By ROBERT GIBSON

Published at 09:49, Friday, 28 August 2009

THE best-known gentleman’s agreement in Tynedale’s real ale drinking circles has come to a bitter end.

For Wylam’s Boathouse Inn is no longer the Wylam Brewery ‘tap’, and owner Norman Weatherburn is adamant he has stopped stocking its beers for good.

The source of the fallout, according to a vitriolic statement on the brewery’s website, was this year’s Wylam Fair when the two businesses allegedly collided over division of profits.

The statement said The Boathouse, “without notice, explanation or even a complaint”, then stopped serving the beer – but Mr Weatherburn insists he has done nothing wrong.

Reluctant to comment in detail, he said: “We just fell out, although I feel it could have been resolved.

“As far as I am concerned, there has been no wrongdoing on behalf of the pub, although (brewery managing director) John Boyle would probably say the same about his business.

“So we’ll have to agree to disagree.”

Wylam Brewery was set up in May 2000 on a disused Heddon on the Wall farm by real ales enthusiasts, Mr Boyle and Robin Leighton.

Regulars at The Boathouse, they had Mr Weatherburn on board from the start and created an informal arrangement whereby the two businesses could work together.

Typically, The Boathouse has had at least one Wylam beer on offer, has promoted the brewery through its beer festivals and acted as a final rest-stop for those taking part in brewery tours.

The arrangement appears to have worked well as both businesses have gone from strength to strength, gaining numerous awards and a growing legion of avid fans.

The brewery outgrew its original 1000-litre plant three years ago, and started one three and a half times bigger in August this year.

Its beers are now available is many pubs, several leading supermarkets, and - in the case of its esteemed ruby ale, Northern Kite – even in the House of Commons bar.

Closer to home, Wylam beers have long been a feature of the Wylam summer fair, from which, according to Mr Boyle, the brewery and the pub traditionally divided the proceeds equally.

“I don’t want to criticise him (Mr Weatherburn),” he said. “He’s got a great pub, but unfortunately some relationships go sour.

“He was a good customer and a great supporter of the brewery in the early years, but for some reason he’s decided not to play anymore.

“But it’s all water under the bridge.”

The statement on the brewery’s website was removed this week, and replaced by news that the Tyne Bar, in Ouseburn, will be the new brewery tap, featuring Gold Tankard as a house beer, two further pumps providing a rotating range of ales, and a full stock of bottled beers and ciders.

At The Boathouse, meanwhile, the ‘Wylam Brewery Tap’ sign has been removed.

Mr Weatherburn will be including one Wylam ale in the current LocAle beer festival, but will not be stocking it regularly again.

“We are stocking many fabulous ales being brewed locally,” he said.

“The business hasn’t suffered in any way because of this. In fact, business has been getting better.”

Published by http://www.hexhamcourant.co.uk