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Shields pub wins real ale award
ONE of South Shields' oldest pubs has proved it is the real deal.
The Steamboat at the Mill Dam has been named Sunderland and South Tyneside's Camra Pub of the Year.
It is a huge accolade for what is believed to be the town's oldest purpose-built watering hole.
Last year the pub, which dates from the early 1800s, finished fourth in the real ale competition, and staff were hoping for a top three finish this time around.
But their expectations were far exceeded when it came out top of the pile – as voted by Camra members.
And with up to four beer festivals staged there each year, inclusion in the Good Beer Guide and eight real ales permanently available, the pub's reputation seems set to soar still further.
Favourite tipples include Caledonian 80 Shillings and Bitter and Twisted, an ale from the Harviestoun Brewery in Scotland.
Bar manager Kathleen Brain said: "I'm not usually lost for words but I was gobsmacked when I found out we had won.
"We hoped for a top-three finish, but first place far exceeded our expectations.
"After being included in the Good Beer Guide, we've definitely had a more discerning clientele and our reputation seems to be growing.
"We get customers coming from Washington and Newcastle to try our ales.
"We don't intend to rest on our laurels, and we will be staging more beer festival events next year."
As a result of the pub's success, it will also have the chance to battle it out for the title of North East Camra Pub of the Year 2009.
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Weather for South Shields
Wednesday 08 February 2012
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: -2 C to 2 C
Wind Speed: 16 mph
Wind direction: South
Tomorrow
Light rain
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