retiredmartin

Another blog to upset you all due to inexplicable omissions in Durham and Stockton, while I make my usual excuse about geographical spread. CAMRA branches make the same justifications for forcing you to visit all the ropey pubs outside the county town all the time.

One of my favourite counties, with wonderful coastline, great walking and historic architecture. And that’s just Peterlee.

Sadly no Peterlee in this five; perhaps you’ll nominate the Spoons ?

It’s a good bunch, though.

Stockton-on-Tees – The Sun (last visited in 2023)

Yes, the one with the bankers, the half pulled pint with a head of foam they keep in the fridge then top up when you hand your £3 over.

But even without the bankers, it’s a wonderfully chaotic club-like pub, packed on the 4 occasions I’ve been in.

Of course, if you com to Stockton you’ll do the parmos and the micropub trail as well.

So please don’t think I’m slighting the Golden Smog by putting in the next one as my micro pick for the county town city.

Durham – Station House (last visited in 2019)

It’s just that you can’t leave this wonderfully civilised place out, a pub packed with students of all ages talking politics,

reminiscent of the Cambridge Blue or the Gardeners Arms if they had an impossible jigsaw.

The fact I had one of the best pints of Tim Taylor Landlord here is almost incidental.

As with Stockton, I’m ashamed at what I left out. The Half Moon, the Victoria and Colpitts would have walked into the Buckinghamshire five.

I wanted a pub from the iron and steel heart of the county, and one you’ve never heard of.

Blackhill – Scotch Arms (last visited in 2020)

The Scotch Arms was a 10 minute walk from Consett’s, Phileas Fogg and all that, a weird, wonderful town.

Tucked away in a row of old workers cottages the Scotch has that classic drinkers feel that characterises a lot of western Durham’s pubs.

“Durham specialises in community pubs like this, where young and old feel welcome.  As long as they wipe their feet.“

Proper food, too.

I had to have a Darlo pub in this five, but I wasn’t sure which.

Darlington – Britannia (last visited in c.2003)

Loads of micros have opened of late, and tapas bars and snooker clubs grace the Guide but the one I recall most fondly was another drinkers pub.

20 years since my visit; I bet it hasn’t changed a jot.

and finally, out into Weardale.

Wolsingham – Black Lion (last visited in 2014)

Luckily, Simon has visited more recently.

Apart from gorgeous beer (twice) I remember warm, cosy and chatty, and apparently pub catty.

Unbeatable scenery as the A689 weaves towards Alston too.

But what’s my sixth pub ? Votes for the South Causey Inn will result in a life ban.

Oh, the horror.