The Catherine Wheel, Goring

Taken over a couple of years ago by two guys fresh to the pub trade and really refreshed by all accounts.

Not food led but with good range of meals, I only had a couple of croissants (long story) and they were spectacular.

The beers were really well kept, the staff were really friendly and inside it is clean but quirky enough to be interesting, "hidden" gents toilet and all.

If you can find it this pub is well worth spending an evening in.

4 Apr 2015 22:09

Grey's Inn, Embleton

Popped in here while on holiday as it was in the Good Beer Guide. Good selection of really well kept local real ales and lagers. Manager took a shine to us as we care about our ales and he's even more passionate about them.
We didn't get a chance to try the food but it looked very good.
We must have been in 3 or 4 times in one week, almost became regulars, and were never disappointed.
We would return to Northumbria and definitely to this pub.

14 Sep 2014 19:36

The Land of Liberty, Peace and Plenty, Heronsgate

Real Pub, Real Ale, Real Welcome is their claim and you certainly get two out of three consistently. The welcome can be a bit hit and miss but it is never hostile. The neurotic alsatian died earlier this year which might be a relief to some people.
This is the area's Real Ale mecca and if it wasn't so difficult to get to by public transport I'd be in there far more.
There's always 6 ales on. These are helpfully labelled up on the pump clip as The Dark one, The Hoppy One, The Mild etc so you can see at a glance what is on offer. I wish more pubs did this.
Foodwise - its mostly bar snacks but these are very high quality and usually a cut above what you get elsewhere. They tend to source locally if they can.
All in all if you are as uncompromising about your food and drink as the landlords you MUST make a trip here, especially if someone else is driving.

15 Jun 2014 16:37