10/11/23 – Thornaby, Stockton, Norton, Billingham and Hartlepool

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A day out running alongside the rail route from Thornaby to Hartlepool. Starting out visiting “Little Acre Micropub”, moving onto Stockton visiting “Tipsy Turtle”, “Golden Smog” and “Kopper Keg”, a short ride out to Norton calling into “Hydes Bar”, and onto Billingham for the “Village Crossing Bar” and “Crafty Cock”. The last call of the day was in Hartlepool to “Rat Race Ale House”, the first Micropub in the area.

Little Acre Micropub

After arriving into Thornaby Station (a direct train from Newcastle) a short ride on the number 15 bus brought me to Thornaby Town Centre (a large shopping centre style town centre). Just on the outside of this is my first calling point “Little Acre Micropub”.

A really warm welcome in here, a very relaxing layout to the place and from chatting to the manager, a really busy place especially at weekends. A number of keg lines on here, including local brewery Camerons alongside a large selection of bottles and cans with some from Middlesbrough based Play Brew Co. A lovely selection of local pork pies from a local supplier are also available on the bar (the Chorizo one was delicious). Went with “Strongarm” from Hartlepool based Camerons Brewery. A tasty Red Ale.

A jump back on the number 15 bus from here takes me back past Thornaby and into Stockton Town Centre.

Tipsy Turtle

My first call in Stockton is to “Tipsy Turtle”, located in Regency West Mall. This opened in July 2020, with an additional next door room which was obtained in November 2021 which is used on Friday and Saturday evenings. A lovely warm feeling when entering this pub with lots of wood and exposed brick works inside.

A choice of 3 cask ales, alongside a number ciders and great keg choices. A couple of fridges packed full of cans and bottles to drink in and takeaway were also available. I went with “Summacrush” from New Bristol Brewery. A delicious juicy and hazy session IPA. Lovely and easy drinking.

Golden Smog

My second call here was to the “Golden Smog”, which was the towns first Micropub which opened in August 2014 down Hambletonian Yard, a small side street off the main street through Stockton. A really quirky bar which was named after environmental conditions that prevailed over Teesside.

A great line up of 6 cask beers on the bar, alongside a large amount of cans and bottles ranging in styles. Also learnt about a “Banker” in here. This is where a lively beer (London Pride in this instance), is poured quick using a tight sparkler, put into the fridge and when the customer is ready to have, the pint is topped up, creating a large head on top of the beer. Here I went with “Hope Valley” from Tapped Brew Co. A tasty US Pale Ale.

Kopper Keg

My third call in Stockton was to the “Kopper Keg”. A popular pub located just off the pedestrianised area of Stockton. A really great vibe on entering here with it near full with regular customers which was great to see. A very warm welcome from the owner serving behind the bar. Absolutely love the added feature of having a screen showing photos of past customers. You may have only been once, but you may appear on the screen.

A great selection of 2 cask beers, 6 keg lines and a selection of ciders, both bag in box and bottles. I went with a favourite brewery of mine, Vault City with their “Cherry Limeade”. The name says it all. Fresh lime juice and ripe cherries combined.

Hydes Bar

Out of Stockton on the bus, this time to Norton. Stagecoach 35 and 36 buses run along the route of this and the next 2 pubs frequently. “Hydes Bar”, opened in December 2016 and dates back to the 1750’s where is was a blacksmiths yard and coach house, before being a joiners & builders merchants for over 50 years (the name coming from this – John Hyde). It has been beautifully renovated, a great indoor and outdoor space (covered for winter). The walls and ceilings are covered in various items which add to the feel.

3 cask ales available on the bar here, all being from Keighley based Timothy Taylors brewery. I went with “Landlord”, a favourite of mine. Known as the drinkers favourite, a very sessionable and easy drinking pale ale.

Village Crossing Bar

Another short bus ride this time to Billingham. My first call here if to the “Village Crossing Bar”. This micropub opened in February 2018 and has seen former uses (in order) as a newsagents, funeral parlour and a village co-op. A lovely layout with church pews, leather seats and a Beatles feature wall. The pub is located directly on a zebra crossing, so the chance of anything happening when leaving are greatly reduced.

One cask ale available today (usually more but sold quicker than expected). A couple of still ciders are also available, alongside a number of keg choices. I went with the cask ale, “Wainwrights” , an easy drinking Golden Ale.

The Crafty Cock

A short 12 minute walk (or even shorter bus ride) to Old Billingham brings me to my next call here, “The Crafty Cock”. Located in a row of shops, this Micropub opened in June 2017, converted from a former restaurant (they serve food now aswell). A great warm welcome in here, seemed a very popular pub as a number of people came in while I was there and it had only just opened. A really relaxed atmosphere in here.

A choice of 2 cask ales on the bar today to choose from, alongside a variety of keg and still cider options to choose from. I went with “Distant Constellations” from Wensleydale Brewery. A tasty and easy drinking blonde beer.

A jump on the train now from either Stockton or Billingham to head back towards Newcastle getting off the train at Hartlepool.

Rat Race Ale House

Located on Hartlepool train station (accessed from the main road or the station platform), is the “Rat Race Ale House”. One of the first Micropubs to open, this being in 2009. It is located in a former newsagents. A micropub in its best form serving real ale and real cider, snacks, nothing fizzy or keg, and a selection of wines and Belgian beers.

A great mix of seating from old bus seats, church pews and more. Lots of pump clips displayed from the ceiling downwards on the walls, adds a different feel to this Micropub.

Started here with “Vista” from Rudgate Brewery , an easy drinking pale ale. Followed with “12 Apostles” from Bristol Beer Factory, showcasing a trio of Australian Hops. Lots of great conversation in here to join in with.