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I commenced the day in Shildon, renowned as the Cradle of the Railways, where the world’s inaugural steam-powered public railway was established. My visit included a stop at George Samuel Brewery. Subsequently, I proceeded to Darlington, distinguished in the 18th century for its linen manufacturing and as the place where the first Quaker was granted a seat in Parliament. Throughout the day, I explored various establishments in the town dedicated to real ale and craft beer.
The Canteen Bar & Kitchen / George Samuel Brewery
My initial activity today involved boarding a train from Darlington to the nearby town of Shildon, renowned as the Cradle of the Railways and the location of the Locomotion Railway Museum. An enriching stroll from the Railway Station led me past the authentic gates to London Euston Station, a historical relic dating back to 1838.
A brief stroll from the Railway Station leads to “The Canteen Bar & Kitchen,” the domicile of “George Samuel Brewery.” Established in 2013 at the rear of The Duke of Wellington in Welbury, North Yorkshire, the brewery was christened after the middle names of the proprietor and head brewer’s two sons, George and Samuel. In 2015, the brewery operated from their residence in Spennymoor. Following a hiatus working for other breweries, just prior to the initial lockdown, the brewery relocated to its present location.
Upon entering, one is greeted by an impressive, multifunctional space housing a brewery, bar, and kitchen. Today, a warm welcome was extended by Laura and Dorothy. The seating area is elegantly adorned with sofas along the back wall, providing a tranquil atmosphere. In the morning, a diverse selection of breakfast items is served from the kitchen, complemented by homemade cakes and pastries. Come evening, a menu offering bar snacks, including a variety of home-cooked burgers and more, is available. Undoubtedly, the appeal of homemade food is unsurpassed.
The bar presents an impressive array of beers, commencing with four cask ales. These include “Harvey,” an exquisite award-winning porter; “Brake Van Brown,” a delectable brown ale; “Leaves on the Line,” an exceptional English Bitter; and “Travelling Light,” a refreshing session IPA.
The establishment offered a selection of 5 different beers and ciders, of which I sampled 3, all of which were locally brewed. I commenced with the “Chocolate Honeycomb,” a rich and flavorful milk stout. This was followed by the “IPA,” a hazy pale ale with robust flavour and pleasant hop notes. Concluding the tasting, I savoured the “DDH Pale Ale,” an exquisitely hoppy beer.
A short bus ride from Shildon into Darlington next.
Hole in the Wall
During my initial visit to Darlington, I frequented the “Hole in the Wall,” a charming pub with a commanding view of Darlington Market Place. Notably, the establishment has recently come under new management. The pub showcases a splendid Edwardian frontage and boasts a commemorative plaque honoring George Butterfield, the former landlord and 1908 Olympian who tragically perished in World War I. The interior is adorned with tasteful, traditional-style seating.
Today, they are offering a selection of two cask beers at the bar. My choice is “Best Bitter” from Theakston Brewery, located in Masham. This particular beer embodies the rich and traditional flavours of English Bitter, delivering an exceptional tasting experience.
House of Hop
Located in Darlington’s Imperial Quarter, “House of Hops” is a sophisticated industrial-style bar featuring both booth and open seating. The inclusion of complimentary sweets on each table adds a thoughtful touch to the establishment. Moreover, the warm and hospitable reception from the bar staff further enhances the overall experience.
Within an esteemed lineup comprising 4 cask beers and 10 keg lines, in addition to a collection of still ciders, I opted for a sour crafted by Edinburgh-based Vault City Brewing. The beer, known as “Strawberry Sundae,” exemplifies a delightful balance of fruitiness and tartness, offering a robust infusion of flavours.
Number Twenty 2
I frequented “Number Twenty 2,” an exquisite town centre ale house that has been honoured with multiple CAMRA awards. The establishment features a spacious interior with the bar positioned on the right-hand side, accompanied by a delightful outdoor seating area at the front. The staff provided a particularly welcoming experience during my recent visit.
A selection of 8 cask ales is available, with some originating from the on-site brewery “The Village Brewer,” commissioned from Hambleton Brewery by the licensee. I selected “Zetland Gold” from The Village Brewer, a light, golden ale offering a delightful, easy-drinking experience and a refreshing taste.
ORB Micropub
Located a short distance up the street is “ORB Micropub,” an abbreviation for Orchard Road Brewery. Housed in a former beauty salon, this establishment spans two floors, with the bar situated on the ground floor upon entry, and additional seating on a raised area towards the rear. Moreover, outdoor seating is available at the front of the pub. I was greeted with a warm welcome from the staff behind the bar upon my visit today.
The establishment offered a selection of 6 cask ales encompassing various styles and strengths, complemented by a range of 10 keg beers, including a variety of ciders. I opted for “Twisting My Lemon Man” from Saltaire’s SALT Brewery, a delectable collaboration with Hooch, producing a fruity Lemon pale ale with delightful flavours.
The Quakerhouse
Following a brief stroll down one of the town’s historic yards, one encounters “The Quakerhouse,” a splendid listed building housing an exquisite bar. Adorned with stained glass windows bearing the establishment’s name, the bar offers an inviting ambience. Additionally, a charming outdoor seating area in the yard provides an appealing option during favourable weather conditions. Shelly extended a warm welcome and engaged in delightful conversation, enhancing the overall experience.
The establishment is home to the “Mad Scientist” brewery and features one of their beers, alongside a selection of 6 other cask ales. I commenced with “Copper Mine” from Mad Scientist Brewery, a flavorful pale ale. Subsequently, I sampled “Tanners – Bag O’ Frogs” from Parkway Brewing Co., a light and rejuvenating blonde ale originating from Somerset.
Crafty Merlin’s Bottle Shop & Micropub
Crafty Merlin’s Bottle Shop & Micropub, situated in one of Darlington’s historic yards, emerged during the pandemic as a primary retail outlet for bottled beverages, featuring online ordering capabilities. Subsequently, the establishment transitioned into a flourishing micropub, offering seating on both its upper and lower levels, and also accommodating outdoor seating. The interior ambiance is notably pleasant and a warm welcome received from Chris.
Today, the bar offers a choice of 10 keg beers/ciders and 3 cask beers. I selected “Delta” from Second Sun Brew Co, a new brewery for me situated in Barnard Castle. This super hazy and hoppy pale ale was truly enjoyable.
The Britannia
After another short walk, I encountered “The Britannia”, an establishment with a rich history dating back to 1859, and one that has garnered numerous commendations from CAMRA. Originally a private residence, the layout of the pub bears vestiges of its former domestic function. Notably, the premises also encompass a splendid outdoor area. Additionally, it is noteworthy that “The Britannia” served as the birthplace of esteemed 19th-century publisher J M Dent, renowned for disseminating the works of literary luminaries such as Charles Lamb, Oliver Goldsmith, Jane Austen, Chaucer, and Tennyson. Notably, my visit elicited a cordial reception from the staff behind the bar.
Today, they are offering a selection of 6 cask ales at the bar, including offerings from Theakston, Greene King, Timothy Taylor’s, and Camerons. I opted for “Boltmaker” from Timothy Taylor’s Brewery, located in Keighley. This ale presents a delightful traditional English Bitter flavour profile, characterized by its rich and robust taste.
Darlington Snooker Club
After taking a brief stroll, I arrived at the “Darlington Snooker Club,” a privately owned establishment managed by Peter for the past 24 years. I was warmly welcomed by Peter, who provided insights into the club’s operations. Accessible via a staircase from street level, the club features a small lounge adjacent to the bar and is equipped with 10 premium snooker tables.
An impressive array of four cask ales was available at the bar. My selection was the “Roaring Ale” produced by the North Yorkshire-based Penning Brewing Co. This particular ale was crafted in honour of the Euros and is characterized by its light, invigorating, and delectable blonde ale profile.
The Half Moon
My final pub visit of the day was to “The Half Moon,” a traditional pub that underwent a renovation in 2013, transforming into a real ale establishment after a prolonged closure. Upon entering, a spacious main room with the bar to the right and a smaller room at the back greeted me. The establishment boasts a wonderful outdoor area at the rear, ideal for the summer months. I was warmly welcomed by Harry, who was tending the bar this evening.
Tonight, there is a selection of 5 cask beers available at the bar, representing various breweries and styles. My choice was “Rebel” from Yard of Ale, crafted at a brewpub located in Ferryhill. This particular brew is a delightful dry stout featuring roast and black malts.
Micropub Adventures 