My part of Newcastle’ may have changed beyond recognition, even within my half-century, but how my Tyneside ancestors would have viewed the evolution of their City is beyond comprehension. However, take a short drive into the Northumberland countryside and the vista is undoubtedly one they’d still recognise, with many of the traditional ways of life still intact, albeit with some adaptation to the demands of modern living. So near but so far . . . one day!
High House Farm near Matfen is only twenty-five minute’s by car from Newcastle’s City Centre; set amongst rolling fields, streams and woodland, this 200 acre working farm also boasts a fine restaurant and on-site Brew House - what better location for a late lunch and chance to recharge your batteries? And, in no time here we are - an excellent Platter and Pint awaits me (or half, I am driving of course), Nel’s Best living up to her ‘Best Bitter in the North’ Gold Award. The meal, three courses in one is taken at a leisurely pace, the beer not so but if restraint is the only downside, I can live with that, although plans are to hand to rectify matters later.
Of course no visit would be complete without a browse around the ‘Brewery; the viewing platform in the malt loft and its exhibition giving a good overview of the brewing process and, the opportunity to ’nose’ the various malts and hops used on site. All too quickly however we’re on our way - remember restraint being today‘s byword, but not before the purchase of a curiosity. ‘High House Farm Brewery’ Nettle Beer is a light amber coloured ale based on a 14th century recipe, made with nettles grown on the farm and said to be a cure for the common cold and gout. Try as I might to induce a bout of gout I can’t confirm that statement, however the beer is extremely palatable; soft, rounded with a hint of hop bitter and sweet caramel. A great albeit potent (4.5% ABV), summer thirst-quencher, assuming we get some sun to punctuate these insessent showers of late!
It’s said that you can’t get too much of a good thing, so having indulged in my fair share of the ‘Durham Breweries’ excellent products of late, the thought of sampling just a few more was to the forefront of my mind, Hexham’s ’Waitrose’ store being my destination and not an unpleasant drive. A deserted Military Road up to Stagshaw, and then over the tops and down through Anwick, and no I didn’t call into the ’Rat’, as tempting as it might seem. And tonight’s selection: St Cuthbert, 6.5% ABV - Special India Pale Ale (x2), and the icing on the cake; Temptation, 10% ABV - Imperial Russian Stout. Surfice to say I slept well, thoughts of a strong, aromatic India Pale Ale, with citrus hop palate and clean finish, tempered by the luscious malt and caramel of a perfectly formed yet complex Imperial Russian Stout to the fore.
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Update: ‘High Elswick Brewery’ - all seems well . . . bloop, bloop. Need I say more!
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