Cask Lounge, South Shields

Situated at a busy traffic intersection, this pub does not look anything like a micropub. Inside, it feels anything but a micropub. As Ray below says, this is more like a lounge than a micropub. Nevertheless, the beer range is excellent. So, whatever it is, it's still worth a visit if you're in South Shields. Outside the pub, the streets were full of police cars racing around with a helicopter hovering above. I did get a few suspicious looks from other customers as I entered. Perhaps they thought I was a fugitive! As you enter, there are two rooms to choose from. Both are plushly decorated, with the bar at the rear of the right-hand room. Standing at the bar is not allowed. So, it all feels very civilised with a crowd of mainly middle-aged couples all sat at tables with flowers on. Again, it's nothing like a typical micropub. Music was also playing. A total of 6 real ales were being sold - Firebrick Little Belgium, Empire Strikes Back & Chockwork Orange Porter, Three Brothers Watermelon Blonde, Great North Eastern Chinook & Thornbridge Jaipur. Ciders were Seacider Mandarin-Infused Cider & Black Cherry Cider, Weston's Rosie's Pig Rhubarb & Thatcher's Stan's Cheddar Valley. My Chockwork Orange was very enjoyable. Whilst the environment makes for an unusual drinking experience, I would say that this is another pub that you shouldn't miss when in South Shields. Note they don't open on a Monday or a Tuesday and they don't open until 5pm on a Wednesday and a Thursday, with 2pm opening on other days. So, plan your visit with care.