The Maltings

Perhaps we don't deserve to be rich in this country anymore. We don't make anything, after all. Take a look at a town like South Shields, where I grew up. The Victorian town hall, elegant parks and torch-bearing statuary leave no doubt: once upon a time, this place mattered. But the industrial era is over, so it doesn't anymore.

Well, we still make some things in this country. We still brew beer, locally and well. The Jarrow Brewing Company in business at The Maltings in South Shields since 2006. It's the first brewery in town for many decades.

There's a large bar above the brewery. Sadly, the plant itself isn't visible to drinkers. The interior design goes too far in trying to emulate the elegance of an old-fashioned pub. The glass display cabinets, framed pictures and wooden partitions crowd in on the island bar and create a claustrophobic feel in what could have been a much more relaxing place. Top marks for effort, though.

The beer is fantastic. I've rated Jarrow as a brewer since I first tried their beers here in London. In The Maltings I encountered Caulker for the first time. It's a golden, hoppy ale that doesn't let the side down. Rivet Catcher is the main event, and the brewery's most popular product. It's been named Champion Beer of the North East in the past, and I think Jarrow are unlucky not to have won the national award for this 4% abv golden bitter. It's smooth and clean tasting, but then there are very distinct fruit flavours too. It's one of those beers that doesn't need any improvement - a perfect recipe.

Jarrow Brewery has a basic website. The Maltings is at 9 Claypath Lane, South Shields, Tyne and Wear, NE33 4PG (map). It's very close to the town's beautiful town hall, but otherwise the location's a little grim. In other news, Coolio is the most irritating person Lucy Pinder's ever met.