Autumn always leaves me yearning for hibernation and comfort, so I’ve been donning lots of layers and heading for a cosy pint of cask in the pub – extra points when the fire is on.
After beer-heavy trips to Ghent and New York, it’s been good to be back home to try some local beers.
The annual green hop beers brewed in the North East are always a highlight of harvest season, and Wild North Blonde from Cullercoats Brewery – a collaboration using fresh hops from Wilde Farm in Ponteland; and Fall from Brewis Beer Co – a delicious amber brewed with Cascade hops courtesy of their friends Fiona & Andy in Warkworth – are a couple of my favourites.
With lots of driving on the horizon, I’ve been on the lookout for more alcohol-free options, and the Never Say Never collaboration between Wylam Brewery and Mash Gang is definitely worth the price tag.
Outside of the usual beer-based events, I headed up to The First & Last Brewery in Bellingham to join Wild Intrigue for a Bats & Beers night. Definitely one to check out in 2024!
I’ve also been lucky enough to take a sneak peek at Newcastle’s newest microbrewery, which is launching later this year at Blackfriars. I’m really looking forward to trying their first beers soon!
It was also good to see Full Circle listed on the drinks menu at NEST in Heaton recently – where the vegetarian tasting menu and Sunday lunch are both delicious.
I’m determined to visit my favourite pubs at off-peak times this winter – they need our support – so look out for me with a stout in one hand and a good book (from the fourth Craft Beer Newcastle collaboration with Helen at Forum Books) in the other.
Daisy Turnell is a beer judge, freelance marketing consultant, and owner of Craft Beer Newcastle.
www.craftbeernewcastle.co.uk
