The village itself is just south of the A68 and west of the B6275. Fin the village and [...]]]> In south-west County Durham, I found a gem of a pub, The Countryman, in the village of Bolam.

The village itself is just south of the A68 and west of the B6275. Fin the village and you can’t miss The Countryman.

A warm welcome awaits you on arrival, in very pleasant and comfortable surroundings. There are a good range of beers & ales on tap, though the main focus of my visit was to have an evening meal.

The menu itself features the usual pub favourites which are augmented by a number of dishes from around the world, for those with more adventurous tastes. The staff manage to maintain that delicate balance between being attentive, without becoming intrusive and the lady that took our order, Jan, new the menu well, being able to describe a number of dishes in detail when questioned.

The food arrived quickly and was cooked to our specification, all offered at a reasonable price.

As more customers appeared, so did more staff to wait on the tables. A subtle, but very effective adjustment which to most customers went completely un-noticed. As it should. Having eaten our fill, the bill arrived shortly after being requested and we returned to the car in the amply sized car park to the front.

All in all, an effortless (on our part), pleasurable experience that we are destined to repeat in the not too distant future.

If you find yourself travelling on the A68, look out for the signs to Bolam and give them a try for yourself.

My only criticism is my usual one. No free Wi-Fi, though my phone did pick up a BT Fon hotspot. Country pubs could score so many points by providing open access to patrons.

Today I did something that fits that description. I went to the pub. Now that probably doesn’t sound like anything out of the ordinary to most people, but this was a pub with a difference. [...]]]> Every now and then, it is time to do something a little bit crazy, perhaps something you wouldn’t normally do.

Today I did something that fits that description. I went to the pub. Now that probably doesn’t sound like anything out of the ordinary to most people, but this was a pub with a difference. The pub I’m talking about is the highest in Britain. This is the world famous Tan Hill Inn.

At 1732ft above sea level, Tan Hill claims to be the highest altitude pub in Great Britain, yet that is not what makes this pub special.

This is a pub without customers. People who would be regarded as customers in other pubs, are regarded as friends at Tan Hill and more often than not, are treated like family. Conversations with complete strangers are the norm amongst people on the public side of the bar and the landlord and landlady ensure a friendly and efficient level of service is available to all.

The pub itself also has rooms available however advance booking is recommended.

However, if you do get the chance to stay, you will be free to sample a great range of ales, spirits and other beverages.

However, if you are walking the Pennine Way and turn up particularly cold and wet, room can always be made available in front of one of the warming open fires, which are also effective at drying boots and clothing. Or if you’re already warm enough when you arrive, make space for others in front of the fires and have a wander round and take a look at the numerous items that document the long and fascinating history of the inn.

You’ll find Tan Hill to be a unique experience. It’s certainly not your ordinary pub, priding itself on doing things a little differently. Oh and when you do visit, don’t forget to say hello to Socks, Shoes or Dizzy. Trust me, the staff will explain all, just ask.

It is a bustling town, always busy, whether with tourists travelling along the [...]]]> Hawes in North Yorkshire. A beauftiful little town lying slap on the A684 is home to Hawes Creamery, makers of the Wensleydale cheese made famous by Wallace & Grommit amongst others.

It is a bustling town, always busy, whether with tourists travelling along the dale or the local dalesfolk themselves, yet this town provides a wide selection of shops that many other towns would be jealous of. The civic administration has taken care to ensure the place doesn’t become too crowded by providing a large, and reasonably priced car par that sits on the southern side of the dale looking down on the main street. This makes getting into the town centre itself very easy and really is a shrewd move to attract outsiders in.

For the first time visitor, a trip to the famous creamery is almost compulsory. The real Yorkshire Wensleydale Cheese is just one of a range produced on site at the creamery, and visitors are welcome to take a tour of the plant to learn more about the history of the cheeses and the production processes involved. Of course at the end of the tour you can sample the goods in the cafe and purchase your favourite at the creamery shop.

However, Hawes is not a one trick pony, there are more places to see than the creamery.

Head east down the main street you will pass through the main shopping area. Whether you want country wear, high tech electrical appliances or antiques you will find at least one of each type of shop able to take care of your needs. If you’re feeling peckish, you can find a number of food outlets which can supply anything from a quick sandwich to a full blown meal and it is always nice to visit one of the pubs to have a meal and a pint.

At the eastern end of the town, you will find the craft fair dealing in the best of local arts and craft based products. Keep an eagle eye out and you can pick up a real bargain here, but the place that really fascinated me was the ropery. I had never been to a rope maker’s before. It’s not something you tend to think about day to day is it? Having visited here it gives you a different view on those rope barriers you see in posh hotels, the ropes you use when climbing, or even the humble dog lead. There can all start their life here.

Hawes

As you walk about the town, don’t forget to take in the buildings you pass. No two are the same and you can often guess their age by the discolouration of the stonework.

So whether you pause for a while to watch the water flow, or sit and watch the world go by whilst having a cup of tea or ice cream, it is always worth slowing down just a little to take in the atmosphere and observe every day life in the dales.

mention Shildon in County Durham or the Mason’s Arms pub.

However, few will mention Aycliffe Station. It is a place you wont find [...]]]> Ask any railway enthusiast where the birthplace of the passenger railway is and many will mention Stephenson, the Stockton & Darlington Railway. Some may even

mention Shildon in County Durham or the Mason’s Arms pub.

However, few will mention Aycliffe Station. It is a place you wont find on any map today as it has been renamed Heighington Lane Station, yet this little kn0wn place played a pivotal role in the formation of the modern passenger railway. For it was here, where Locomotion No. 1 was first placed on to the rails having been brought south to the area from the workshop where it was built on Tyneside. It then headed to Shildon for that first journey from the outside the Mason’s Arms, which is still in existence today, towards Darlington and then on to Stockton. Much to the delight of the huge crowd that had gathered to watch.

Wandering round today’s station, there are few clues to be seen of what happened here all those years ago. In fact the station looks much like any to be found on a branch line of the railway network. However, there is a strong hint in the form of the converted station buildings. The Locomotion No. 1 public house.

With walls adorned with all manner of memorabilia, Locomotion No. 1 (the pub) is one of those fascinating buildings in its own right. The owners have ensured that the building has avoided going down the route of large open plan rooms. You’ll find all sorts of side rooms, nooks and crannies, where quiet conversation can be enjoyed over a pint or bar meal. For lovers of quality beers and ales, you will find a well stocked bar, with staff on hand to give a detailed description of each where the name is not readily familiar.

Also, in contrast to the history of the building, you will also find free wifi available.

The pub itself provides a range of music on Saturday nights and you will find the food here very reasonably priced, as well as delivered quickly to your table.

Ample parking is available to the rear of the building, in fact, it has been known for music festivals to be held during the summer months in the past. So whilst the pub itself is a little out of the way on the southern side of an industrial park, once there, it is very easy to get parked and get in.

Whether you fancy a bite to eat, a quick pint or two, or simply to buff up your railway history knowledge, it’s not hard to glance out of the window and visualise the Locomotion No. 1 going by back in the 1820′s.

Some choose it for its formal restaurant dining on an evening, whilst others will nip in for lunch or an early bird special.

When we visited The Sutton, we specifically wanted to test the early bird menu. [...]]]> The Sutton Arms in Elton, unlike a lot of other places, can mean different things to different people.

Some choose it for its formal restaurant dining on an evening, whilst others will nip in for lunch or an early bird special.

When we visited The Sutton, we specifically wanted to test the early bird menu. Get your food order in before six and you can have two meals for £7. Too good to be true? We thought that, so in our team went.

There is no need to worry about parking as there is a large car park which copes well, even at the busiest of times. Walking into the building you are greeted with an old style British Pub layout. A narrow corridor, leads you through to the main bar area, with restaurant  seating out the back. Once in the main bar you will be met by a warm welcome from the staff who are always on hand to serve or answer those queries from the more, shall we say “precise” customer.

To describe the main menu as “extensive” would be an understatement. There literally are hundreds of dishes available whether meat, pasta, fish or game take your fancy. Lite bites, healthy or more exotic eating also feature in the menu categories. If you can order a day in advance, there is even a staggering 200oz, yes you did read that correctly, two hundred ounce Rump Steak.

To supply such a wide range of food, you may expect certain compromises on quality. Put all such thoughts out of your head. There are no compromises at The Sutton. Fresh food is prepared and delivered amazingly quickly to your table.

Moving on to the early bird special menu, naturally enough the choices are somewhat more limited, however all the normal pub food choices are there as well as some special to the house. As it was a Friday, our team ordered seafood based dishes, served with salad and jumbo chips.  The food was piping hot on delivery. The fish was a good texture, moist but not overly so. The jumbo chips were crisp on the outside, yet light and fluffy inside. Pretty much perfect. The salad featured the usual suspects of lettuce, onion, radish, tomato and cucumber. I am a fan of tartare sauce and this was present in a small expresso style coffe cup on the plate. Ideal for dunking chips into. Someone had clearly thought this through. Portion size was enough to be filling without overwhelming or leaving a hole. Two main courses for £7, you couldn’t be robbed.

The staff were friendly and attentive without being intrusive whilst the music was a suitable style and volume to break any silence that occurred, but still allowed for quiet intimate conversation.

Overall a very enjoyable meal after a day at the office, accompanied by reasonably priced drinks.

The Sutton Arms is one place that will quickly be added to your list of regular eateries and next time we visit, we’ll report back on the full restaurant experience.

The only change I would suggest is the provision of free Wi-Fi to customers. In this digitally connected age, being in an area with poor mobile reception, Wi-Fi could prove a boost to custom.

Gregorio Antonio Thomaso Trillo (Neil told us he was known to the locals as Charlie who couldn’t quite master the long name) arrived in England from Italy in 1912 and quickly set about [...]]]>

Picture (c) David McElhone

Visit Whitby in Yorkshire and it wont be long before you come across the name Trillo, but who are the Trillo family?

Gregorio Antonio Thomaso Trillo

Gregorio Antonio Thomaso Trillo (Neil told us he was known to the locals as Charlie who couldn’t quite master the long name) arrived in England from Italy in 1912 and quickly set about address the problems he saw with the iced deserts at available at the time. When war broke out in 1914, Trillo suspended his commercial activities and went down the mines to help with the war effort of his new country.

However, war passed and thank goodness it did otherwise we would not have Trillo of Whitby ice cream. Perched high on the top of the east cliff, just near St Mary’s Church we encountered the third generation of ice cream vendor in the town, Neil Trillo. Having climbed the 199 steps to the church, an ice cream seemed a good idea and faced with Trillo, a local manufacturer, or another vendor, we stayed local.

On aproaching the van the challenge was laid down. “Can you beat wild cherry ice cream, served at the parlour in Reeth?” It was a straightforward fight between two Yorkshiremen. “No problem was the response. I’ve got a gothic Blackcurrent & Liquorice and you can have it topped with Dracula blood if you like.”

Our photographer was keen to take up the challenge and one rather strange purple coloured cone duly arrived. David, who is a bit of an authority when it comes to these things, gave the taste sensation his seal of approval, whilst the rest of our party opted for the more traditional flavours. Now it may have been the top quality ice cream, it may have been the 199 steps up to the church that made it taste so good. To really find out you will have to pay a visit yourself and sample a cone from the van at the top of the world.

However, if ice cream is not your thing, the Trillo’s have got that covered as well.

Up the hill to St Mary's Church

Head over the other side of the quay by the bandstand. Half way up the hill you’ll find an excellent coffee outlet. Now forget the blandness of the big global franchises. Your nose will guide you in the right direction.

Staffed by friendly locals, who will happily give you directions as well, “Full of Beans” is a small wooden building perched half way up the hill. Ideally placed to provide that pick-me-up whether you are heading up the hill to the top of the cliff, or down to the sea and just wanting a drink to quaff whilst watching the world go by.

The ten minute chat we had with Neil near St Mary’s church seemed to sum up the family’s approach to business; Relaxed, knowing they provide reasonably priced, quality products. The conversation, whether about local history, the family or Neil’s acting exploits are merely part of the transaction to get you refreshed, so you can make the most of your trip to the coast.

Full of Beans