The nights are cutting in, the wind is getting colder. This can only mean Christmas is coming.
What better way to enjoy that than to join us in Newcastle upon Tyne on Saturday 3 December for the annual Crimbo Crawl around the ‘Capital of Craft’.
Our route will take in some of the best sites on Tyneside, so please come and join us for a beer or two…
1200 – 1430 | Wylam Brewery – Palace of Arts, Exhibition Park, Newcastle
(Multiple potential #Prizelessprize photo spots, stunning setting and keep and eye out for all the little features around the brewery)
Wylam’s new home is stunning, added to that the fact that you’re guaranteed a warm welcome, makes this place a must visit. I think its best described in Wylam’s own words, this from their website:
“Our new home at the Palace of Art in Exhibition Park is the last remaining building from the 1929 North East Exhibition. The Exhibition was an ambitious project built to celebrate and encourage Craft, Art and Industry at the start of the Great Depression.
Having remained almost derelict for nearly a decade the building has now sprung back to life as a fully operational working Brewery.
Alongside the Brewery there is a Brewery Tap, which is open to the public Thursdays to Sundays inclusive.
The Grand Hall plays host to Live Music, Weddings, Pop Up Events and more …”
1500 – 1700 | The Free Trade Inn, Byker
(Potential #Prizelessprize location: THE best view on Tyneside, when the river is calm and the sun is setting there is no place more stunning)
One of Tyneside’s most famous views is that from the beer garden of this well-known pub. The front of this unassuming pub looks out and up the River Tyne to the famous bridges, with a spectacular sunset behind them at the right time of day. The view is (almost…) as attractive inside with landlord Mick Potts and his team manning some of the best quality craft beers, both locally sourced and internationally sourced, available for punters. The beer range here is as well-known as the view. It’s the bar probably best known to those outside the region as being the place to go for craft beer.
1800 – 1900 | The Bridge Tavern, Quayside
(Potential #Prizelessprize location: With that iconic bridge providing a back drop, check out the outside area upstairs, literally underneath the bridge)
Nestled snuggly between the supports for the iconic Tyne Bridge, this is the first Brewpub to open in the city. With support coming from Wylam Brewery, this pub has quickly established itself as a favourite for the quayside workers and the late evening crowd alike. There are always beers brewed on the premises available and the fermenting beer can be seen in the FV’s at the back of the bar. Shiny! Landlord Jack is a passionate craft beer explorer and is always looking to source the best beers to get in and serve the locals.
1900 – 2000 | Brewdog, Dean Street, Newcastle
(Potential #Prizelessprize location: Has anyone ever won with a blurry photo of a drunken rabble? Stay upright folks!)
The 7th Brewdog bar to open and arguably the best (given that its in the #capitalofcraft)! Jill and the team are classic Brewdog at its best. They’re always happy to be there and more than happy to discuss beer to the nth degree with the geeks among us! As ever with Brewdog bars, you know what you’re getting. Guaranteed to be some exotic specialties among the non-Brewdog beers and let’s face it we all have our own favourite Brewdog beer. Mines a Black Eyed King Imp by the way…
For those still able, I’m sure we’ll be venturing on to other bars but if you’re looking for us the best way is to send a tweet and find out where we are: @BeerOClockShow, @MylesLambert and @TheAleTrail
Proposed times are approximate so if you’re looking to join us part way through the day feel free to send a tweet or even give us a follow to stay up to date with where we are.
Cheers!