Sir John Fitzgerald landlord celebrates 25 years at pub with new Cullercoats brew

A landlord is celebrating 25 years at a North Tyneside pub with a special anniversary brew.

Manager Bill Kerridge has been in charge of the Shiremoor House Farm pub in the village of New York, near North Shields, since it opened on November 4 1988.

So to mark his quarter century at the Sir John Fitzgerald group tavern he’s commissioned Wallsend-based Cullercoats Brewery to produce a 3.8% ABV pale ale, Shiremoor House Farm Celebration Ale, which will be sold with a nod to the anniversary for £2.25 a pint.

“Bill described the sort of beer he was wanting, and we tailor made the recipe,” said Cullercoats’ Bill Scantlebury.

“The aim was for a very drinkable all English ale, using the fantastic Challenger hop – a particularly aromatic batch of hops that was recommended to us by expert hop merchants Charles Faram.

“In addition there are Bramling Cross and Admiral hops, which add subtle orangey spicy refreshing notes.

“It is a session beer for a good old celebration.”

As part of the celebrations, on November 4, the pub will also be organising a free raffle and other events mark the occasion.