Nov 19 2004
By Alastair Gilmour, The Journal
The hare is running and the flag is up for the first-ever beer festival to be held in a greyhound stadium.
In a unique initiative, Pelaw Grange Greyhound Stadium in Chester-le-Street will feature 12 cask-conditioned beers - all with "doggy" pedigrees - from today until Sunday.
It is believed to be the only one of its kind in the country, and one that the organisers hope will run and run.
Beers have been sent to the stadium on Drum Road from all over the country, but the main focus is on North-East micro-brewery ales which have been specially produced for the event.
"It's a bit of a gimmick," says Jeff McKenna, director of the family-run business first started by his parents in 1965. "We always have at least local cask-conditioned beer available, but this is something different. We've had great support from the local micro-breweries with beers such as Golden Muzzle and Dunelm Brood from Durham Brewery; Puppy's Nose from Mordue; Stays On Well from Big Lamp and Collie Wobble from Darwin in Sunderland. They've even made special pumpclips."
Racing in from other parts of the country are, among others, Bow Wow from Doghouse Brewery in Cornwall and Top Dog from Spinning Dog Brewery in Hereford. The festival programme is even laid out like a race-card.
Jeff's wife, Theresa, who is also company secretary, says greyhound racing has changed a lot in recent years and has rid itself of its cloth cap and tin shed image.
She says: "the times.
"We have three bars and a restaurant, which takes a lot of people by surprise.
"At one time, only people interested in dogs and betting went racing, but now it's those who love food and drink and like a bet and a laugh and a great night out. The nice touch is, someone always comes up to you and says what a terrific night they've had.
"It makes you feel like you're doing something special."
Jeff was introduced to real ale at the Beamish Mary Inn at No Place, near Stanley, and decided to offer a range to his customers at the stadium.It's very much part of the entertainments industry now - it's moved on a lot - and you've got to move with
Pelaw Grange has now been voted the 2004 Club of the Year by the Durham branch of the Campaign For Real Ale (Camra) for its commitment to cask-conditioned beer.
"We don't really know what to expect from the festival," says Jeff. "But, if it's anything like our annual sportsman's dinner, it should be a real success."
* Pelaw Grange Greyhound Stadium Beer Festival opening times: Thursday, 11am-3pm and 6.30pm-11pm (plus racing). Friday, 11am-3pm and 7pm-11pm. Saturday, 11am-3pm and 6.30pm-11pm (racing). Sunday
12 noon-3pm and 7pm-10.30pm. Details on (0191) 410-2141.
