The Tut 'n' Shive, Bishop Auckland

In further comment to Roger's review, I have to say that things at the Tut haven't improved much. There is still a next to non-existant choice of ales (none when I visited but with "some ready for the weekend" according to the barman. Unfortunately he couldn't tell me how many, or particularly what they were). Always a sad sign when you see a pub with so many handpumps, and no pumpclips. Also, the prices aren't cheap (a sign of the times sadly). The Guinness however was excellent. What was refreshing was the mix of drinkers in the pub, a mix of all ages, and though predominantly a "rock and gothic" crowd, it was in no way unwelcoming to others. The interior may seem a little dingy, but on this particular Saturday evening, it suited the place. Also noted that there was a jukebox which had a decent selection, and also a pinball machine. A stage area seems to have been put in since my last visit. A lot of work to be done before I could drink here regular, but it does have an atmosphere I quite like, and is a refeshing change from the Identikit Wetherpubs. But its not for everyone.

For a pub that I picked from those listed in (admittedly last year’s) Good Beer Guide, disappointing is a hauge understatement. Of the 8 hand pumps, just Bombardier and Old Rosie were available. To add insult to injury, the Bombardier was dreadful quality. The pub itself wasn’t exactly a joy to behold. A long dingy interior with a couple of alcoves on one side, cheap promotional posters, a stage and big screen just inside the entrance (showing live World Cup footy) and a pool table angled across the floor at the far end. The half dozen punters at peak time on a Friday night suggest that the pub’s popularity stakes aren’t as high as it perhaps once was. Maybe I picked a bad day in the office but I can’t think that a pub with such a previously good reputation could have been any worse than I found it.