Raising a glass to great local beers

Apr 3 2008 by Kim Carmichael, The Journal

THE barrels were full and the pumps were at the ready to treat the region’s bar industry to a taste of its own medicine yesterday.

The second day of the 32nd Newcastle Beer Festival saw pub bosses sampling some of the 120 ales from 69 breweries to find their favourites.

Among the local ales on offer at the festival, which is being supported by The Journal’s Taste North East England campaign to encourage people to buy local, use local and eat local, were Northumberland Spring Gold, Hadrian & Border, Byker Jazz and many more.

Festival organiser Alan Stobbs is a man who knows a thing or two about local beers, having been involved in the festival for 19 years.

He said: “It’s great to see The Journal getting involved in something like this. It’s a great idea to encourage people to look closer to home for their drinks. Real ales from local breweries are definitely getting more popular now.”

The festival organisers aren’t the only ones who think that local ale is the way forward. Neil Amos, land- lord of the Newcastle Arms, said: “I always try to use local breweries and I think that it’s good that the festival gives people a chance to try real local ale.”

Among the beers served up were those from the Mordue Brewery. Manager Mat Fawson said: “It’s great to see the festival growing every year and the ales gaining more popularity.”

Mark Crosier, landlord of Fitzgerald’s in Whitley Bay, said: “It’s an industry on the up. My advice to anyone who was thinking about trying a new beer would be to ask the bar staff if they can sample a bit to see of they like it.”

Angela Farley, also from the Newcastle Arms, said: “I never used to drink ale but I’m getting more used to them and enjoy drinking different beers now.”

Christine Cromarty, manager of the Bridge Hotel, Newcastle, added: “We sell boat-loads of the ales like the ones here. I think it’s a good idea that The Journal has given its backing to the industry.”