Happy Bookshop Day! To celebrate the best North East independents, for the fifth year running we’ve joined forces with our favourite independent bookshop, Forum Books. Together, we’re sharing their handpicked book recommendations paired with some of the finest North East beers. With the weather turning a little greyer, we’ve activated hibernation mode, and what better way to get cosy than by indulging in the perfect blend of good books and great beer?!
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’s 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).
You’ll 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’re 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?
As always, we’d love to hear what you’re reading and the beers that enhance those books…you can share your story with us over on X.
The Books ‘n’ Beer Pairings
Joe Lycett’s Art Hole + Wheeze The Juice
Twice Brewed: Wheeze The Juice – Tropical Smoothie IPA (6.5%)
Joe Lycett’s Art Hole: Joe Lycett
Art Hole offers a satirical, whimsical exploration of Lycett’s colourful and outlandish portraits, each accompanied by exaggerated, fictional stories about British cultural icons. This pairs perfectly with Wheeze The Juice, a tropical smoothie IPA that’s bursting with the bold, juicy flavours of pineapple, mango, and passion fruit, mimicking the riot of colours and unpredictability of Lycett’s artistic creations. The beer’s sweetness, with a touch of milk sugar, mirrors Lycett’s playful tone and the sheer absurdity of the tales behind each portrait, such as Prince William raving about air fryers or Priti Patel’s secret hobby as a fly-tipper.
Both the book and the beer are refreshingly bold, unexpected, and guaranteed to make you smile, whether you’re savouring the tropical zing of Wheeze The Juice or laughing at Lycett’s mischievous take on British public figures. Like Lycett’s art, the IPA is a blend of creativity and eccentricity, making this pairing as unconventional as it is enjoyable.
Of The Flesh + Temptation
Durham Brewery: Temptation – Russian Stout (10%)
Of the Flesh: 18 Stories of Modern Horror: Susan Barket et al.
The unsettling, visceral tales in Of the Flesh 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 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’s complex aroma, with hints of anise, caramel, and blackberries, mirrors the multilayered horror in the stories—a sensory experience that draws you in deeper with each sip, much like the tales captivate with each twist.
The stout’s 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 offers a dense, almost sinful drinking experience that feels like a descent into indulgence. The beer’s 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.
Together, this pairing lures you into a dark, immersive world—one 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.
This Book is Literally Just Pictures of Cute Cats Who Are Plotting to Kill You + Nectar Falls
Thirsty Moose: Nectar Falls – Session IPA (4.3%).
This Book is Literally Just Pictures of Cute Cats Who Are Plotting to Kill You: Smith Street Books
This pairing creates a lighthearted, mischievous experience—one that’s perfect for unwinding with a smile and a sly chuckle.
The book’s 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’s cheeky, fun, and a little bit menacing, much like a cat eyeing you from across the room while you wonder what it’s really up to. Similarly, Nectar Falls delivers a burst of fruity, tropical flavours of passion fruit, peach, apricot, and melon, crashing onto your palate in a way that’s refreshing yet playful. Its soft body and well-balanced citrus notes make it easy to sip while enjoying the mischievous humour of the book.
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—easygoing, yet packed with flavour, much like how the cats are cute but full of sly intentions.
All the Colours of the Dark + First Krush
Full Circle Brew Co.: First Krush – Session IPA (3.9%).
All the Colours of the Dark: Chris Whitaker
Whitaker’s 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 offers a delicate yet flavourful experience—its tropical notes of mango, pineapple, and passionfruit bring a brightness to the palate that parallels the fleeting moments of light and connection in Whitaker’s 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’s poignant and layered narrative.
While the book grapples with heavy themes of love, loss, and the relentless passage of time, the session IPA offers a gentle, refreshing respite—perfect for pacing through such an intense story. Much like the elusive Grace in the novel, First Krush 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.
Together, this pairing is an experience of contrasts—light and heavy, sweet and heartbreaking—much like the novel’s central themes. Just as Patch and Saint’s journeys are driven by a yearning for closure and understanding, First Krush is a beer you’ll want to return to, sip after sip, as you dive deeper into Whitaker’s unforgettable tale.
Rare Singles + Mellow
McColl’s Brewery: Mellow – Session IPA (4.0%).
Rare Singles: Benjamin Myers
Pairing Rare Singles with Mellow creates a beautifully harmonious experience, perfectly balancing the novel’s tender, soulful narrative with the beer’s easygoing, mellow character.
Rare Singles is a heartwarming, funny, and poignant story about second chances, unlikely friendships, and the redemptive power of music, especially Northern Soul. Dinah’s love for music as her only escape, and Bucky’s journey of rediscovery after a lifetime of hardship, create a narrative filled with warmth and humanity. Similarly, Mellow Session IPA offers a smooth, fruity escape, with its citrus and tropical aromas serving as a refreshing backdrop to the novel’s emotional depth. Its light 4.0% ABV and soft, juicy flavour make it a perfect companion to the novel’s themes of reflection, growth, and the gentle, life-changing power of connection.
Just as Dinah and Bucky find solace and transformation in music, Mellow offers a sense of calm and balance—a beer that goes down easily while delivering complexity with its big hit of Citra and Azacca hops. Its smoothness mirrors the novel’s laid-back tone, where the characters slowly come to terms with their pasts and find comfort in unexpected places.
Together, this pairing is a celebration of life’s quieter, more reflective moments. Both the book and the beer are about savouring the present and appreciating the small joys, whether it’s 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—just as the characters in Rare Singles rediscover the beauty in their own lives.
Viz Annual 2025 + NZ Super Pils
Donzoko Brewing: NZ Super Pils – Pilsner (5.0%).
Viz Annual 2025: The Guard’s Parcel: Viz Magazine
The Guard’s Parcel is packed with Viz’s signature irreverence, crude humour, and hilarious cartoons that deliver a full dose of British satire. It’s unapologetically outrageous, full of witty gags, and not afraid to poke fun at anything and everything. To complement this, NZ Super Pils 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’s crisp yet full of flavour—perfect for sipping as you flip through the hilarious, over-the-top pages.
Much like The Guard’s Parcel revels in its absurdity, NZ Super Pils brings a twist to the classic pilsner style, with its New Zealand hops delivering a bold, refreshing experience. The beer’s 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.
Together, this pairing is the ultimate combination of fun and refreshment. Whether you’re 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.
The Silent Killer + Smoking Blonde
Hadrian Border Brewery: Tyneside Blonde – Blonde Ale (3.9%).
The Silent Killer: Trevor Wood
The Silent Killer follows DCI Jack Parker, a man who has spent his life facing danger head-on but now grapples with a more personal battle—his secret struggle with Early Onset Dementia. Set against the dark, gritty streets of Newcastle, Jack’s 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 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’s life as a detective in Newcastle, while the bitterness hints at the underlying struggles he faces.
Just as Jack hides his internal battles beneath a calm exterior, Tyneside Blonde is easy to drink but subtly complex, with its refreshing taste masking layers of malty sweetness and hop bitterness. The beer, like Jack’s character, is rooted in the heart of Newcastle—a staple of the local brewing scene, much like how Jack is a pillar of his police force.
This pairing reflects the novel’s 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, you can feel connected to Jack’s Newcastle surroundings, making it the perfect drink to accompany this gripping police procedural thriller.
The Hotel Avocado + Nut Brown Ale
Rigg & Furrow: Nut Brown Ale (4.5%).
The Hotel Avocado: Bob Mortimer
The Hotel Avocado is a wonderfully eccentric story, filled with offbeat characters, unusual predicaments, and Mortimer’s signature wit. Gary Thorn’s dilemma—torn between staying in his predictable London life or moving to Brighton to support his girlfriend’s avocado-themed hotel—plays out against a backdrop of absurdity, romance, and looming danger. The novel’s mix of hilarity and suspense is the perfect companion for Nut Brown Ale, a richly malty and nutty brew that offers a sense of warmth and cosiness amidst all of the chaos.
Nut Brown Ale pours a deep chestnut colour with flavours of biscuit, rye, and oats—just 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’s layered characters and comedic genius shine through. Meanwhile, the subtle nutty and biscuity notes reflect the novel’s quirky and unpredictable twists, much like Gary’s strange encounters and the darkly humorous situations he finds himself in.
Both the beer and the book offer a sense of light-heartedness and warmth, making them perfect for unwinding. While The Hotel Avocado pulls you into its ridiculous yet endearing world, Nut Brown Ale keeps you grounded with its comforting, familiar taste—a perfect pairing for those who love a good laugh with a side of something rich and satisfying.
The Crisp Sommelier + Tripel Riesling Apricot
Steam Machine: Tripel Riesling Apricot – Golden Tripel (7.4%).
The Crisp Sommelier: The Ultimate Guide to Crisp and Drink Pairings: Neil Ridley
Pairing The Crisp Sommelier with Tripel Riesling Apricot is an inspired match that brings out the playful sophistication of Ridley’s crisp-and-drink pairing guide while complementing the complex layers of the beer.
The Crisp Sommelier 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’s 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.
And the crisp pairing? Perhaps a spicy, tangy crisp to complement the beer’s 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.
The intricate brewing process behind Tripel Riesling Apricot echoes Ridley’s passion for finding the perfect combinations, making this beer the ideal companion as you dive into The Crisp Sommelier and discover new ways to elevate your snacking game. Together, they form a pairing that’s as refined as it is fun, perfect for anyone ready to indulge in life’s flavourful moments.
Led By Donkeys + Mighty Buzz
Muckle Brewing: Mighty Buzz – Honey Beer (3.5%).
Led By Donkeys: Adventures in Art, Activism and Accountability: Led By Donkeys
Led By Donkeys 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—a 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.
Mighty Buzz 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’ 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—one 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, where a small team makes a significant difference in raising public awareness.
The beer’s 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.
Go read!
Want more? Check out the links for past Books ‘n’ Beer Pairings below: