Lord Crewe Arms, Consett

This is a large hotel, seemingly based on the ruins of the former abbey, of which only a part of the church remains but is worth a visit. The bar is described as the Crypt Bar and is certainly below ground level. The bar counter is in dark stained wood, with several stools beside it, and a couple of settles on the left. There are four hand pumps. I went for Secret Kingdom - there were two others also from Hadrian & Borders, plus one from Twice Brewed. My beer was a little odd, being cloudy and a little tired, but also petillant. Has it been kept under CO2 at too high pressure? There was the usual historic music to be expected in a building like this - mostly 1960s.

Centrally located village pub whose interior has a medieval feel. The bar area is to the left as you enter and has heraldic shields on the stone walls, with chandeliers hanging from the ceiling. Rooms off to the right are just as impressive and are used for dining. At the rear is a pretty garden. Just a couple of real ales were on for my midweek lunchtime visit. These were the house beer (Twice Brewed Crewe Brew) & Hadrian Border Ouseburn Porter. A couple of guys who walked in just before me ordered the Porter, only for it to run out. This was quickly replaced with Secret Kingdom from the same brewery. A lovely pub in a beautiful rural setting that is worth seeking out.

Official site of Lord Crewe Arms Hotel - www.lordcrewearmsblanchland.co.uk

Official site of Lord Crewe Arms Hotel - www.lordcrewearmsblanchland.co.uk