Fox Cub Brewery have invited us along to have a look at their new premises. They are doing a new beer SpennyGold at 4.4% to celebrate the new premises and equipment which will increase capacity to 75,000 pints a year. Due to the venue's licence samples may be available, but beer is only available for off sales. They are expecting to have some beer in cans available.
The closed Black Bull in Frosterley is opening for 1 weekend for the visits of Flying Scotsman to the Weardale Line.
On 13th, 14th and 15th November, the Flying Scotsman will haul morning and afternoon return services between Darlington Bank Top and Stanhope stations on the Weardale Railway.
This landmark occasion will mark the world-famous locomotive’s first-ever visit to the Weardale Railway, offering visitors a rare opportunity to see Flying Scotsman journey through the spectacular Durham Dales.
The 2027 edition of the CAMRA Good Beer Guide will be launched on the 24th September 2026. We thought it would be a good idea to mark the event by visiting 3 of the new entries. We can not divulge the names yet so we have planned a Good Beer Guide Mystery Tour with a hired 16 seater bus. Supporting these pubs which are new to the guide is important, and a bus trip will not only emphasis our commitment to real ale pubs, but it will be a great evening out.
Thursday, 24th September
Details TBC
The Durham Beer Festival will return for its 44th edition in September 2026. As with our last 6 festivals we'll be at the Durham City Rugby Club on Green Lane - see the Location page for more details.
Please note that this year we have changed our opening days to Thursday to Sunday. This gives us more time to let the beers settle before we start serving!
Some details are still being finalized, but we currently plan on having 27 real ales and 6 ciders and perries available.
Join us for an evening in a pub with some fine real ales. No boring meeting stuff - just a chance to enjoy some drinks with fellow real ale fans!
Our September Branch Meeting will be held on Wednesday 16th September at the Victoria on Hallgarth Street in Durham from 19:30. This meeting will include a chance to review the 2026 Durham Beer Festival.
Our June Branch Meeting will be held on Wednesday 10th June at the Queen's Head in Framwellgate Moor (formerly the Tap & Spile) starting at 19:30.
Come and join the Branch on an evening out to the Chester-le-Street Masonic Centre's 2016 beer festival. 16 real ales and 6 ciders should be available and we'll be there from around 7pm when the festival opens.
The 2nd oldest micropub in the realm and a former North East regional pub of the year, The Rat Race Ale House, will be closing on Saturday 21 March. Cleveland branch are planning a last hooray Wednesday 18 March for the lunchtime session at 12noon. Several Durham branch members are going, why not join them.