erdinger Weissbräu Erdinger Weißbier (bottle) 5.3%

Stepney Bridge – Byker

Donzoko Brewery And Taproom

Area: Byker Bridge
Style: Elegant Brewery Taproom
Visit order: 5

Having missed it on a previous visit, I was very please to finally make it here. Brewery taprooms vary in their comfort and warmth. We were rewarded by the effort that the Donzoko team have put in. Nice seating, an inviting bar and an excellent atmosphere. It’s a little like entering a speakeasy. And the most important thing, the beer was great. The Gose was a revelation, not up everyone’s street, but well worth a try.

Brewery Beer ABV
Donzoko Brewing Company Smog 4.7%
Donzoko Brewing Company Hidden Sounds 5.2%
Donzoko Brewing Company Chile Lime Gose (keg) 3.5%

Central Newcastle

Gunner Tavern

Area: By Central Station
Style: Modern and popular
Visit order: 6

Back to the Gunner whilst waiting for the train. A couple of tasty brews in this fine establishment.

Brewery Beer ABV
Brew York Maris The Otter 3.9%
Burnt Mill Brewery Beyond The First – Citra & Centennial 4.8%

Today’s Summary
Total Pubs: 6
Total Beers: 15
Cask: 7
Keg: 7
Bottle: 1
Strongest: 5.3%
Mildest: 3.7%

Another little trek to the east of the city. One that rewarded us with two highlights, the Last Resort and the Donzoko Brewery Taproom. Both well worth the trip out. I could have happily spent the whole day between the two of them.

May 15, 2026
Spennymoor #1 – May 2026

Durham and Spennymoor formed the supporting cast for a long delayed visit to the Surtees Arms at Chilton Lane, near Ferryhill.

Durham – Aperitif

The Water House

Area: North Road
Style: Wallet Friendly
Visit order: 1

An Amber Taverns pub close to the bus station that wasn’t too busy on this Friday afternoon. A tasty pint from the local Maxim Brewery to set the scene whilst waiting for the bus and the rest of today’s company.

Brewery Beer ABV
Maxim Brewery Double Maxim 4.7%

Spennymoor

Frog & Ferret

Area: By the Big Roundabout
Style: Traditional
Visit order: 2

A legend of a pub, and well worth the walk from the town centre. Seven cask pumps on the bar, six in operation, four sampled. Excellent value as well. This place is also well known for live music and the annual Frogfest. A real community asset.

Brewery Beer ABV
Bass Brewers Bass Premium Ale 4.4%
Bowland Brewery Hen Harrier 4.0%
Daleside Brewery Monkey Wrench 5.3%
Rudgate Brewery Viking 3.8%

The Grand Electric Hall

Area: Town Centre
Style: Wetherspoons
Visit order: 3

In preparation for the ride over to the Surtees (and as The Little Tap wasn’t yet open), we took our food again at Spoons. They have a lot of beautiful old buildings in their portfolio. This isn’t one of them, but it’s bright and airy inside and served our purposes very well.

Brewery Beer ABV
Erdinger Weissbräu Erdinger Weißbier (bottle) 5.3%

The Little Tap

Area: Town Centre
Style: Micropub
Visit order: 4

A lovely little micropub with a handful of tables and a warm welcome. The beers on offer here were all tempting, but there was only time for one today. Decision made and glass emptied, we took the Uber to today’s primary goal.

Brewery Beer ABV
Hadrian Border Brewery Secret Kingdom 4.3%

Ferryhill/Chilton Lane

Surtees Arms

Area: S of Ferryhill, E of Chilton
Style: Traditional (with a Brewery)
Visit order: 5

Finally, we made it. Thankfully, the Surtees was every bit worth the wait. Out back sits the Yard of Ale brewery, making it almost compulsory to work through the house beers. Glad that we did, with the Consett ale providing a great cameo appearance.

Brewery Beer ABV
Yard Of Ale Brew Co. The Circus In Your Mind 4.3%
The Consett Ale Works Ironsand 4.4%
Yard Of Ale Brew Co. I Want To Believe 4.4%
Yard Of Ale Brew Co. One Foot In The Yard 4.5%

Durham – Digestiv

The Station House

Area: Under the Viaduct
Style: Cosy Pub
Visit order: 6

Relaxing beneath the viaduct in familiar surroundings with a final trio of ales felt like a good way to finish the day. Beers well kept and served as ever.

Brewery Beer ABV
Wensleydale Brewery Shoal2Shoal 4.0%
Two By Two Brewing Nelson Citra Sabro 5.0%
Wensleydale Brewery Falconer 3.9%

Today’s Summary
Total Pubs: 6
Total Beers: 14
Cask: 13
Bottle: 1
Strongest: 5.3%
Mildest: 3.9%

We’d wanted to get to the Surtees for a while and it absolutely justified the effort. Spennymoor once again delivered thanks to the Frog and the Little Tap, while Uber did a lot of heavy lifting where public transport probably couldn’t.

May 8, 2026
Newcastle #4 – May 2026

Not every trip is meant to be a blog post. This one certainly wasn’t. A simple run up to Newcastle to see a friend somehow turned into a day of very good beer thanks primarily to the Mosaic Tap, which proved good enough to warrant two visits on the same afternoon.

The Outbound Leg

The Waiting Room

Area: Durham Station
Style: Railway Snug
Visit order: 1

A familiar start at the Durham station bar, which is becoming something of a ritual for an aperitif. The cask ale was a familiar one, so I opted for a keg start to the day. This steeled me for the rammed train. Newcastle were at home.

Brewery Beer ABV
Verdant Brewing Co Lightbulb (Keg) 4.5%

Newcastle

Mosaic Tap

Area: Central Station, Pink Lane
Style: “A vibrant & friendly craft beer and natural wine bar”
Visit order: 2 & 5

The reason for today’s trip was to catch up with an old friend, but seeing as I was early, I popped into Mosaic for a quick one, or two as it turned out.

The atmosphere on Pink Lane was great with all the football fans providing great energy. One of the advantages of Newcastle being a one club city is that everything is moving in the same direction, even for those not going to the match.

Mosaic Tap is settling into its new location so well, you’d think it’d always been there. And it’s a lot more handy these days, being so close to Central Station.

I was to return here following my catch-up whilst waiting for my train. In truth, I adjusted my train plans slightly so I could return for the two cask ales shown in the action shot above.

Brewery Beer ABV
Blackjack Brew Co Six MPH Mild 5.2%
DEYA Brewing Company Rue De Soda (Keg) 4.0%
LHG Brewpub Folded Page 5.0%
Otherworld Brewing Khaos 4.0%

The Actual Plan

Barluga

Area: Grey Street
Style: Trendy with eats, is gastropub the word?
Visit order: 3

A style that’s not usually my scene, but the building is beautiful and there is an extensive terrace out back. Very busy today, so, having failed to book, we had a limited time and no chance of food. There’s no cask ale, but I managed a decent keg brew anyway. Also an excellent Espresso Martini, but I guess that’s for a different blog.

Brewery Beer ABV
Wylam Hickey The Rake (Keg) 4.2%

The Five Swans

Area: Civic Centre
Style: Wetherspoons
Visit order: 4

Without the food at Barluga, it fell to Spoons to pick up the slack. Reliable as ever for a meal deal and a couple of cask ales.

Brewery Beer ABV
Erdinger Weissbräu Erdinger Weißbier (Bottle) 5.3%
Coach House Brewing Co Blueberry Classic Bitter 5.0%
Hook Norton Brewery Co Old Hooky 4.6%

Durham – Full Circle

The Station House

Area: Durham, Under The Viaduct
Style: Cosy Pub
Visit order: Last Of The Day

After an uneventful return leg, it felt right to have a quick refreshment at the Station House.

Brewery Beer ABV
Almasty Brewing Co Best Bitter 4.5%

Today’s Summary
Total Pubs: 5
Total Beers: 10
Cask: 6
Keg: 3
Bottle: 1
Strongest: 5.3%
Mildest: 4.0%

What started as a straightforward trip turned into something a bit more rounded. A mix of the familiar and the new, with one bar in particular standing out enough to warrant a return visit within hours.

Not a planned crawl, not a recommended tour — just a good day out that came together nicely, albeit with more walking than expected.

May 2, 2026
Stockton #1 – April 2026

Finally, we made it. A long-delayed trip to Stockton and one that, by the end of the day left us wondering why we’d waited so long. A day of exceptional pubs lay ahead.

The sign above was an instruction rather than a recommendation. We duly complied.

Stockton – High Street And Thereabouts

The Sun Inn

Area: High Street
Style: Traditional Boozer
Visit order: 1

Alighting the bus, we saw the happy sight of The Sun Inn, a good fifty steps away. Two hand pulls, both Bass. A tough decision, but we made the right one. Rumour has it that the Bass here is excellent. it is. Given the pubs to come, we opted for a half. In hindsight, that was a mistake. We missed the “banked Bass”, more on that shortly.

Brewery Beer ABV
Bass Brewers Bass Premium Ale 4.4%

The Golden Smog

Area: Hambeltonian Yard
Style: Micropub with a local focus
Visit order: 2

The first of four standout micropubs. Five cask ales and a cracking atmosphere. I also love the branding of The Smog and regret not picking up a t-shirt. An excuse to return. This is also where we learned about the “banker” at the Sun. Part pulled Bass kept cool, then topped up quickly for a lively pint with a generous foamy head. Noted for next time.

Brewery Beer ABV
Marble Beers Ltd Extra Special Marble 5.5%
Anarchy Brew Co. Blonde Star 4.1%

Tipsy Turtle

Area: Regency West Mall
Style: Micropub
Visit order: 3

Next up, another excellent stop. A genuinely warm place, both behind and in front of the bar. We were just too late for the celebratory collaboration with the local Three Brothers Brewery. “Shellabration” – a name worth the trip alone. The landlord was quick to recommended other pubs in town, something that became a theme throughout the day. Good to see local places backing each other.

Brewery Beer ABV
Salopian Brewery Darwin’s Origin 4.3%
Pennine Brewing Co Blazing Firefly 4.0%

The Thomas Sheraton

Area: Bottom of the High Street
Style: Wetherspoons
Visit order: 4

A new Spoons for me and surprisingly quiet for a Friday afternoon. Kudos to the cook on the presentation of the dishes on the standard menu. The building , an old court house has some nice features. But more unusually, the loos are on the ground floor. Always worth noting. A meal deal beer and a real ale before moving on.

Brewery Beer ABV
Erdinger Weissbräu Erdinger Weißbier (bottle) 5.3%
Elgood’s Brewery Patron Saint 4.3%

The Kopper Keg

Area: Dovecot Street
Style: Micropub
Visit order: 5

The third of the day’s micropubs, and another strong one.

Special mention to the landlord, whose attention to an Old Fashioned was something to behold. The recipient was clearly delighted with the result.

Real ale and cocktails, both taken seriously. A combination that works well.

Brewery Beer ABV
Darkland Brewery Bullion 4.2%
Twice Brewed Brewing Co. Sing Me Spanish Techno 4.8%

The Fifth House

Area: Green Dragon Yard
Style: Micropub
Visit order: 6

Teesside’s smallest pub. One we had to double back for, as it wasn’t open on our first pass. Worth the effort.

More cask ale on show and a couple of very good pints as we headed into the latter part of the trip.

Brewery Beer ABV
LHG Brewpub Trueform 4.2%
Flying Gang Brewing My Mistress Is The Sea 4.0%

Mavericks Bar

Area: Silver Court/Wasp’s Nest Yard
Style:
Visit order: 7

With a little bit of time before the bus, we headed into Mavericks. No real ale, but a genuinely warm welcome. A bit of Tiny Rebel is rarely a bad thing.

As with several stops today, the décor leans towards the quirky here and probably deserved more photos than I took.

Brewery Beer ABV
Tiny Rebel Brewing Co Clwb Tropicana (keg) 5.0%

The Songbird

Area: Wasp’s Nest Yard/Silver Street
Style: Cosy modern bar
Visit order: 8

Ten minutes to go and The Songbird was open. Decision already made.

Reopened earlier this year and looking well put together. The feel and fittings match the beer.

Pleased to find a Three Brothers beer on here. Always good to finish on something local.

A quick half and finally off for the bus.

Brewery Beer ABV
Three Brothers Brewing Co Atlantic Pale Ale 5.0%

Durham

The Station House

Area: Viaduct, Durham
Style: Micropub
Visit order: 9

An hour on the bus builds a thirst, so we finished at the ever-reliable Station House. A couple of new ales for me here, with The Durham Brewery particularly impressive and a fitting end to the day.

Brewery Beer ABV
The Durham Brewery Devil’s Lapstone 4.8%
Two By Two Brewing Leap Frog Pale Ale 4.1%

Stockton is full of narrow lanes and yards. Worth bearing in mind, as it can make tracking down the better pubs a little less straightforward.

Today’s Summary
Total Pubs: 9
Total Beers: 15
Cask: 13
Keg: 1
Bottle: 1
Strongest: 5.5%
Mildest: 4.1%

We expected good ale in Stockton. We didn’t expect the micropub scene to be so strong.

The High Street has clearly seen investment and looks the part with a range of independent and slightly offbeat shops adding to the character.

A trip well worth making, and one that’s likely to be repeated.

April 24, 2026
Hexham #1 – April 2026

Back on home turf and a rail ride up the Tyne Valley on a delayed Northern service. Who knew? The delay did help to work up a thirst and made the beer at the Platform Bar even more welcome.

Launch Pad – Durham

The Waiting Room

Area: Durham
Style: Railway Snug
Visit order: 0 – the prologue

Ventured into Pilsner territory for our traditional prologue pint. A new one for me from the reincarnated Vaux Brewery. Cold and crisp, a bit like the weather station platform, we should have stayed in the bar.

Brewery Beer ABV
Vaux Brewery Premium Pilsner (keg) 4.8%

Hexham

Platform Bar

Area: Railway Station
Style: Cosy Railway Pub
Visit order: 1

This turned out to be a lovely place, perched right on the railway platform itself. They do a nice line in real ale, coffee and a bit of food, making it a good stop for those who are after more than just a pint. Given our slower than planned arrival, it felt like the perfect place to get things underway.

Brewery Beer ABV
Hexhamshire Brewery Shire Gold 3.4%

The Heart Of Northumberland

Area: Market
Style: Gastropub
Visit order: 2

A great name for a pub and happily it lives up to it. Friendly staff, even if they were far too young to appreciate the Jilly Goolden reference from my drinking partner. Oh, how age will get you. The burgers and fries looked spot on and the beers more than held their own.

Brewery Beer ABV
Metalhead Brewery Old Knacker 3.8%
Anarchy Brew Co. Wor Beer 4.3%

The Forum

Area: Market
Style: Wetherspoons
Visit order: 3

Our traditional pitstop in Wetherspoons. This one is housed in an old cinema with some of the character remaining in its fittings. In addition to the usual Spoons real ales, there were several local brews on offer. Food and an Erdinger to ensure maximum value in the meal deal, then a local beer to top it off.

Brewery Beer ABV
Erdinger Weissbräuerei Erdinger Weißbier (bottle) 5.3%
Yorkshire Heart Quaffer 3.4%

The Tannery

Area: Gilesgate
Style: Traditional, trendy and food
Visit order: 4

Time for a bit of nostalgia. We recreated an old selfie here and were both slightly stunned to realise the original was taken 14 years ago. I’ll spare you the comparison. Happy to report that the beers were still in great shape even if we aren’t.

Brewery Beer ABV
Purity Brewing Co. Mad Goose 4.2%
First & Last Brewery Equinox 4.1%

The Globe

Area: Battle Hill
Style: Traditional
Visit order: 5

A proper traditional boozer, this one. Great bar and a nice snug area behind it. We got chatting to a couple who make the trip from Carlisle every Friday just to spend time here which tells you plenty. Good to see Boddington’s is back on cask too, now brewed by JW Lees.

Brewery Beer ABV
J.W. Lees & Co. Boddingtons Cask Conditioned 4.0%

The Victorian Tap

Area: Battle Hill
Style: Trendy traditional
Visit order: 6

Formerly the Tap & Spile, I think. Still a good stop, with a relaxed atmosphere and a reliable selection of beers to keep things ticking along nicely.

Brewery Beer ABV
Firebrick Brewery Stella Spark 4.4%
Theakston Yorkshire H’aka 4.2%

The County Hotel

Area: Priestpopple
Style: Hotel bar with a local feel
Visit order: 7

We had planned to visit the Grapes, but refurbishment removed that as an option. A tip off from the couple in the Globe pointed us to The County Hotel instead, under the same ownership and, we were assured, just as good for beer. Turns out that they weren’t wrong.

Brewery Beer ABV
Hadrian Border Brewery Tyneside Blonde 3.9%

Newcastle

Gunner Tavern

Area: Central Station
Style: Trendy with atmosphere
Visit order: Last

The epilogue. A quick decision and a quick beer in Newcastle between trains. Gunners got the nod, with apologies to The Centurian. There’s always next time. Anyway, the trip across the road was more than worth it for a bit of Northern Monk.

Brewery Beer ABV
Northern Monk ETERNAL // SESSION IPA 4.1%

Today’s Summary
Total Pubs: 9
Total Beers: 13
Cask: 11
Bottle: 1
Keg: 1
Strongest: 5.3%
Mildest: 3.4%

My first night out in Hexham was more than thirty years ago, and it’s fair to say it was all the gear and no idea. This visit was a different story. A bit more focus, a bit more appreciation, and just enough of a blur around the edges to know it was a day well spent. A great mix of pubs, food and a few new additions made it one to remember.

April 17, 2026
Germany and France – April 2026

A Rhine-side wander through German towns, with a brief hop into France and a few well-earned beers along the way.

Koblenz

Altes Brauhaus

Area: Koblenz Altstadt
Style: Traditional
Visit order: 1

I’ve been to Koblenz several times before and it’s all been a bit of a blur. We were here this time on Easter Sunday which was perfect as the shops were shut but the pubs and restaurants were open. Time for a beer in the historic Altes Brauhaus. Like the signage says, it dates from 1689, plenty of time for an atmosphere to build up in the walls. Bookings were (almost) essential but the kindly staff let us take a table for drinks before the reservation showed up. Some folk got turned away, so I like to think it was my attempt at speaking German that ingratiated me with the bar folk.

Brewery Beer ABV
Karlsberg Braurerei Konigsbacher Pils (Keg) 4.6%

Strasbourg

Le Trouquet des Kneckes

Area: Grande-Île
Style: Traditional outside, modern inside
Visit order: the one that got away

We found a beauty of a bar in Strasbourg and then immediately failed to drink here due to dull things like “timing” and “being on a schedule”. It looked excellent though, so it gets the honour of being the one that got away. Next time, no excuses.

“Tri-national Eurodistrict Basel”

Palm Oase

Area: Weil am Rhein
Style: Riverfront Turkish
Visit order: 2

After a bit of sightseeing in Basel, it seemed wise to take a short tram ride into Weil Am Rhein for a beer, money doesn’t go far in Switzerland these days. An outside table overlooking the river and a well deserved cold Pilsner, a fitting reward after walking the sights of Basel. So good I followed it up with a Weissbier. I think my German improved with each beer as the wait staff apologised for hers as she was still learning. Also presented a good opportunity for people watching folk crossing between France and Germany on the Three Countries Footbridge.

Brewery Beer ABV
Warsteiner Brauerei Pilsner (Keg) 4.8%
König Ludwig Schlossbrauerei König Ludwig Weissbier Hell (Bottle) 5.5%

La Huninguoise

Area: Huningue
Style: Riverfront Wine and Beer Bar
Visit order: 3

I didn’t have high hopes for this one as it wasn’t a looker from the outside, but it turned into an unexpected highlight. A reminder not to put too much store in first impressions. Local beers from a couple of craft breweries both proved excellent, turning it into one of the best stops of the trip. The river view from the terrace looking back to Germany and the last beer location was the cherry on the top. Not that I’d have a cherry on my beer y’know.

Brewery Beer ABV
Brasserie du Reservoir Karl Mars (Keg) 5.0%
Brasserie TAAL Pale Ale (Keg) 4.5%

Breisach am Rhein

Café Bechtel

Area: Breisach
Style: Marktplatz Café Conditerie
Visit order: 4

Another day and another pretty town and a market square ready for some people watching. The food looked great here, but we had other plans. We still managed to fit in a Paulaner though, a beer that always hits the spot. And what a spot.

Brewery Beer ABV
Paulaner Brauerie Paulaner Hefe-Weißbier Hell (Bottle) %

Today’s Summary
Total Pubs: 4
Total Beers: 6
Keg: 4
Bottle: 2
Strongest: 5.5%
Mildest: 4.5%

A river cruise through German towns, with a brief hop into France and a few well-earned beers along the way. The photos are a bit hit and miss, but that tends to happen when you’re more focused on the location than the picture.

April 10, 2026

Brewery	Beer	ABV
Erdinger Weissbräu	Erdinger Weißbier (bottle)	5.3%
Mad Squirrel Brewery	$UMO (keg)	4.7%

Brewery	Beer	ABV
Talking Tides Brew Co.	Low Viz	5.2%
Talking Tides Brew Co.	Majuba	5.2%

Brewery	Beer	ABV
Duration Brewing	Charm	3.4%
Howling Hops	Small Batch Special Cold IPA (keg)	5.3%

Brewery	Beer	ABV
Pomona Island Brew Co.	PENSAMIENTO	4.5%
Kellerbier	Hacker-Pschorr (keg)	5.5%

Brewery	Beer	ABV
Leeds Brewery	Leeds Pale	3.8%
Verdant Brewing Co	Lightbulb (keg)	4.5%

Brewery	Beer	ABV
Tapped Brew Co	Electric Works	4.2%
Elvington Brewery	Mittel 3.8% Lager (keg)	3.8%
Silent Brew Co	Greater Good	4.0%

Brewery	Beer	ABV
Bangor Bay Brewery	Bangor’s Best Bitter	3.9%
Bangor Bay Brewery	New Zealand Pilsner (keg)	4.8%

Brewery	Beer	ABV
Heineken Ireland	Beamish Irish Stout	4.1%
Heverlee	Heverlee Blond Lager (keg)	4.4%

Brewery	Beer	ABV
Timothy Taylor’s Brewery	Landlord	4.3%
Budějovický Budvar	Budweiser Budvar (keg)	5.0%

Brewery	Beer	ABV
Bullhouse Brew Co	Spratt’s (keg)	4.0%
Bullhouse Brew Co	Road Trippin’ (keg)	4.0%
Bullhouse Brew Co	Frank The Tank (keg)	5.0%

Brewery	Beer	ABV
Rudgate Brewery	Treble Charge	3.7%
Rudgate Brewery	Citra	4.2%

Brewery	Beer	ABV
Trig Brewery	Plough On	3.4%
weekend project	High Force	4.2%

Today’s Summary
Total Pubs: 7
Total Beers: 12
Cask: 10
Keg: 1
Bottle: 1
Strongest: 5.5%
Mildest: 3.4%

Today’s Summary
Total Pubs: 6+1
Total Beers: 12
Cask: 7
Keg: 4
Bottle: 1
Strongest: 5.5%
Mildest: 3.4%

Brewery	Beer	ABV
Twice Brewed Brewing Co	Best Bitter	3.8%
RedWillow Brewery	Effortlessly Citra	3.7%
weekend project	meadows (keg)	5.2%
Brass Castle	Hoptical Illusion (keg)	4.3%

Brewery	Beer	ABV
Pomona Island Brew Co.	Phaedra (keg)	5.0%
Brains Brewery	Barry Island IPA	4.5%

Brewery	Beer	ABV
Metalhead Brewery	Pretty Vacant	4.1%
Arkell’s Brewery	Spring Hopper	4.0%
Erdinger Weissbräu	Erdinger Weißbier (bottle)	5.3%

Brewery	Beer	ABV
Donzoko Brewing Company	Smog	4.7%
Donzoko Brewing Company	Hidden Sounds	5.2%
Donzoko Brewing Company	Chile Lime Gose (keg)	3.5%

Brewery	Beer	ABV
Brew York	Maris The Otter	3.9%
Burnt Mill Brewery	Beyond The First – Citra & Centennial	4.8%

Brewery	Beer	ABV
Bass Brewers	Bass Premium Ale	4.4%
Bowland Brewery	Hen Harrier	4.0%
Daleside Brewery	Monkey Wrench	5.3%
Rudgate Brewery	Viking	3.8%

Brewery	Beer	ABV
Yard Of Ale Brew Co.	The Circus In Your Mind	4.3%
The Consett Ale Works	Ironsand	4.4%
Yard Of Ale Brew Co.	I Want To Believe	4.4%
Yard Of Ale Brew Co.	One Foot In The Yard	4.5%

Brewery	Beer	ABV
Wensleydale Brewery	Shoal2Shoal	4.0%
Two By Two Brewing	Nelson Citra Sabro	5.0%
Wensleydale Brewery	Falconer	3.9%

Brewery	Beer	ABV
Blackjack Brew Co	Six MPH Mild	5.2%
DEYA Brewing Company	Rue De Soda (Keg)	4.0%
LHG Brewpub	Folded Page	5.0%
Otherworld Brewing	Khaos	4.0%

Brewery	Beer	ABV
Marble Beers Ltd	Extra Special Marble	5.5%
Anarchy Brew Co.	Blonde Star	4.1%

Category: Pub Trips

Coniscliffe Road

ORB Micropub

Number Twenty2

Skinnergate

The Tanners Hall

The Corner House

The Quakerhouse

Back of Boyes (Houndgate)

House Of Hop

The Other Side

Near Newcastle Central Station

Gunner Tavern

Mosaic Tap

The Forth Hotel

The Mile Castle

Newcastle Tap

Beer Street

The Telegraph

Back to Durham

The Station House

The Rabbit Rooms

Jenny Watts

The King’s Quay

A Birthday Trip to Belfast

City Centre

The Garrick

Bullitt Espresso Bar

Bittles Bar

Linen Quarter

Linen Hall Bar

The Crown Liquor Saloon

The Crown Dining Rooms

University Quarter

The Woodworkers

Cathedral Quarter

Sunflower Public House

Kelly’s Cellars

The Deer’s Head

The John Hewitt

Ulster Sports Club

East Belfast (Connswater)

Bullhouse East

Boundary

The Airport

Northern QTR

Heaton and Byker

The Waiting Room

Heaton Road

The Last Resort

Tiipsy Toad

Shields Road – Byker

The High Main

Stepney Bridge – Byker

Donzoko Brewery And Taproom

Central Newcastle

Gunner Tavern

Durham – Aperitif

The Water House

Spennymoor

Frog & Ferret

The Grand Electric Hall

The Little Tap

Ferryhill/Chilton Lane

Surtees Arms

Durham – Digestiv

The Station House

The Outbound Leg

The Waiting Room

Newcastle

Mosaic Tap

The Actual Plan

Barluga

The Five Swans

Durham – Full Circle

The Station House

Stockton – High Street And Thereabouts

The Sun Inn

The Golden Smog

Tipsy Turtle

Brewery	Beer	ABV
Salopian Brewery	Darwin’s Origin	4.3%
Pennine Brewing Co	Blazing Firefly	4.0%

Brewery	Beer	ABV
Darkland Brewery	Bullion	4.2%
Twice Brewed Brewing Co.	Sing Me Spanish Techno	4.8%

Brewery	Beer	ABV
LHG Brewpub	Trueform	4.2%
Flying Gang Brewing	My Mistress Is The Sea	4.0%

Brewery	Beer	ABV
The Durham Brewery	Devil’s Lapstone	4.8%
Two By Two Brewing	Leap Frog Pale Ale	4.1%

Brewery	Beer	ABV
Metalhead Brewery	Old Knacker	3.8%
Anarchy Brew Co.	Wor Beer	4.3%

Brewery	Beer	ABV
Erdinger Weissbräuerei	Erdinger Weißbier (bottle)	5.3%
Yorkshire Heart	Quaffer	3.4%

Brewery	Beer	ABV
Purity Brewing Co.	Mad Goose	4.2%
First & Last Brewery	Equinox	4.1%

Brewery	Beer	ABV
Firebrick Brewery	Stella Spark	4.4%
Theakston	Yorkshire H’aka	4.2%

Brewery	Beer	ABV
Warsteiner Brauerei	Pilsner (Keg)	4.8%
König Ludwig Schlossbrauerei	König Ludwig Weissbier Hell (Bottle)	5.5%

Brewery	Beer	ABV
Brasserie du Reservoir	Karl Mars (Keg)	5.0%
Brasserie TAAL	Pale Ale (Keg)	4.5%