So it’s Bank Holiday Monday and the prospect of tasting a range of fine English Wines in the heart of the beautiful Northumberland countryside beckoned. However, although the day dawned bright, after what seems now to be the August norm of overnight showers, it was frankly quite chilly and more like an October morning. What to do . . . wrap up and brave it out or, wimp out and see what’s on offer at the local supermarket - oh, and throw in a touch of nostalgia for good measure?
Two bottles of Springbank’s excellent Roaring Meg (Morrison’s, 29/08/11 - 500ml, £1.75 or 4 for £5.50!) later; pouring golden yellow with a soft melting head, sweet citrus notes and a full rounded palate, leading to a long, dry finish - I guess that tells you which option I plumped for. And the nostalgia . . . well, 'The Mill Inn’ was another Newcastle’ West End ’boozer’ with a reputation, which despite it’s past misdemeanours is sad to see boarded up, especially as it remains for the moment one of our few heritage buildings, (built prior to the urbanisation of 1870’s), and a beacon to the ever-changing cultural landscape of this part of the world.
A quick ’Google’ search offered the following: ‘The Mill Inn‘, 413 Westgate Road, built on the line of the Roman Wall, founding home of the Northern Rugby Club in 1875, once a Cameron’s House but lately part of the Empire Inns group, scene of potential Money Laundering, a 5* rating for Hygiene from Newcastle City Council . . . what, and sadly the ground floor ’severely damaged’ by fire in July 2010. And from its heyday, the offer of £200.00 to anyone who could call in for a pint unannounced of a Friday night and live to tell the tale!
Fancy a rescue job . . . have a few pounds to spare? Maybe throw in a Micro-Brewery for good measure, and buck the trend of Kebab Shops, Continental Foods et al - Rod Coran’s your man!
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