retiredmartin

 

Already half way through my eight Guide Tyneside ticks, and not a dud yet.  Time to “meet a local” who knows everything about Newcastle, and has the good fortune to drink at one of the best Draught Bass houses in the country.

Electric Pics, who posts under the alias “Adrian” was responsible for this classic pic of Simon and Tom Irvin arriving in Whitley Bay in Christmas 2017.

He’s dropped his green marker (Pic: Electric Pics)

“Adrian” has given us some great photos of the North-East, take a look at his blog here.

With approximately 3 minutes notice, he left behind his tea of oysters, samphire and champagne (he lives in Tynemouth) and joined me in Storm Front.

Yes, it’s not actually called Storm Front, that’s a Billy Joel LP, but it’s easy to get your cats and mice and dogs and rabbits and storms mixed up in micro Tyneside.

There’s also a Fat Ox, a Fox & Finch and another Split Chimp here.  Keep up. Or move to Cramlington where life is calmer.

3 minutes gave me just enough time to wonder if this was a pre-emptive (dunno),

and see the spot on York Street where the moon landings were faked in 1979.

Adrian could recognise the historic value of my own crumpled notes.

Storm Front Cellars was another neat beer bar with long tables and beer menus, and a decent IPA that Adrian will remember even if I don’t.

Adrian gave me a tutorial on developments in the town, which is undergoing the sort of renaissance Margate has enjoyed or suffered depending on your perspective.

I’m a fan, even though my punishing schedule meant there was no time for an ice cream in the rain or chips from Arcade Chippy on the metro.

NB If you look at the picture of the chef below for 30 seconds you’ll be able to see the unmistakeable likeness of the Angel of the North.  Clever, huh ?