The Head of Steam, Durham

Modern building - with non-traditional furniture but full of breweryana - in a courtyard setting accessed via the 'ginnel' from North Road. More seating and a balcony upstairs (not visited). The emphasis is on the excellent selection of Belgian and US bottled beers, but there are also three handpumps on the bar counter: Titanic Lifeboat plus two from local Sonnet 43 micro - Brown Ale and Bourbon Milk Stout (£3.09). Overall, well worth seeking out.

Went to this 2012 Good Beer Guide pub for 11am opening, but was told at the bar it opens at 12 noon, so we had to call back later. Popular just off the main North Road shopping area, being through an archway it has a sunny courtyard area outside. There were 3 ales on from Irish breweries and we had very enjoyable White Gypsy Red Oak and Eight Degrees Sunburnt Irish Red. Both in good condition. They have an interesting beer menu for beers from Belgium too.

Modern bar, decorated in typical Head Of Steam chain fashion. Beer adverts, music adverts etc all around the walls. There's an upstairs area that can be reserved for private functions as well. Downstairs is pretty comfortable, but small. There's a DJ rig in one corner, but this wasn't in use on our Thursday evening visit. 3 handpumps on the bar selling changing guests. I had a Dark Star American IPA which was in good nick. Friendly staff adds to the positives. It's a decent place and one we'll visit again.