The Barrels, Berwick-Upon-Tweed

Previously Badged as “Alehouse” and decor wise it still has that look, board floors, rough cast or Artex plaster walls, eclectic furniture including in this case an old barbers chair, mad decor with stuffed fish hanging from the ceiling, a barbers pole and other bits and pieces. There are however no pump clips stuck to every surface, the Artex ceiling is painted brown. There is also a room to the left which is the World of Leather, a more conventional pub space with leather banquettes and wooden tables with stools, the wall are covered, and I mean covered, with old photos, pictures and newspapers. Sadly the beer choice is a very safe cask range of Titanic Plum Porter, Robinsons Trooper which obviously was on its last legs as it was on cheap, Landlord, Leeds Pale and my choice of Oakham Citra, which was ok but not brilliant. The keg choice of two T-Bars was very predictable with Stella, Carling and Guinness plus some cider or other and the probably more upmarket Staropremen if its still the Czech one. All are mounted on a counter incorporating cut down casks. Basement for live music. I may be getting cynical this kind of place used to appeal to me.

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…