WYLAM.

This two roomed pub backs on to the railway and is easily reached on the line to Newcastle from Carlise. The room to the left of the entrance is more of a food area, though there is darts here also. Menu boards cover the rear wall and give plenty of choice for vegetarians at reasonable prices. Called the Boathouse for its closeness to the river, you can reach it via a footpath. The second room where the main part of the bar is has a low ceiling with beams, a small bay window with seating is here. Hanging from the beams are tankards and other brass objects. Seating is at long 4-seater dark wood tables with matching chairs. A wood burning stove is at the far end and pumps out the heat in winter. Also round the fireplace are station signs from previous railway eras. Decor is magnolia walls covered in china/pottery plates. Beers on at the time were Butterknowle Conciliation Ale, Yates Bitter, Castle Eden Ale, Daleside Legover, Taylor Landlord and two others. Usually up to 8 guest beers on at any one time. Additionally, a feature of the Boathouse is that one beer will always be £1 a pint! Very welcome when you've paid a fortune on the train to get there. No accommodation here. No beer garden, but you can sit on the steps if you wish. Access for the disabled not good, plenty of steps - see picture and toilet facilities cramped, but clean.