The Barrels, Berwick-Upon-Tweed

Located at the town end of the Old Bridge, the Barrels Ale House has the feel of a traditional old boozer, where conversation is king. There are a couple of rooms at ground level, with the notable inclusion of a dentist's chair at the bar. Downstairs is a separate bar used for live music events. The ale choice was not the most adventurous - Robinson's Trooper & Dizzy Blonde, Exmoor Ale & Cheviot Harbour Wall. So, I plumped for the Addlestone's Cider, which I'd not seen for quite a while. I quite liked the lively atmosphere in this pub, which is clearly one of the best in Berwick.

A pleasant curved building. The interior has two rooms, the character of which has survived despite previous openings-out. Straight into the main bar on entering look left to see a delightful curved lounge via a pair of archways. Plenty of things to see which means the horrid artex wall is covered in hundreds of framed prints and not that noticeable. Note the interesting ceiling in the main bar with a painted compass surrounding a Deep South style fan. Also to be seen is a barber's pole, some hanging wooden fish, a pair of wooden skis and some Berwick Rangers scarves. Seating is mainly leatherette button back banquettes. Very dim and rather chilly inside, well-beyond atmospheric and into gloominess. Five pumps with three cask on; Exmoor Wild Cat, Osset White Rat and Cheviot Harbour Wall (NBSS 3 but a very alkaline taste, which I assumed was the brewery). Monday nights are never the best time to catch a pub at its best (there were only four other punters in) but I struggled to really warm to this one. Maybe if I’d have been there on a Wednesday instead? Mind you, the Curfew and Atelier were both healthily busy the same evening…

A cosy drinking house with lots of pictures and sundry junk round the rooms adding to the atmosphere. On pump were Cheviot Harbour Wall, Ossett Silver Rat, TT Golden and Butcombe Rare Breed. A very nice pub.

One of my favourite pubs in Britain. We go up from Newcastle upon Tyne for a pub crawl about twice a year and there's always a warm welcome awaiting. some great beers on draft and almost everyone in the pub will talk to you. Love it