July 2025. Cockerton.
Admit it, you’ve never heard of Cockerton, have you ?
Neither had I, even though this small Durham village is virtually contiguous (great word) with Darlington and only a few minutes from Piercebridge and my best-read blog post.
And it’s got a free space for my campervan from which I can finish Durham’s Guide entries for another year.
What Cockerton doesn’t appear to have is much actual character. though it does have excellent podiatry,
and my first tick the Travellers Rest promises a heritage interior to go with the nod of the head from the West Ham fan in the garden.
What it doesn’t have is any cask, the Ossett having gone and not being replaced.
But BRAPA nearly opted for John Smiths Smooth, the “craft beer” option advertised outside, recently, and it’s served with pleasing if not quite banked head. It’s only £3.60 and a bit rough, but that’s OK.
“Is this a West Ham pub ?” I ask, in innocence, noting the shirt outside and the photo of Sir Bobby lifting the cup in ’64.
The landlady looks perplexed.
“Oh, that, it should be Bobby lifting the World Cup !“. Oh well, most Hammers fans believe they single-handedly won the trophy in ’66, just like Manchester City did the Women’s Euros last night.
Despite no obvious signs of “pub heritage”, which I never care much for anyhow (see : Mountain Daisy) it’s a joy of a sweary village local, and I mean that sincerely.
The action is at the bar, the attention on the Swedes on the TV.
“Offside ! F**k off man !”
retiredmartin 