The latest micropub to open in the North East, The Beer Drop, has landed on the high street to answer the question a lot of locals have been asking — “where can we find a decent pint of craft beer?”
Think of Low Fell and you might be picturing your drive from the Tyne Bridge to reach the A1 heading south. Navigating the serpentine rat run on Durham Road, crammed with speed bumps, bus lanes, cameras, and traffic lights, the space in between can seem chaotic and rather stressful.
But outside of the motorists’ viewpoint, take a walk along the paths on that stretch of the A167 and you’ll see a bustling high street, filled with a mix of independent and chain businesses (plus a few pubs, too). For beer lovers, the 12 pubs in the area have often felt as though they’re lacking some of the craft beer choices that can be found so easily elsewhere, due to the pubs being tied in one way or another.
Step forward, The Beer Drop.
The team
(Photo credit: The Beer Drop)
Owners Charlie and Julie Gibbs are no strangers to the beer and hospitality industry. Julie is also the owner of The Rare Drop, a beer, spirits, and wine bottle shop which is just around the corner from the new micropub. Charlie understands the challenges of running a hospitality venue as he used to have three tenancy pubs. No stranger to hard work and growing a business, Charlie also founded, grew, and sold the Steampunk Spirits brand (including Steampunk Gin and Voodoo Spice Rum), and was also the founder of Low Fell’s only (to date) Mexican restaurant, Peyote.
The plan
Following two years of research, Charlie and Julie decided they wanted their own place, free from the ties of previous pubs they’d had. That control over decision-making was vital in creating the type of pub they wanted to bring to the area; being able to buy from like-minded local businesses, and selling drinks at the prices they believe in. The micropub model appeared to be the best option in order to create this, but it had to be the right premises.
Fast forward to December 2021 and the couple made an offer to take over the lease of a card and gift shop on the high street. After a rigorous planning application and the usual overload of paperwork, they took possession on the 18th of July this year. Two months of extensive re-fitting later, The Beer Drop officially opened for business on Saturday 24th September, to a fantastic response.
(Photo credit: The Beer Drop)
Charlie and Julie realise that they can’t be all things to all people, so the focus is on being a “craft beer-led micropub”, concentrating on keg beers not available elsewhere locally, plus a rotating wine range personally curated by Julie. Not looking to be a mainstream “boozer”, The Beer Drop is a bright, welcoming space, which with its well-thought-out seating and huge windows allows the daylight to flood in and provides a comfortable space for lone drinkers as well as groups. By maintaining an ever-changing roster of local and less local beers, the team hopes to introduce more people to the wonderful range of beer flavours and styles brewed by fantastic craft producers.
The community
(Photo credit: The Beer Drop)
Committed to a philosophy of “as much as we can local”, all of the building materials were purchased from companies within ten miles of the venue. The builder, plumber, electrician, and painter were all local tradespeople, and the cellar drinks dispense utilised the services of a company based in Seaham.
Local support extends to the beers on the bar, too. The team is passionate about supporting North East breweries, putting them at the forefront of their supply chain. You can expect to see Wylam, Almasty, Two by Two, McColl’s, S43, and others on the taps. They also stock gluten-free, vegan-friendly, and cider options in their fridges, along with great wine options (a key feature if you’ve ever visited The Rare Drop). Quality bourbons, gins, whiskies, and rums adorn the shelves if you’re looking for something a little stronger.
“Our team all live locally and have a wealth of experience between them. We hope everyone will come to regard myself, Charlie, Andy, Ian, Sam, Vicky and Cat as friends over time.”
Julie Gibbs, co-owner of The Beer Drop
The future
Once the team has settled in, they are looking to start a weekly quiz, featuring Low Fell’s Quizmaster extraordinaire, Andy Hall. And they are also working on plans for Meet the Brewer nights, Tap Takeovers, vintage fairs, vinyl fairs, wine tastings, and more events to benefit the local community.
“We’d love to say a huge THANK YOU to everyone who came along on launch day (and those of you who came back for more the following day) to make it such a big success. We truly appreciate all your lovely comments on the venue, staff, drinks and vibe. We look forward to seeing you again soon and for many years to come!”
Charlie Gibbs, co-owner of The Beer Drop
Take a tour
Visit The Beer Drop
The Beer Drop is located at 529-531 Durham Road, Low Fell, Gateshead, NE9 6HX. Current opening hours are on their website, and you can follow them on socials for more updates: