BEER is one of the world’s oldest beverages – although the version imbibed by our ancient ancestors would be hardly recognisable to modern palates.

It is thought to date back to at least 6000BC and was widely drunk among the African, Egyptian and Sumerian peoples.

This early form of beer arrived in Europe about 3000BC, and is one of the UK’s most popular drinks behind water and tea. It’s perhaps appropriate then that beer and the National Trust should have formed an alliance.

Most people think the Trust’s sole role is to protect the nation’s most beautiful countryside and grandest stately homes. But less well known is that the Trust also has a handful of fully operational pubs in its care.

There’s the medieval Fleece Inn near Evesham in Worcestershire which has become well known for its weekly folk music sessions, Morris dancing and asparagus festival and auctions.

The 17th Century George Inn in Southwark, London, is the capital’s last remaining galleried hostelry. Meanwhile, The Crown Bar in Belfast boasts period gas lighting, cosy snugs and an ornate interior of brightly coloured tiles and glass alongside locally brewed Whitewater beers and stout.

Not to be left out, here in the North East we have our own hand-crafted National Trust beers developed by Whitley Bay-based Delavals, all of which capture a taste of the properties they are named after. There’s the sweet, golden Washington Old Hall Honey Beer inspired by the property’s own hive of bees; Seaton Delaval Hall Pale Ale which is based on an 18th century recipe for the small beer once prepared in the on-site brew house; Souter Lighthouse Best Bitter, a brilliant copper coloured drink that takes its lead from the fact the famous beacon was the first in the world to use electricity, and Lindisfarne Castle Dark Ale which uses hyssop from the adjacent walled garden designed by Gertrude Jekyll.

But that’s not all. The National Trust can also boast what must be Gateshead’s biggest beer garden at Gibside.

Every Friday night the stunning 18th Century landscape garden and nature reserve just a few minutes’ drive from the Gateshead Metrocentre, transforms itself into a picturesque community pub.

It’s a ‘local’ with a difference. Gibside’s tea garden is converted into a beer garden while the Potting Shed Café becomes a cosy pub serving Wylam Ales, other drinks and snacks.

Profits go towards the continued restoration of the walled garden, whose produce once graced the table of the mighty Bowes family – ancestors of the late Queen Mother – who created the vast parkland with its iconic Avenue, woods, winding walks and historic buildings offering stunning views over the Derwent valley.

Since the beer garden opened around £10,000 has been raised towards the restoration project, which will take on new impetus from this autumn when the walled garden will become vehicle free with the opening of a new visitor car park.

The aptly named Sun Down at Gibside runs between 6pm-9pm. Free to attend, it is the perfect place to relax at the end of a long week.

Families are welcome and it offers an unspoilt setting for parents to sit while watching the children enjoy the play area with its climbing frame.

The bar stays open whatever the weather and there are braziers in the beer garden to take away any evening chill.

Patrons are free to explore the walled garden with its community allotments, flower beds, herb borders and fruit trees.

There’s more cerebral entertainment as well. There’s a once monthly pub quiz and giant outdoor versions of popular games like Jenga, and Connect 4 to borrow. Live music is a regular feature, with a buskers’ night on the first Friday of each month, led by some of Gibside’s own staff and volunteers (including the landscape manager, Phil Bolam, wildlife warden, John Grundy, and visitor welcome officer, Richard Bradley).

Seasonal hog roasts are also held in the beer garden. The next will be a half-term themed one on February 17.

The novel idea was inspired after property manager Mick Wilkes saw a Facebook post lamenting the lack of a pub in Rowlands Gill, which is just a short walk from Gibside.

He says: “We felt this was a great opportunity to provide a service for the local community whilst supporting our own plans to restore the walled garden to its historic best. Even better, Gibside’s family-friendly atmosphere means the grown-ups can enjoy a drink and relax knowing the children will be safe.”

Since launching weekly in April last year following a successful trial run in 2010, Sun Down at Gibside has proved to be an increasingly popular Friday night event.