Butchers Arms, Chester Le Street

A Good Beer Guide listed pub a few steps from the main street up a narrow road called Middle Chare in the best north eastern way. An old stone building, the interior is a traditional style perhaps not original though. It’s a flattened U shape with a similar shape to the counter. One side is a little raised and forms a small snug, the rest is level and is a cosy sort of lounge bar with banquettes at cast iron based tables with stools and chairs on the outside. The right end had a screen but I don’t know if that’s permanent; there is a small raised area here too and both raised areas access a rear corridor with the facilities. The angled corners of the counter have four pulls at one end and two at the other, Bass had just run off leaving two from Theakstons including Old Peculier, and Bradfield Farmers Blonde on the left end. The far end had Hobgoblin Gold and Wainwright but presumably the cask versions as the pub is GBG listed. Two trio T-bars and a cider treble provide for keg drinkers. Piped music at mixed levels but not too objectionable. The plate racks have plates and also old bottles, Bells whisky bells and whisky jugs, it’s teapots on another shelf over the counter. Old photos, mirrors and the aforementioned ceramics form the decor. I liked this one it’s a decent enough pub maybe the best of a dodgy lot.

Two entrances to a smallish room with the bar in the middle. Directors went off when I asked for it, so had to settle for Thatchers cider. Probably the best pub in the town.