The Woolpack, London Bridge

Spent a very pleasant hour on a late Monday afternoon here. Excellent Treason (seasonal red ale from Trumans). Also had usual Young's offerings plus a range of craft beers on tap.

31 Oct 2018 10:15

The Olde Ship Hotel, Seahouses

Great atmospheric bar, full of local memorabilia. Staff were efficient rather than chatty but welcoming mix of locals and tourists.

Excellent range of 6 local beers (from Hadrian Border, Allendale, Consett Ale Works, High House Farm and Cullercoats) plus 5 more widely available ones (Black Sheep, Theakstons, Directors, Ruddles County, Old Speckled Hen). Tried the Allendale Wagtail which was tasty and well kept.

Beer garden overlooking the harbour and across to Farne Islands.

13 Jun 2018 23:39

The Ship Inn, Alnwick

Lovely small pub in a great setting, just off a magnificent beach. There are seats out front or, if there are taken, plenty of grass to sit on and admire the view.

Brew their own beer (and sell bottles to take away). I sampled and enjoyed the Red Herring, a ruby ale, and there was a stout and at least one other as well as other more standard stuff on tap.

It does get busy but it's very civilised, with a patient queue (rather than a scrum where those with loudest voices and biggest elbows get served first).

We visited on a lunchtime when I don't think they take bookings for food, but they serve until about 2.30pm. I enjoyed a good Ploughmans with big helpings of two cheeses from local Doddington Dairy and excellent home-made chutney.

For those who are bothered, they do take payment by card now !

13 Jun 2018 23:24