Toll House, Morpeth

This one is a proper micropub with no electronic distractions. It consists of two small areas, the bar on the right and a low seating area to the left. The bar area was crowded with just a few people and a pair of greyhounds. I found a seat in the adjacent area and was alarmed to find myself sitting near the gob on a stick encountered earlier in the White Swan. I didn't get to note all the beers but all eight pumps were in use and a separate glass chill cabinet was stuffed full of boxes of cider. I went for a Credence Porter (£3.00) which was in excellent nick. Although a bit small for large dogs this is well worth a visit.

A Grade II listed building, which was previously a stonemasons workshop before its rebirth as a micropub. There is also some history that is was the site for a toll bridge house used by the monks in the 13th Century. This two roomed micro consists of a small lounge area to the left of entrance. which was nicely decorated and had upholstered bench seating and was carpeted. The bar area to the right had a smaller seating area, which consisted of high stools along the bar counter and a couple of stolls and shelf along the back wall, next to a fridge, which was used to dispense a choice of five ciders. The bar area ran along the front and had a decent view of the bridge through some Georgian sash windows. Six pumps on the bar on our visit, which were all in use. I initially went for the Two by Two Leap Frog Pale Ale, which slipped down a treat on this particularly hot day. Another good pale ale was the Rigg & Furrow Run Hop Run. Also tried was the Claspers Citra Blonde, Cullercoats Shuggy Boat Blonde and the Small World Home from Holme. We found the owner and locals to be very friendly and welcoming.