mithrilales

HAPPY 10TH ANNIVERSARY, RED LION COTHERSTONE

2012-03-01T15:11:00.001-08:00

March 1st 2012 marked the 10th anniversary at the Red Lion for Richard the pub's excellent landlord.

Congratulations!

As a birthday treat he's spent the day brewing with Rob, from Yorkshire Dales Brewery. The result is a wonderfully complex Dunkel style ale with chocolate, brown and amber malts. Perle and Galena hops add a third dimension! (as per Rob's facebook page)

I hope I manage to get a try of this!

TEESDALE HOTEL - MOTHERING SUNDAY LUNCH

2012-03-01T15:01:00.001-08:00

ON MOTHERING SUNDAY TREAT YOUR MUM TO A SUNDAY LUNCH IN THE NEWLY REFURBISHED DINING ROOM AT THE TEESDALE HOTEL.

MAIN COURSE ONLY - £7.00

TWO COURSES - £9.50

THREE COURSES - £12.00

FREE POSY FOR ALL MOTHERS

LINK WITH MORE DETAILS ON THIS 18TH CENTURY COACHING INN SITUTATED IN MIDDLETON IN TEESDALE BELOW:

http://www.teesdalehotel.co.uk/

LEAP YEAR

2012-02-29T14:44:00.001-08:00

SO HAVE ANY BLOG READERS BEEN PROPOSED TO TODAY, OR NARROWLY AVOIDED IT?

Woman capturing man with butterfly-net.

MITHRIL ALES LEAP YEAR, CAN BE DRUNK AS BOTH A CELEBRATORY AND A COMMISERATIVE PINT AT THE FOLLOWING FINE ESTABLISHMENTS:

THE ALE AND ARTY STOCKTON BEER FESTIVAL - BEEN AND GONE!
THE BLACK BULL, MELSONBY
THE OLD WELL, BARNARD CASTLE
THE FROG AND FERRET, SPENNYMOOR
BRADFORD BEER FESTIVAL - BEEN AND GONE!
THE COUNTY, AYCLIFFE VILLAGE
THE CROWN, MICKLETON
THE QUAKERHOUSE, DARLINGTON
THE GRAND HOTEL, BISHOP AUCKLAND
THE ROSE AND CROWN, WITTON PARK

ENJOY!

STOCKTON ALE & ARTY BEER FESTIVAL 23RD - 25TH FEBRUARY

2012-02-22T10:13:00.002-08:00

Stockton Ale & Arty Beer Festival 2012

Sponsored by Camerons

Beer List now available click here:

http://www.clevelandcamra.org.uk/cms/index.php?page=artylist

86 Real Ales, 10 different Ciders and Perrys.

Including Mithril Ales Leap Year and Flower Power

ARC, Dovecot Street, Stockton on Tees, TS18 1LL

Open: 11am - 5pm £1 (Camra members free) and 6.30pm - 11pm each day.

Beer Fest only - Thurs £4.50 Fri £4.50 Sat £3.50

Tickets for Friday Evening Beer Festival have now sold out

There are plenty tickets left for Thursday and Saturday evening

"The Best night to attend a Beer Festival is invariably Thursday" Charles Dickens 1862

Braille and Large Print copies of the Beer List will be available at the festival -ask at the Glasses counter.

Enjoy!

BRADFORD CAMRA BEER FESTIVAL 23RD - 25TH FEBRUARY 2012

2012-02-21T15:17:00.002-08:00

Victoria Hall, Saltaire

Victoria Hall is only 2 minutes walk from Saltaire Railway Station & major bus routes.

There will be 6 bars with 100+ Real ales, Cider/Perry & Foreign beers at all sessions. Including Mithril Ales Pancake Day and Leap Year.

N E W S F L A S H

There are a few remaining tickets in pubs for Thursday evening only, available from: The Brown Cow (Keighley), The Fighting Cock (Bradford) and The Corn Dolly (Bradford). Contact the pub before travel.

THERE ARE STILL SOME ADVANCE POSTAL TICKETS AVAILABLE FOR THE THURSDAY AND SATURDAY EVENING SESSION

There will still be 300 tickets available on the door for Friday evening on a first come first served basis

One ticket per person for immediate entry

Opening times/tickets:

Thursday (23rd). 6.00pm - 11pm. Cost £3.00.

Friday (24th). 11.30am - 4.00pm. Cost £3.00

(Free to CAMRA members with valid membership cards).

No advance tickets are available for this session

Friday (24th). 6.00pm - 11.00pm. Cost £6.00

One ticket per person for immediate entry

Saturday (25th). 11.30am - 4.30pm.Cost £4.00

Saturday (25th). 7.00pm - 11.00pm Cost £4.00

Prices include:

Program & Commemorative glass, (except Friday lunch).

Children's room available for lunchtime sessions.

Hot & cold food and soft drinks available at all sessions.

Entertainment on Friday evening &, Saturday lunch & evening.

Yorkshire Beer Festival 22nd - 26th February 2012

2012-02-20T15:16:00.003-08:00

Mithril Ales, Be My Beer and Pancake Day are being served this week at the Yorkshire Beer Festival being held at the Bricklayer's Arms in Putney, London.

Further details can be found on the pub's website

http://www.bricklayers-arms.co.uk/yorkshire-beer-festival-2012/

Enjoy!

ARE YOU A PANCAKE TOSSER OR A FLIPPER?

2012-02-19T16:11:00.000-08:00

TUESDAY THE 21ST FEBRUARY IS PANCAKE DAY, ALSO KNOWN AS SHROVE TUESDAY.

FOR ALL THINGS PANCAKE RELATED SEE THE FOLLOWING LINK:

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

IF YOU ARE GIVING UP BEER FOR LENT, GET ALONG TO THE FOLLOWING PUBS FOR YOUR LAST PINT FOR THE NEXT FORTY DAYS:

THE VANE ARMS, LONG NEWTON
THE RED LION, COTHERSTONE
THE OLD WELL, BARNARD CASTLE
THE WHITE SWAN , GILLING WEST
THE NAGS HEAD, SEDGEFIELD
THE COUNTY, AYCLIFFE VILLAGE
THE CROWN, MICKLETON
BRADFORD BEER FESTIVAL
BRICKLAYERS ARMS, PUTNEY
THE SHIP INN, MIDDLESTONE VILLAGE
THE GRAND HOTEL, BISHOP AUCKLAND

ENJOY!

Derby Winter Beer Festival 2012 15th - 18th February 2012

2012-02-15T14:53:00.004-08:00

The dates and times are confirmed as follows:

Wednesday 15th February 2pm opening for a Trade ONLY session

Wednesday 15th February 4pm Festival opens

Thursday 16th February 11am 11pm

Friday 17th February 11am 11pm

Saturday 18th February 11am 11pm

Back at the Derby Roundhouse on Pride Park, the Derby Winter Beer Festival plans to provide in excess of 300 varieties of real ales and traditional ciders spanning the course of the event. Continental beers and soft drinks will also be available.

Additional space is provided this year with real ale on sale in the Carriage Room as well as the Main Hall of the Round House. The Carriage Room will also double as the main entertainment room.

Entertainment:

Musical entertainment will be provided during the evening sessions in the Carriage Room (where there will be a separate stillage area).

Wednesday will be an acoustic night

Thursday - The Merseybeasts are the headline act with support

Friday - Coldplay Tribute supported by a Supergrass Tribute

Saturday - UK Foo Fighters headline the final session with support

Free Shuttle Bus will run from Derby City Centre to the festival

CAMRA Members Discount

FREE entry to the festival for Card Carrying CAMRA Members at all times

BE MY BEER

2012-02-13T15:20:00.000-08:00

HOPE EVERYONE'S GOT THEIR CARDS, CHOCOLATES, FLUFFY CUDDLY TOYS AND 'SURPRISE' MEALS SORTED FOR THE BIG DAY TOMORROW.

WHY NOT TREAT HER OR INDEED HIM TO A SPECIAL PINT OF MITHRIL'S SPECIAL VALENTINE ALE - YOU KNOW IT MAKES SENSE -

AVAILABLE AT THE FOLLOWING ROMANTIC OUTLETS:

THE WHITE SWAN, GILLING WEST
THE OLD WELL, BARNARD CASTLE
FLEETWOOD BEER FESTIVAL - BEEN AND GONE
THE WHEATSHEAF, BORROWBY
THE DUKE OF WELLINGTON, WELBURY
THE SHOULDER OF MUTTON, KIRBY HILL
THE LORD NELSON, GAINFORD
THE SHIP INN, MIDDLESTONE VILLAGE
THE GRAND HOTEL, BISHOP AUCKLAND
THE SNOOKER CLUB, DARLINGTON
BRICKLAYERS ARMS, PUTNEY - YORKSHIRE BEER FESTIVAL LATER THIS MONTH

ENJOY!

Fleetwood Festival 9th - 11th February 2012

2012-02-08T14:30:00.000-08:00

The Esplanade, Fleetwood, Lancashire, FY7 6HF

Tel: 01253 771141

Thursday, 9th February 2012 : 7 - 11pm

Friday, 10th February : 12 - 11pm

Saturday, 11th February : 12 - 11pm

Thursday evening £2

All other sessions £3

FREE Admission to CAMRA Members.

£1 Admission for full time students.

Suitable identification must be shown to qualify for reduced or free entry.

See link for more details and full beer list, including

68 MITHRIL Be My Beer 3.9%

69 MITHRIL Calcutta Cup 3.8%

http://www.blackpoolcamra.org.uk/template.php?id=154

The Teesdale Hotel - Valentine's Day - 11th,12th&14th February 2012

2012-02-08T14:25:00.000-08:00

MENU

Starters

~Tomato & Basil Soup

~ Partridge Breast with Black Pudding

Pan fried sliced Partridge breast on slices of local Black Pudding, served with salad and dressing

~Roasted Artichoke with Smoky Chilli Dip

A starter for two to share.

~Mussels in White Wine & Garlic

With Crusty Bread

Mains

~Classic Ribeye Steak Diane

With Chunky Home-made Chips, Roast Tomatoes & Mushrooms.

~Chicken & Oyster Pie

With Creamy Mash & Seasonal Vegetables.

~Tomato & Almond Pesto Linguine

With Garlic Bread & Parmesan Cheese.

£22.00 per head or stay overnight and enjoy a

Double/Twin room for two at only £100.00 for dinner, bed and breakfast

Teesdale hotel, Market Place.

Middleton in Teesdale

Co Durham.

Tel; 01833 640264. Email enquiries@teesdalehotel.co.uk

OH CALCUTTA!

2012-02-04T03:12:00.000-08:00

TODAY IS THE START OF THE RUGBY SIX NATIONS,

THE CALCUTTA CUP IS BEING PLAYED BETWEEN ENGLAND AND SCOTLAND - THERE WILL BE ONLY ONE HAPPY PERSON AT MITHRIL AT THE END OF THE MATCH (HOPEFULLY ME)

IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO KNOW ABOUT THE ORIGINS OF THIS HISTORIC MATCH SEE THE LINK BELOW:

http://www.rfu.com/TwickenhamStadium/WorldRugbyMuseum/RugbyHistory/CalcuttaCup

IF YOU JUST WANT TO DRINK THE BEER (FAR LESS STRESSFUL), MAYBE I SHOULD GO OUT THIS AFTERNOON PLEASE SEE ONE OF THE FOLLOWING EXCELLENT PUBS:

THE OLD WELL, BARNARD CASTLE
THE CROWN, MICKLETON
THE SHIP INN, MIDDLESTONE VILLAGE
THE WHITE SWAN, GILLING WEST
THE STAR, MIDDLESBROUGH
THE GEORGE, PIERCEBRIDGE
THE QUAKERHOUSE, DARLINGTON
THE TAPAS BAR, DARLINGTON
FLEETWOOD BEER FESTIVAL
THE GRAND HOTEL, BISHOP AUCKLAND
THE ROSE AND CROWN, WEST WITTON

ENJOY!

ENTER THE DRAGON

2012-02-02T15:35:00.000-08:00

BRUCE LEE, NUFF SAID

FOR THOSE WHO WOULD LIKE TO KNOW MORE ABOUT THE SIGNS IN THE CHINESE ZODIAC - FAR MORE INTERESTING THAN JANUARY, FEBRUARY (YAWN) SEE BELOW:

http://uk.ask.com/wiki/Chinese_zodiac#Years

FOR THOSE WHO JUST WANT TO MARVEL AT BRUCE LEE AND JOHN SAXON KICKING ASS

AND FOR THOSE WHO JUST WANT TO DRINK THE BEER:

THE OLD WELL, BARNARD CASTLE

THE KINGS ARMS, SANDHUTTON

THE WHITE SWAN, GILLING WEST

THE LORD NELSON, APPLETON WISKE

THE BLACK BULL, MELSONBY

THE WHEATSHEAF, BORROWBY

CROSS KEYS, GAINFORD

THE COUNTY, AYCLIFFE VILLAGE

THE SHIP INN, MIDDLESTON VILLAGE

THE GRAND HOTEL, BISHOP AUCKLAND

THE SNOOKER CLUB, DARLINGTON

ENJOY!

ODE TO A HAGGIS

2012-01-29T04:44:00.000-08:00

BURNS NIGHT IS HELD ON, OR AS NEAR AS POSSIBLE TO THE 25TH JANUARY THE BIRTH DATE OF ROBERT BURNS SCOTLAND'S NATIONAL POET.

AS YOU KNOW I RARELY BREW THE SAME BEER TWICE, BUT THIS IS A REPEAT ON MY HAGGIS ALE FROM LAST YEAR - A TRADITIONAL SCOTTISH STYLE BEER.

FOR THOSE WHO WOULD LIKE TO KNOW ABOUT HAGGIS, FOLLOW THE LINK BELOW:
www.worldburnsclub.com/begin/address_to_a_haggis.htm

FOR THOSE WHO JUST WANT TO TRY THE ALE, IT HAS GONE OUT TO THE FOLLOWING FINE ESTABLISHMENTS:

RED LION, COTHERSTONE
THE CROWN, MICKLETON
THE VANE ARMS, LONG NEWTON
THE OLD WELL, BARNARD CASTLE
THE CROWN INN, MANFIELD
THE SHIP INN, MIDDLESTONE VILLAGE
THE CROSS KEYS, GAINFORD
THE GRAND HOTEL, BISHOP AUCKLAND
THE GARDENERS REST, SHEFFIELD
ALDBROUGH ST JOHN VILLAGE HALL BURNS NIGHT 'DO'

ENJOY!

CROSS KEYS AT GAINFORD, CHARITY NIGHT SATURDAY THE 28TH JAN 2012

2012-01-25T15:39:00.000-08:00

FROM 9PM ONWARDS THIS SATURDAY THERE IS A ROCK AND ROLL CHARITY EVENT BEING HELD AT THE CROSS KEYS IN GAINFORD

RAFFLES WITH GREAT PRIZES

AUCTION OF PROMISES, AND

LIVE BAND '4 PLAY'

THE EVENT IS TO RAISE MONEY FOR A CHARITY CALLED AMECA, LINK BELOW - TAKING A GROUP OF STUDENTS TO TANZANIA TO PROVIDE MEDICAL CARE AND IMPROVE THEIR HEALTHCARE ENVIRONMENT.

http://www.ameca.org.uk/

THE CROSS KEYS ALWAYS HAS TTL AND A MITHRIL ALES ON TAP

ENJOY!

BAD MOON RISING - KEEP TO THE PATH!

2012-01-22T15:15:00.000-08:00

IN SAXON TIMES THE MONTH OF JANUARY WAS KNOWN AS WULF-MONATH (MEANING WOLF MONTH) AS YOU WERE MORE LIKELY TO BE DEVOURED BY WOLVES IN THIS MONTH.

WHILST, THE WOLF TO OUR KNOWLEDGE IS NO LONGER AN INHABITANT OF ENGLAND - THE BANKS, UTILITY COMPANIES, TAXMAN AND CUSTOMS AND EXCISE HAVE HAPPILY TAKEN UP THE MANTLE OF THE WOLF. READY TO DO US ALL IN AS SOON AS CHRISTMAS IS OVER.

CONSOLE YOURSELF IN A PINT OF MITHRIL ALES AT THE FOLLOWING PUBS - BUT PERHAPS BEST NOT TO WALK HOME FROM THE PUB ON YOUR OWN?

THE WHITE SWAN, GILLING WEST

THE OLD WELL, BARNARD CASTLE

THE CROWN, MICKLETON

QUAKERHOUSE, DARLINGTON

COVERBRIDGE, EAST WITTON

NAGS HEAD, SEDGEFIELD

THE LORD NELSON, GAINFORD

THE GEORGE, PIERCEBRIDGE

THE CROSS KEYS, GAINFORD

THE GRAND HOTEL, BISHOP AUCKLAND

DARLINGTON SNOOKER CLUB

ENJOY!

JANUARY MINI BEER FESTIVAL - DARLINGTON SNOOKER CLUB

2012-01-08T10:19:00.000-08:00

Thursday 12th January - Sunday 15th January

Peter Everett and the team welcome you to the January Mini Beer Festival at Darlington Snooker Club. Approximately 12 real ales along with cider will be available.

Festival Opening Times:

Thursday 12th January: 7pm - late

Friday 13th January: 11am - late

Saturday 14th January: 11am - late

Sunday 15th January: 11am - late

Food will also be available at the festival in the form of pie and peas. For further information contact Darlington Snooker Club on 01325 241388 or Peter Everett via email link on the CAMRA website

JACK FROST - LIKED IT SO MUCH I MADE IT TWICE

2012-01-02T13:23:00.000-08:00

NORMALLY MY GUEST BEER IS BOTH A NEW RECIPE AND ALSO A NEW PUMP CLIP. HOWEVER, I REALLY LIKED THIS CLIP (AND THE BEER) AND DECIDED TO BREW AGAIN FOR 2012.

IN KEEPING WITH MITHRIL'S POOR ATTEMPTS AT WEATHER FORECASTING, IT IS CURRENTLY WET AND WINDY IN ALDBROUGH ST JOHN (BUT NOT FROSTY). REGULAR READERS MAY RECALL THAT THE ALE 'HEATWAVE' I BREWED IN SUMMER SEEMED TO HAVE THE SAME EFFECT ON THE WEATHER. BREWER, YES - IAN MCCASKILL - NO

FOR THOSE INTERESTED IN THE ORIGINS OF JACK FROST

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

FOR THOSE INTERESTED IN THE ALE:

BLACK BULL, MELSONBY
THE OLD WELL, BARNARD CASTLE
LORD NELSON, GAINFORD
CROSS KEYS, GAINFORD
BLACK SWAN, STAINDROP
THE BRIDGE, WHORLTON OR MIDDLETON IN TEESDALE
THE CROWN, MICKLETON
THE SHIP INN, MIDDLESTONE VILLAGE
AND SOME LUCKY PEOPLE GOT TO DRINK IT FOR FREE AT SEVERAL LOCAL PRIVATE FUNCTIONS

ENJOY, IF YOU HAVEN'T ALREADY!

THEY CAN TAKE MY LAGER, BUT THEY WILL NEVER TAKE MY BEER!

2012-01-02T13:04:00.000-08:00

WHEN GOING OUT ON NEW YEAR'S EVE IT CAN BE A HAZARDOUS JOB, BRAVING THE CROWDS AND GETTING TO THE BAR FOR AN ALE.

HANDY THEN THAT MY LOCAL, THE STANWICK INN HAD A FANCY DRESS THEME.

TAKING MY INSPIRATION FROM 'BRAVEHEART' I THOUGHT ARE YOU GOING TO MESS WITH A MAN IN A KILT, PACKING A POUNDSHOP DAGGER AND A CARDBOARD SHIELD (FROM AN AMAZON DELIVERY BOX)? ACTUALLY YOU PROBABLY ARE, IF THE EFFECT IT HAD ON MY DOG IS ANYTHING TO GO BY - AS SEEN IN THE PHOTO.

ANYWAY A GOOD NIGHT IN THE PUB - LOTS OF ALE, SOME WHISKY AND AN EXCELLENT CHILLI PUT ON BY NEIL AND HELEN AFTER MIDNIGHT. THE DISCO WAS SITLL GOING AT 4AM WHEN WE FINALLY LEFT!

HOPE EVERYONE ELSE HAD A GOOD NEW YEAR AND ALL THE BEST FOR 2012!

BOXING DAY LIVE MUSIC AT OLD WELL, BARNARD CASTLE

2011-12-22T15:39:00.000-08:00

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/

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

2011-12-21T14:24:00.000-08:00

POOR 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!

GETTING HOPPY WITH IT - HOPPY CHRISTMAS

2011-12-14T09:46:00.000-08:00

EAGLE 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!

CINDERBEERELLA - IT'S BEHIND YOU!

2011-12-12T13:21:00.000-08:00

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!

PILGRIM FATHERS - AN EPIC VOYAGE IN A PEUGEOT PARTNER

2011-12-06T15:35:00.000-08:00

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!

REMEMBER, REMEMBER IT'S THE END OF MOVEMBER!

2011-11-29T15:37:00.000-08:00

'During 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!

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

2011-11-27T11:25:00.000-08:00

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-

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

2011-11-23T15:46:00.000-08:00

THE 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!

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

2011-11-16T13:42:00.000-08:00

THE 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!

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

2011-11-13T15:36:00.000-08:00

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!

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

2011-11-06T10:23:00.000-08:00

THE 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!

REMEMBER, REMEMBER THE 5TH OF NOVEMBER

2011-11-03T17:09:00.000-07:00

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

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

2011-11-02T11:31:00.000-07:00

The 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....

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

2011-10-31T13:29:00.000-07:00

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!

GHOULS, GREMLINS AND WITCHES

2011-10-26T14:46:00.000-07:00

JUST 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!

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

2011-10-24T14:27:00.000-07:00

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

2011-10-24T14:15:00.000-07:00

THIS 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!

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

2011-10-23T15:55:00.000-07:00

I 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.

SPUD PICKING - NOT JUST ANOTHER COUCH POTATO

2011-10-22T07:13:00.000-07:00

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!

FLOWER POWER - A GOLD FOR MITHRIL ALES

2011-10-20T15:36:00.000-07:00

I 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!

ALL THE LEAVES ARE BROWN AND THE SKY IS GREY!

2011-10-17T14:53:00.000-07:00

WE 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!

THIS IS SPINAL TAP

2011-10-11T15:57:00.000-07:00

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?

RICHMOND ALE FESTIVAL 14TH - 16TH OCTOBER 2011

2011-10-10T15:50:00.000-07:00

Swaledale'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

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

2011-10-06T15:02:00.000-07:00

ANOTHER 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!

THE MORRITT BEER FESTIVAL 7TH - 9TH OCTOBER 2011

2011-10-05T14:56:00.000-07:00

Come along to the Morritt's very own Oktoberfest

The Morritt’s annual cask ale and wine festival is a fantastic three day event Friday 7th – Sunday 9th October 2011. Over three days it will have 12 different ales and a selection of wines to sample along with traditional German dishes.

Garden Room and Rokeby Bar will be open for the weekend with a vintage jukebox and live performances on Saturday from acoustics artists Jack and Sara.

Some of the ales on offer: Mithril Ales Route A66; Mithril Ales Scrum Down; Red Dust; Oakwell's Autumn Dawn; Harvistoun's Hoptoberfest and many other fine ales

Some of the wines on offer: Firefly Chardonnay; Trulli Pinot Grigio; Fraser's Bay Pinotage; Gran Espiral Rioja

To accompany your ales & wines there will be a selection of German foods

Special Accommodation offers available.

or more information please contact reception on 01833 627232 or email relax@themorritt.co.uk

See link for more details

http://www.themorritt.co.uk/cask-ale-festival.html

Enjoy!

CARLISLE BEER FESTIVAL 6TH - 8TH OCTOBER 2011

2011-10-04T14:32:00.000-07:00

A cask of Dere Street has gone off to the Carlisle Beer Festival which starts on Thursday of this week.

The festival has 50 real ales + ciders with a Cumbrian focus as well as many ales + ciders from other counties near/far. Many beers new to Fest.

Open: Thu 5pm-11pm; Fri/Sat 12pm-5pm; 5pm-11pm.

Food available

Admission all sessions: £1 (CAMRA membs)/£3 (non-membs). Advance tickets £2 (non-membs) on sale:
Kings Head, Fisher St, Carlisle from 1 Sep.
NB no advance tickets for Sat evening.

More details contact Philip Tuer: 01228 522118 or philip.tuer@virgin.net

Link as follows:

http://www.camra.org.uk/page.aspx?o=306951

Enjoy!

WHO ATE ALL THE 02 PIES?

2011-10-02T12:08:00.000-07:00

I WAS SUCCESSFUL REGISTERING FOR THE CURRENT 02 BEER AND PIES PROMOTION. THE PACK ARRIVED IN TIME FOR THE GAME YESTERDAY.

THE PACK INCLUDED

TWO PIEMINISTER PIES, BREAKFAST IN A PIE ONE MEAT AND ONE VEGETARIAN.
TWO CANS OF GREENE KING IPA
TWO ICE PACKS
ONE ENGLAND FLAG
MONEY OFF VOUCHERS FOR GREENE KING IPA
PROMOTIONAL LEAFLET ON AN ENGLAND RUGBY PHONE
TWO PROMOTIONAL POSTCARDS

THE PIES WERE GREAT AND FURTHER DETAILS CAN BE FOUND ON

http://www.pieminister.co.uk/

ODD SHAPED (ED) BALLS

2011-09-29T15:54:00.000-07:00

IT'S ONLY BECAUSE THE LABOUR PARTY CONFERENCE HAS BEEN ON TV ALL THIS WEEK THAT I COULDN'T RESIST THE ABOVE PUN. CLEARLY THE BEER IS A NOD TO THE CURRENT RUGBY WORLD CUP AND NOTHING TO DO WITH THE LABOUR PARTY.

SOME INTERESTING, OR NOT FACTS ON ED BALLS AND HIS APOLOGY PRESENTED AT CONFERENCE (I'VE CLEARLY HAD TOO MUCH TIME ON MY HANDS)

ED GOT A 1ST CLASS DEGREE FROM OXFORD UNIVERSITY, ONE THE SUBJECTS WAS ECONOMICS
ED WAS THE LEADER OF THE FINANCIAL TIMES
ED WAS AN ECONOMIC ADVISOR TO GORDON BROWN FROM 1994

I WILL LEAVE YOU TO YOUR OWN THOUGHTS ON HIS PART IN THE CURRENT ECONOMIC CRISIS AND THE VALUE OF HIS VAST 'EXPERTISE' AND EDUCATION.

FAR MORE INTERESTING DEBATE, WHERE CAN I GET THE BEER:

WHITE SWAN, GILLING WEST
RED LION, COTHERSTONE
THE BLACK SWAN, STAINDROP
THE CROWN, MICKLETON
THE SHIP INN, MIDDLESTONE VILLAGE
THE QUAKERHOUSE
THE COUNTY, AYCLIFFE VILLAGE
60TH BIRTHDAY PARTY IN RICHMOND
21ST BIRTHDAY PARTY IN HURWORTH

ENJOY!

SAPPHIRE AND STEEL - MY PRECIOUS

2011-09-26T15:25:00.000-07:00

AS WELL AS BEING THE MONTH OF THE STAR SIGN VIRGO, THE PRECIOUS STONE FOR THE MONTH IS A SAPPHIRE.

APPARENTLY MRS MITHRIL WOULDN'T MIND A SAPPHIRE. UNTIL THEN I AM PLEASED TO BE ABLE TO PROVIDE HER WITH A PUMP CLIP - A REAL ONE WILL REQUIRE MY SELLING ALOT MORE BEER!

THE ALE IS AVAILABLE AT THE FOLLOWING FINE ESTABLISHMENTS:

WHITE SWAN, GILLING WEST
BLACK BULL, MELSONBY
THE CROWN, MICKLETON
THE BRIDGE, BOTH WHORLTON & MIDDLETON IN TEESDALE
THE CROSS KEYS, GAINFORD
BEEN AND GONE AT A DOG AGILITY EVENT - LUCKY DOGS
THE OLD WELL, BARNARD CASTLE
THE QUAKERHOUSE
THE ROSE AND CROWN, WITTON PARK

ENJOY!

MAORI HAKA - NEW ZEALAND HOPS MAKE A FIRST APPEARANCE AT MITHRIL ALES

2011-09-25T06:09:00.000-07:00

WASN'T THAT CONVENIENT, MY NEW ZEALAND HOPS (MOTUEKA AND NELSON SAUVAN) ARRIVED JUST AS THE RUGBY WAS STARTING.

LET'S FACE IT THE POOR RENDITIONS OF SOME NATIONAL ANTHEMS JUST DON'T COMPARE WHEN FACED AGAINST THE PERFORMANCE AND PASSION OF THE HAKA -

MAORI HAKA HAS BEEN AND GONE AT DARLINGTON BEER FESTIVAL, BUT WAS ALSO SENT OUT TO:

WHITE SWAN, GILLING WEST
A66 MOTEL, SMALLWAYS
THE SHIP, MIDDLESTONE VILLAGE
THE BLACK SWAN, STAINDROP
THE CROSS KEYS, GAINFORD
THE RAT RACE, HARTLEPOOL STATION
THE OLD WELL, BARNARD CASTLE
THE JOINERS ARMS, HUNWICK

ENJOY

COFFEE AND SCONES AT THE CROWN, MICKLETON

2011-09-24T11:57:00.000-07:00

YES YOU READ IT RIGHT, BEEN TO A PUB AND NOT DRANK ANY BEER. THE OTHER HALF HAS BEEN EYEING UP A VISIT TO THE CROWN PRE NOON FOR SOME ELEVENSES SO WENT UP THIS MORNING.

THE PUB OPENS FROM 10.00AM AND SERVES SCONES, FRESHLY MADE THAT MORNING WITH THE NON ALCOHOLIC REFRESHMENTS - YOU CAN ALSO ENJOY A READ OF THE NEWSPAPERS.

IDEAL SPOT FOR WALKERS SETTING OFF ON A DAY'S TRUDGING

NORTHALLERTON BEER FESTIVAL 23RD - 25TH SEPTEMBER 2011

2011-09-18T11:23:00.000-07:00

HOT OF THE PRESS - NOT ONLY GOOD BEER BUT GOOD FOOD AS WELL - ALE SAUSAGE BAGUETTE AT ONLY £2.10 TO DIE FOR!
ALSO 50P OF EACH PINT GOES TOWARDS CHARITIES - SO KEEP DRINKING!

THE FIRST NORTHALLERTON BEER FESTIVAL

The Golden Lion, 144 High Street, Northallerton DL7 8PP

Friday 23rd September - Sunday 25th September

Northallerton’s first beer festival is being held in aid of the Forces Charities and approximately 30 real ales from new and local breweries will be available along with ciders and perries plus continental beers.
Festival Opening Times:

Friday 23rd September: 5pm - 11.30pm
Saturday 24th September: 11.30am - 11.30pm
Sunday 25th September: Noon - 4pm

Admission to the festival is £3 which includes a deposit for a glass of which £1.50 is refundable and £1.50 will be donated to the Forces Charities (Lance Corporal Ben Hyde Memorial Trust, Help For Heroes and SSAFA Forces Help). There will also be live music on Friday and Saturday night.

For further information contact The Golden Lion in Northallerton on 01609 777411
or Festival Organiser Dave Wall of Wall's Brewing Company Ltd on 01609 258226 or 07810 123084

DARLINGTON 32ND BEER AND MUSIC FESITVAL - 15TH - 18TH SEPTEMBER

2011-09-13T15:20:00.000-07:00

THE RHYTHM AND BREWS FESTIVAL 2011 KICKS OFF THIS THURSDAY. AS USUAL AT ARTS CENTRE FROM THURSDAY - SATURDAY (IN CONJUNCTION WITH DARLINGTON CAMRA, THE ARTS CENTRE AND THE R AND B CLUB BEFORE MOVING INTO THE TOWN CENTRE AND PUBS AROUND THE TOWN ON THE SUNDAY.

TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT ALL EVENTS GO TO

http://www.darlocamra.org.uk/rnb2011.html

www.darlington.gov.uk/darlingtonevents

TWO MITHRIL ALES WILL BE ON AT THE ARTS CENTRE, BULLFROG BLUES AND MAORI HAKA

ENJOY

LET'S GO TO THE HOP

2011-09-12T15:20:00.000-07:00

THURSDAY SEE'S THE START OF THE 32ND DARLINGTON BEER AND MUSIC FESTIVAL.

IT IS RUN IN CONJUNCTION WITH DARLINGTON CAMRA, THE ARTS CENTRE AND THE ARTS CENTRE R AND B GROUP. SO IT SEEMED FITTING TO GIVE THIS BEER AN R AND B THEME WITH A SONG MADE FAMOUS BY RORY GALLAGHER.

BULLFROG BLUES IS HOPPING OUT TO THE FOLLOWING PUBS

THE WHITE SWAN, GILLING WEST
THE BLACK BULL, MELSONBY
THE CROWN, MICKLETON
THE CROSS KEYS, GAINFORD
THE BRIDGE, WHORLTON OR MIDDLETON IN TEESDALE
DARLINGTON BEER FESTIVAL
THE SURTEES ARMS, FERRYHILL STATION
THE WHITE SWAN, DANBY WISKE
THE OLD WELL, BARNARD CASTLE

ENJOY!

PIE AND PEA SUPPER AT WHITE SWAN GILLING WEST

2011-09-07T15:49:00.000-07:00

THERE IS A PIE AND PEA SUPPER WITH QUIZ ON MONDAY THE 12TH SEPTEMBER, STARTS FROM 8.30PM. TEAMS OF 4-6 PEOPLE, ENTRY £2.00 PER PERSON (INCLUDING SUPPER) AND A TOP CASH PRIZE TO BE WON

AT LEAST THAT'S MY TEA SORTED!

THE CROWN AT MANFIELD BEER FESTIVAL 2 - 4TH SEPTEMBER 2011

2011-09-02T09:28:00.000-07:00

The Crown Inn, Vicars Lane, Manfield, North Yorkshire DL2 2RF

Friday 2nd September - Sunday 4th September

Approximately 16 “themed” real ales with 2 ciders will be available.

Festival Opening Times:

Friday 2nd September: 5pm - 11.30pm

Saturday 3rd September: Noon - 11.30pm

Sunday 4th September: Noon - 11.30pm

Food will be available during the festival and there will also be a barbecue on the Sunday lunchtime for you
to bring your own food along to cook.

For further information contact the Crown Inn on 01325 374243

Please feel sorry for me, I am going to it tonight and then working all day tomorrow - can't wait!

WE'RE GOING BACK TO SCHOOL

2011-08-31T15:22:00.000-07:00

IN WHAT MUST BE A SAD OCCASION IN MANY HOUSEHOLDS, THE YOUNGSTERS RETURN TO SCHOOL THIS WEEK. NO MORE, EATING ALL THE CONTENTS OF YOUR FRIDGE, SPENDING YOUR EVERY LAST PENNY AND COMPLAINING THEY ARE BORED BECAUSE THERE IS NOTHING TO DO. SANITY IS ONCE MORE RESTORED. SO WHY DON'T YOU ENJOY YOURSELF WITH A NICE PINT OF MITHRIL ALES BACK TO SCHOOL, AVAILABLE AT THE FOLLOWING FINE ESTABLISHMENTS:

THE WHITE SWAN, GILLING WEST
THE BLACK SWAN, STAINDROP
THE CROSS KEYS, GAINFORD
THE RED LION, COTHERSTONE
THE CROWN, MICKLETON
THE SHIP INN, MIDDLESTONE VILLAGE
THE OLD WELL, BARNARD CASTLE
THE COUNTY, AYCLIFFE VILLAGE
THE QUAKERHOUSE, DARLINGTON

ENJOY!

DURHAM BEER FESTIVAL 1ST - 3RD SEPTEMBER 2011

2011-08-29T09:52:00.000-07:00

A cask of Mithril Ales, Fringe Benefits has travelled up to Durham for this year's beer festival. Looking forward to going up for the opening night.

The festival will feature around 100 cask beers including many local ales, and also bottled beers. There will also be 30 different ciders and perries to choose from.

The festival's opening hours will be:

•Thursday: 5pm - 11pm

•Friday: 11am - 11pm

•Saturday:11am until the beer runs out

Hot and cold food will be available

See link for further details:

http://www.camradurham.org.uk/beerFestivals.php

Enjoy!

EDINBURGH FRINGE FESTIVAL ALE

2011-08-25T08:09:00.000-07:00

I AM A KEEN VISITOR TO EDINBURGH. I HAVE ALWAYS WANTED TO VISIT 'THE FRINGE', BUT HAVE NOT GOT ROUND TO IT .

SO NEXT BEST THING, IF I CAN'T GO WHY NOT DRINK IT!

THE FESTIVAL IS STILL ON TIL THE 29TH OF THIS MONTH, SEE THE OFFICIAL WEBSITE IF YOU ARE LOOKING FOR SOMETHING TO DO OVER BANK HOLIDAY WEEKEND.

http://www.edfringe.com/

OR THE OTHER OPTION, FIND ONE OF THE FOLLOWING ESTABLISHMENTS INSTEAD - STILT WALKER AND COMEDIANS OPTIONAL

THE WHITE SWAN, GILLING WEST
THE BLACK BULL, MELSONBY
THE GRAND HOTEL, BISHOP AUCKLAND
THE OLD WELL, BARNARD CASTLE
DURHAM BEER FESTIVAL
THE BLACK SWAN, STAINDROP
THE BRIDGE, WHORLTON OR MIDDLETON IN TEESDALE
TWO WENT TO A WEDDING 'DO' - LUCKY GUESTS
THE JOINERS ARMS, HUNWICK
DARLINGTON SNOOKER CLUB

ENJOY

NORTH EAST CLUB OF THE YEAR 2011

2011-08-22T15:33:00.000-07:00

A BIG CONGRATULATIONS TO PETER, RITA AND STAFF. THE EXCELLENT DARLINGTON SNOOKER CLUB (AND PURVEYOR OF MITHRIL ALES) HAS WON THE CAMRA NORTH EAST CLUB OF THE YEAR COMPETITION.

BREW AND THEY WILL COME - OR RAINDROPS KEEP FALLING ON MY HEAD

2011-08-21T13:19:00.000-07:00

AS BLOG READERS WILL KNOW THE 6TH AUGUST WAS MITHRIL ALES OPEN AFTERNOON.

THREE BEERS WERE BREWED, FEAST, TYKE ALE AND ROUTE A66 AND WERE READY FOR 'TASTING'

TWO HUNDRED SAUSAGES HAD BEEN COLLECTED FROM MUDD BUTCHERS IN BISHOP AUCKLAND - BEEF AND ONION WITH DERE STREET BEER, AND BEEF MUSTARD AND PARSLEY WITH TYKE ALE

AND PAULINE FROM THE VILLAGE HAD MADE TWO CHUTNEYS, USING TYKE ALE - ONE A PLAIN CHUTNEY AND THE OTHER A CHILLI

ALL WE NEEDED WAS FOR SUNNY WEATHER, BUT WHAT WE GOT INSTEAD WAS PROBABLY THE WETTEST DAY I CAN EVER RECALL.

INSTEAD OF TABLES WITH MITHRIL ALES PARASOLS AND HAPPY PEOPLE IMBIBING IN THE SUN IN THE YARD NEXT TO CHEZ MITHRIL, WE HAD

HUDDLING ROOM ONLY IN THE FIRST GARAGE, WITH THOSE OUTSIDE HAVING TO STAND IN THE WET

BUT THIS WAS WHAT THEY WERE ALL HUDDLING AROUND, THE BEERS AND THE CHUTNEY TRAY - SAUSAGES (UNDERCOVER) BEING DASHED FROM THE HOUSE TO THE SAID GARAGE BY WIFE IN A HAT

I DID SEVEN TOURS OF THE BREWERY OVER THE COURSE OF THE AFTERNOON,

I WAS ALSO PRESENTED WITH TWO CERTIFCATES BY RICHARD, PUBLICITY OFFICER
FROM DARLINGTON CAMRA.

THEY WERE FOR 1ST AND 2ND PLACE IN THE SPRING THING BEER FESTIVAL HELD IN MARCH 2011. ROUTE A66 CAME FIRST, AND FOLK N ALE CAME 2ND.

MY AWARDS HANGING PROUDLY IN THE BREWERY

ANYWAY, OVER THE COURSE OF THE AFTERNOON MOST OF THE BEER WAS DRUNK, MOST OF THE SAUSAGES EATEN AND ABOUT 60-70 BRAVE BEER HUNTERS CAME TO SEE WHAT IT WAS ALL ABOUT.

THANKS FOR COMING, DESPITE THE BAD WEATHER WE HAD A GOOD TIME

AND A SPECIAL THANKS TO NEIL BERRY FOR SENDING ME A DISC WITH SOME PHOTO'S OF THE DAY !

AN ELFY ALE

2011-08-16T15:45:00.000-07:00

THIS WEEK WE HAVE A RARE OUTING FOR MITHRIL ALES BLACK ELF. IT IS BLACK, RICH IN ROAST AND CHOCOLATE MALT. FRUITY AND SWEET WITH A DRY HOPPY FINISH.

IT HAS GONE OUT TO THE FOLLOWING FINE PUBS. I WOULD RECOMMEND IF YOU WANT TO TRY IT YOU GET THERE QUICK (AS LAST TIME IT WAS IN AND FINISHED IN A BLINK OF AN EYE)

THE GRAND HOTEL, BISHOP AUCKLAND
THE CROWN, MANFIELD
THE WHITE SWAN, GILLING WEST
THE QUAKER, DARLINGTON
THE SHIP INN, MIDDLESTONE VILLAGE
DOG AGILITY, AT A SECRET LOCATION NEAR WINSTON (LUCKY DOGS)
THE RAT RACE, HARTLEPOOL
THE ROSE AND CROWN, WITTON PARK
THE CROWN, MICKLETON
ENJOY!

THE WHITE SWAN, GILLING WEST FIRST BEER FESTIVAL 19-21 ST AUGUST

2011-08-15T16:05:00.000-07:00

THE FIRST WHITE SWAN BEER FESTIVAL

The White Swan, 51 High Street, Gilling West, North Yorkshire DL10 5JG

Friday 19th August - Sunday 21st August

Approximately 15-20 real ales will be available, including my own Route A66, Black Elf and Leo Gold.

Festival Opening Times:

Friday 19th August: Noon - 11pm
Saturday 20th August: Noon - 11pm
Sunday 21st August: Noon - 11pm

Food will be available during the festival. For further information contact the White Swan on 01748 821123.

There is also music on Saturday from 8.30pm, Miss D'Mina with 'Mags' and on Sunday from 5.00pm, Serenity who are a popular vocal duo.

I am going on the Friday night with a CAMRA trip, really looking forward to it and their food is always great. Hope you can make it!

THE LION KING - LEO GOLD ROARING INTO A PUB NEAR YOU!

2011-08-14T16:17:00.000-07:00

HURRAH FOR THE ZODIAC AGAIN THIS WEEK!

FOR THOSE INTERESTED IN THE LION KING THE FILM, PLEASE SEE FOLLOWING LINK

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

FOR THOSE INTERESTED IN THE ALE, PLEASE SEE THE FOLLOWING PUBS - BEING DELIVERED THIS WEEK:

THE WHITE SWAN, GILLING WEST
THE BLACK BULL, MELSONBY
THE CROWN, MANFIELD
THE CROWN, MICKLETON
THE CROSS KEYS, GAINFORD
THE OLD WELL, BARNARD CASTLE
THE RED LION, COTHERSTONE
THE BLACK SWAN, STAINDROP
ENJOY!

ONE MAN AND HIS TOP DOG - 'CUM BYE'

2011-08-10T15:06:00.000-07:00

FOR MY OVERSEAS VISITORS, ONE MAN AND HIS DOG WAS A FAMOUS TV SERIAL THAT RAN FROM 1976 -2000 FEATURING THE HEADY WORLD OF SHEEPDOG TRIALS.

FURTHER INFORMATION CAN BE FOUND ON

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

ONE OF MY FRIENDS HAS A FARM, AND OVER THE SUMMER RUNS DOG AGILITY SHOWS ON THE FARM. PEOPLE COME FROM ALL OVER THE UK TO PARTICIPATE, AND AFTER A HARD DAY MAKING YOUR DOG PERFORM TRICKS, WHAT MORE DOES A MAN NEED THAN A GOOD PINT OF ALE?

ANYWAY THE DOG OWNERS AREN'T SNAFFLING ALL THE BEER, IT HAS ALSO GONE OUT TO THE FOLLOWING FINE ESTABLISHMENTS:

THE WHITE SWAN, GILLING WEST

THE BLACK BULL, MELSONBY

THE BRIDGE, WHORLTON OR MIDDLETON IN TEESDALE

DOG AGILITY - A LOCATION NEAR WINSTON, LUCKY DOGS

THE SHIP INN, MIDDLESTONE VILLAGE

THE CROWN, MICKLETON

THE CROSS KEYS, GAINFORD

THE RED LION, COTHERSTONE

THE QUAKER, DARLINGTON

ENJOY!

DARLINGTON SNOOKER CLUB MIDI BEER FEST 4TH - 7TH AUGUST

2011-08-04T15:22:00.000-07:00

FRIEND, CAMRA COLLEAGUE AND STOCKIST OF MITHRIL ALES, PETE EVERETT IS HOLDING ONE OF HIS EXCELLENT ALE FESTIVALS THIS WEEKEND. MITHRIL ALES, TYKE AND FEAST WILL BE ON OVER THE FESTIVAL ALONG WITH 10 OTHER EXCELLENT ALES.

PLEASE SEE THE CAMRA WEBSITE FOR FURTHER DETAILS ON OPENING TIMES ETC

http://www.darlocamra.org.uk/beerfestivals.html

I WOULD ALSO RECOMMEND WHATEVER FOOD PETE PUTS ON OVER THE FESTIVAL, LIVER AND ONIONS IS ONE OF OUR FAVOURITES!

ENJOY!

MITHRIL ALES OPEN AFTERNOON AUGUST 6TH, ALDBROUGH ST JOHN

2011-08-02T16:02:00.000-07:00

FOLLOWING ON FROM YESTERDAYS NEW(ISH) PUMP CLIP, MITHRIL ALES ARE ALSO INCLUDED WITHIN THE ALDBROUGH FEAST PROGRAMME FOR THE FIRST (OF MANY YEARS?). WE ARE HAVING AN OPEN AFTERNOON ON THE 6TH AUGUST, FROM 12-3PM.

THERE WILL BE FREE TASTINGS OF THREE DIFFERENT BEERS - FEAST, TYKE ALE AND ROUTE A66. THERE WILL BE NIBBLES - I HAVE TWO HUGE AMOUNTS OF SAUSAGES TO PICK UP FROM MUDD BUTCHERS IN BISHOP AUCKLAND (BEEF AND ONION MADE WITH DERE STREET BEER, AND BEEF, MUSTARD AND PARSLEY MADE WITH TYKE ALE). I WILL ALSO BE GIVING 'TOURS' AROUND THE BREWERY.

WHAT MORE COULD YOU ASK FOR ON A SATURDAY AFTERNOON?

PARKING IS RESTRICTED AROUND BREWERY AS I AM BASED IN A RESIDENTIAL AREA -AND WOULD ASK ANYONE COMING TO PARK AT THE VILLAGE HALL. BUT, THERE WILL BE SIGNS FROM THE HALL DIRECTING TO THE BREWERY

HOPE TO SEE YOU THERE!

RETURN OF THE FEAST - NOT QUITE THE WICKER MAN

2011-08-01T15:41:00.000-07:00

ALD BROUGH ST JOHN VILLAGE FEAST RUNS FROM THE 6-14 AUGUST THIS YEAR. I LIKED THIS BEER AND PUMP CLIP SO MUCH, IT SEEMED TO MAKE SENSE TO KEEP THIS AS AN ANNUAL REGULAR FOR THE OCCASION.

FOR FURTHER DETAILS OF FEAST GOINGS ON, GO TO:

http://aldbrough-st-john.co.uk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=15&Itemid=57

AND

http://www.communigate.co.uk/ne/aldbroughfeast/index.phtml

ONE IMPORTANT ADDITION TO THE FEAST PROGRAMME THIS YEAR IS THE MITHRIL ALES OPEN AFTERNOON (TO BE POSTED SEPARATELY)

THE ALE HAS GONE TO THE FOLLOWING FINE ESTABLISHMENTS:

THE WHITE SWAN, GILLING WEST
THE BLACK BULL, MELSONBY
THE BLACK SWAN, STAINDROP
THE SHIP, MIDDLESTONE VILLAGE
PRIVATE DOG AGILITY EVENT, WINSTON - LUKCY DOGS
QUAKERHOUSE, DARLINGTON
THE CROSS KEYS, GAINFORD
THE ROSE AND CROWN, WITTON PARK
DARLINGTON SNOOKER CLUB
MITHRIL ALES OPEN AFTERNOON
ALDBROUGH ST JOHN VILLAGE FEAST PICNIC

ENJOY!

TYKE ALE - WHY DOST THA' CALL THI'SEN TYKES?

2011-07-26T15:36:00.000-07:00

TYKE ALE HAS GONE OUT TO THE FOLLOWING FINE ALE HOUSES:

THE WHITE SWAN, GILLING WEST
THE SHIP, MIDDLESTONE VILLAGE
THE BLACK BULL, MELSONBY
THE BRIDGE, WHORLTON OR MIDDLETON IN TEESDALE
THE CROWN, MICKLETON
THE GOLDEN LION, OSMOTHERLEY
THE SHOULDER OF MUTTON, KIRBY HILL
THE WHEATSHEAF, BORROWBY
THE OLD WELL, BARNARD CASTLE
DARLINGTON SNOOKER CLUB
MITHRIL ALES OPEN DAY, DETAILS TO FOLLOW

FOR THOSE THAT DON'T KNOW THE 1ST AUGUST IS YORKSHIRE DAY, AND YORKSHIRE MEN ARE KNOWN AS TYKES.

FOR THOSE INTERESTED IN THE YORKSHIRE DIALECT WHY NOT POP ALONG TO THE FOLLOWING FOR STARTERS, ON ILKLEY MOOR B'AH T'AT AND ALL THAT

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

DARLINGTON CAMRA UPPER TEESDALE SURVEYING TRIP BEER MENU

2011-07-24T08:50:00.000-07:00

ON FRIDAY THE 22ND JULY, 16 INTREPID CAMRA MEMBERS AND GUESTS SENT OUT FOR FOR THE ANNUAL UPPER TEESDALE SURVEYING TRIP. (THAT'S THE POSH TITLE, ESSENTIALLY BEER CRAWL IN A MINI BUS). THE FOLLOWING WAS OUR MENU FOR THE NIGHT, AND THE SIX QUALITY PUBS IN FOUR VILLAGES: YOU MAY NOTICE A THEME WITH SOME OF THE BEERS?

MIDDLETON IN TEESDALE

TEESDALE HOTEL

Black Sheep Best Bitter 3.8%
Mithril Ales Dog Days 4.0%
Yard of Ale Boar’s Pit 3.8%

THE BRIDGE

Mithril McLoughlin Gold 4.0%
Mithril Crafty Crab 3.9%

HOLWICK

THE STRATHMORE ARMS

Camerons Strongarm 4.0%
Jarrow Rivet Catcher 4.0%

MICKLETON

THE CROWN

Mithril Yellow Jersey 3.7%
Black Sheep Best Bitter 3.8%
Timothy Taylor Landlord 4.3%

COTHERSTONE

FOX AND HOUNDS

Black Sheep Best Bitter 3.8%
York Pride of York 4.8%

RED LION

Mithril Dere Street 3.8%
Hambleton Bucking Bruiser 4.0%
Jennings Cumberland 4.0%

HOPEFULLY A WRITE UP WILL FOLLOW SHORTLY IN THE DARLINGTON DRINKER, WHICH HAS JUST RELAUNCHED AFTER THE RETIREMENT OF THE LONG TERM EDITOR LAST YEAR.

THE DOG DAYS ARE OVER

2011-07-19T15:12:00.000-07:00

WELL THAT'S NOT ENTIRELY TRUE.
IT'S JUST BEEN DELIVERED OUT THIS WEEK, UNLESS ANY OF THE FOLLOWING PUBS HAVE TAPPED AND SPILED LIGHTNING QUICK AND BEEN INVADED BY BEER HUNGRY DEMONS IT IS PROBABLY NICELY SETTLING IN SOME COOL CELLARS AS WE SPEAK.
GRAB IT WHILST YOU CAN AT:

THE SHIP, MIDDLESTONE VILLAGE
THE WHITE SWAN. GILLING WEST
THE CROWN, MICKLETON
THE BLACK SWAN, STAINDROP
THE SHOULDER OF MUTTON, KIRBY HILL
THE QUAKER, DARLINGTON
THE OLD WELL, BARNARD CASTLE
THE WHEATSHEAF, BORROWBY
THE KINGS ARMS, SANDHUTTON
THE TEESDALE HOTEL, MIDDLETON IN TEESDALE

THE CURSE OF THE PUMP CLIPS WITH A VAGUELY SUMMER THEME STRIKES AGAIN!
THE WEATHER IS HOT AND SO THE DOG IS EXUDING PERSPIRATION - OF COURSE AS WE ALL KNOW IT'S BEEN RAINING PRACTICALLY NON STOP SINCE THE WEEKEND. SHOULD HAVE GIVEN HIM AN UMBRELLA

TOUR DE FRANCE - YELLOW JERSEY CYCLING TO VICTORY

2011-07-13T15:07:00.001-07:00

I CAN'T REMEMBER THE LAST TIME I CYCLED, IT WAS PROBABLY A COUPLE OF YEARS AGO WHEN I WAS WORKING A BEER FESTIVAL AT THE CROWN, MANFIELD AND COULDN'T CADGE A LIFT OF ANYONE.

THAT'S NOT TO SAY THAT I DON'T RESPECT CYCLISTS. I OFTEN THINK TO MYSELF WHEN I AM OUTSIDE MY LOCAL HAVING A FAG AND DRINKING A BEER, THAT IF I CYCLED I WOULD BE FAR HEALTHIER AND FITTER - THINK I AM MORE A SPECTATOR.

GO TO THE OFFICIAL TOUR DE FRANCE WEBSITE AND SEE WHAT TYPE OF CYCLIST YOU ARE:

http://www.letour.fr/2011/TDF/COURSE/us/le_parcours.html

YELLOW JERSEY HAS GONE OUT TO THE FOLLOWING FINE ESTABLISHMENTS
THE SHIP, MIDDLESTONE VILLAGE
THE WHITE SWAN, GILLING WEST
THE BLACK BULL, MELSONBY
THE BRIDGE, WHORLTON OR MIDDLETON IN TEESDALE
DOG AGILITY EVENT, WINSTON - PRIVATE FUNCTION, LUCKY DOGS
THE BLACK SWAN, STAINDROP
THE CROWN, MICKLETON
THE VANE ARMS, LONG NEWTON
THE CROSS KEYS, GAINFORD
THE OLD WELL, BARNARD CASTLE

ENJOY

A WICKED WIKIO RANKING!

2011-07-11T09:21:00.000-07:00

I WAS PLEASED TO RECENTLY GET AN EMAIL FROM WIKIO, STATING THAT MITHRIL ALES IS CURRENTLY AT POSITION 148 ON THE WINE AND BEER BLOGS.

WHEN I FIRST STARTED OUT ON THIS I WAS JUST CHUFFED ANYONE WAS READING IT, AND I HOPE THOSE THAT DO FIND IT EITHER VAGUELY INTERESTING (I WILL MAKE IT MORE SO WHEN I AM A BIT LESS BUSY) OR AT LEAST LIKE MY PUMP CLIPS

LET'S SEE IF I CAN MAKE IT TO 147 NEXT MONTH!

CRAFTY CRAB SCUTTLING ABOUT IN JULY

2011-07-04T15:01:00.000-07:00

THIS WEEK'S ALE TAKES INSPIRATION FROM THE STAR SIGN FOR JULY. PINCER CLAWS ARE QUITE CLEARLY MADE FOR HOLDING A NICE COOL PINT OF ALE ON A HOT SUMMER NIGHT'S NIGHT. GRAB HIM WHILE YOU CAN FROM:

THE CROWN AT MANFIELD - CIDER FESTIVAL COMING UP THIS WEEKEND MORE TO FOLLOW

THE SHIP, MIDDLESTONE VILLAGE

THE WHITE SWAN, GILLING WEST

THR BLACK BULL, MELSONBY

DOG AGILITY SHOW, IN WINSTON AREA

THE SHOULDER OF MUTTON, KIRBY HILL

THE FROG AND FERRET, SPENNYMOOR

THE CROWN, MICKLETON

ENJOY!

INDEPENDENCE DAY -

2011-06-26T14:25:00.000-07:00

I HAVE NOTICED OF LATE THAT ABOUT 10-50% OF MY BLOG HITS REGULARLY COME FROM AMERICA. INDEPENDENCE DAY IS ALSO THE SAME DAY AS MY WEDDING ANNIVERSARY (OH THE IRONY) SO IT SEEMS FITTING TO CELEBRATE BOTH OCCASIONS. INDEPENDENCE DAY HAS SHIPPED OUT TO THE FOLLOWING FINE ENGLISH ESTABLISHMENTS:

THE WHITE SWAN, GILLING WEST
THE BLACK BULL, MELSONBY
THE SHIP, MIDDLESTONE VILLAGE
THE BRIDGE, WHORLTON OR MIDDLETON IN TEESDALE (SAME OWNER, DEPENDS WHERE STEVE WANTS TO PUT IT ON)
THE CROWN, MANFIELD
THE LORD NELSON, APPLETON WISKE
THE SHOULDER OF MUTTON, KIRBY HILL
THE OLD WELL, BARNARD CASTLE
THE CROSS KEYS, GAINFORD
THE ROSE AND CROWN, WITTON PARK
THE SNOOKER CLUB, DARLINGTON

SOME INTERESTING FACTS ON INDEPENDENCE DAY - THE COOKOUTS SOUND GOOD!

http://www.census.gov/newsroom/releases/archives/facts_for_features_special_editions/cb10-ff12.html

GLASTONBURY

2011-06-21T15:32:00.000-07:00

THE LAST TIME I WENT TO GLASTONBURY WAS 1981, NEW ORDER AND FRANK ZAPPA WERE THE BIG NAMES.

I FOUND A SITE http://www.ukrockfestivals.com/glastonbury-festival-1981.html

WHERE IT SHOWS THE PLAYLIST FOR THAT YEAR. THE FESTIVAL WAS OBVIOUSLY ALOT SMALLER THEN, AND ALOT MORE POLITICAL - ALTHOUGH I HAVE TO CONFESS I WAS THERE FOR THE MUSIC NOT CND. (AND COPIOUS AMOUNTS OF SCRUMPY CIDER, A GALLON WAS £2.50 !)

I HAVE OFTEN THOUGHT OF GOING AGAIN - BUT THINK IT'S PROBABLY FAR TOO BIG AND CORPORATE FOR ME NOW.

ANYWAY, ENOUGH BEING AN OLD FOGEY THE CHEAPER VERSION OF GLASTONBURY (JUST GET YOUR LOCAL PUB TO SWITCH THE HIGHLIGHTS ON THEIR TV) HAS GONE TO:

THE WHITE SWAN, GILLING WEST

THE BLACK BULL, MELSONBY

THE BLACK SWAN, STAINDROP

THE SHIP INN, MIDDLESTONE VILLAGE

THE LORD NELSON, GAINFORD

THE QUAKERHOUSE, DARLINGTON

THE GEORGE, PIERCEBRIDGE

THE OLD WELL, BARNARD CASTLE

THE WHITE SWAN, DANBY WISKE

THE OLD YARD TAPAS BAR, DARLINGTON

ENJOY!

MIDSUMMER MADNESS

2011-06-20T15:04:00.000-07:00

YOU'VE STILL GOT TIME TO GET YOURSELF DOWN TO STONEHENGE (IF YOU SET OFF NOW) TO TAKE PART IN THE FESTIVITIES FOR THE SUMMER SOLSTICE. I HAVE ENCLOSED THE LINK FOR THE FESTIVAL

http://blog.stonehenge-stone-circle.co.uk/2011/04/27/stonehenge-summer-solstice-celebrations-2011-june-20th-june-21st/

FOR EVERYONE ELSE THERE'S THE CHEAPER OPTION OF JUST TROTTING ALONG TO ONE OF THE FOLLOWING PUBS FOR MY BEER - TRANSCENDENTAL HIPPIE PSYCHEDELIC EXPERIENCE OPTIONAL!

THE SHIP AT MIDDLESTONE VILLAGE
THE BRIDGE AT WHORLTON OR MIDDLETON IN TEESDALE
THE BLACK BULL, MELSONBY
THE WHITE SWAN, GILLING WEST
THE WHEATSHEAF, BORROWBY
THE OLD WELL, BARNARD CASTLE
THE CROWN INN, MICKLETON
THE CROSS KEYS, GAINFORD
THE GRAND HOTEL, BISHOP AUCKLAND
THE MILBANK ARMS, WELL

ENJOY

2011-06-13T15:49:00.000-07:00

FOR THOSE WHO ARE VAGUELY INTERESTED, DERE STREET REFERS TO THE ROMAN ROAD WHICH HEADS NORTH THROUGH PIERCEBRIDGE (NEAR TO WHERE I LIVE). I WOULD LIKE TO TAKE FULL CREDIT FOR THIS IDEA, HOWEVER THERE ARE PROBABLY SEVERAL REGULARS FROM THE WHITE SWAN (MORE INTELLECTUALLY MINDED THAN ME) WHO WOULD STATE IT WAS THEIR IDEA.

HE DOESN'T LOOK A PARTICULARLY BLOODTHIRSTY ROMAN EITHER - IN FACT I WOULD SAY HE WAS A FRIENDLY LITTLE CHAP - SO IT'S CLEARLY ALSO NOT A HOMAGE TO SPARTACUS EITHER (THE SKY VERSION, NOT THE KIRK DOUGLAS ONE)

ANYWAY, HE'S FIGHTING HIS WAY TO A PUB NEAR YOU - ALTHOUGH HE HAS BEEN AND GONE AT THE GEORGE.

THE SHIP AT MIDDLESTONE VILLAGE

THE WHITE SWAN IN GILLING WEST

THE BLACK BULL, MELSONBY

THE BRIDGE - COULD BE WHORLTON, COULD BE MIDDLESTON TEESDALE

THE FROG AND FERRET, SPENNYMOOR

THE SHOULDER OF MUTTON, KIRBY HILL

THE COUNTY, AYCLIFFE VILLAGE

THE QUAKERHOUSE, DARLINGTON

THE SURTEES ARMS, FERRYHILL STATION

THE GEORGE, PIERCEBRIDGE - BEEN AND GONE I AM AFRAID

TWIN HOPS

2011-06-11T05:24:00.000-07:00

THE ZODIAC, YOU GOTTA LOVE IT - AT LEAST FOR TWELVE BREWS OF THE YEAR I HAVE AN EASY TIME THINKING OF NAMES OR VARIATIONS OF FOR MY BEER. (FOR OBVIOUS REASONS NEXT MONTHS BREW WILL HAVE CRAB IN THE TITLE, NOT THE ACTUAL STAR SIGN)

ANYWAY, GEMINI IS A GOLDEN ZESTY AND HOPPY ALE AND IT HAS BEEN SENT OUT THIS WEEK TO THE FOLLOWING:

THE SHIP INN AT MIDDLESTONE VILLAGE
THE BLACK BULL IN MELSONBY
THE WHITE SWAN IN GILLING WEST
BOGGARTS - AGAIN ON A MAGICAL MYSTERY TOUR
THE BLACK SWAN AT STAINDROP
NUMBER 22, DARLINGTON
THE FROG AND FERRET, SPENNYMOOR
THE COUNTY, AYCLIFFE VILLAGE
THE QUAKERHOUSE, DARLINGTON
THE WHEATSHEAF, BORROWBY
THE SNOOKER CLUB, DARLINGTON

NO PUMP CLIPS AT THE INN

2011-06-05T11:23:00.000-07:00

I OFTEN GET EMAILS AND ON OCCASION LETTERS FROM PUMP CLIP COLLECTORS, ASKING FOR SOME CLIPS FOR THEIR OWN COLLECTION. I TOO WAS AN AVID COLLECTOR AS A TEENAGER, MY BEDROOM WALL WAS COVERED IN THEM - MUCH TO MY PARENTS ANNOYANCE . (HEY YOU WOULD HAVE BEEN EVEN ANGRIER IF YOU KNEW ABOUT THE SECRET STASH OF ALCOHOL IN MY 'BOOK' CUPBOARD - HAPPY DAYS)

I REALLY VALUE ALL THOSE WHO READ THE BLOG, AND WOULD LIKE SOME MITHRIL PUMP CLIPS FOR THEIR COLLECTION. HOWEVER, THE TRUTH IS (AND I HOPE TO SHOW HOW MY CLIPS ARE PRODUCED) I ONLY GET ENOUGH PRINTED TO COVER THE CASKS BEING DELIVERED OUT.

RECENTLY YOU WILL HAVE NOTICED I HAVE STARTED TO INTRODUCE THE CLIPS VIA THE BLOG. I HOPE THIS HAS MADE IT EASIER FOR COLLECTORS TO JUST PRINT OFF THEIR OWN FOR THEIR COLLECTION? ESSENTIALLY ALL I DO IS PRINT OFF ON GOOD QUALITY PHOTO PAPER AND THEN LAMINATE.

IF YOU ARE HAVING PROBLEMS PLEASE FEEL FREE TO EMAIL ME, I WOULD BE HAPPY TO EMAIL THE PDF DIRECTLY.

GETTING WIGGLESWORTH WITH IT

2011-06-05T06:52:00.000-07:00

WE WERE LUCKY ENOUGH TO BE ASKED TO JOIN SOME FRIENDS WHO WERE ON HOLIDAY IN THE WIGGLESWORTH AREA. (LUCKY SODS)

OUT CAME THE GOOD BEER GUIDE AND A TABLE WAS DULY BOOKED FOR AN EVENING MEAL ON FRIDAY AT THE MAYPOLE INN IN LONG PRESTON, LINK BELOW

http://www.maypole.co.uk/

IN 2010 THEY WERE AWARDED THE KEIGHLEY AND CRAVEN CAMRA PUB OF THE YEAR TITLE.

LOVELY PUB OVERLOOKING A VILLAGE GREEN WITH A MAYPOLE ON IT (SPOOKILY ENOUGH) CHILD FRIENDLY, GOOD FOOD AND SERVICE. THE YOKRSHIRE HAM AND EGGS WAS LIKE GETTING A WHOLE COW ON A PLATE. FOR THOSE MORE INTERESTED IN BEER THE PUB SERVES A GOOD SELECTION OF LOCAL ALES INCLUDING:
MOORHOUSES PREMIUM BITTER, TAYLORS LANDLORD, SALTAIRE BLOND AND MOORHOUSES BLOND WITCH.

COME UP AND SEE ME, MAKE ME SMILE

2011-06-03T07:23:00.000-07:00

NOT ONLY IS MAY THE MONTH OF THE ZOMBIE, BUT APPARENTLY IT IS ALSO THE MONTH OF THE SMILE . WHY, DON'T ASK ME - ASK THE SEARCH ENGINE THAT I GOT THE INFORMATION FROM. BUT IT HELPED WITH A NAMING ISSUE.

SMILE HAS GONE OUT TO THE FOLLOWING ESTABLISHMENTS - HOPE IT DOES MAKE YOU SMILE!

THE WHEATSHEAF, BORROWBY

THE BLACK SWAN, STAINDROP

THE BRIDGE, WHORLTON

THE BLACK BULL , MELSONBY

THE WHITE SWAN, GILLING WEST

THE MANOR HOUSE, MALTBY

THE GEORGE, PIERCEBRIDGE

THE BRIDGE, MIDDLETON IN TEESDALE

BOGGARTS - ON A MYSTERY TOUR

THE KINGS ARMS , SANDHUTTON

BEER FESTIVAL THE SHIP INN 26TH MAY TO 30TH MAY

2011-05-23T15:59:00.000-07:00

ANOTHER OF MY REGULAR CUSTOMERS IS HOLDING A BEER FESTIVAL OVER THE BANK HOLIDAY WEEKEND. THE AWARD WINNING SHIP INN AT MIDDLESTONE VILLAGE.

NOT SURE IF ANY OF MY BEERS WILL BE ON, THEY HAVE HAD MAYHEM AND ZOMBIE BUT THESE MAY HAVE GONE BY THE TIME OF THE FESTIVAL. HOWEVER AS THE POSTER SAYS OVER 22 QUALITY BEERS - YOU CAN'T GO WRONG WITH THAT.

CONTACT NUMBER IS 01388 810904

WEBSITE IS :

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

CROCODILE ROCK - ONE DAY BEER FESTIVAL AT BARNARD CASTLE RUGBY CLUB 28TH MAY 2011

2011-05-22T16:06:00.000-07:00

Two casks from Mithril Ales are winging their way to Barnard Castle Rugby Clubs 1st one day beer festival. This is being held on Saturday the 28th May over the Bank Holiday weekend.

A cask of Route A66 and also special cask of 'Green Alligator', as this is the name of their charitable arm (although this is not the official logo as that has not been finalised yet)

Details as follows:

Barnard Castle Rugby Club Beer Festival, 7 Birch Road, Barnard Castle, County Durham DL12 8JR
Saturday 28th May

Approximately a dozen or so real ales will be available at this one day festival. The festival will be open on Saturday 28th May from Noon until 11pm

For further information contact Barnard Castle Rugby Club on 01833 631766.

THE WALKING DEAD - ZOMBIE

2011-05-17T14:32:00.001-07:00

I HAVE JUST COME BACK FROM 11 DAYS IN BERWICK UPON TWEED - NEWS TO FOLLOW SHORTLY. HOWEVER, NO SOONER WAS I BACK THEN IT WAS BACK TO BREWING AND ON A NIGHT DELIVERING THE BEER CASKED BEFORE WE HEADED UP THE A1.

AS YOU MAY HAVE NOTICED THERE ARE A NUMBER OF ZOMBIE THEMED FILMS AND TV SHOWS ON AT THE MOMENT. WAS THIS MY INSPIRATION, NO - MAY IS ACTUALLY THE MONTH OF THE ZOMBIE. I THOUGHT IT WAS A BIT ODD MYSELF, BUT CAN'T ARGUE WITH THE FACTS. ALTHOUGH I WOULD SUGGEST YOU DON'T LET ANYONE BITE YOU JUST IN CASE IT'S TRUE!

SO FOR THOSE BRAVE ENOUGH TO DRINK IT. ZOMBIE AT 4.2% HAS GONE TO THE FOLLOWING:

THE SHIP AT MIDDLESTONE VILLAGE
THE BLACK SWAN AT STAINDROP
THE BRIDGE AT MIDDLETON IN TEESDALE
THE BLACK BULL AT MELSONBY
THE WHITE SWAN IN GILLING WEST
THE OLD YARD TAPAS BAR
THE QUAKERHOUSE

TWO BESPOKE CLIPS - FOR THE GRAND HOTEL IN BISHOP AUCKLAND

2011-05-02T15:18:00.000-07:00

The Grand R'Ale' way was a rebadge of Big Fat Royal Wedding for the Model Railway Society

As you will know from blog a number of Mithril Ales were being served at the Grand Hotel in Bishop Auckland's beer festival this weekend. The Kill'ale'manjaro was a rebadge of Route A66 - raising money for a cancer charity and coloured purple - a la Sandra for the occasion.

MAYHEM IN MAY?

2011-05-02T14:41:00.000-07:00

BEING THE MONTH OF MAY I THOUGHT WHAT TO CALL THIS MONTHS BEER, COULD HAVE GONE ALL RATHER ENGLISH AND PREDICTABLE WITH MAYPOLE - BUT NO, I THOUGHT WHAT ABOUT THE MAYHEM OF THE LAST TWO BANK HOLIDAY WEEKENDS ( WELL IN MY SMALL WORLD ANYWAY)

SO IT'S GONE OUT TO THE FOLLOWING, GET IT WHILE YOU CAN:

THE WHITE SWAN AT GILLING WEST

THE BLACK BULL AT MELSONBY

THE SHIP INN AT MIDDLESTONE VILLAGE

THE BRIDGE AT MIDDLETON IN TEESDALE

THE BLACK SWAN AT STAINDROP

THE QUAKERHOUSE IN DARLINGTON

THE OLD YARD TAPAS BAR IN DARLINGTON

AND

THE GRAND HOTEL AT BISHOP AUCKLAND

Surtees Arms Ferryhill Mini Beer Fest 28th April to 30th April

2011-04-27T14:44:00.000-07:00

Still looking for something to do over the Bank Holiday weekend?

Mithril Ales Big Fat Royal Wedding being served and a selection of other ales from around the country.

There is a barbeque and music on Saturday night, which starts from 7.30pm

The Surtees Arms & Yard of Ale Brew Co. Ltd.
NORTH EAST CAMRA PUB OF THE YEAR 2010
Chilton Lane, Ferryhill Station, DL17 0DH.
01740 655724,07828712744
www.thesurteesarms.co.uk & Facebook

Beer Festival at The Grand Bishop Auckland - Friday 29th April - Monday 2nd May

2011-04-27T14:40:00.000-07:00

Still looking for something to do over the Bank Holiday weekend?
Serving two Mithril Ales - renamed and even recoloured for charity (don't blame me if the food colouring goes wrong) - Kill Ale Manjaro, Chris's R'aleway

The Grand, Holdforth Crest, South Church Road, Bishop Auckland, County Durham DL14 6DU
Friday 29th April - Monday 2nd May

Approximately 20 real ales will be available at the festival with a ‘local and not so local’ theme.

FESTIVAL OPENING TIMES:

Friday 29th:
Saturday 30th:
Sunday 1st:
Monday 2nd:
Noon - midnight.
Noon - midnight.
Noon - 10.30pm.
Noon - 11.30pm.

Food will also be available with a barbecue on throughout the festival in the beer garden at the rear.

On Friday evening a ‘prince and pauper’ themed fancy dress competition will be taking place with prizes for the winners. The Grand’s ‘Cellar Dwellers’ ie. The Model Railway Club will also be in attendance with a model railway exhibition.

For further information contact Sandra at The Grand on 07746 360573

THE CROWN INN AT MANFIELD BEER FESTIVAL Friday 29th April - Monday 2nd May

2011-04-27T14:37:00.000-07:00

Looking for something to do over bank holiday weekend? Mithril Ales Big Fat Royal Wedding will be on as well as other great nuptial/royal themed ales

The Crown Inn, Vicars Lane, Manfield, North Yorkshire DL2 2RF
Friday 29th April - Monday 2nd May

Approximately 20 real ales will be available at the festival.

FESTIVAL OPENING TIMES:

Friday 29th:
Saturday 30th:
Sunday 1st:
Monday 2nd:
Noon - midnight.
Noon - midnight.
Noon - 10.30pm.
Noon - 11.30pm.

A presentation will be made to licensees Peter and Karen Hynes of the Crown Inn on Saturday lunchtime for winning Darlington CAMRA’s Country Pub of the Year for 2011.

Food will also be available at the festival along with live entertainment on the evenings and Sunday afternoon (to be confirmed). For further information contact Peter or Karen Hynes at the Crown Inn on 01325 374243.

MY BIG FAT ROYAL WEDDING

2011-04-23T14:33:00.000-07:00

ROYAL WEDDING (4%) HAS GONE OUT TO THE FOLLOWING FINE ESTABLISHMENTS, WHOM I ASSUME WILL BE SAVING IT FOR THE NUPTIALS LATER IN THE WEEK:

THE CROWN INN AT MANFIELD
THE VANE ARMS AT LONG NEWTON

THE SHIP AT MIDDLESTONE VILLAGE

THE BLACK BULL AT MELSONBY

THE BRIDGE AT WHORLTON

THE SHOULDER OF MUTTON AT KIRBY HILL

THE WHITE SWAN AT GILLING WEST

THE SURTEES ARMS AT FERRYHILL

THE STANWICK INN IN ALDBROUGH

THE OLD YARD TAPAS BAR IN DARLINGTON

THE GRAND HOTEL IN BISHOP AUCKLAND

THE BLACK SWAN IN STAINDROP

THE MANOR HOUSE AT MALTBY

THE QUAKERHOUSE IN DARLINGTON

THE GEORGE AT PIERCEBRIDGE

THE OLD WELL AT BARNARD CASTLE

THE FROG AND FERRET AT SPENNYMOOR

THE NAGS HEAD AT SEDGEFIELD

THE COUNTY AT AYCLIFFE VILLAGE

HAPPY ST GEORGE'S - ENGLANDS ALE

2011-04-23T14:24:00.000-07:00

YOU MAY RECALL I CELEBRATED BURNS NIGHT WITH A COMMEMORATIVE BEER - AND SO I HAVE ALSO CELEBRATED ST GEORGE'S IN SIMILAR FITTING STYLE.

WHEN I NEXT WORK OUT HOW TO ADD SOUND (PROBABLY THIS TIME NEXT YEAR), I HOPE TO HAVE THE ROUSING DEEP BARITONE OF BRIAN BLESSED PLAYING IN THE BACKGROUND. HOWEVER, UNTIL THAT TIME COMES ENGLAND'S ALE HAS GONE OUT TO THE FOLLOWING:

THE SHIP INN AT MIDDLESTONE VILLAGE

THE BRIDGE AT MIDDLETON IN TEESDALE

THE BLACK SWAN IN STAINDROP

THE BLACK BULL AT MELSONBY

THE OLD WELL AT BARNARD CASTLE

THE BRIDGE AT WHORLTON

THE WHITE SWAN AT GILLING WEST

THE GEORGE AT PIERCEBRIDGE

AND A SURPRISE DESTINATION TO FEATURE SHORTLY THIS WEEK!

BEER FESTIVAL AT THE OLD WELL IN BARNARD CASTLE FROM 22ND APRIL TO 2ND MAY

2011-04-22T13:54:00.001-07:00

MOST BEER FESTIVALS LAST A DAY, SOME A COUPLE OF DAYS OR EVEN A LONG WEEKEND. NOT THE OLD WELL IN BARNARD CASTLE. THEIR FESTIVAL IS RUNNING FROM THE 22ND APRIL TO THE 2ND MAY! 11 DAYS OF PURE BEER FESTING, WHAT MORE COULD BARNIE ASK FOR.

THE FESTIVAL OPENED AT 12.00 TODAY, AND RUNS EVERYDAY FROM 12-12PM. THERE ARE OVER 20 BEERS AND 2 CIDERS, FOOD SERVED 12-2.30 AND 6-8.30 - PLUS FRIDAY TO MONDAY THERE IS FREE MUSIC FROM 3.00PM.

AS BEERS RUN OUT, NEW ONES TAKE THEIR PLACE - AND PETER THE LANDLORD IS PUTTING OUT A FRESH BEER LIST EACH DAY. THERE IS A FESTIVAL SPECIAL GLASS FOR £3.00, AND YOU CAN GET 10 HALVES FOR £14.00.

WE WERE THERE TODAY AND THE PLACE WAS JUMPING, THEY HAVE A DECENT SIZE BEER GARDEN - JUST GET THERE QUICK IF YOU WANT A SEAT.

THREE MITHRIL ALES ARE BEING SERVED, ROUTE A66, ENGLANDS ALE AND ROYAL WEDDING - PLUS MANY OTHER WELL KNOWN NORTHERN ALES, WYLAM AND YARD OF ALE TO NAME A FEW. THE FESTIVAL IS SPONSORED BY YORK BREWERY AND THEIR GUZZLER WAS ON FINE FORM - IDEAL FOR THIS SUMMER WEATHER

SPRINGTIME, BUT IT LOOKS LIKE SUMMER'S HERE

2011-04-17T13:58:00.000-07:00

YOU'D THINK I'D LEARN AFTER THE LAST CUTE PICTURE POSTING OF AN ANIMAL. BUT, AS I AM

A COUNTRY DWELLER AND THIS IS A BUSY

TIME FOR SHEEP FARMERS (WHO CAN FAIL TO NOTICE THE LITTLE LAMBS IN THE FIELDS) THE LAMB SEEMED TO CONJURE UP THE ESSENCE OF THIS 4.0% AMBER ALE, MALTY WITH A HOPPY FINISH.

IT'S GONE OUT TO THE FOLLOWING PUBS, MINT SAUCE OPTIONAL:

THE CROWN INN - WHERE IS WAS BADGED WITH A SPECIAL PUMP CLIP FOR KAREN'S 50TH BIRTHDAY

THE SHIP INN AT MIDDLESTON VILLAGE

THE BRIDGE AT MIDDLETON IN TEESDALE

THE BLACK BULL IN MELSONBY

THE OLD WELL BARNARD CASTLE

THE QUAKERHOUSE

THE GEORGE AT PIERCEBRIDGE

THE WHITE SWAN AT GILLING WEST

AND TWO TO BOGGARTS, DESTINTATION UNKNOWN - IF YOU SPY IT LET ME KNOW!

NICE PAIR OF HANDPUMPS, SHAME ABOUT THE FACE - ANNIVERSARY ALE

2011-04-11T15:32:00.000-07:00

MITHRIL ALES REACHED IT'S ONE YEAR ANNIVERSARY ON THE 7TH APRIL.

TO COMMEMORATE THIS AUSPICIOUS OCCASION I APPEAR ON THE PUMP CLIP

LIKE A Z LIST CELEBRITY, TRYING TO GET IN ON THE ACT OF THE FINE AWARD WINNING ALES THAT ARE ROUTE A66 AND FLOWER POWER. APOLOGIES TO ANYONE WHO MAY ALREADY HAVE BEEN FRIGHTENED WHEN AT THE BAR OF ONE OF THE FOLLOWING PUBS:

THE SHIP INN AT MIDDLESTONE VILLAGE

THE BRIDGE AT MIDDLETON TEESDALE

THE BLACK SWAN AT STAINDROP

THE BLACK BULL AT MELSONBY

THE QUAKERHOUSE

THE WHEATSHEAF AT BORROWBY

THE WHITE SWAN IN GILLING WEST

THE GEORGE HOTEL IN PIERCEBRIDGE

GEOFF'S PARTY TIME IN THE VILLAGE, ON AT 8.00 AND FINISHED BY 10.15PM!!!

THE QUAYS IN DARLINGTON

THE GRAND HOTEL IN BISHOP

THE DARLINGTON SNOOKER CLUB

THANKS TO ALL PUBS, CLUBS, PRIVATE PARTYS, BEER FESTIVALS AND THEIR ATTENDANT DRINKERS WHO HAVE SUPPORTED ME OVER THE LAST YEAR - I COULDN'T HAVE DONE IT WITHOUT YOU!!!!

Re-Opening of the Bridge at Whorlton and New House Beer, McLoughlin Gold

2011-04-07T14:12:00.000-07:00

Mithril Ales are proud to present the first commissioned house beer 'McLoughlin Gold'.

It is now the house beer for Steve McLoughlin's pubs which include:

The Black Swan at Staindrop, which readers of this blog will recall is much favoured by this brewer for the very tasty steak at bargainous prices (and real chips)

The Bridge at Middleton Teesdale, which Steve took over recently after it had been shut for some time.

The Bridge at Whorlton, which is reopening tomorrow - and in addition to the house beer my Anniversary Ale is also being served (to follow on blog shortly)

and also The Croxdale Inn at Croxdale, which reopens from next week.

I wish Steve and his family all the best with their ventures!

Guiseley Factory Workers Club 5th Beer Festival 8th and 9th April

2011-04-07T14:08:00.000-07:00

A you may recall two Mithril Ales have travelled down to the Festival being held this weekend. To refresh they are Route A66 and April Fool in addition to thirty other beers, ciders and perries. I have enclosed a link below. Another trip I am unfortunately missing, due to going on a Mick Slaughter tour round York on Saturday. The link is enclosed below http://www.guiseleyfactoryworkersclub.co.uk/beers.html

The 2011 Booze 'n' Cues Beer Festival

2011-03-31T14:13:00.000-07:00

Darlington Snooker Club booze and cues beer festival will have kicked off tonight. Would have liked to have got there, but I brewed and casked today and was just k'nackered. However, I am going out there on the Saturday night, on the 6.45pm last bus that runs from the village to Darlington. As well as great beers, and I don't just mean mine - Peter and his mum always put on good, very well priced food from a humble sandwich to a meal. Further details can be found on the link below http://www.darlocamra.org.uk/beerfestivals.html Enjoy

APRIL FOOL IS OUT A FEW DAYS EARLY!

2011-03-28T15:32:00.000-07:00

NO REST FOR THE BREWER, NO SOONER HAS ONE GONE OUT THEN THE NEXT IS FOLLOWING VERY QUICKLY IN IT'S FOOTSTEPS (WELL AS QUICK AS THE FOCUS GROUP - MYSELF AND C, CAN COME UP WITH A NAME). THE ONE THING THAT IS GOOD, IS THE LIGHT NIGHTS WHICH MEAN THAT I CAN SEE BETTER WHERE I AM DRIVING AND APPRECIATE THE COUNTRYSIDE

APRIL FOOL AT 4.2% HAS GONE OUT TO THE FOLLOWING FINE ESTABLISHMENTS:

THE SHIP INN AT MIDDLESTONE VILLAGE

THE BRIDGE AT MIDDLETON IN TEESDALE

THE BLACK BULL IN MELSONBY

THE GUISELY FACTORY WORKERS CLUB, WEST YORKS

THE MANOR HOUSE, MALTBY

THE SHOULDER OF MUTTON, KIRBY HILL

THE KINGS ARMS, SANDHUTTON

THE VANE ARMS, LONG NEWTON

THE OLD YARD TAPAS BAR IN DARLINGTON

THE WHITE SWAN AT GILLING WEST

ARIES THE RAM - A PURPLE HAZE

2011-03-23T15:35:00.000-07:00

PETER FROM DARLINGTON SNOOKER CLUB ASKED IF I COULD NAME A BEER THAT WOULD FIT IN WITH HIS ANIMAL THEMED BEER FESTIVAL. IT STARTS ON THURSDAY THE 31ST MARCH (MORE DETAILS TO FOLLOW). MY BIRTHDAY IS COMING UP ON THE 4TH APRIL (HINT HINT, YOU KNOW WHO YOU ARE) SO I DECIDED TO OPT FOR ARIES AS MY STAR SIGN.

THINK THIS RAM HAS BEEN LISTENING TO A BIT TOO MUCH HENDRIX.

IT IS 3.9% AND HAS BEEN DELIVERED OUT TO:

THE SHIP INN AT MIDDLESTONE VILLAGE

THE BRIDGE AT MIDDLETON IN TEESDALE

THE BLACK SWAN IN STAINDROP

THE BLACK BULL IN MELSONBY

THE QUAKERHOUSE IN DARLINGTON

THE A66 MOTEL IN SMALLWAYS

THE WHITE SWAN IN GILLING WEST

THE COUNTY AT AYCLIFFE VILLAGE

THE WHEATSHEAF IN BORROWBY

THE DARLINGTON SNOOKER CLUB

AND THE GRAND HOTEL IN BISHOP AUCKLAND

Folk 'n' Ale I Forgot To Put Down Where It All Went!

2011-03-23T15:29:00.000-07:00

Apart from the recent Darlington CAMRA Spring Thing, Folk 'n Ale also went out to the following fine establishments:

The Ship Inn at Middlestone Village
The Bridge Inn At Middleton In Teesdale
The Old Yard Tapas Bar in Darlington
The Frog and Ferret In Spennymoor
The Star In Huddersfield - for their beer festival, kindly delivered by Yorkshire Dales Brewery
The Black Bull in Melsonby
The White Swan In Gilling West, and
The Old Well in Barnard Castle