Embers Burning Brightly!

As I’ve touched on previously, getting a decent pint within walking distance has sadly been lacking of late. Alright, a trip down the hill and onto the edge of town will bring you to The Bodega, and you won’t find a more reliable Cask Ale haunt, but we’re talking a good 20-25 minutes with a fair wind behind, add to which on a 'Match Day' it can become quite a scrum - if that’s not a mixed metaphor!

Good News then that the Fox & Hounds has just undergone a refit . . . they’ve bound to have included a hand-pull or two. No, sadly not, just same old, same old. You’d think that a 'progressive' business, trading on an historic Tyneside name like 'John Barras' - their original Tyne Brewery forming the backbone at launch of Newcastle Breweries in the 1890's, would want to tap into one of the few growing sectors of the Pub Trade. Seemingly not; obviously the West End is a lost cause as far as Real Ale goes?

Enter The Denton; not the Duke of York, even though we’ve now marched all the way up the hill and down (the other side) again. Under their parent 'Ember Inns' banner they’re at least trying to offer a good selection of ales, and not just a token hand-pull - their 'Cask Marque' accreditation should also mean that the offering is presented in good order. Since early September, we’ve had everything from Moor Beer Company’s Revival 3.8%, through Lancaster Brewery’s Blonde 4.1% to Rooster’s Wild Mule 3.9%, and not forgetting RCH’s PG Steam 3.9% - a gold medal winner from the 2010 Great British Beer Festival. Yet, despite this, and bearing in mind that their regular Caledonian Deuchars IPA 3.8% is the cheapest pint on offer by a long way, getting a good one is very hit and miss!

As with all Cask Ales, regardless of how you keep your cellar, through-put is paramount, and it would seem that here in the West End, despite the Denton’s best efforts, the eponymous national keg alternatives are king. But, having thoroughly enjoyed my pint of Itchen Valley Godfathers 3.8% and a cracking Wadworth’s Swordfish 5.0% in the past, the prospect of a 'NovEmber' special Project Green 4.5% - a Compton brewed Pale Ale with Green Hops, drew me back one more time. However, the sight of Orkney’s Dark Island 4.6% still sitting there some 10 days since my last visit didn’t bode well . . . and the Project Green, sadly even the girl behind the bar agreed it was stale, flat and beyond it’s best. Not even the usually reliable Deuchars could lift my spirits - leaving at least half of the pint still in the glass, I headed home in despair.

Will I be back . . . of course? My couple of pints a few times a week won’t accumulate any one a fortune, and as much as I appreciate the option of a local drink, I can’t ensure the necessary volumes to achieve a reliable glass each and every time. But look, we’ve a Robinson’s produced Golden Ale up next; Build a Rocket Boys! 4.0% (created in collaboration of the acclaimed band 'Elbow' and named after their latest album). Lets not give in just yet; I for one will be doing my bit. Support your 'local' - we’ve lost so much over the years here in the West End. Together, we can make sure the 'Ember’s' can continue to burn brightly - its our only beacon!