Festival season is in full swing, and I’ve definitely been making the most of it! From Brew York’s Birthday Bash to Rigg & Furrow’s From the Land Festival and Blackfriars inaugural Beer Festival, it’s been a great first half of the year.
Walks and pub visits have been high on the agenda too. The Star Inn in Harbottle was the perfect destination after an evening hike around The Drake Stone, and closer to home I’m thrilled that Almasty’s tap room is open again for the summer – it has been missed!
One of my more hands-on beer experiences recently was brewing a stout at Brewlab in Sunderland. The new brew day experiences are ideal for anyone considering getting into home brewing, or as a gift for beer-loving friends and family. The beer smelled amazing on the day, and I can’t wait to try the finished stout very soon.
Food-wise, I’ve been spoilt for choice. Estate Tea Co in Heaton is a gem for pan-Asian dishes alongside Donzoko on draught; The French Quarter continues to impress with delicious veggie options and local beers; and I can’t miss out my go-to – The Free Trade Inn on a Wednesday, where Fire & Dough pizzas are paired with a great beer range.
If you’re worrying that you’ve missed all the best events, fear not, there are plenty of beer festivals coming up – including Durham Brewery, Gosforth RFC, Gosforth Civic Theatre, plus Berwick Food & Beer Festival, Northallerton Craft Beer Festival, Sunderland Craft Beer Festival, and Full Circle Fest. Keep your eye on North Shields too as Aperture Ale House is opening soon, and 6 Barrels is launching a new tap room next to Flash House Brewing this summer.
Wherever you end up, let’s say cheers to a summer spent discovering new favourites and supporting the fantastic pubs and breweries that make the North East beer scene so special.
Daisy Turnell is a beer judge, director at Tipple Marketing, and owner of Craft Beer Newcastle.
www.craftbeernewcastle.co.uk
