Back Down The Pub

Tag: Traditional Pub

  • Darlington #1 – July 2026

    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

    The bar at the ORB Micropub, Darlington with cask ales, spirits and the beer menu.

    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.

    BreweryBeerABV
    WylamConfessions4.5%

    Number Twenty2

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

    The bar at Number Twenty2, Darlington with customers enjoying the hospitality.

    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.

    BreweryBeerABV
    Rudgate BreweryTreble Charge3.7%
    Rudgate BreweryCitra4.2%

    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.

    BreweryBeerABV
    Erdinger WeissbräuErdinger Weißbier (bottle)5.3%
    Mad Squirrel Brewery$UMO (keg)4.7%

    The Corner House

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

    The Corner house Darlington showing the pub sign Talking Tides Brew Co and advertising "Locally Brewed Beer".

    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.

    Interior of the Corner House Pub, Darlington showing the range of drinks and an ornate bar back.
    BreweryBeerABV
    Talking Tides Brew Co.Low Viz5.2%
    Talking Tides Brew Co.Majuba5.2%
    The beer board at the Corner House, Darlington showing the extensive range of craft ales and ciders.

    The Quakerhouse

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

    The sign for the Quaker House at Darlington with blue painted walls and advertising Real Ale and Live Music.

    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.

    Upstairs at the Quaker House Darlington with a range of seating and exposed beams on the ceiling.
    BreweryBeerABV
    Trig BreweryPlough On3.4%
    weekend projectHigh Force4.2%

    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.

    BreweryBeerABV
    Iron PierBitter4.0%
    First & Last Brewery#5 Learn To Fly5.5%

    The Other Side

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

    The Other Side pub at Darlington showing customers enjoying a drink.

    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.

    BreweryBeerABV
    Mithril AlesOn The Other Side4.0%
    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.

  • Newcastle #6 – July 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.

    BreweryBeerABV
    Duration BrewingCharm3.4%
    Howling HopsSmall Batch Special Cold IPA (keg)5.3%

    Mosaic Tap

    Area: Pink Lane
    Style: Micropub
    Visit order: 2

    The bar at Mosaic Tap Newcastle with pumps on the bar and beer list behind.

    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.

    BreweryBeerABV
    Pomona Island Brew Co.PENSAMIENTO4.5%
    KellerbierHacker-Pschorr (keg)5.5%

    The Forth Hotel

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

    Signage at the Forth Hotel on Pink Lane Newcastle.

    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.

    The bar at the Forth Hotel on Pink Lane Newcastle with pink backlighting on the bar back.
    BreweryBeerABV
    Leeds BreweryLeeds Pale3.8%
    Verdant Brewing CoLightbulb (keg)4.5%

    The Mile Castle

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

    The heritage exterior of the Mile Castle Super Spoons Wetherspoons at Newcastle.

    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.

    BreweryBeerABV
    Erdinger WeiĂźbierErdinger WeiĂźbier (bottle)5.3%

    Newcastle Tap

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

    Exterior of the Newcastle Tap showing outside seating and groups of people socialising.

    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.

    The long bar at the Newcastle Tap showing the extensive range of cask and keg beers.
    BreweryBeerABV
    Tapped Brew CoElectric Works4.2%
    Elvington BreweryMittel 3.8% Lager (keg)3.8%
    Silent Brew CoGreater Good4.0%

    Beer Street

    Area: Forth Street
    Style: Micropub
    Visit order: 6

    The beer board and bar at Beer Street Newcastle also showing the cask ale pumps on the bar.

    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.

    BreweryBeerABV
    Brew YorkCitrus Cinema4.5%

    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.

    A panoramic view of the Telegraph Pub in Newcastle.

    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.

    BreweryBeerABV
    Wensleydale BrewerySign of the Times4.0%
    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”.

    Graffiti on a post in NEwcastle "please stop putting litter here" with litter below.
  • Durham #2 – March 2026

    Durham #2 – March 2026

    City Centre and Several Hills

    A sunny Durham afternoon, a few hills to climb, and a plan to visit some of the city’s finest pubs. What could be nicer?

    Mr Flynn’s (The Big Jug)

    Area: Claypath
    Style: Irish theme pub, recently reopened
    Visit order: 1

    External of Mr Flynn's Pub, formerly The Big Jug on Claypath, Durham

    Mr Flynn’s opened a month or so ago as an Irish themed bar.  It’s looking pretty good and is set up for live music.  The upright piano on the wee stage is a nice touch.  There’s going to be electronic darts upstairs soon.  I missed out on a real ale as the single pump wasn’t ready, but the next two on were Clwb Tropicana and Titanic Plum Porter.  Sounds good to me.  There is still evidence of the Big Jug in the dĂ©cor and signage, a nice touch.  One to keep an eye on.

    Interior view of Mr Flynn's Pub, formerly The Big Jug showing stage, piano and speaker
    BreweryBeerABV
    BeavertownLunar Haze (Keg)4.5%

    The Victoria Inn

    Elvet and Hallgarth Street

    Area: Elvet
    Style: Traditional multi-roomed pub
    Visit order: 2

    The bar at the Victoria Inn on Hallgarth Street, Durham showing bar back, and beer pumps

    It’s a wee walk up the hill to the Victoria, but well worth it as you are greeted with several real ales and one of the most traditional interiors anywhere.  Three rooms, real fires and a beautiful bar back.  The fire was crackling away and the toasties being served looked, and smelled very tempting.  After enjoying a couple of beers (no toasties) here, it was an easier walk back to town.

    BreweryBeerABV
    Hadrian Border BreweryGrainger Ale4.6%
    Hadrian Border BreweryNorthern Pale4.1%

    Half Moon Inn

    Area: Elvet
    Style: Traditional pub
    Visit order: 3

    The curved back bar at The Half Moon Inn, Elvet, Durham

    A traditional city pub refurbished a few years back and always with well kept ales.  Lovely outside area as well with views of the river and Old Elvet Bridge.  Bit chilly out despite the sunshine so a snug location in the back bar for a nice Bass.  As they say, “Hard work takes it out of a man, Bass puts it back”.

    BreweryBeerABV
    Bass BrewersBass Premium Ale4.4%

    Back In The City Centre

    The Shakespeare Tavern

    Area: Bailey
    Style: Traditional
    Visit order: 4

    External of the Shakespeare Tavern on Saddler Street, Durham.

    Another real traditional location, a very small bar and an equally smalll back room.  All adds to the atmosphere.  There are three casks on, but the range can be a little limited.  That said, the Lightfoot was tasty enough to keep me going and the combination of locals and tourists sharing stories was a nice relaxing atmosphere.

    BreweryBeerABV
    TheakstonLightfoot4.1%

    Crossgate and the Viaduct

    Holy GrAle

    Area: Crossgate
    Style: Micropub
    Visit order: 5

    Exterior of the Holy GrAle Micropub on Crossgate, Durham with beer kegs in the foreground

    Another hill, Durham is full of them, this time up Crossgate.  Holy GrAle is a micropub with a great range of keg beers and up until recently, one cask.  Happy to report that this is now two casks.  Tried both, neither disappointed.  A lovely relaxed atmosphere and another place to happily lose an afternoon in (without repeating a beer).  But, the Elm Tree was calling from only a few yards away.

    BreweryBeerABV
    Allendale BreweryPennine Pale4.0%
    Two By Two BrewingIPA6.0%

    Ye Old Elm Tree

    Area: Crossgate
    Style: Traditional Pub with Outdoor Seating
    Visit order: 6

    The bar at Ye Old Elm Tree on Crossgate, Durham showing beer pumps and flags

    Another traditional venue, one that’s popular with both locals and students.  It was quieter than usual today as the students are on holiday although the locals kept things lively, plenty of laughter going round.  Quieter all round the town today.  Small city, large student population.  Both a positive and a negative.

    BreweryBeerABV
    Full Circle Brew CoMarmalade Mild3.9%

    The Station House

    Area: Viaduct
    Style: Award Winning Micropub
    Visit order: 7

    External view of the The Station House Pub and Pub sign in Durham

    Is it a micropub?  Or, a small pub.  No matter, it’s a great location with great beer (and cider).  I managed to grab a seat by the window and got chatting to a gent who moved to Durham in the 1970s and made it his home since then.  I reckon that’s long enough to count as a local.

    Durham railway viaduct from the Station House in Durham.
    BreweryBeerABV
    Fyne AlesNo Nonsense4.1%
    Cullercoats BreweryPolly Donkin4.2%
    Almasty Brewing Co.DDH Simcoe4.0%

    Sunderland Road, Gilesgate

    The Hop Knocker

    Area: Gilesgate
    Style: Micropub
    Visit order: 8 and last

    The Hop Knocker, Sunderland Road, Durham showing seating and fridges with a beer on the table in the foreground

    As it’s a mile or so up yet another hill, I decided to get the bus.  My plan was stymied by a road closure due to an Amazon delivery van and a police car having got a little intimate on Sunderland Road.  Bus diversion meant a bit more of a walk than expected.  At least the bus got me up the hill.  I stopped longer than anticipated in the Hop Knocker as the beer and conversation were both very good.

    BreweryBeerABV
    Darwin BreweryThree Rivers III4.3%
    Schneider WeisseHefeweissbier NaturtrĂĽb (Keg)4.9%
    WylamBest (Keg)4.5%
    Twice Brewed Brewing Co.Dog On A Skateboard (Keg)0.5%
    Today’s Summary
    Total Pubs: 8
    Total Beers: 15
    Cask: 11
    Keg: 4
    Strongest: 6.0%
    Mildest: 0.5%

    A fair hike out today, tempered with a range of beers both traditional and modern.  Durham may be small, but it punches above its weight for beer and there are still venues left for another time.  And then there are the out-of-town locations which may need a bit more planning.

  • Sunderland #1 – March 2026

    Sunderland #1 – March 2026

    A Stroll Through Central Sunderland

    A laid back visit to Sunderland, aiming for a couple of well-chosen ales.  The rain cleared by the time we approached the city and a patch of blue sky promised an easy stroll around the centre.  We didn’t hit every pub we’d have liked – so clearly, a return trip is inevitable.

    Sunderland: Keel Square and the Empire Theatre

    The Peacock

    Area: Keel Square/High Street West
    Style: Traditional style with food options
    Visit order: 1

    The bar of The Peacock pub in Sunderland showing assorted pumps and glasses

    I’ve always had a soft spot for a triangular building. The Peacock ticks that box beautifully – especially as there’s real ale on tap inside.  Perched just off Keel Square, which continues to improve with the redevelopment.

    It’s a great start to the crawl, especially today as there are home-made sausage roll samples on offer today. The ones with chorizo went down very well with the team.

    BreweryBeerABV
    Maxim BreweryIdaho 74.5%
    Pennine Brewing CoPacific4.1%

    The Dun Cow

    Area: Next door to the Empire
    Style: Traditional ale house
    Visit order: 2

    Ornate wooden bar back of the Dun Cow pub in Sunderland

    A legend of a location standing proudly next to the Sunderland Empire Theatre.  From the outside it’s striking, but inside, the bar back really steals the show. A tempting selection of craft and keg beers had us sampling a couple, the Anarchy Brew was outstanding.

    BreweryBeerABV
    Anarchy Brew Co.Backfire4.5%
    Wylde Sky BrewingGold4.0%

    Sunderland: Green Terrace, City Centre

    The Canny Lad (formerly Fitzgerald’s)

    Area: Central
    Style: Large bar with an Irish theme
    Visit order: 3

    Exterior of The Canny Lad pub in Sunderland with Irish Tavern graphic

    Renamed about a year ago, it still proudly bears its Irish Tavern identity.  Cosy and welcoming, with a mix of folk enjoying a variety of drinks.  Four kegs on the menu, all good.  We sampled two before moving on.

    BreweryBeerABV
    Three Brothers Brewing CoS’more Porter4.8%
    Stewart BrewingJack Black3.7%

    Sunderland, Park Lane Bus Station

    The Cooper Rose

    Area: Near Park Lane Bus Station
    Style: Wetherspoons
    Visit order: 4

    Exterior of Wetherspoons pub The Cooper Rose in Sunderland

    A busy Wetherspoons, buzzing with the promise of the afternoon deal (that’s why we had no real ale here).  The nationwide Spoons beer festival is imminent and the menu looks inviting.  I’ll be back to try a few during the festival period.

    BreweryBeerABV
    Erdinger WeissbräuErdinger Weißbier (bottle)5.3%

    M.O.D

    Area: Near Park Lane Bus Station
    Style: Military Themed Micropub

    Next door to The Gunners, M.O.D is all military, making it a fascinating stop even for non-buffs. It’s not every day you see a Gatling gun behind the bar.  The real ale selection is modest, but the price is keen and the decor more than makes up for it.

    Exterior of the M.O.D pub in Sunderland showing Union Flag signage
    BreweryBeerABV
    Timothy Taylor’s BreweryBoltmaker4.0%

    Chaplins

    Area: Near Park Lane Bus Station
    Style: Busy pub with outdoor seating
    Visit order: 6

    Exterior of Chaplin's pub Sunderland with home nations flags and exterior seating

    Always busy, always a reliable choice for quality real ales.  Luckily we snagged a table to enjoy our final beers with the bus station just next door ready to whisk us away.

    BreweryBeerABV
    Bowness Bay BrewingSwift Best3.8%
    Crafty Monkey Brewing CoReward IPA4.7%
    Bowland BreweryBuster IPA4.0%
    Today’s Summary
    Total Pubs: 6
    Total Beers: 12
    Cask: 11
    Bottle: 1
    Strongest: 5.3%
    Mildest: 3.7%

    There are plenty more pubs in Sunderland to (re)visit, but this short trip hit the spot perfectly. It wasn’t a monumental trek – just a quick, satisfying slurp around the city. Mission accomplished.