Thursday 30 December 2010

CAMRA XMAS SOCIAL 2010

GOOD TO SEE EVERYONE AT CAMRA XMAS SOCIAL LAST NIGHT, SOME OLD FACES (MINE) AND SOME NEW (NOT MINE). A NUMBER OF REGULARS DID NOT ATTEND I UNDERSTAND DUE TO HAVING FLU, AND I HOPE THAT THEY ALL GET WELL SOON!

AS USUAL A GREAT BUFFET PUT ON BY PETER AND RITA, AND QUIZ BY THE HONOURABLE MR MILD.

THE HIGHLIGHT FOR THE NIGHT FOR CORINNA WAS RITA'S HOMEMADE BEETROOT DISH. IF YOU GET THE CHANCE TO TRY DO!

BEERS ENJOYED ON THE NIGHT WERE, JACK FROST (BY YOU KNOW WHO) INGLEBOROUGH ICE BY YORKSHIRE DALES, JOCK FROST BY HOUSTON, MAID MARIAN BLONDE BY SPRINGHEAD, A PUN ON BOMBARDIER BY WELLS (SORRY FORGOT TO TAKE THE CORRECT SPELLING DOWN) PLUS MANY MORE THAT BLURRED IN TO IMMENSE ENJOYMENT COUPLED WITH IMMENSE FULLNESS AFTER THE FOOD.

JACK FROST COMES ON, AS THE SNOW GOES!

AS READERS TO THIS BLOG MAY RECALL IN SUMMER I BREWED A BEER CALLED HEATWAVE. UNFORTUNATELY, AROUND THE TIME THE BEER CAME OUT IT LED TO A VERY WET PERIOD OF WEATHER. WITH THIS IN MIND I THOUGHT COULD I HAVE THE OPPOSITE EFFECT ON THE CURRENT SNOW AND ICE? LO - JACK FROST (4.0%) COMES OUT AND WE ARE NOW HITTING HIGHS OF 5 o TODAY! MY JOB IS DONE

AND FOR THOSE WHO ARE MORE INTERESTED IN WHERE THIS BEER HAS GONE, RATHER THAN MY WITTERINGS HERE GOES:

DARLINGTON SNOOKER CLUB
THE GRAND HOTEL AT BISHOP AUCKLAND
THE QUAKERHOUSE
THE OLD YARD TAPAS
THE WHITE SWAN AT GILLING WEST
THE BLACK BULL AT MELSONBY
THE BRIDGE AT MIDDLETON IN TEESDALE
THE BLACK SWAN AT STAINDROP
THE GEORGE AT PIERCEBRIDGE
THE QUAYS IN DARLINGTON
THE STANWICK INN

APOLOGIES IF ALREADY BEEN AND GONE, DUE TO XMAS FESTING I AM RUNNING A BIT BEHIND ON THE BLOG

Friday 17 December 2010

LETS GO TO THE 'JINGLE' HOPS

ANOTHER SEASONAL BEER BEEN DELIVERED OUT THIS WEEK, JINGLE HOPS (4.2%) TO THE FOLLOWING PUBS -

THE QUAKERHOUSE
THE KINGS ARMS AT SANDHUTTON
THE WHEATSHEAF AT BORROWBY
THE WHITE SWAN AT GILLING WEST
THE OLD YARD TAPAS BAR IN DARLINGTON
THE GRAND HOTEL IN BISHOP AUCKLAND
THE LORD NELSON AT GAINFORD
THE CROSS KEYS AT BELLERBY
A MYSTERY DESTINATION VIA BOGGARTS
THE STANWICK INN AT ALDBROUGH ST JOHN
THE DARLINGTON SNOOKER CLUB

WILL BE DELIVERING OUR 'JACK FROST' NEXT WEEK - HOPING IT HAS THE SAME EFFECT AS 'HEATWAVE' WHICH REGULAR READERS MAY RECALL LED TO COLD WEATHER, SO CONVERSELY WE SHOULD GET THE HEATWAVE NEXT WEEK (YEH RIGHT)

GOING, GOING, GONE! - BLACK ELF STOUT

AFTER BEING ASKED A NUMBER OF TIMES WHEN I WAS GOING TO DO SOME DARK BEERS, XMAS SEEMED THE IDEAL TIME TO EXPERIMENT. A LIMITED EDITION STOUT, BLACK ELF AT 4.4% HAS BEEN SENT OUT TO THE FOLLOWING PUBS

THE QUAKERHOUSE
NUMBER 22
THE GRAND HOTEL AT BISHOP AUCKLAND A ND
THE SHIP INN AT MIDDLESTONE VILLAGE

I WAS PLEASED TO GET AN EMAIL TODAY FROM A QUAKER REGULAR TELLING ME THEY HAD ENJOYED IT, AND WHEN COULD I DO SOME MORE?

Sunday 5 December 2010

NEW PANTO COMES TO TOWN - JACK AND THE BEERSTALK

THIS WEEK I AM DELIVERING A SEASONAL CHRISTMAS ALE TO THE FOLLOWING PUBS

THE FROG AND FERRET, SPENNYMOOR
THE BUCK INN, THORNTON WATLESS
THE QUAKERHOUSE
THE SHOULDER OF MUTTON, KIRBY HILL
THE WHITE SWAN, GILLING WEST
THE VANE ARMS , LOW NEWTON
THE BLACK SWAN, STAINDROP
THE BRIDGE, MIDDLETON IN TEESDALE
THE OLD YARD TAPAS BAR
THE STANWICK INN
THE MILBANK ARMS, WELL

AFRAID NO PANTO DAMES OR CHUCKLE BROTHERS WITH THIS ALE, BUT PERHAPS A MORE ENJOYABLE EXPERIENCE - IT'S BEHIND YOU!

Saturday 4 December 2010

CAMRA TRIP CANCELLATION - BLOOMIN SNOW

AS A RESULT OF THE POOR WEATHER THE CAMRA TRIP WAS RUNNING TO THE BAYDALE BECK, SPOTTED DOG, COUNTRYMAN AT BOLAM, HEIGHINGTON - BAY HORSE AND GEORGE AND DRAGON AND FINALLY THE LOCOMOTION NUMBER 1 AT HEIGHINGTON STATION HAD TO BE CANCELLED LAST NIGHT.

LUCKILY EVERYONE ALREADY BOOKED WAS GAME FOR GIVING IT ANOTHER WHIRL NEXT WEEK, AND THANKS TO GLEN FOR CHANGING THE BOOKING. HOPE TO REPORT ON THIS TRIP NEXT WEEK!

YOU GET YOUR KICKS ON ROUTE A66 - IF YOU CAN GET PAST THE SNOW

THIS WEEK I SHIPPED OUT, IN BAD WEATHER A66 TO

THE HILDYARD ARMS IN COLBURN VILLAGE- AND HAD TO BE PUSHED OUT OF CARPARK DUE TO SNOW
THE A66 MOTEL (SMALLWAYS) ON THE A66
THE WHITE SWAN IN GILLING WEST
THE GRAND HOTEL IN BISHOP AUCKLAND
THE COUNTY AT AYCLIFFE VILLAGE
THE BLACK HORSE AT KIRKBY FLEETHAM - HAD TO BE PUSHED OUT OF CARPARK THERE AS WELL DUE TO SNOW
THE GEORGE AT PIERCEBRIDGE
THE SHIP INN AT MIDDLESTONE VILLAGE
THE STANWICK INN

STILL TO DELIVER TO THE COUNTRYMAN AT BOLAM AND THE COVER BRIDGE WEATHER PERMITTING ( AND COUNCILS GRITTING)

Monday 29 November 2010

A GRAND REOPENING!

BEST WISHES TO SANDRA SIMPSON WHO IS TAKING OVER AS LANDLADY OF THE GRAND HOTEL IN BISHOP AUCKLAND THIS WEEK. AN OFFICIAL REOPENING IS HAPPENING THIS SATURDAY (THE 4TH)

ASHES TO ASHES

NEW SEASON BEER WENT OUT LAST WEEK, QUITE HANDY CRICKET GOING ON AS IT MEANS I CAN FINALLY NAME A BEER AFTER A BOWIE SONG -

ASHES TO ASHES IS 4.1% AND HAS BEEN DELIVERED TO THE FOLLOWING FINE ESTABLISHMENTS:

THE DARLINGTON SNOOKER CLUB
THE FROG AND FERRET AT SPENNYMOOR
THE SURTEES ARMS AT FERRYHILL STATION
THE OLDE YARD TAPAS BAR IN DARLINGTON
THE WHITE SWAN IN GILLING WEST
THE SHIP INN AT MIDDLESTONE VILLAGE
THE VANE ARMS AT LONG NEWTON
THE QUAKERHOUSE
THE GRAND HOTEL IN BISHOP AUCKLAND
THE WHEATSHEAF AT BORROWBY
THE STANWICK INN

SLIPPING AND SLIDING IN COLBURN VILLAGE AND KIRKBYFLEETHAM

HAD AN ENJOYABLE NIGHT OUT (NOT) DELIVERING IN POOR WEATHER CONDITIONS TONIGHT. PASSED SEVERAL SNOW PLOUGHS, NOT PLOUGHING AND DRIVING STRAIGHT PAST THE SALT DEPOT NEAR OUR VILLAGE WITHOUT FILLING UP.
ANYWAY I WAS GRATEFUL TO THE HELPFUL PUNTERS/LANDLORDS AT THE ESTABLISHMENTS I VISITED - HELPING TO PUSH MY STUCK VEHICLE.

AT ONE POINT I THOIGHT I WAS GOING TO BE KIPPING DOWN IN COLBURN LANE , BUT LUCKILY MADE IT BACK IN TIME TO SEE I'M A CELEBRITY.

Friday 19 November 2010

PUB OF THE YEAR PRESENTATION - SURTEES ARMS AT FERRYHILL STATION

Hi Everybody,

See below, I hope some of you can make it to congratulate Alan & Susan on winning the Pub of the Year for the North East & try their new beer.

Cheers Pete


Hi All,

I'm sure you'll have had notification of our PoTY presentation, Saturday 20th November, 8pm, from Durham branch.

We'll have some of our own Yard of Ale beers on as well as a guest ale & cider. We're also providing a complimentary buffet for all Camra members.

*** SPECIAL PRESENTATION NIGHT OFFER ***
Our new "Surtees Gold" at £1.50 per pint - while the barrel lasts!

We'd greatly appreciate it if you could let us know how many of you are hoping to come down.. that way we can make sure we have enough food (and ale, of course).

Looking forward to seeing you all.
Cheers, Alan & Susan

The Surtees Arms & Yard of Ale Brew Co. Ltd.Chilton Lane, Ferryhill Station, DL17 0DH.01740 65572407828712744www.thesurteesarms.co.uk

AN ODE TO THE TURKEY - 'THANKSGIVING' SHIPS OUT

HAD I KNOWN THERE WAS GOING TO BE A ROYAL ENGAGEMENT THIS WEEK I COULD HAVE BEEN MORE TOPICAL, BUT HEY IT IS COMING UP TO THANKSGIVING - ALTHOUGH I AM NOT SURE MANY OF THE AMERICAN MARKET IS ACTUALLY GOING TO SUP THIS. IF YOU KNOW SOMEONE WHO HAD, PLEASE LET ME KNOW:

NUMBER 22
ANOTHER THREE CASK HAVE GONE WITH BOGGARTS, WILL UPDATE WHERE TO SHORTLY
THE QUAKERHOUSE
THE GEORGE AT PIERCEBRIDGE
THE SHOULDER OF MUTTON AT KIRBY HILL
THE COVER BRIDGE
THE SHIP AT MIDDLESTONE VILLAGE
THE STANWICK INN
THE SNOOKER CLUB

Friday 12 November 2010

BEER FESTIVAL AT GOLDEN LION OSMOTHERLEY THIS WEEKEND

NOT JUST BECAUSE I HAVE A BEER ON, BUT THE GOLDEN LION ANNUAL BEER FESTIVAL RUNS FROM TODAY TO THE 14TH NOVEMBER, IN AID OF NORTHDALE HORTICULTURE NORTHALLERTON.

WOULD LOVE TO BE THERE MYSELF, BUT ON A PREVIOUSLY ARRANGED CAMRA TRIP TONIGHT AND THEN GOT MY AUNT'S BIRTHDAY PARTY TOMORROW.

AS WELL AS GOOD BEER GUIDE LISTED THE PUB IS ALSO IN THE GOOD FOOD LISTED -

Tuesday 9 November 2010

IN BORROWBY, SAT OUTSIDE THE WHEATSHEAF

WHO WOULD HAVE THOUGHT AFTER THE WRETCHED WEATHER WE HAVE HAD AT THE START OF THIS WEEK, THAT ON SUNDAY AFTER OSMOTHERLEY WE WERE LATER SAT OUTSIDE THE WHEATSHEAF IN BORROWBY ENJOYING THE GOOD WEATHER.

THE PUB ALWAYS HAS DALESIDE ON, AND TWO GUESTS FROM LOCAL MICROS - HAD WE NOT BEEN OUTSIDE WE COULD HAVE ENJOYED A COSY SIT IN THE BAR WITH A ROARING LOG FIRE.

ANOTHER GEM WORTH VISITING IF YOU ARE NEARBY.

CORINNA BUYS A LUNCH SHOCK! BUT I STILL BUY THE BEER IN OSMOTHERLEY

HAD A GOOD SUNDAY TRAVELLING ABOUT DROPPING OFF LEAFLETS TO PROSPECTIVE NEW CUSTOMERS. ALBEIT ALMOST AN ABORTIVE TRIP WHEN I DISCOVERED THE A684 IS CLOSED FROM JUST OUTSIDE OF NORTHALLERTON DOWN TO THE A19. AFTER WANDERING ABOUT DOWN SINGLE TRACK COUNTRY ROADS FINALLY HIT THE VILLAGE OF OSMOTHERLEY.

EMJOYED A GOOD PINT AT THE GOLDEN LION, AND WOULD HAVE LIKED TO HAVE HAD A SUNDAY LUNCH - BUT THE TRIP WAS VERY MUCH LAST MINUTE AND IT WAS CLEARLY VERY BUSY (BUT A PLAN FOR NEXT TIME) . HOWEVER, YOU KNOW WHO FOUND A LOCAL COFFEE SHOP CALLED THE COFFEE STOP, IT WAS DOING A SUNDAY LUNCH FOR £5.95 - AND IT SEEMED RUDE NOT TO, SO WE DID. IN A TURNAROUND OF EVENTS FOR ONCE I WAS TREATED TO LUNCH - SO I UPPED MY ORDER FROM THE BEEF BAGUETTE!

FLOWER POWER, COMING TO A PUB NEAR YOU

THIS WEEK I HAVE BEEN BUSY DELIVERING FLOWER POWER (DARLINGTON CAMRA BEER FESTIVAL WINNER) TO THE FOLLOWING PUBS -

(1) THE GOLDEN LION AT OSMOTHERLEY - NEW CUSTOMER
(2) THE BLACK BULL AT MELSONBY - NEW CUSTOMER
(3) THE WHITE SWAN AT GILLING WEST
(4) THE FROG AND FERRET AT SPENNYMOOR
5, 6 AND 7 - IN WHAT REQUIRED LITTLE EFFORT ON THE DELIVERING FRONT ON MY PART, THREE ARE WINGING THEIR WAY AROUND THE COUNTRY COURTESY OF BOGGARTS. THEY ARE GOING TO ROCHFORD BEER FESTIVAL NEAR SOUTHEND IN ESSEX, THE PIGS EAR BEER FESTIVAL IN HACKNEY- THE OTHER AS YET IS A MYSTERY.
(8) THE NAG'S HEAD AT SEDGEFIELD - NEW CUSTOMER
(9) THE BLACK HORSE AT KIRKBY FLEETHAM - NEW CUSTOMER
AND THE FINAL ONE TO THE STANWICK INN AT ALDBROUGH ST JOHN

Thursday 28 October 2010

BEER FEST AT DARLINGTON SNOOKER CLUB THIS WEEKEND

Hi All,

This weekend is the excellent yearly Halloween Beer Festival at Darlington Snooker Club :-

Thursday Oct 28th 7pm – Midnight
Friday Oct 29th 11am – Late
Saturday Oct 30th 11am – Late
Sunday Oct 31st Noon – Midnight

20 Beers, a Cider & Hot & Cold Food at every session.

On Friday Oct 29th at about 7:30pm there’ll be 2 Presentaions.

1stly The Presentation of North East Club of the Year to Darlington Snooker Club

2ndly Beer of the Festival for this year’s Rhythm n Brews Festival to Mithril Ales for their Flower Power

Hope to see you all there.

Wednesday 27 October 2010

MITHRIL ALES COMING TO A PUB NEAR YOU!

THE NEW BEERS HAVE BEEN DELIVERED OUT THIS WEEK , AND I KNOW THAT FRIGHT NIGHT IS NOW ON AT THE STANWICK INN

FRIGHT NIGHT - 4%

THE COVERBRIDGE - EAST WITTON
DARLINGTON SNOOKER CLUB
THE QUAKERHOUSE
THE COUNTY AT AYCLIFFE VILLAGE
THE GEORGE AT PIERCEBRIDGE
THE MOORCOCK AT EGGLESTON
THE WHITE SWAN AT GILLING WEST
THE BLACK SWAN AT STAINDROP
THE SHIP AT MIDDLESTONE VILLAGE
THE STANWICK AT ALDBROUGH

FIRE CRACKER - 4.2%

NUMBER 22
THE QUAKERHOUSE
THE OLD YARD TAPAS BAR
THE A66 MOTEL - SMALLWAYS
THE SHOULDER OF MUTTON - KIRBY HILL
THE CROWN AT MANFIELD
THE SHIP AT MIDDLESTONE VILLAGE
THE LORD NELSON AT GAINFORD
THE STANWICK AT ALDBROUGH ST JOHN
THE DARLINGTON SNOOKER CLUB
THE QUAYS IN DARLINGTON

ALSO IF YOU ARE IN A LARGE GROUP OF FAMILIES GOING OVER TO THE LAKES THIS WEEKEND A PIN OF EACH IS WINGING IT'S WAY OVER, ENJOY!

A NUMBER TWO FOR YOU KNOW WHO

I was really pleased to be told that Route A66 came in at second place in the voting at the recent Richmond Beer Festical.

Thanks to those who voted for it, it was a great festival with lots of other excellent ales

Sunday 17 October 2010

AND THE NAMES OF THE NEW BEERS ARE...............

READY TO GO OUT FROM THE 25TH OCTOBER 2010,

FRIGHT NIGHT 4.0%, AND

FIRE CRACKER 4.2%

ONCE SOLD, WILL POST OUT A LIST OF PUBS WHERE THEY WILL BE AVAILABLE

Saturday 16 October 2010

COMING ALONG NICELY

CASKED UP THE TWO SPECIALS FOR HALLOWEEN AND GUY FAWKES TODAY. AS A RULE OF THUMB, IF I HAVE TO WRENCH THE GLASS OUT OF CORINNA'S HAND BEFORE I GET A LOOK IN IT IS LOOKING GOOD. THEY PASSED THIS TEST TONIGHT AND SHOULD BE GOING OUT THE WEEK COMMENCING THE 25TH OCTOBER. UNLESS CORINNA DRINKS IT ALL FIRST!

RICHMOND BEER FESTIVAL 15-17TH OCTOBER

LAST NIGHT WAS SPENT IN THE MARKET HALL AT RICMHOND, SAMPLING SOME OF THE 31 BEERS AND 4 CIDERS AND PERRY'S ON OFFER. VERY FINE THEY WERE TOO,
AND ROUTE A66 WAS ON FINE FORM. THE NIGHT WAS TOPPED OFF BY SOME FOLK MUSIC AND FOLK DANCING (ANY CHANCE FOR STUART AND VINCE TO DON THEIR BREECHES AND LONG SOCKS)

THE GOOD THING ABOUT THIS FESTIVAL IS THAT YOU CAN BRING IN YOUR OWN FOOD, AND WHAT A GOOD SELECTION OF TAKEOUTS THERE ARE IN RICHMOND. WE WENT FOR THE 'HOT' PIZZA AT ARISTON, AND IT WAS. IN ADDITION TO A CHEEKY CHEESE GARLIC BREAD - OBVIOUSLY HAVING TO TIGHTEN THE BELT WITH THE WHOLE REDUNDANCY THING AND SO DID NOT ADD CHIPS TO THE ORDER.

Wednesday 13 October 2010

OU EST LE MITHRIL ALE

THE WHOLE JOB THING HAS PUT BY BREWING BACK A BIT, HOWEVER I AM PLEASED TO LET YOU KNOW THAT ROUTE A66 HAS GONE OUT TO THE FOLLOWING PUBS:

STANWICK INN
RICHMOND BEER FESTIVAL
THE WHITE SWAN AT GILLING WEST
THE SHOULDER OF MUTTON AT KIRBY HILL
THE BLACK HORSE AT INGLETON
THE A66 MOTEL ON THE A66
THE QUAKERHOUSE
THE GEORGE AT PIERCEBRIDGE
AND THE AFOREMENTIONED TWO PINS AT THE GRAND HOTEL IN BISHOP AUCKLAND

I CURRENTLY HAVE TWO BEERS READY FOR CASKING, WHICH WILL BE NEW SPECIALS FOR HALLOWEEN AND GUY FAWKES - DETAILS TO FOLLOW

TROLLEY DOLLY

SINCE I WAS AWAY IN IMMINGHAM HAVING A HARD TIME, NOT. IT WAS UP TO HER INDOORS TO KEEP DELIVERIES TICKING AWAY - SHE EVEN LEARNT HOW TO USE THE BEER TROLLEY! WE ALSO TOOK ON A NEW CUSTOMER THE GRAND HOTEL AT BISHOP AUCKLAND - WHO TOOK TWO PINS OF ROUTE A66. THIS WAS ACQUIRED I AM TOLD BY A RENDEVOUS IN A CO-OP CAR PARK IN DARLINGTON. THE TROLLEY BEING REDUNDANT ON THIS NIGHT AS CORINNA HAD A TEA DATE AT THE SISTER IN LAW'S.

OUT AND ABOUT IN IMMINGHAM OR THEREABOUTS

SORRY FOR THE LACK OF BLOG, BUT LAST WEEK 4-8TH OCTOBER I HAD A STAY IN CLEETHORPES TO ASSIST MY CURRENT EMPLOYER'S MOVE TO IMMINGHAM. HAVING PACKED AS PRIORITY MY GOOD BEER GUIDE, EVEN ON A SAD OCCASION I WAS ABLE TO TRACK DOWN SOME CRACKING BEER AND FOOD. (IT HELPED TO LESSEN THE BLOW)

FOR ANYONE WHO MAY VENTURE INTO THE AREA HERE'S MY RECOMMENDATIONS:

CLEETHORPES:

WILLYS - A BREWPUB WITH A RANGE OF FOUR BEERS, AND AN AMAZING VALUE £3.25 SUPPER CLUB - I THOROUGHLY ENJOYED THE BEEF AND ALE PIE WITH THREE VEG AND CHIPS

NOTTINGHAM HOTEL - EXCELLENT PINT OF TETLEY MILD! I KID YOU NOT

SMUGGLERS INN - GOOD VENUE FOR PLAYING POOL

AT THE STATION WE HAVE THE NUMBER ONE AND NUMBER TWO REFRESHMENT ROOMS - IT WOULD BE RUDE NOT TO

SWINHOPE, WOLDS

CLICK EM INN - GOOD BEER AND EVEN BETTER LIVER AND BACON CASSEROLE

Sunday 26 September 2010

ON THE DOLE (OR POSSIBLY NOT)

AS A RESULT OF BEING MADE REDUNDANT FROM THE END OF OCTOBER, BEER PRODUCTION IS GOING TO BE A BIT REDUCED OVER THE NEXT MONTH. I COULD HAVE GONE TO IMMINGHAM MYSELF WITH THE RELOCATION, BUT THIS WOULD HAVE BEEN PROBLEMATIC AROUND CONTINUING BREWING. SO INSTEAD I FIND MYSELF ON THE DOLE, OR NOT AS IT MAY BE QUITE SOON. TO TRY AND MAKE UP FOR THE LACK OF JOB I MAY HAVE TO BREW SOME MORE BEER (IT'S A HARD LIFE). SO CONVERSELY MITHRIL ALES MAY BE TRAVELLING A BIT FURTHER AFIELD QUITE SOON.

THEY CAME, THEY WENT, YOU MAY NOT SEE!

WITH ALL THE WORK I HAVE BEEN DOING AROUND THE RECENT DARLINGTON BEER AND MUSIC FESTIVAL, I HAVE BEEN A BIT LAX ABOUT LETTING YOU KNOW ABOUT MY NEW BEERS. THIS MONTH I HAVE HAD TWO NEW SPECIALS, HARVEST FESTIVALE AND AUTUMN LIBERTY.

I WAS IN THE STANWICK ON FRIDAY NIGHT WHERE I ONLY JUST MANAGED TO GRAB THE LAST PINT OF AUTUMN LIBERTY MYSELF. ALTHOUGH I DID FEEL A BIT BAD THAT A COUPLE HAD COME DOWN FROM FROSTERLEY TO TRY SOME OF MY ALES, TO BE TOLD THE BREWER HAD JUST SNAFFLED THE LAST. THE FINAL CASK OF AUTUMN LIBERTY WAS DELIVERED TO THE STANWICK YESTERDAY.

I WILL BE DOING SPECIALS FOR HALLOWEEN AND GUY FAWKES AND WILL TRY TO BE A BIT MORE ON THE BALL FOR THEN IN BLOGGING THE NAMES AND WHERE IT HAS GONE TO.

A NUMBER ONE AND TWO FOR MITHRIL ALES

NO, I AM NOT TALKING ABOUT LAVATORIAL FUNCTIONS. MITHRIL ALES FLOWER POWER AND MY SPECIAL RHYTHM AND BREWS CAME FIRST AND SECOND PLACE AT DARLINGTON'S 31ST BEER AND MUSIC FESTIVAL HELD OVER THURSDAY 16TH SEPTEMBER TO SATURDAY THE 18TH. YORKSHIRE DALES SPECIAL FOR THE FESTIVAL, ANTIPODEAN CAME THIRD.

THANKS TO ALL WHO VOTED FOR ME, IT WAS A REAL HONOUR - PARTICULARLY AS THERE WERE SO MANY OTHER REALLY GREAT ALES ON OVER THE FESTIVAL.

Wednesday 8 September 2010

PPPPPPPPPPPPICK UP A PIN AND LET'S GO TO THE HOP (FARM)

HAD MONDAY AND TUESDAY OFF THIS WEEK. TO TAKE PART IN THE ANNUAL CHARLES FARAM HOP FARM AND WALK. (IT SEEMS CORINNA IS NOW ALSO THE MITHRIL ALES DRIVER, A POST WHICH SEEMS TO REQUIRE IN ADDITION TO FREE MEALS NOW ALSO INCORPORATES BED AND BREAKFAST, COPIOUS AMOUNTS OF FREE COSTA AND STARBUCKS AND WELL ANYTHING ELSE I AM TOLD THIS POSITION DEMANDS )

THE CAMRA BEER GUIDE 2010 WAS INVALUABLE, IN FINDING AN EXCELLENT 1590 COACHING INN (ALTHOUGH WE TRAVELLED IN A PEUGEOT PARTNER) CALLED THE TALBOT, IT WAS BASED IN LEDBURY JUST 5 MILES FROM THE HOP FARM. SINCE WE WERE GOIING TO BE DOWN THIS WAY TOOK ADVANTAGE TO COLLECT SOME PINS FROM CYPHER CO IN DROITWICH.

LEDBURY, A STUNNING HISTORICAL MARKET TOWN - IF EVER THIS WAY AGAIN WOULD DO MORE EXPLORING. HAD A GOOD MEAL IN THE TALBOT, FOLLOWED BY A PUB CRAWL ON THE MONDAY ENDING IN THE PRINCE OF WALES. ALTHOUGH A BIT CONFUSED BY A CONVERSATION BY A FRIENDLY BUT IMBIBED DRINKER. THEY TOLD ME THE SOCIAL TAKE MONEY OUT OF YOUR JOBS SEEKERS ALLOWANCE FOR DRUGS AND GUNS (THE BIG SOCIETY - IS THIS A NEW CONSERVATIVE POLICY?)

AFTER A GOOD NIGHTS REST, AND A BETTER BREAKFAST HEADED TO THE HOP FARM FOR FREE BEER AND LUNCH (IT'S A HARD LIFE) AND THE HIGHLIGHT A WALKING TOUR OF THE FARM.

WAS SORRY TO HEAD BACK YESTERDAY, AND EVEN SORRIER WE AGAIN HAD TO STOP OFF FOR LATTES - BUT FOUND A BARGAIN £1.00 SANDWICH AT M & S.

CROWN BEER FESTIVAL SEPT 3RD TO 5TH

ALTHOUGH I WENT TO THE BEER FESTIVAL AT THE SHOULDER OF MUTTON ON THE FRIDAY, STILL MANAGED TO WORK IN THE CROWN OUT FOR THE SATURDAY SESSION OF THEIR BEER FESTIVAL IN THE VILLAGE OF MANFIELD.

ENJOYED (HOW COULD YOU NOT) A TAYLORS STEAK PIE AND MUSHY PEAS, WHICH SOAKED UP MY FREE BEER, WHICH WAS GIVEN IN EXCHANGE FOR MY LABOURS ON A PLEASANT SUMMERS DAY. A GREAT END TO A GOOD WEEKEND

Sunday 5 September 2010

JUST FOR A CHANGE - BEER FESTIVAL AT SHOULDER OF MUTTON AT KIRBY HILL

ROUTE A66 AND FLOWER POWER WERE BEING SERVED AT THE SHOULDER OF MUTTONS'S FIRST EVER BEER FESTIVAL HELD THE WEEKEND BEGINNING THE 3RD SEPTEMBER. IT THEREFORE SEEMED RUDE NOT TO JOIN THE CAMRA TRIP OUT TO THE FESTIVAL, AND SO WE DID ON FRIDAY ALONG WITH THE RENTS AND MY AUNT.
( WHO WAS UP HERE ON HOLIDAY AND ENJOYED HER FIRST BEER FESTIVAL AT THE SHY AGE OF ALMOST 80) .

WE WERE LUCKY TO BE TREATED TO A BAR MEAL BY AUNT, THE LAMB PIE WAS A PARTICULARLY GOOD CHOICE BEFORE MOVING OUT TO THE MARQUEE.

THERE WAS A GOOD RANGE OF 14 BEERS (A FURTHER THREE INSIDE) AND ALSO WHISKEY AND PIMMS AVAILABLE. FOR THOSE NOT BEING TREATED BY KINDLY AUNT'S, THE LOIN KING HOT SANDWICH VAN WAS SELLING PORK BUNS OUTSIDE. THE MUSIC, WAS BY A GROUP FROM LEEDS CALLED SEED.

NOT SURE WHETHER THIS WILL BECOME AN ANNUAL THING, BUT EVERYONE WHO WENT CERTAINLY ENJOYED THEMSELVES - LET'S HOPE SO

TRAVELS IN STAINDROP AND £5.95 RUMP STEAKS

THE BLACK SWAN AT STAINDROP HELD IT'S FIRST BEER FESTIVAL ON THE BANK HOLIDAY WEEKEND, FROM THE 28TH-30TH AUGUST. SEEING AS ROUTE A66 WAS MAKING AN APPEARANCE IT SEEMED RUDE NOT TO ATTEND.

IN ADDITION TO MITHRIL'S FINEST, THE FESTIVAL ALSO HAD ON WYLAM GOLD TANKARD, GREYS CHAMPION ALE, MORDUE RADGIE GADGIE AND WORKIE TICKET, WYCHWOOD HOBGOBLIN, COPPER DRAGON BEST BITTER, WYLAM ANGEL AND TIMOTHY TAYLOR LANDLORD. BUT, BEST DISCOVERY OF THE NIGHT WAS A TASTY AND SUPRISINGLY CHEAP MENU. BOTH MYSELF AND CORINNA HAD THE 8OZ RUMP STEAK AT £5.95 WITH A WHOLE 55P EXTRA FOR A SAUCE. THE STEAK WAS COOKED JUST RIGHT, AND CAME WITH A NICE SALAD AND EXCELLENT HOME MADE CHIPS.

ON THE MONDAY WE DECIDED TO GO BACK THERE FOR OUR LUNCH, WHERE WE PAID A WHOLE £3.50 FOR A HUGE BURGER AND CHIPS -

IF YOU ARE IN THE AREA GIVE IT A TRY. GOOD FOOD, BEER AT £2.20 S PINT - YOU CAN'T GO WRONG!

Monday 30 August 2010

MITHRIL ALES - COMING TO A PUB NEAR YOU!

I HAVE DELIVERED THIS WEEK TO THE COUNTRYMAN AT BOLAM, WHICH TOOK FLOWER POWER AND NEXT WEEK WILL BE DELIVERING ROUTE A66 TO THE BLACK HORSE AT INGLETON AND ALSO THE MOORCOCK AT EGGLESTONE.

I ALSO DROPPED OFF FOR THE DURHAM BEER FESTIVAL THIS WEEK, FLOWER POWER AND ROUTE A66. THE FESTIVAL RUNS FROM THE 3RD SEPT.

DARLINGTON CAMRA, WIN GOLD FOR DARLINGTON CAMRA!

NOT QUITE THE WORLD CUP, WIMBLEDON OR ON A PAR WITH ANY OTHER SPORTING EVENT. A TEAM OF SIX, TOOK ON TWELVE MEMBERS OF NORTH WEST YORKSHIRE BRANCH OF CAMRA . THIS EVENT TOOK PLACE AT THE BAY HORSE AT CATTERICK VILLAGE. PLAYING QUOITS, DARTS, DOMS, THAT WELL KNOWN SPORT KNOWN AS JENGA AND A QUIZ OUR TEAM HAD WON BEFORE THE DAY WAS OUT.

ENJOYED SOME GOOD JENNINGS BEERS AT THE PUB, AND COMMISERATED WITH THE LOSERS (IE WE MADE LOADS OF MILEAGE OUT OF THRASHING THEM)

Sunday 22 August 2010

FRIDAY THE 13TH, LETS GO OUT TO MIDDLE TEESDALE

Despite at times some heavy rain, enjoyed a really good CAMRA trip to Middle Teesdale on Friday the 13th.The trip called in at:

The Morrit Arms, Greta Bridge - where I enjoyed a pint of Major Morrit their new house beer
The George and Dragon at Boldron
The Ancient Unicorn at Bowes
The WMC at Bowes
The Moorcock at Egglestone and finally the
The Three Tuns at Egglestone where the landlord also kindly put on some platters of sandwiches

A great time was had by all, and just as last months trip all the pubs we went to were really friendly and welcoming.

There are many gems out in the country for all those willing to travel a bit, or perhaps bribe a designated driver - get yourself out there!

FEAST AT THE FEAST!

After a weekend on chaff, gladly interrupted by a departure on Saturday the 7th to Wetherspoons for tea I was looking forward to the outside Beer Tent on Aldbrough Feast Monday (set up by the Stanwick Inn) Not least because my own special for August, called 'Feast' was being served for the first time.

I was pleased to hear the next day that the cask had all but sold out, and it certainly went down well with myself and the boss during the nights proceedings. Although perhaps, having a large fish and chips and copious turns on the Edge fairground ride was not a good mix.

MARILYN AND RICHMOND LIVE!

For some reason Richmond Live this year started a week later than usual, which resulted in a clash with the start of Aldbrough Feast. Brewing was put on hold, for the arrival of friends and their children to stay the weekend for Richmond Live. It was a good festival, marred by the fact that the beer tent did not sell beer - and so a weekend of snakebite (oh hark back to my youth)beckoned.

Come the Saturday, when I needed to start planning mybrewing for Sunday - I realised that perhaps it was not such a good idea to enter the village scarecrow competition this year. As the house erupted into laughter as our Marilyn Monroe scarecrow - aping the pose from the Seven Year Itch was hurriedly put together.

Marilyn has since been taken to Catterick Tip, where she was last seen being carried away by some laughing tip supervisors. (I'm sure to the right waste skip?)

CENTREFOLD SPREAD

Nope, I haven't been getting up to any Calender Girls type behaviour - but rather can be seen in Issue 2 of North East Cheers . A new beer magazine for the north east, edited by well known beer writer Alistair Gilmour. Not only is it a great read - but it can also be picked up for free at great ales houses around the region.

Your truly appears on page 16 and 17.

Monday 16 August 2010

SUSPICIOUS MINDS

OFF ON THE 5TH AUGUST TO DELIVER TO THE GEORGE AND DRAGON AT HUDSWELL, TWO CASKS OF 'FEAST' MY SPECIAL FOR THIS MONTH. THE MISSUS SAID SHE'D COME FOR A RUN OUT ON THE DELIVERIES. BEING A BIT NAIVE I THOUGHT THIS WAS A ROMANTIC GESTURE TO SPEND QUALITY TIME TOGETHER.

HOWEVER, LATTERLY I HAVE STARTED TO NOTE A COMMON THREAD. WE GO OFF DELIVERING WITH THE SUGGESTION TO HAVE SOMETHING TO EAT AT THE LAST PUB. HENCE HOW WE CAME TO HAVE A VERY NICE GAMMON STEAK AND HOME MADE LASAGNE AT THE GEORGE - THAT I PAID FOR!

ANY OFFERS OF BEING A DRIVER'S MATE FOR A BAG OF CRISPS PLEASE GET IN TOUCH - YOU MAY HELP ME GET INTO PROFIT

THE GEORGE ON A MORE SERIOUS NOTE IS WELL WORTH A VISIT - THEY HAVE A FIJIAN CHEF AND THERE WAS SOME VERY INTERESTING DISHES ON THE MENU, AS WELL AS GOOD REAL ALES (NOT JUST MINE).

Wednesday 28 July 2010

FOOD FOOD EVERYWHERE AND NOT A MORSEL TO EAT

BREWING AGAIN ON SUNDAY, I HAD PROMISED THE BOSS THAT I WOULD TAKE HER TO THE GEORGE AT PIERCEBRIDGE FOR THEIR AFTERNOON TEA. UNFORTUNATELY BY THE TIME I GOT FINISHED AND GOT DOWN THEY HAD SOLD OUT, GOOD FOR THEM NOT SO GOOD FOR ME. OH WELL IT SEEEMED A WASTE TO GO DOWN FOR TEA WHEN BEER WAS TO BE HAD - HAD A PINT OF THE ORIGINAL ALDBROUGH ST JOHN (VILLAGE) BREWER, WHITE BOAR.

THWARTED BY OUR PLANS TO EAT WE THEN VENTURED TO THE CROWN, ONLY TO DISCOVER THEY STOP DOING FOOD AT 4.00PM ON A SUNDAY (YOU CAN TELL WE DON'T OFTEN EAT OUT ON A SUNDAY). WHAT IS THAT I SPY ON THE BAR, ONLY MITHRIL ALES 'HEATWAVE' - WELL IT SEEMED RUDE NOT TO - AND SO WE DID.

HAPPILY WE ARRIVED AT THE STANWICK INN - AND OPTED FOR THE POLISH KROMESKI MAIN - LOOK IT UP ON THE INTERNET VERY TASTY.

ANYWAY WILL TRY FOR THE AFTERNOON TEA AGAIN THIS WEEKEND, IF I WANT TO LIVE.

TEESDALE DEJA VU

As you will note, Friday was spent in Middleton In Teesdale - what to do on Saturday then. I know let's go the area again - and so we did! Had a pint of the recent Darlington Beer Festival winner, Yard of Ale Spring Triple Tipple at the Moorcock at Egglestone. Feeling a bit peckish we then dropped off at Middleston In Teesdale again for a chippie - sat outside the chippie which is opposite the Teesdale Hotel we were tempted to pop in and see if the Teesdale Massive were also present (but were very good and kept to our original plan).

We then travelled onto the George and Dragon at Boldron - albeit not sure if directions were out or misheard, but ended up at a road in the middle of nowhere with a gate at the end - at least we know where Grassholme Reservoir is now! Eventually ended up with a pleasant seat outside the George supping a pint of Copper Dragon Golden Pippin.

Saturday 24 July 2010

BLAME IT ON THE BABS

HAVING A PROBLEM COMING UP WITH A NAME FOR MY JULY SPECIAL, I ASKED MITHRIL ALES VERY OWN FOCUS GROUP (AKA BABS) IF SHE HAD ANY IDEAS. A HUGE EMAIL THAT WILL DO ME FOR SEVERAL YEARS WAS DULY ISSUED, AND WE SETTLED ON 'HEATWAVE' WHICH SEEMED TOPICAL AT THE TIME. THE MISSUS (BEING THE PROPHET OF DOOM) DID MAKE A COMMENT ABOUT WHAT IF YOU CALL IT THAT AND THE WEATHER CHANGES. I SAID I DIDN'T THINK IT WOULD.

LO AND BEHOLD THE MINUTE IT'S IN THE CASK, YEP THE WEATHER CHANGES.

ANYWAY HEATWAVE HAS BEEN DELIVERED THIS WEEK TO

STANWICK INN - ALDBROUGH ST JOHN
CROWN - MANFIELD
THE MALTINGS AT JARROW
TEESDALE HOTEL AS FEATURED IN EARLIER BLOG
THE BLACKSMITHS ARMS - PRESTON LE SKERNE
THE A66 MOTEL - ON THE A66 SCOTCH CORNER- BARNARD CASTLE ROAD
THE SURTEES - FERRYHILL
THE VANE ARMS - LONG NEWTON
THE QUAKERHOUSE - DARLINGTON
THE SNOOKER CLUB - DARLINGTON

TIPPLING IN TEESDALE

AFTER A GREAT TRIP A COUPLE OF WEEKS AGO WITH CAMRA, WE DECIDED TO TRAVEL UP TO MIDDLETON IN TEESDALE FOR SOME FRIDAY NIGHT TEA. LO AND BEHOLD WE GO INTO THE TEESDALE HOTEL AND WHAT DO WE FIND - ONLY MITHRIL ALES JULY SPECIAL 'HEATWAVE' ON THE BAR! (THE MISSUS WAS A BIT SUSPICIOUS, BUT IT WAS PURELY COINCIDENCE). INDEED MOST OF THE BAR SEEMED TO BE DRINKING IT, AND FELLOW MEMBERS OF THE CAMRA MASSIVE BASED IN TEESDALE TELL ME THEY THOUGHT IT WAS MY BEST ONE SO FAR.

WASHED DOWN A HEARTY STEAK AND ALE PIE WITH A COUPLE OF PINTS - IT'S A HARD LIFE.

CIDER FEST AT CROWN - WHO DRANK ALL THE PINTS!

LAST WEEKEND WAS THE 5TH CROWN CIDER FESTIVAL (PART OF THE REASON THE BIRTHDAY SHOPPING WAS A WEEK EARLY AS I WANTED TO WORK AT IT ON THE SATURDAY). WENT ON THE FRIDAY NIGHT - GREAT RANGE OF CIDERS - THE STRAWBERRY ONE WENT FIRST, SPLENDID CORNISH PASTIES AND ENJOYED MUSIC FROM THE EXPLODING BUDDHAS. THE MUSIC WAS COURTESY OF GILLING GIG ON TOUR, I THINK MOST OF GILLING WAS IN THE PUB AS WELL!

WORKED A VERY BUSY SATURDAY - AND HAD HOPED TO RETURN ON SUNDAY - BUT WAS RUNG BY PETER FROM THE CROWN WHO TOLD ME ALL THE CIDER HAD BEEN DRUNK! TYPICAL, I'D NEVER DO ANYTHING SO SELFISH AS TO DRINK LOTS IN A PUB AND DEPLETE THEIR STOCK.

BIRTHDAY BASH (WELL I WAS BREWING THE NEXT DAY)

WENT OFF TO NEWCASTLE ON THE 10TH JULY FOR THE MISSUS'S BIRTHDAY SHOPPING (OH THE JOYS OF BEING A PRIMARK WIDOWER). LUCKILY LUNCH AND AND TASTY PINTS WERE TO BE HAD AT BACCHUS, AND THE SLOW WALK BACK TO THE STATION (LADEN WITH SHOPPING BAGS) WAS BROKEN DOWN BY A VISIT TO THE NEWCASTLE ARMS AND EVENTUALLY A RESIDENCY IN THE BODEGA.

ON THE PLUS SIDE IT ALLOWED ME SOME QUIET REFLECTION ABOUT HOW TO GET BY BEERS UP TO NEWCASTLE, I LOVE IT WHEN A PLAN COMES TOGETHER.

Sunday 18 July 2010

ELFY ALE

Mithril Ales appears on page 26 of The New Imbiber (June/July) 2010 Editon 37.

Also many other excellent articles - beg, borrow or buy a copy!

A MIDGE TOO FAR!

Went on a Darlington CAMRA trip round Upper Teesdale on the 9th July with a bus full of eager real ale drinkers (although to be fair often we have some very welcome non real ale drinkers who attend the trips.

Had a great evening, at the Langdon Beck Hotel, Teesdale Hotel, Strathmore Arms, The Kirk, The Fox and Hounds and Finally the Red Lion. Oh and a cheeky Mithril pint was had at the Teesdale Hotel (Flower Power) and The Fox and Hounds (Route A66).

They say that the Scottish Midge is the most menacing midge in the UK, but I think on this occasion it may have been beaten by the Upper Teesdale Midge who attacked us from the bus to the Strathmore and back again. Cunningly it's bites were on a delay - sneakily inflaming the next day. Anyway, don't let this put you off - all the years we have done this trip before we have always sat outside with no issues whatsover . Think probably a combination of the hot and humid weather meant Friday must have been a midge night everywhere.

.

MISCOUNT - BUT NOT A VOTING SCANDAL

Er, if you went to the Vane Arms hoping to have Mithril Ales as the 100th ale, you may have found it was not mine that was on. Didn't quite work out that way - due to both a slight miscount on when the 100th ale would need to go on, and the use by date of my cask. Sure whoever was lucky enough to the be the 100th was a great pint and wishing the Vane Arms all the best for the 200th!

Wednesday 7 July 2010

THE COLOUR PURPLE

FINE FILM (AND BOOK) THO IT IS, WILL LEAVE THE REVIEWING IN THIS AREA TO THE PROFESSIONALS. ON A LESS INTELLECTUAL LEVEL, MITHRIL ALE T SHIRTS ARE AVAILABLE IN A WIDE COLOUR RANGE INCLUDING THE COLOUR PURPLE.

HAVING TO BE DIFFERENT ER INDOORS IS NOW SPORTING THE PURPLE VERSION, OR AT LEAST SHE TELLS ME SHE WILL BE WHEN SHE FINDS THE RIGHT JEANS, SHOES, JEWELLERY TO DO IT JUSTICE (OR AM I BEING FOBBED OFF?)

THE VANE ARMS 100TH BREW

DELIVERED TO THE VANE ARMS IN LONG NEWTON A SPECIAL BREW, (NO PUN INTENDED) CELEBRATING 'PAULS 100TH CASK ALE'. ALL THE BEST TO PAUL AND JILL - KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK !

WORK THAT CAMERA, MY LEFT SIDE IS THE BEST!

WIFE CAME HOME ON TUESDAY THE 29TH JUNE TO FIND A YOUNG MAN SITTING IN THE LIVING ROOM - NO, I HADN'T DISCOVERED AN AGE REJUVENATING SERUM VIA MY BREWING. IT WAS THE PHOTOGRAPHER FROM THE NORTHERN ECHO, READY TO TAKE MY PICCIE FOR MIKE AMOS'S ARTICLE.

BEING A PRO, ALWAYS READY GLASS IN HAND FOR A PHOTO OPPORTUNITY I HOPE I PROVED EASY WORK FOR GETTING THE RIGHT SHOT.

ANYWAY THE WORK OF THE PROFESSIONALS CAN BE VIEWED VIA -

http://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/features/8249852.The_brew_that___s_bucking_the_trend/

Monday 28 June 2010

ALL GOOD THINGS COME TO AN END

Well the beer launch is well and truly over.

Thanks to all those who came to the launch at the Crown, including the CAMRA beer festival trip on a divert back from Masham and the Darlington Traditional Brewing Group. As I left just before 11pm all casks were on tilt and Peter told me he doubted anything would be left once he opened the next day for lunch. I was informed that the Route A66 seemed be be going down the best.

Thanks to Pete and Karen for their bar nibbles timed just right for the CAMRA trip coming in!

Thanks also to all who came to the launch when we moved to the Quakerhouse in Darlington (and how glad was I could still watch the England match upstairs). Some more nice nibbles, and some extra sarnies timed just right for half time. Surprisingly Local seemed to the the quickest seller this time around. By the time I left just before 7pm there was only the angels share left for supping.

In case you are wondering I did make it to work the next day

Saturday 26 June 2010

ONE DOWN, TWO TO GO!

HAD A GREAT NIGHT AT THE FIRST LAUNCH AT THE STANWICK INN LAST NIGHT. THANKS TO ALL THOSE WHO ATTENDED, FAMILY, FRIENDS AND LOCALS. THEY WERE ALSO SOME PEOPLE FROM FURTHER AFIELD AND I APPRECIATE YOUR DRIVING OUT TO SUPPORT ME. I ALSO MET A WHITE WITCH WHO HAS OFFERED TO DO A BLESSING ON BREWERY !

WEATHER STAYED NICE DESPITE SOME THREATS OF RAIN - AND DIDN'T NEED TO RUN DOWN SO EARLY TO GRAB A SEAT INSIDE. IT WAS SO WARM MOST OF US WERE OUTSIDE ANYWAY MOST OF THE NIGHT

LOVELY NIBBLES PROVIDED BY PUB (SAUSAGE ROLLS, VOL AU VENTS, RIBS, SARNIES AND CHICKEN DRUMSTICKS) AND BEER SEEMED TO BE GOING DOWN WELL WITH FLOWER POWER BEING THE FIRST TO SELL OUT. I ALSO HAD A SUPRISE CAKE, WHICH CAME FROM MICHAEL'S BAKERY IN DARLINGTON WITH THE MITHRIL ALES MOTIF - DIDN'T WANT TO CUT IT, BUT THE CROWD WAS BAYING FOR SWEET.

Wednesday 23 June 2010

GETTING SHIRTY

MITHRIL ALES NOW HAS IT'S OWN BEER T SHIRT WHICH SHOULD BE APPEARING ON THE WEBSITE IMMINENTLY. THANKS TO CRE8IVE GRAPHICS FOR THEIR ASSISTANCE, AND ALSO FELLOW BREWERS FOR LETTING ON WHERE THEY GET THEIR SHIRTS FROM!

ALTHOUGH INITIALLY DONE IN BLACK, IT WILL BE AVAILABLE IN OTHER COLOURWAYS - SIZES WILL START AT THE BEGINNER BEER DRINKER (THE XS) UP TO THE MORE DEDICATED CRAFT DRINKER (XXXXL).

ANYONE WHO ATTENDS ALL THREE LAUNCHES THIS WEEKEND CAN BE ENTERED INTO A DRAW TO WIN THEIR OWN SHIRT - JUST MAKE SURE YOU SEARCH OUT ME ON THE FRIDAY AND I WILL EXPLAIN ALL.

Sunday 13 June 2010

WARNING SALADS HAVE LOTS OF CALORIES!

As you will know from blog we went to Peter from Darlington Snooker Club's 40th last Saturday. We decided to take in a few pre party aperitifs - first at the Quays - nice pint of Adnams Bitter, and then Quaker where the best laugh of the night was when I was wished a happy 40th (thanks - but you got the wrong Peter).

We then enjoyed a speedwalk down to the Snooker Club, as well as eight great cask ales Peter also had a lovely buffet on.

On the way back into town, to catch a drink at the Tapas and Tap and Spile we both had to sit down just before the underpass opposite M & S due to our heaving stomachs. The effect of a hearty amount of buffet salad on the old weight was confirmed by the extra poundage being carried on Monday.

WHAT A LOAD OF SHIVE

Spent today casking beer ready for launches. To be able to hammer those pesky little shives into casks you need to undertake the sort of training Hollywood actors do before their big action movies. When Arnie is no longer governor of California I have a job that he can do - Hasta La Vista shives for today.

Wednesday 9 June 2010

"OF ALL THE CASKS IN ALL THE BARS IN THE WORLD IT HAD TO WALK INTO HIS''

As a number of you may know it was Big Peter's 40th birthday on the Saturday just gone. I dropped off a cask of World Sup (which I had secretly rebadged as a surprise 'Little Big Man's 40th). It had a picture of Peter when he was cute (or he will say he still is). Anyway the surprise was rather mooted when the beer had not cleared by this date. After discussions with fellow brewers - thanks Rob - to my horror I realised of all the casks in all the world it appeared I had forgotton to add finings to his. This was swiftly remedied on Saturday night, and the cask cleared fully and went on the bar on Monday.

Saturday 5 June 2010

THE GODFATHER (IN LAW)

Nowt to do with brewing - but like the film The Godfather, people do you favours they expect favours back. Hence father in law had to undertake his bagpipe practice at our house - as it was too late by the time we finished for him to do it at his.

A CASK WASHER IN TIME SAVES NINE! (hours)

After spending the last couple of months washing and sterilising casks by hand, a critical job but in terms of the brewing process akin in excitement to watching paint dry I ordered a cask washer prior to going on holiday. The sight of my new cask washer on pallet outside my house was a beautiful moment. Albeit, temporarily offset by the knowledge it had no instructions and apparently I am the first customer to ever ask for them?

Anyway, thanks to Rob at Yorkshire Dales Brewery, Homecare in Darlington and father in law (as well the company I bought it from) for getting me on track. Still not an exciting job - but now considerably quicker - perhaps more time for actually brewing!

Wednesday 2 June 2010

HEY BIG CELLER!

Been round the pubs tonight picking up my empties. Was pleased to hear that Baydale Beck Festival had gone well, and they sold out of beer come Monday. Was even more pleased to hear that Number 10 (brewed by you know who) had been the first beer to sell out over the Festival!

Saturday 29 May 2010

BEER FESTS ON THIS WEEKEND

As mentioned previously Langdon Beck are holding a beer festival from today til Monday, they have World Sup on.

Baydale Beck have Number 10 and their beer festival started yesterday and continues til Monday.

I am hoping to get to one or both of these festivals - Langdon Beck has lovely views, Baydale Beck only up road and does good priced food - unfortunately I have the aforementioned 60th today and a wedding to attend tomorrow - so will have to see how things go. But, if you can get out please support these festivals - you won't be disappointed!

THE WORLD SUP

Anyway all this holidaying you may think I have been skiving off brewing. But prior to going I had brewed and then casked up my next brew, World Sup - 3.6% (malty with a dry hop finish). So when I got back it was straight to work getting it delivered out as follows to:

Langdon Beck - Upper Teesdale for their beer festival this weekend
Stanwick Inn - Aldbrough St John
Quakerhouse - Darlington
Fox And Hounds - Cotherstone
Teesdale Hotel - Middleton In Teesdale
Lord Nelson - Gainford
Vane Arms - Long Newton
A66 Motel - Smallways
Snooker Club - Darlington

I am also attending a 60th birthday in the village today for our retiring postmistress who bagsed the last cask.

BEER ON HOLIDAY, PART 2

Just got back this week from a long holiday in Berwick upon Tweed, as you will know I took some beer on holiday with me (well it's only fair). Golden Number 6 went on at the Pilot and Number 10 at the Barrels Alehouse - both sold out within 24 hours! I met a number of like souls, landlords and drinkers - and got some really good feedback. Indeed they seem keen to have my beer again, and asked that I bring more next time (even less room for the missus's clothes). Have already looked online for possibly booking another trip for later this year.

Friday 14 May 2010

CHEAP BEER AND NIBBLES COMING TO A PUB NEAR YOU!!

We now have dates for the 3 Launchings :-

Friday evening June 25th at The Stanwick from 8pm
Saturday evening June 26th at The Crown from 8pm
Sunday afternoon June 27th at The Quakerhouse from 2pm

3 beers - Local (Beer for Local People) 3.8%, Route A66 4.0% & Flower Power 4.3% will all be on at reduced prices, along with some nibbles.
Do try & make it & support Local Beers.

Cheers Pete

Thursday 13 May 2010

WE'RE ALL GOING ON A BEER HOLIDAY

Off to Berwick upon Tweed for a week from tomorrow and looking forward to rest. Whilst some people may pack essentials such as clothes, shoes and camera - two cheeky casks are also travelling to Berwick . Number 10 is going to the Barrels Alehouse, and Golden Number 6 to the Pilot.

Looking forward to drinking my own beer, in some of my favourite pubs on my holiday - think you call that a result - although the wife is none too happy it diminishes the room she has for her clothes in the car - but hey, sacrifices have to be made in these times!

Monday 10 May 2010

A Hung Parliament - Good result for Number 10!

My next brew, number 10 a Pale Ale ,with citrus & fruity hop flavour, hints of grapefruit & floral on the tongue from the late addition of elderflowers goes out to the following pubs this week:

Baydale Beck at Low Coniscliffe for their beer festival from the 28th -31st May
The Crown Inn at Manfield
The Quakerhouse in Darlington
The Shoulder Of Mutton at Kirby Hill
The Stanwick Inn at Aldbrough St John
The Vane Arms at Long Newton
The Old Yard Tapas Beer in Darlington - remember to get a plastic glass if going outside!
The Snooker Club in Darlington

There are also some persons who have already pre booked my beers for forthcoming birthday parties - you could be lucky and end up drinking it for free (although obviously your host has paid for it)

Saturday 8 May 2010

READ ALL ABOUT IT

Mithtil Ales have had some mention in Mike Amos's column in the Northern Echo on the 27th April and the 4th May respectively - cheers Mr Amos (there will be a pint or two for you if you are able to come round and see the plant)

For those who are interested - the links are below:

http://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/leisure/8122023.Suck_it_and_see/

http://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/leisure/8134788.Noises_off/

BAD TO THE BONE

As you can gather from last weeks posts May Bank Holiday Weekend was dedicated to the pursuit of beer pleasure - apologies for the tail off on the blog!

Anyway this week Golden Number 6 has gone out to the following pubs:

The Rat Race in Hartlepool - or more precise on Hartlepool Station
The Stanwick in Aldbrough St John
The Darlington Snooker Club
No 22 in Darlington
The White Swan at Gilling West
The A66 Motel on the A66 (Scotch Corner to Penrith not the Boro A66)
The Surtees Arms at Ferryhill
The Blacksmiths Arms at Preston Le Skerne

The Snooker Club put number 6 on last night, and we nipped for some drinks today -
in the words of our Lodger (and no he wasn't paid) - I am told it is 'quality'. It's a golden bitter with a hoppy aftertaste.

Saturday 1 May 2010

It's A Hard Job But Someone Has To Do It!!

There I was thinking this Saturday was going to be a lazy day and then I was asked if I fancied coming to the Leyburn Food and Drink Festival to assist judging the beer competition. Well if you're twisting my arm - and so am off on the 159 bus from Richmond this morning.

I am also wearing a home made Mithril Ales t shirt, unfortunately the wrong t shirt was ironed to stick the laminate on - (from the Halfway House) . So if you see someone with a t shirt promoting a brewery that was also a champion pub of Scotland you know that's me.

Some info regarding this weeks brew will be posted later this weekend.

THE QUAYS - DARLINGTON

When doing some delivering last week managed a quick pop into the Quays, formerly the Queens Head . They now have two real ales on and food. It was only a flying visit - good to see a new real ale pub in the town and well worth a visit.

CROWN BEER FESTIVAL APR 30TH-MAY3RD

In the effort of beer research attended the Crown Beer Festival last night, the theme is beers that have been winners at a National Level. A good range of beers was nicely rounded off by Peter's cheeky chilli with pitta - indeed it was so good that we had a nightcap of the same before being summoned by our lift.

Today they have the famous Cornish Pasties on, tomorrow hot beef or pork buns and Monday is a bring your own bar b q.

Oh, and I will also be working in the outside bar on Sunday - I was obviously heavily pressured to do so (not)

Monday 26 April 2010

Mithril 2 Latest - The Case Of The Popping Shive

Unfortunately, Mithril 2 will not be appearing at The Crown - due to a popping shive which resulted in the beer being lost over the cellar. Apologies to Peter and Karen and anyone who may have been hoping to try it when next at the pub.

At least if you are going this weekend you will have an excellent choice of beer at The Crown Beer Festival which runs til Bank Holiday Monday.

Sunday 25 April 2010

PLEASE CONTACT PUBS TO CHECK WHEN MITHRIL ALES ARE ON

Hi just a quick drop have been using blog to keep you all up to date with my progress - however whilst it is correct that beer has gone out to pubs listed please note that it is up to the pub when they put the beer on. This will depend on their stock levels and obviously they will rotate according to datal order. Plus it needs to settle once delivered.
If wanting to try the beer perhaps it would be best to phone ahead to avoid disappointment! It is correct that tastings were on at the Stanwick this weekend and also the Snooker club is hoping to have on for Tuesday.

9/10 Lager Drinkers Would Drink Mithril 2

Tastings at Stanwick Inn went well last night - comments positive - 'quaffing' and 'well hopped' seemed to be common descriptions . Would be great to hear from anyone else who gets to drink Mithril 2 either there, or anywhere else in the next couple of weeks - cheers!

Saturday 24 April 2010

ANOTHER ONE BITES THE DUST

FORGOT TO ADD A PIN WAS ALSO DELIVERED TO DARLINGTON SNOOKER CLUB TODAY - THEY ARE HOPING TO HAVE IT ON FOR TUESDAY

Beer On The Move

Off this afternoon on deliveries - The County at Aycliffe are now also taking a delivery of Mithril Number 2.
Tastings being served out at the Stanwick Inn at Aldbrough St John tonight - I will be on hand from about 9.00pm to assist, meet brewer etc - hope to see you!

Friday 23 April 2010

The Beer Has Left The Building!

Hi All,

Thought I’d just let you know current state of play re brewing. It’s all been a bit manic really – working a job on top of a job. However, the first beer is now due to go out this weekend to the following pubs:

The Stanwick Inn in Aldbrough – who will be putting tasters out from Saturday night
The Crown Inn at Manfield
Shoulder of Mutton at Kirby Hill
Four Alls at Ovington
Darlington Snooker Club
The Vane Arms at Long Newton
Up and coming beer festival at the Oddfellows at North Shields

I’m still experimenting a bit, and so at this time not badging as per pump clips shown on the mithril ales website and blog until I tweak and respond to comments. The official launch has been put back slightly (also wife will be unhappy if we don’t go off on hols in May)
As the Prisoner is currently on TV, decided to go for Mithril Ales number 2, and number 6 will be following on – I am saving the number 1 for something really special.

Website – www.mithrilales.co.uk - If you do get a chance to try would love comments on my Blog

Wednesday 21 April 2010

First Brew - not First Blood

With all things vampyric being the rage I did have the idea of calling my first ale - First Blood
- but as Corinna pointed out it may have been thought I was an avid Sylvester Stallone fan. (I know the 1980's are back, but I'm not that retro!')
Anyway given The Prisoner is back on TV, and I always used to watch this as a kid I thought why not give it a theme around this - so Number 2 is ready and hopefully going out to pubs this weekend -i'll let you know which one's shortly. Where Number 2 is, so Number 6 must follow and this should be ready end of next week.
You may wonder why I haven't started with number 1, or the ales shown on my website - but being a failed pharmacist (spent too much time drinking beer in Sunderland poly bar) I am experimenting with hops and flavours at the moment. Also think number 1 needs to be saved for a something special later Looking for comments on these beers - and would be happy to take these via the blog or email on website.
Welcome to the Mithril Ales blog site where I will keep you informed of developments