Happy Bookshop Day! To celebrate the best North East independents, for the fifth year running we\u2019ve joined forces with our favourite independent bookshop, Forum Books<\/a>. Together, we\u2019re sharing their handpicked book recommendations paired with some of the finest North East beers. With the weather turning a little greyer, we\u2019ve activated hibernation mode, and what better way to get cosy than by indulging in the perfect blend of good books and great beer?!<\/p>\n All of the beers featured in our book and beer pairings have been carefully selected, purchased either directly from the brewery or sourced from Rehill\u2019s of Jesmond by us, and sent to Helen at Forum Books for her expert touch in matching them with her favourite literary gems (and capturing the perfect shots, too).<\/p>\n You\u2019ll find links to purchase both the recommended books and beers below. If, by any chance, you discover that some of these items are out of stock at the moment you\u2019re reading this, consider reaching out to your local bottle shop; they might be able to help you track them down. Or why not grab a paperback and head to your favourite pub?<\/p>\n As always, we\u2019d love to hear what you\u2019re reading and the beers that enhance those books\u2026you can share your story with us over on X<\/a>.<\/p>\n Twice Brewed:<\/strong>\u00a0Wheeze The Juice \u2013 Tropical Smoothie IPA (6.5%)<\/p>\n Joe Lycett\u2019s Art Hole:<\/strong>\u00a0Joe Lycett<\/p>\n Art Hole<\/em> offers a satirical, whimsical exploration of Lycett\u2019s colourful and outlandish portraits, each accompanied by exaggerated, fictional stories about British cultural icons. This pairs perfectly with Wheeze The Juice<\/em>, a tropical smoothie IPA that\u2019s bursting with the bold, juicy flavours of pineapple, mango, and passion fruit, mimicking the riot of colours and unpredictability of Lycett\u2019s artistic creations. The beer\u2019s sweetness, with a touch of milk sugar, mirrors Lycett\u2019s playful tone and the sheer absurdity of the tales behind each portrait, such as Prince William raving about air fryers or Priti Patel\u2019s secret hobby as a fly-tipper.<\/p>\n Both the book and the beer are refreshingly bold, unexpected, and guaranteed to make you smile, whether you\u2019re savouring the tropical zing of Wheeze The Juice<\/em> or laughing at Lycett\u2019s mischievous take on British public figures. Like Lycett\u2019s art, the IPA is a blend of creativity and eccentricity, making this pairing as unconventional as it is enjoyable.<\/p>\n Durham Brewery:<\/strong>\u00a0Temptation \u2013 Russian Stout (10%)<\/p>\n Of the Flesh: 18 Stories of Modern Horror:<\/strong>\u00a0Susan Barket et al.<\/p>\n The unsettling, visceral tales in Of the Flesh<\/em> plumb psychological and physical horrors, exploring the disturbing underbelly of human nature. Each story, filled with tension and dread, is hauntingly crafted to linger long after the final page. Similarly, Temptation<\/em> is a deep, brooding stout, rich in flavours of coffee, liquorice, and dark chocolate, which evoke a sense of indulgence but with an underlying intensity. The beer\u2019s complex aroma, with hints of anise, caramel, and blackberries, mirrors the multilayered horror in the stories\u2014a sensory experience that draws you in deeper with each sip, much like the tales captivate with each twist.<\/p>\n The stout\u2019s powerful 10% ABV mirrors the dark and bold nature of the collection. Just as the characters face temptations, obsessions, and fears that push them to the brink, Temptation<\/em> offers a dense, almost sinful drinking experience that feels like a descent into indulgence. The beer\u2019s massive body and oily texture resonate with the unsettling atmospheres and heavy themes of the book, providing the perfect accompaniment to the slow-burning dread and psychological tension that unfolds across these 18 chilling stories.<\/p>\n Together, this pairing lures you into a dark, immersive world\u2014one where the weight of the stout and the depth of the stories combine to create an experience that is rich, alluring, and impossible to forget.<\/p>\n Thirsty Moose:<\/strong>\u00a0Nectar Falls \u2013 Session IPA (4.3%).<\/p>\n This Book is Literally Just Pictures of Cute Cats Who Are Plotting to Kill You:<\/strong>\u00a0Smith Street Books<\/p>\n This pairing creates a lighthearted, mischievous experience\u2014one that\u2019s perfect for unwinding with a smile and a sly chuckle.<\/p>\n The book\u2019s mix of adorable cats with a sinister edge captures that perfect tension between cuteness and danger, with every page offering a new plotting feline that keeps you grinning. It\u2019s cheeky, fun, and a little bit menacing, much like a cat eyeing you from across the room while you wonder what it\u2019s really up to. Similarly, Nectar Falls<\/em> delivers a burst of fruity, tropical flavours of passion fruit, peach, apricot, and melon, crashing onto your palate in a way that\u2019s refreshing yet playful. Its soft body and well-balanced citrus notes make it easy to sip while enjoying the mischievous humour of the book.<\/p>\n Both the beer and the book are light, refreshing, and irresistibly fun, with just enough intrigue to keep you on your toes. The hazy, sessionable IPA pairs perfectly with the whimsical nature of the book\u2014easygoing, yet packed with flavour, much like how the cats are cute but full of sly intentions.<\/p>\n Full Circle Brew Co.:<\/strong>\u00a0First Krush \u2013 Session IPA (3.9%).<\/p>\n All the Colours of the Dark:<\/strong>\u00a0Chris Whitaker<\/p>\n Whitaker\u2019s novel is a sweeping, complex thriller that combines heartbreaking loss, love, and obsession, set against a backdrop of deep emotional exploration. As Saint and Patch embark on their separate but interconnected searches, their stories pull you into a dark, winding journey of hope, mystery, and despair. Similarly, First Krush<\/em> offers a delicate yet flavourful experience\u2014its tropical notes of mango, pineapple, and passionfruit bring a brightness to the palate that parallels the fleeting moments of light and connection in Whitaker\u2019s novel. Though light at 3.9% ABV, this beer is packed with bold flavours, making it easy to enjoy one after another as you immerse yourself in the novel\u2019s poignant and layered narrative.<\/p>\n While the book grapples with heavy themes of love, loss, and the relentless passage of time, the session IPA offers a gentle, refreshing respite\u2014perfect for pacing through such an intense story. Much like the elusive Grace in the novel, First Krush<\/em> captures the ephemeral, fleeting quality of something beautiful and vivid, yet out of reach, leaving you craving more even as the story moves toward its bittersweet conclusion.<\/p>\n Together, this pairing is an experience of contrasts\u2014light and heavy, sweet and heartbreaking\u2014much like the novel\u2019s central themes. Just as Patch and Saint\u2019s journeys are driven by a yearning for closure and understanding, First Krush<\/em> is a beer you\u2019ll want to return to, sip after sip, as you dive deeper into Whitaker\u2019s unforgettable tale.<\/p>\n McColl\u2019s Brewery:<\/strong>\u00a0Mellow \u2013 Session IPA (4.0%).<\/p>\n Rare Singles:<\/strong>\u00a0Benjamin Myers<\/p>\n Pairing Rare Singles<\/em> with Mellow<\/em> creates a beautifully harmonious experience, perfectly balancing the novel\u2019s tender, soulful narrative with the beer\u2019s easygoing, mellow character.<\/p>\n Rare Singles<\/em> is a heartwarming, funny, and poignant story about second chances, unlikely friendships, and the redemptive power of music, especially Northern Soul. Dinah\u2019s love for music as her only escape, and Bucky\u2019s journey of rediscovery after a lifetime of hardship, create a narrative filled with warmth and humanity. Similarly, Mellow<\/em> Session IPA offers a smooth, fruity escape, with its citrus and tropical aromas serving as a refreshing backdrop to the novel\u2019s emotional depth. Its light 4.0% ABV and soft, juicy flavour make it a perfect companion to the novel\u2019s themes of reflection, growth, and the gentle, life-changing power of connection.<\/p>\n Just as Dinah and Bucky find solace and transformation in music, Mellow<\/em> offers a sense of calm and balance\u2014a beer that goes down easily while delivering complexity with its big hit of Citra and Azacca hops. Its smoothness mirrors the novel\u2019s laid-back tone, where the characters slowly come to terms with their pasts and find comfort in unexpected places.<\/p>\n Together, this pairing is a celebration of life\u2019s quieter, more reflective moments. Both the book and the beer are about savouring the present and appreciating the small joys, whether it\u2019s the sound of a rare soul record or the mellow flavour of a delicious IPA. Perfect for a cosy afternoon, this pairing invites you to slow down, sip, and enjoy the simple pleasures\u2014just as the characters in Rare Singles<\/em> rediscover the beauty in their own lives.<\/p>\n Donzoko Brewing:<\/strong>\u00a0NZ Super Pils \u2013 Pilsner (5.0%). The Guard\u2019s Parcel<\/em> is packed with Viz\u2019s signature irreverence, crude humour, and hilarious cartoons that deliver a full dose of British satire. It\u2019s unapologetically outrageous, full of witty gags, and not afraid to poke fun at anything and everything. To complement this, NZ Super Pils<\/em> is a bold and refreshing pilsner, brewed with Waimea and Nelson Sauvin hops that give it a bright, zesty edge. Its punchy citrus and tropical fruit notes align perfectly with the audacious energy of the Viz Annual, offering a beer that\u2019s crisp yet full of flavour\u2014perfect for sipping as you flip through the hilarious, over-the-top pages.<\/p>\n Much like The Guard\u2019s Parcel<\/em> revels in its absurdity, NZ Super Pils<\/em> brings a twist to the classic pilsner style, with its New Zealand hops delivering a bold, refreshing experience. The beer\u2019s clean finish and lively character make it an ideal pairing for the no-holds-barred humour of Viz, keeping you refreshed as you laugh out loud at the ridiculous antics on every page.<\/p>\n Together, this pairing is the ultimate combination of fun and refreshment. Whether you\u2019re laughing at the cartoons or enjoying the zingy, hop-forward notes of the pilsner, this duo is guaranteed to make your day a little bit better.<\/p>\n Hadrian Border Brewery:<\/strong>\u00a0Tyneside Blonde \u2013 Blonde Ale (3.9%).<\/p>\n The Silent Killer:<\/strong>\u00a0Trevor Wood<\/p>\n The Silent Killer<\/em> follows DCI Jack Parker, a man who has spent his life facing danger head-on but now grapples with a more personal battle\u2014his secret struggle with Early Onset Dementia. Set against the dark, gritty streets of Newcastle, Jack\u2019s story is full of tension, uncertainty, and urgency, as he races to solve a case while fighting to maintain his own grip on reality. In contrast, Tyneside Blonde<\/em> offers a light and refreshing counterbalance. This 3.9% session blonde ale is crisp and clean, brewed with Maris Otter and wheat malt, and rounded out with bittering hops. Its simplicity and approachable nature mirror the everyday side of Jack\u2019s life as a detective in Newcastle, while the bitterness hints at the underlying struggles he faces.<\/p>\n Just as Jack hides his internal battles beneath a calm exterior, Tyneside Blonde<\/em> is easy to drink but subtly complex, with its refreshing taste masking layers of malty sweetness and hop bitterness. The beer, like Jack\u2019s character, is rooted in the heart of Newcastle\u2014a staple of the local brewing scene, much like how Jack is a pillar of his police force.<\/p>\n This pairing reflects the novel\u2019s balance of dark themes with moments of lightness and wit, delivered with the sensitivity and humour Trevor Wood is known for. As you sip Tyneside Blonde<\/em>, you can feel connected to Jack\u2019s Newcastle surroundings, making it the perfect drink to accompany this gripping police procedural thriller.<\/p>\n Rigg & Furrow:<\/strong>\u00a0Nut Brown Ale (4.5%).<\/p>\n The Hotel Avocado:<\/strong>\u00a0Bob Mortimer<\/p>\n The Hotel Avocado<\/em> is a wonderfully eccentric story, filled with offbeat characters, unusual predicaments, and Mortimer\u2019s signature wit. Gary Thorn\u2019s dilemma\u2014torn between staying in his predictable London life or moving to Brighton to support his girlfriend\u2019s avocado-themed hotel\u2014plays out against a backdrop of absurdity, romance, and looming danger. The novel\u2019s mix of hilarity and suspense is the perfect companion for Nut Brown Ale<\/em>, a richly malty and nutty brew that offers a sense of warmth and cosiness amidst all of the chaos.<\/p>\n Nut Brown Ale<\/em> pours a deep chestnut colour with flavours of biscuit, rye, and oats\u2014just as comforting as the pies Gary enjoys with his neighbour, Grace. Its smooth, mellow finish mirrors the more heartfelt moments in the novel, where Mortimer\u2019s layered characters and comedic genius shine through. Meanwhile, the subtle nutty and biscuity notes reflect the novel\u2019s quirky and unpredictable twists, much like Gary\u2019s strange encounters and the darkly humorous situations he finds himself in.<\/p>\n Both the beer and the book offer a sense of light-heartedness and warmth, making them perfect for unwinding. While The Hotel Avocado<\/em> pulls you into its ridiculous yet endearing world, Nut Brown Ale<\/em> keeps you grounded with its comforting, familiar taste\u2014a perfect pairing for those who love a good laugh with a side of something rich and satisfying.<\/p>\n Steam Machine:\u00a0<\/strong>Tripel Riesling Apricot \u2013 Golden Tripel (7.4%).<\/p>\n The Crisp Sommelier: The Ultimate Guide to Crisp and Drink Pairings:<\/strong>\u00a0Neil Ridley<\/p>\n Pairing The Crisp Sommelier<\/em> with Tripel Riesling Apricot<\/em> is an inspired match that brings out the playful sophistication of Ridley\u2019s crisp-and-drink pairing guide while complementing the complex layers of the beer.<\/p>\n The Crisp Sommelier<\/em> is an exploration of fun and unexpected flavour combinations, much like this Golden Tripel beers which is aged in Californian white wine barrels with Turkish apricots. Ridley\u2019s humorous and informative style mirrors the adventurous, bold character of this beer, which combines the Belgian tradition of brewing strong, fruity ales with the elegance of a Riesling and the vibrant sweetness of apricots. The book celebrates the joy of snacking and pairing, while the beer offers a complex, yet refreshing experience with its notes of stone fruit, spicy apricots, and subtle wine influences.<\/p>\n And the crisp pairing? Perhaps a spicy, tangy crisp to complement the beer\u2019s apricot notes, or a lighter, seafood salty snack to let its delicate white wine characteristics shine. Both the book and the beer encourage experimentation and offer a fresh way to approach flavour, turning the simple act of snacking and drinking into an adventure.<\/p>\n The intricate brewing process behind Tripel Riesling Apricot<\/em> echoes Ridley\u2019s passion for finding the perfect combinations, making this beer the ideal companion as you dive into The Crisp Sommelier<\/em> and discover new ways to elevate your snacking game. Together, they form a pairing that\u2019s as refined as it is fun, perfect for anyone ready to indulge in life\u2019s flavourful moments.<\/p>\n Muckle Brewing:<\/strong>\u00a0Mighty Buzz \u2013 Honey Beer (3.5%).<\/p>\n Led By Donkeys: Adventures in Art, Activism and Accountability:\u00a0<\/strong>Led By Donkeys<\/p>\n Led By Donkeys<\/em> is a vivid and powerful chronicle of activists using creativity and wit to hold power accountable, exposing the lies and hypocrisies of those in charge. This book, with its mix of humour, sharp social critique, and daring public interventions, mirrors the essence of Mighty Buzz<\/em>\u2014a traditional honey beer brewed with the collaboration of local Northumberland beekeepers. Both the book and the beer showcase how small, seemingly modest efforts can create a big impact.<\/p>\n Mighty Buzz<\/em> is brewed with Goldings hops and rich heather honey from Allendale Moor. The earthy honey notes and subtle sweetness reflect the authenticity and integrity behind the beer, much like Led By Donkeys\u2019 mission to strip away the polished veneers of political power and reveal the raw truths beneath. Both the beer and the book are products of thoughtful craftsmanship\u2014one in the brewery, the other in the arena of activism. The collaborative nature of the beer mirrors the collaborative, collective effort behind Led By Donkeys<\/em>, where a small team makes a significant difference in raising public awareness.<\/p>\n The beer\u2019s roots in the wild landscapes of Northumberland also evoke the rugged persistence of Led By Donkeys in challenging the establishment with bold statements projected on the most public of canvases, from walls to cliffs.<\/p>\n Want more?\u00a0Check out the links for past Books \u2018n\u2019 Beer Pairings below:<\/p>\n 2020<\/a> \u2022 2021<\/a> \u2022 2022<\/a>\u2022 2023<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\nThe Books \u2018n\u2019 Beer Pairings<\/h2>\n
Joe Lycett\u2019s Art Hole + Wheeze The Juice<\/h2>\n
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\nOf The Flesh\u00a0+ Temptation<\/h2>\n
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\nThis Book is Literally Just Pictures of Cute Cats Who Are Plotting to Kill You + Nectar Falls<\/h2>\n
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\nAll the Colours of the Dark + First Krush<\/h2>\n
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\nRare Singles + Mellow<\/h2>\n
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\nViz Annual 2025 + NZ Super Pils<\/h2>\n
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Viz Annual 2025: The Guard\u2019s Parcel:<\/strong>\u00a0Viz Magazine<\/p>\n
\nThe Silent Killer + Smoking Blonde<\/h2>\n
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\nThe Hotel Avocado + Nut Brown Ale<\/h2>\n
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\nThe Crisp Sommelier + Tripel Riesling Apricot<\/h2>\n
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\nLed By Donkeys + Mighty Buzz<\/h2>\n
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