Thursday 22 December 2011

BOXING DAY LIVE MUSIC AT OLD WELL, BARNARD CASTLE

Looking for an idea for Boxing Day after all the hassle of Christmas? What could be better than a good pint of ale and some good music.

Boxing Day afternoon

Monday 26th December

The Old Well Inn proudly presents

JORDAN BROWNFIELD

Luke James and Pete will be performing from 3.30pm,

So don't be late as we are sure to be full!


http://www.theoldwellinn.co.uk/

Wednesday 21 December 2011

NO MILK OR COOKIES PLEASE, GIVE A MAN A BREAK!

Wikio - Top Blogs - Wine and beerPOOR SANTA - HE WORKS SO HARD TO MAKE SURE ALL THE GOOD CHILDREN (ARE THERE ANY?)
GET THEIR PRESENTS ON CHRISTMAS DAY, AND WHAT DOES HE GET FOR HIS TROUBLES - A GLASS OF MILK AND SOME COOKIES!  IF HE IS REALLY LUCKY HE MAY GET A SMALL GLASS OF PORT OR SHERRY.

IF YOU THINK A WORKING MAN WITH A BEARD, MOUSTACHE AND ROUNDED STOMACH WANTS MILK AND COOKIES THEN YOU ARE WRONG.

THE POOR BLOKE WANTS A PINT - DOESN'T HE DESERVE IT!

FOR THOSE INTERESTED IN LEARNING MORE ABOUT SANTA PLEASE SEE LINK

http://www.stnicholascenter.org/pages/home/

FOR THOSE INTERESTED IN SANTA'S SLURP SEE THE FOLLOWING PUBS

THE RED LION, COTHERSTONE
THE CROWN, MICKLETON
THE ROSE AND CROWN, WITTON PARK
THE OLD WELL, BARNARD CASTLE
THE STAR, MIDDLESBROUGH
THE CROWN, MANFIELD
THE QUAKERHOUSE, DARLINGTON
THE BLACK BULL, MELSONBY
THE RED LION, NORTH BITCHBURN
THE GRAND HOTEL, BISHOP AUCKLAND
THE DARLINGTON SNOOKER CLUB 

ENJOY!

Wednesday 14 December 2011

GETTING HOPPY WITH IT - HOPPY CHRISTMAS

Wikio - Top Blogs - Wine and beerEAGLE EYE READERS MAY THINK AT FIRST SIGHT THAT THIS CLIP IS THE SAME AS LAST YEAR'S 'JINGLE HOPS.' BUT THERE ARE A NUMBER OF DIFFERENCES, NOT LEAST THE STRENGTH OF THIS ALE IS 3.7 AND NOT 4.2%.  FOR THOSE WHO WANT TO CHECK THIS OUT UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL, IT WILL BE AVAILABLE AT THE FOLLOWING PUBS:

THE SHIP, MIDDLESTONE VILLAGE
THE OLD WELL, BARNARD CASTLE
THE CROSS KEYS, GAINFORD
THE BLACK BULL, MELSONBY
THE CROWN, MICKLETON
COVERBRIDGE, EAST WITTON
FOX AND HOUNDS, WEST WITTON
THE COUNTY, AYCLIFFE VILLAGE
THE QUAKERHOUSE, DARLINGTON

ENJOY!

Monday 12 December 2011

CINDERBEERELLA - IT'S BEHIND YOU!

Wikio - Top Blogs - Wine and beer

I ALWAYS TRY AND INCORPORATE THE PANTO AT DARLINGTON
CIVIC THEATRE INTO A BEER.

THIS YEAR, IT IS CINDERELLA - PINK GLITTERY PUMPS OPTIONAL!

FOR MY OVERSEAS READERS A LINK IS ENCLOSED IF YOU WANT TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT PANTO, SORRY CAN'T TELL YOU MUCH ABOUT RAY QUINN OR DEENA PAYNE. I ALSO WASN'T AWARE THAT  JIMMY CRICKET WAS A LEGENDARY COMIC - BUT HEY WHAT DO I KNOW?.

http://www.darlington.gov.uk/NewCulture/EventsDetails.htm?EventID=159521

FOR THOSE WHO JUST WANT TO DRINK THE ALE GET ALONG TO ONE OF THE FOLLOWING FINE ESTABLISHMENTS:

WHITE SWAN, GILLING WEST
OLD WELL, BARNARD CASTLE
THE SHIP, MIDDLESTONE VILLAGE
THE CROWN, MICKLETON
THE CROSS KEYS, GAINFORD
THR COUNTY, AYCLIFFE VILLAGE
THE DUKE OF WELLINGTON, WELLBURY
THE SURTEES ARMS, FERRYHILL STATION
THE GRAND HOTEL, BISHOP AUCKLAND
THE ROSE AND CROWN, WITTON PARK
FRODSHAM BEER FESTIVAL

ENJOY!

Tuesday 6 December 2011

PILGRIM FATHERS - AN EPIC VOYAGE IN A PEUGEOT PARTNER

Wikio - Top Blogs - Wine and beer




For my USA readers at this time of year I always like to do a beer clip in celebration of Thanksgiving.

The Pilgrim Fathers were separatists, who believed in religious freedom. 
They sailed to the USA in the Mayflower, founding the Plymouth Colony which was the first settlement in New England. This paved the way for the first amendment to the US constitution which is concerned with religious freedom.

My trusty Peugoet Partner may not be the Mayflower, but it is no less important to me - and has helped the following fine establishments take delivery of ale this week - for those interested in finding out more you can start from the following web site

http://www.pilgrimfathersorigins.org/index.html

for those who just want to drink the beer:

The Black Bull, Melsonby
The White Swan, Gilling West
The Bridge, Whorlton or Middleton In Teesdale
The Star, Middlesbrough
The County, Aycliffe Village
The Old Well, Barnard Castle
The Cross Keys, Gainford
The Black Swan, Staindrop
The Quakerhouse, Darlington
The Lord Nelson, Gainford
The Grand Hotel, Bishop Auckland

Enjoy!

Tuesday 29 November 2011

REMEMBER, REMEMBER IT'S THE END OF MOVEMBER!

'Wikio - Top Blogs - Wine and beerDuring November each year, Movember is responsible for the sprouting of moustaches on thousands of men’s faces in the UK and around the world. The aim of which is to raise vital funds and awareness for men’s health, specifically prostate cancer and other cancers that affect men.'

See link below for more details:

http://uk.movember.com/?home

I have been growing my own 'tache this month in support of the cause (as seen in yokshire pudding post) - and probably from Friday (until sold/drunk) a brew of Mithril Ales 'Movember' is being sold for £2.50 (sorry just noticed a typo that said £2.00) a pint in aid of Movember at the Stanwick in Aldbrough St John. (thanks Neil)

Movember, get it whilst you can from the following fine ale houses:
 
Red Lion, Cotherstone
Crown, Mickleton
The White Swan, Gilling West
The Black Bull, Melsonby
The Old Well, Barnard Castle
The Wheatsheaf, Borrowby
The Kings Arms, Sandhutton
Coverbridge, East Witton
Quakerhouse, Darlington
The Stanwick, Aldbrough St John
Darlington Snooker Club, Darlington
 
Enjoy!

Sunday 27 November 2011

WHO ATE ALL THE (YORKSHIRE) PUDDINGS? - LOOKS LIKE I DID!

Wikio - Top Blogs - Wine and beer



ON FRIDAY THE 18TH NOVEMBER THE STANWICK INN, ALDBROUGH ST JOHN  HELD A CHARITY NIGHT TO RAISE MONEY FOR CHILDREN IN NEED.

THE HIGHLIGHT OF THE NIGHT WAS THE YORKSHIRE PUDDING EATING CONTEST. I WAS ONE OF MANY WHO ENTERED (NOTHING TO DO WITH THE LOVELY RICH GRAVY AND HOMEMADE YORKIES NEIL HAD MADE)

ANYWAY, TWO MINUTES LATER I HAD EATEN EIGHT YORKIES (NOT IN A WAY THAT MY MAM WOULD HAVE APPROVED OF). BUT, LOOK WHAT I WON


A VOUCHER FOR A SUNDAY LUNCH FOR TWO AT THE STANWICK !

ANYWAY JUST UNDER £200.00 WAS RAISED FOR CHILDREN IN NEED, THANKS TO NEIL AND HELEN FOR A VERY ENJOYABLE NIGHT-

Wednesday 23 November 2011

IT WAS THE BUTLER, IN THE DINING ROOM WITH THE CANDLESTICK

Wikio - Top Blogs - Wine and beerTHE OLD WELL IN BARNARD CASTLE HELD A MURDER MYSTERY NIGHT THE WEEKEND JUST GONE - HENCE SOME OF MY INSPIRATION FOR THIS BEER - IN ADDITION TO THE BOOKS AND TV SHOWS I AM ALSO INTO AT THE MOMENT. WHAT COULD BE BETTER  WHEN RELAXING AT HOME - OR TAKING PART IN A PUB ACTIVITY THAN HAVING A FINE ALE AND PONDERING ON WHO DID IT AND WHY THEY DID IT. IT WASN'T ME GUV, HONEST!
CATCH MURDER MYSTERY AT THE FOLLOWING FINE ESTABLISHMENTS:

THE WHITE SWAN, GILLING WEST
THE OLD WELL, BARNARD CASTLE - FRAID ALL SOLD OUT 
THE CROWN, MICKLETON
THE BRIDGE, WHORLTON OR MIDDLETON IN TEESDALE
THE SHIP INN, MIDDLESTONE VILLAGE 
THE FROG AND FERRET, SPENNYMOOR
THE BLACK SWAN, STAINDROP  
THE SHOULDER OF MUTTON, KIRBY HILL
THE CROSS KEYS, GAINFORD
THE NAGS HEAD, SEDGEFIELD

ENJOY!



Wednesday 16 November 2011

THE SHIP, MIDDLESTONE VILLAGE - WINTER BEER FEST 17TH - 20TH NOVEMBER 2011

Wikio - Top Blogs - Wine and beerTHE SHIP IS HOLDING A WINTER BEER FEST THIS WEEK. IT KICKS OFF TOMORROW 4-11PM AND THEN 12-12 MIDNIGHT FROM FRIDAY TIL SUNDAY. 

THERE ARE 23 BEERS ON AND YOU MAY BE LUCKY ENOUGH TO PARTAKE OF SOME MITHRIL ALES (AS WELL AS OTHER EXCELLENT BEERS)

PLEASE SEE THE LINK BELOW FOR ADDRESS AND CONTACT DETAILS -  (I HAVE CHECKED OPENING TIMES WITH PUB, AND PLEASE NOTE THIS YEARS DATES FOR FEST NOT UP ON WEBSITE)  

http://www.shipinnmiddlestone.co.uk/events.htm

AN EXCELLENT PUB, THAT ALSO DOES GOOD FOOD

ENJOY!

Sunday 13 November 2011

PADDY POWER - PUT IT IN YOUR (DAVID) PIPE AND SMOKE IT!

Wikio - Top Blogs - Wine and beer
THIS WEEKEND WAS THE CHELTENHAM PADDY POWER GOLD CUP - WELL DONE TO DAVID PIPE!

THANKS ALSO GO TO IRELANDS LARGEST BOOKMAKERS, SPOOKILY ENOUGH CALLED PADDY POWER WHO SPONSOR THIS RACE - AND HENCE GAVE A ME A NAME FOR MY BEER THIS WEEK - CHEERS!

FOR THOSE MORE INTERESTED IN THE ORIGINS OF THE RACE A LINK IS SHOWN BELOW:

http://uk.ask.com/wiki/Paddy_Power_Gold_Cup   

FOR THOSE MORE INTERESTED WHERE THEY CAN GET THE BEER:

WHITE SWAN, GILLING WEST
BLACK BULL, MELSONBY
THE OLD WELL, BARNARD CASTLE
THE CROWN, MICKLETON
THE SHIP INN, MIDDLESTONE VILLAGE
THE BRIDGE, WHORLTON OR MIDDLETON IN TEESDALE
THE CROSS KEYS, GAINFORD
THE COUNTY, AYCLIFFE VILLAGE
THE QUAKER, DARLINGTON
NUMBER 22, DARLINGTON

ENJOY!

    

Sunday 6 November 2011

THE OLD WELL, BARNARD CASTLE - MURDER MYSTERY NIGHT, SATURDAY 19TH NOVEMBER 2011


Wikio - Top Blogs - Wine and beerTHE OLD WELL, BARNARD CASTLE IS HOLDING A MURDER MYSTERY NIGHT (IT WASN'T ME, M'LUD' )ON SATURDAY THE 19TH NOVEMBER.

TICKETS ARE ONLY £7.50 EACH. FURTHER DETAILS CAN BE OBTAINED DIRECTLY AND LINK SHOWN BELOW:

http://www.theoldwellinn.co.uk/component/content/frontpage.html 

THERE MAY EVEN BE A SPECIAL MITHRIL ALES AVAILABLE ON THE NIGHT

ENJOY!

Thursday 3 November 2011

REMEMBER, REMEMBER THE 5TH OF NOVEMBER

Wikio - Top Blogs - Wine and beer

ONCE AGAIN THIS WEEK THERE'S PLENTY OF GUY FAWKES AND BONFIRE NIGHT EVENTS GOING ON.
SOME ARE POSTED ON THIS SITE, OTHERS ARE ON THE DARLINGTON  CAMRA SITE.

ACCORDING TO DARLINGTON TWITTER THERE IS NO SOUTH PARK DISPLAY IN DARLINGTON THIS YEAR,  SO MAKE SURE YOU DON'T MAKE YOUR WAY DOWN THERE!. I AM SURE IT WILL BE DISAPPOINTING FOR THE TENS OF THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE WHO USED TO ATTEND THIS EVENT THAT IT HAS GONE.


WHAT BETTER TIME TO GET DOWN & SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL PUBS THIS WEEKEND?

GUNPOWDER PLOT CAN BE ENJOYED AT THE FOLLOWING FINE ESTABLISHMENTS:

THE GRAND HOTEL, BISHOP AUCKLAND
THE WHITE SWAN, GILLING WEST
THE OLD WELL, BARNARD CASTLE
THE CROWN, MICKLETON
THE BRIDGE - WHORLTON OR MIDDLETON IN TEESDALE
THE BLACK BULL, MELSONBY
THE CROSS KEYS, GAINFORD
THE SHIP, MIDDLESTONE VILLAGE
THE STAR, MIDDLESBOROUGH - FOR OLDER UNI STUDENTS USED TO BE KNOWN AS THE STAR AND GARTER
DARLINGTON  SNOOKER CLUB, DARLINGTON
ROSE AND CROWN, WITTON PARK

ENJOY

Wednesday 2 November 2011

THE ROSE AND CROWN, MICKLETON, BONFIRE, FIREWORKS AND LIVE MUSIC 4TH AND 5TH NOVEMBER 2011

Wikio - Top Blogs - Wine and beerThe Crown at Mickleton is holding a two day extravanganza this weekend for Bonfire Night, or should that be  Nights!

FRIDAY night free live music from 2 local artists starting at 7pm, BBQ & outside bar in a heated marquee.

SATURDAY night is the show stopper.... Kids face painting from 6pm, BBQ and Bonfire from 7pm, Fireworks to start around 8pm, then more live music from 8.30pm. Bonfire, Fireworks and Live Music are completely FREE, all you pay for is your food and drinks etc... It is sure to be a spectacular evening so please show your support and join them for a fantastic evening for all to enjoy.

The pub will be open as usual for food and drinks! (and some Mithril Ales) 

See you all there....

Monday 31 October 2011

DARLINGTON SNOOKER CLUB BOOZE ‘N’ CUES FESTIVAL 3RD - 6TH NOVEMBER 2011

Wikio - Top Blogs - Wine and beer
The multi award winning Darlington Snooker Club, 1Corporation Road, Darlington DL3 6AE is holding a beer festival this week/end.

Peter Everett and the team at Darlington Snooker Club invite you to Booze ‘n’ Cues Festival.

Approximately 12 real ales (including Mithril Ale Gunpowder Plot and Scream) with a Halloween and Bonfire Night theme along with cider will be available.

Festival Opening Times:

Thursday 3rd November: 7pm - midnight
Friday 4th November: 11am - late
Saturday 5th November: 11am - late
Sunday 6th November: Noon - midnight

A presentation will be made on the evening of Friday 4th November by North East Regional Director David Brazier to Peter (seen in picture probably at another awards ceremony for his club) and the staff for winning CAMRA’s North East Club of the Year 2011 Competition.

For further information contact Darlington Snooker Club on 01325 241388

Enjoy!

Wednesday 26 October 2011

GHOULS, GREMLINS AND WITCHES

Wikio - Top Blogs - Wine and beerJUST IN CASE YOU HADN'T REALISED IT'S HALLOWEEN AT THE END OF THE MONTH.

AS YOU WILL HAVE SEEN ON THE BLOG (AND ALSO CHECK OUT DARLINGTON CAMRA WEBSITE/FACEBOOK) THERE'S AN EXCELLENT CHOICE OF DO'S AND PARTIES GOING ON THIS WEEKEND.

IF YOU ARE REALLY LUCKY YOU CAN GO TO ONE THE FOLLOWING EXCELLENT ALE HOUSES FOR A PINT OF MITHRIL'S FINEST ALE AND KEEP THE GHOULS AND HOBGOBLINS AWAY.

THE RED LION, COTHERSTONE
THE WHITE SWAN. GILLING WEST
THE OLD WELL, BARNARD CASTLE
THE BRIDGE - WHORLTON OR MIDDLETON IN TEESDALE
THE CROWN, MICKLETON
THE QUAKERHOUSE, DARLINGTON
THE SHIP, MIDDLESTONE VILLAGE
THE CROSS KEYS, GAINFORD
THE SURTEES ARMS, FERRYHILL STATION
DARLINGTON SNOOKER CLUB
AND THE PILOT INN, BERWICK UPON TWEED

ENJOY!

Monday 24 October 2011

HALLOWEEN PARTY NIGHT - WHITE SWAN, GILLING WEST, SATURDAY 29TH OCTOBER

Wikio - Top Blogs - Wine and beer
THE WHITE SWAN IN GILLING WEST IS HOLDING A HALLOWEEN PARTY NIGHT.

ON SATURDAY THE 29TH OCTOBER, WITH DJ SHAY. THE FUN STARTS FROM 8PM WITH FANCY DRESS OPTIONAL KARAOKE AND DISCO - ENJOY!

THE GRAND HOTEL, BISHOP AUCKLAND, HALLOWEEN PARTY NIGHT FRIDAY 28TH OCTOBER

Wikio - Top Blogs - Wine and beerTHIS WEEKEND YOU ARE SPOILT FOR CHOICE IF YOU FANCY DRESSING UP FOR HALLOWEEN.

FANCY DRESS, KARAOKE,PRIZE FOR BEST OUTFIT & FOR MOST UNIQUE. FUN & GAME'S, RAFFLE & BUFFET.
DRINK'S FROM £2.00 A PINT, SHOT'S & BOTTLE'S FROM £1.00 - ENJOY!

Sunday 23 October 2011

HALLOWEEN BEER FESTIVAL 27TH - 29TH OCTOBER, SURTEES ARMS FERRYHILL STATION

Wikio - Top Blogs - Wine and beerI have not been able to upload the poster for this event, however get along to their website or facebook page for further details!

SURTEES ARMS HALLOWE'EN BEER FEST
Beers & cider from around the UK, including great representation by local breweries, namely Durham, Black Paw, Mithril - Scream,  Just a Minute and, of course, Yard of Ale. There'll be food and Live Entertainment (Sat night) as well as games for prizes.

Get along and have a great time.

Cheers, Alan & Susan Hogg

The Surtees Arms & Yard of Ale Brew Co. Ltd.

NORTH EAST CAMRA PUB OF THE YEAR 2010

DURHAM CAMRA PUB OF THE YEAR 2010 & 2011.

Chilton Lane, Ferryhill Station, DL17 0DH.

01740 655724,07828712744

http://www.thesurteesarms.co.uk/

 & Facebook

Real Ales, Lagers, Wines and Spirits.

Live, Big Screen Sports.

Sunday Lunches in the Dining Room.

Public Bar, Lounge, Function Room.

Saturday 22 October 2011

SPUD PICKING - NOT JUST ANOTHER COUCH POTATO

SOMEONE (OBVIOUSLY YOUNGER) ASKED WHY MY NEXT BEER WAS CALLED SPUD PICKING.

I  EXPLAINED THAT THE FORTHCOMING HALF TERM HOLIDAY ALWAYS USED TO BE KNOWN AS SPUD PICKING WEEK. THERE YOU WOULD FIND ME AND MY FRIENDS WORKING OUR LITTLE SOCKS OFF, EARNING HARD CASH TO PUT TOWARDS THE USUAL TEENAGE INTERESTS.

BUT, CAME THE REPLY ' WHAT, PEOPLE USED TO HAVE TO PICK THE SPUDS UP FROM THE GROUND?' YES, LITTLE WET BEHIND THE EARS CHILD THEY DID -  HOW ELSE WERE THEY TO GET FROM FIELD TO TABLE????

POOR PARENTS, I IMAGINE NOW HALF TERM WEEK IS NOT ABOUT CHUCKING THE LITTLE DARLINGS OUT TO EARN THEIR OWN CASH. BUT, A CONSTANT RAID ON YOUR WALLET FOR THINGS TO AMUSE THEM .

WHY DON'T YOU GET TO YOUR WALLET BEFORE THEY DO, AND GET YOURSELF DOWN TO ONE OF THE FOLLOWING FINE ALE HOUSES:

THE COUNTY, AYCLIFFE VILLAGE
THE WHITE SWAN, GILLING WEST
THE COVERBRIDGE INN
THE OLD WELL, BARNARD CASTLE
NUMBER 22, DARLINGTON
THE BRIDGE, WHORLTON OR MIDDLETON IN TEESDALE
THE FROG AND FERRET, SPENNYMOOR
THE QUAKERHOUSE, DARLINGTON
THE BLACK SWAN, STAINDROP
THE CROSS KEYS, MANFIELD
THE DARLINGTON SNOOKER CLUB

ENJOY!  

 

Thursday 20 October 2011

FLOWER POWER - A GOLD FOR MITHRIL ALES

Wikio - Top Blogs - Wine and beerI WAS DELIGHTED TO BE CONTACTED BY NORTH WEST YORKSHIRE CAMRA BRANCH, TO BE TOLD THAT FLOWER POWER WAS VOTED BEER OF THE FESTIVAL AT LAST WEEKEND'S RICHMOND BEER FESTIVAL

THE FULL RESULTS ARE AS FOLLOWS, GOOD TO SEE THREE LOCAL BREWERIES IN THE TOP FOUR!

1ST MITHRIL FLOWER POWER
2ND PHOENIX WOBBLY BOB
3RD WALL'S 10:40
4TH BLACK PAW BISHOP'S STOUT
5TH BREWDOG TRASHY BLONDE

IF YOU ARE LUCKY THERE MAY BE SOME LEFT AT THE FOLLOWING FINE ESTABLISHMENTS

THE CROWN, MICKLETON
THE WHITE SWAN, GILLING WEST
THE BLACK SWAN STAINDROP OR THE BRIDGE AT WHORLTON
THE COUNTY, AYCLIFFE VILLAGE
THE GOLDEN LION, OSMOTHERLEY
THE WHEATSHEAF, BORROWBY
THE STANWICK, ALDBROUGH ST JOHN

ENJOY! AND THANKS TO THOSE WHO VOTED!

Monday 17 October 2011

ALL THE LEAVES ARE BROWN AND THE SKY IS GREY!

Wikio - Top Blogs - Wine and beerWE HAVE HAD SOME BIZARRE WEATHER THE LAST FEW WEEKS. TORRENTIAL RAIN, FREAKY HEATWAVES AND NOW APPARENTLY THE CHILLS THEY ARE A COMIN'. WHAT BETTER WAY TO TAKE IN THE AUTUMN NIGHT, THAN SAT IN A COMFY CHAIR IN YOUR FAVOURITE PUB (HOPEFULLY THEY'VE GOT A REAL FIRE ON) SIPPING A PINT OF MITHRIL'S FINEST?

GET IT WHILST IT LASTS AT THE FOLLOWING:

SHOULDER OF MUTTON, KIRBY HILL
THE WHITE SWAN, GILLING SWAN
THE BLACK BULL, MELSONBY
THE CROWN, MICKLETON
THE OLD WELL, BARNARD CASTLE
THE COUNTY, AYCLIFFE VILLAGE
THE CROSS KEYS, GAINFORD
THE SHIP, MIDDLESTONE VILLAGE
THE WHEATSHEAF, BORROWBY
THE GOLDEN LION, OSMOTHERLEY

ENJOY!

Tuesday 11 October 2011

THIS IS SPINAL TAP

Wikio - Top Blogs - Wine and beer
AT ONE TIME IN MY YOOF (WELL THE 90'S) I USED TO DO QUIZZES AT VARIOUS PUBS. INCLUDING THE FIGHTING COCKS, THE CHEQUERS, THE STANWICK AND THE BIGGEST GIG OF ALL WAS THE SPOTTED DOG. FREQUENTED BY THE HIP YOUNG THINGS OF  BARNARD CASTLE SCHOOL AND YOUR OLDER 'TIMES' CROSSWORD RETIRED ACADEMIC TYPE  FROM THE WEST END OF DARLO.

HOWEVER, WORK MEANT SOMETHING HAD TO GIVE AND SO I STOPPED DOING THE QUIZZES AND THE QUIZ BOOKS GATHERED DUST ON THE SHELVES. BUT, I WAS DRAGGED OUT OF RETIREMENT BY MY TOUR MANAGER (MY MAM) TO DO A FUNDRAISING ONE.

HERE'S ME LAST FRIDAY DOING THE QUIZ NIGHT AT THE VILLAGE HALL IN ALDBROUGH, THE ENTRY PRICE ALSO INCLUDED A SAUSAGE AND MASH SUPPER - ALAS NO MEAT DRAW HERE.

WITH THE CLIENTELE IT WAS HARDLY SURPRISING THAT A CASK OF DERE STREET WENT IN 2.5 HOURS. THEY WERE GOING WILD IN THE AISLES - PROVING I HAVEN'T  LOST THAT OLD QUIZ CHARM.

ANYWAY THEY MADE £678.55 FOR THE VILLAGE HALL FUND AND I GOT TO DRINK MY OWN BEER, WHAT MORE COULD YOU ASK FOR?

Monday 10 October 2011

RICHMOND ALE FESTIVAL 14TH - 16TH OCTOBER 2011

Wikio - Top Blogs - Wine and beerSwaledale's biggest range of real ale, in a traditional Victorian Market Hall next to Richmond's mediaeval Castle.

37 beers and ciders including Mithril Ales Flower Power  - admission free.

Music, traditional games, CAMRA shop, breweriana tombola.

Friday 5pm - 11pm with folk music from Rapscallion from 8pm approx.

Saturday 5pm - 11pm with rock and pop classics from The Town Hall Jammers.

Sunday 11.30am - 4pm coincides with the Richmond Castle 10km road race (www.swaledaleroadrunners.co.uk), also cider pressing (Sun only).

Volunteers very welcome. Contact details camra_nwyorks@yahoo.co.uk or call 01609 780536.

More Information: http://www.nwyorkscamra.co.uk/

Although there is no food on at the festival, you are able to get food from the various takeaways situated around the market place and take it into the Market Hall to eat - make mine an Ariston!!

Enjoy

Thursday 6 October 2011

SCRUM DOWN - COME ON YOU ENGLAND!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Wikio - Top Blogs - Wine and beerANOTHER EARLY RISE THIS SATURDAY TO HOPEFULLY SEE ENGLAND PULVERISE FRANCE IN THE QUARTER FINALS. FOR A CELEBRATION DRINK (HOPEFULLY NOT A COMISERATION) YOU CAN POP ALONG TO THE FOLLOWING FINE ESTABLISHMENTS FOR SOME SCRUM DOWN - LET'S HOPE WE DO!

THE MORRITT BEER FESTIVAL
THE WHITE SWAN, GILLING WEST
THE BLACK BULL, MELSONBY
THE OLD WELL, BARNARD CASTLE
THE CROSS KEYS, GAINFORD
THE SHIP, MIDDLESTONE VILLAGE
THE BRIDGE, WHORLTON OR MIDDLETON IN TEESDALE
QUAKERHOUSE, DARLINGTON
THE GRAND HOTEL, BISHOP AUCKLAND
THE RED LION, COTHERSTONE

ENJOY!