Ferryhill – Back Down The Pub

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

The extensive range of real ales on show at the Frog And Ferret Pub at Spennymoor, County Durham.

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.

The inside of the Frog And Ferret pub in Spennymoor, County Durham with some charity raffle prizes in the foreground.

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.

The inside of the Grand Electric Hall Wetherspoons in Spennymoor County Durham showing large picture windows and the bright interior.

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.

Bar and seating inside The Little Tap micropub in Spennymoor, County Durham.

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.

The bar at the Surtees Arms in Ferryhill, County Durham.

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.

Cask ales pump clips at the servery of The Station House Pub in Durham City.

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.

Back Down The Pub

Tag: Ferryhill

Spennymoor #1 – May 2026