We're lucky in the north east to have a good number of small independent brewers. Most pubs round here serve very good, mostly local, ales. But gone are the days when you're offered a choice of six in the same pub, They just can't shift enough now. Most will have one or two. What is a shame is that the vast majority are pale, hoppy, floral or fruity "golden" ales because it's become fashionable. At least in the smaller of our two locals they sell a selection of bottled ales from a local Northumberland family brewer which range from a stout-like almost black mild, to a ruby ale, an amber (what I'd call "proper") bitter to the ubiquitous golden ale. And they're all still under £4 a pint. I've tried to persevere with lager but it's all produced by big brand corporate brewers these days, it's loaded with chemicals, gives me a thick head and heartburn and tastes much the same. Genuine premium European lagers are alright but they're obscenely expensive and I don't drink anything over 4% these days.
Shame the Keelman is now owned by Valiant pub group. Our main pub in the village is a valiant chain pub and it's been through four managers/tenants in two years.
"I've tried to persevere with lager but it's all produced by big brand corporate brewers these days, it's loaded with chemicals, gives me a thick head and heartburn and tastes much the same. Genuine premium European lagers are alright but they're obscenely expensive and I don't drink anything over 4% these days." Agree, the average lager is a swear word now, and only turn to it now for a simple life and because it's usually more stable, and i don't end up taking it back to the bar. I remember a pub in Pirbright was the only place, apart from a beer festival, where you could get Belhaven 90 shillings ale from Dumbarton. More North West, but what a beer, remember it fondly. They say it's changed a bit from 40 years ago.
I am pleased to report another pub openong near us, The Old Ship at Cadmore End, Call in if you're out this way
