Dog on the Tyne

For the past couple of decades, news from the pub front has been grim. We’ve been drinking less beer, going out less, and as a result more than 30 pubs are closing every week. The cliché of the flat-capped Northerner nursing his pint, whippet at foot, is becoming a rare sight.

But there’s another arm of the beer brewing industry that’s booming as creative young brewers come up with radical flavours that have made hops hip again. These brews might not always be offered in pint glasses – some of them are mighty strong – but Britain is now firmly in the grip of a craft beer revolution.

BrewDog, founded in 2007 as an antidote to “tasteless, insipid mainstream lagers and the characterless chain bars that peddle them”, has been at the forefront of this revolution. The fast-growing Scottish-based independent brewers opened their sixth craft beer bar in Newcastle, in 2012, selling artisanal beers from around the world as well as BrewDog's inimitable range, which includes the country's strongest ale, a 41% IPA called Sink the Bismarck. Located between historic Grainger Town and the Quayside, the stripped-back, industrial-style venue also holds regular artistic and live music events.

So what is all the fuss about? We talk to 23-year-old General Manager Calvin McDonald.

Is craft beer just real ale by another name?

By definition, no. All of the beer we have on tap is craft beer, which for me is innovative and progressive beer brewed with integrity and quality in mind, and in constant pursuit of flavour. As the flavours in our beer are often so intense and assertive, they suit being served on keg rather than the “real ale” mandated cask. I dispute that because our beer doesn't undergo a secondary fermentation in a cask it makes it any less “real”. There is lots of good real ale out there, but the most exciting beer in the UK just now is definitely coming from the new wave of craft brewers.

How many beers do you have on tap?

We always have 14 BrewDog beers on tap and around ten featured beers from both British and international guest breweries. However, if we're having an event like a tap takeover, we have the ability to feature no fewer than 32 different beers simultaneously.

Are any brewed locally?

Our brewery is in Ellon, near Aberdeen, so all of our beers hail from up there. However I'm always very keen to showcase some local breweries so don't be surprised to see something from Northern Alchemy on our draft board. Last autumn we collaborated with Tyne Bank Brewery on a honey and apricot amber ale.

Which one would knock your socks off?

Jackhammer is our hoppiest beer - and when you're in a BrewDog bar that's a statement of intent! Intensely bitter, it is like no beer I had tried before I discovered BrewDog. It'll be a shock to the palate if you're used to bland, industrially made lagers, but this 7.2% IPA is a must-try.

Which one is perfect for lightweights?

For me it's not about drinking a low ABV beer, but being able to session any strength of beer by drinking sensibly and in moderation. All of the beer we sell carries a suggested measure which means that you'll have roughly the same number of units in each serving. If you are going to session a few pints though, you can't beat Dead Pony Pale Ale, one of the most flavourful 3.8% beers I've ever tried.

Which is your favourite?

Libertine Black Ale, no question. I absolutely love IPAs as they tick all the boxes. Hoppy? Sure. Malty? Of course? And at 7.2% it's a great ABV to ensure maximum flavour.

Where in Newcastle would you go for a wild night out?

The cocktail bar in the basement of Bierrex is fast becoming a favourite haunt of mine. Some of the best drinks in the North-East can be found there. I also enjoy a beer in the Bridge Tavern's outdoor area, but a guilty pleasure of mine given my penchant for Britpop and 2000s indie music must be Gotham.

And for a walk the morning after?

A relaxing walk along the Tyne to the Ouseburn area can't be beaten. Hair of the Dog at the fantastic Free Trade Inn is a great way to spend a day off.

Where is your favourite place to eat?

I had an incredible meal at Artisan towards the end of last year so must get back sharpish. If you’re in town though, you can't go wrong with Coop, Fat Hippo or Longhorns.

Where do you splash the cash and on what?

I love going to gigs so devote as much of my spare cash to that as I can. I'm looking forward to seeing The Twilight Sad and Public Service Broadcasting here later this month. I also went to see Opera North’s production of La Traviata at the Theatre Royal last month.

Would you ever move to another Toon?

I don't know what's next for me, but I'm certainly loving living in a vibrant city like Newcastle. Of course, a part of me will always have a soft spot for my Scottish hometown and I have a lot of friends and family in London, but Newcastle is a great place to be just now.

BrewDog, 16 Dean Street Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE1 1PG. W: brewdog.com