Nooooooooooo, the end of an era.

[Grumpmeister]

Newcastle Brown will never be the same again. 

Production of Newcastle Brown Ale is set to cease on Tyneside after its owners announced plans to close their brewery in Gateshead next year.

Scottish & Newcastle (S&N) wants to shut the Federation Brewery in Dunston and transfer operations to the John Smith's factory in Tadcaster.

The move, which would result in the loss of 63 jobs, is being blamed on falling beer sales in the UK.

Brewing of the ale moved across the River Tyne from Newcastle in 2005.

Newcastle Brown Ale has been brewed on Tyneside since 1927.

Paul Hoffman, S&N operations director, said: "Clearly this is a sad day, but the proposal to close Dunston is not a decision we have taken lightly.

"Nor is it a reflection on the employees at the site who have done an excellent job over the last few years in a very challenging market."

He said falling beer sales had created overcapacity in the UK brewing sector and the proposals were designed to ensure the firm remained competitive in the future.

He said the Dunston site was currently running at about 60% capacity and that the firm's ability to consolidate beer production at other sites presented "a strong case for closure".

James Ramsbotham, chief executive of the North East Chamber of Commerce, described the news as a blow to the region.

He said: "Fans of the brew will be disappointed to learn of this change because the unique flavour flows from the rich heritage of this part of the world, which is integral to its appeal.

"Likewise, the closure of the Federation Brewery will be mourned by all who recognise this landmark on Gateshead's skyline."

[Miss Creant Commander of the picklement and baking BAb(Hons)]

Yes but you have Doom Bar and whilst I am not a beer drinker I have heard outstanding reports about it.  Also there are several rather nice hostelries in the area that sell it.

Doom Bar Bitter is named after an infamous sandbank at the mouth of the Camel Estuary in north Cornwall. The Doom bar is at its most dangerous between low and high tides when it is submerged by just a few feet. Unsuspecting mariners can easily become stranded or in extreme weather shipwrecked.ost dangerous between low and high tides

[Snoopy]

This would seem to fly in the face of all those who claim we are a nation of binge drinkers. 

[Grumpmeister]

Yes but you have Doom Bar and whilst I am not a beer drinker I have heard outstanding reports about it.  Also there are several rather nice hostelries in the area that sell it.

Doom Bar Bitter is named after an infamous sandbank at the mouth of the Camel Estuary in north Cornwall. The Doom bar is at its most dangerous between low and high tides when it is submerged by just a few feet. Unsuspecting mariners can easily become stranded or in extreme weather shipwrecked.ost dangerous between low and high tides

Doom Bar is a lovely bitter and one I would recommend but I'm a Geordie Miss C, Newcastle Brown is part of the heritage. 

[Miss Creant Commander of the picklement and baking BAb(Hons)]

Yes but you have Doom Bar and whilst I am not a beer drinker I have heard outstanding reports about it.  Also there are several rather nice hostelries in the area that sell it.

Doom Bar Bitter is named after an infamous sandbank at the mouth of the Camel Estuary in north Cornwall. The Doom bar is at its most dangerous between low and high tides when it is submerged by just a few feet. Unsuspecting mariners can easily become stranded or in extreme weather shipwrecked.ost dangerous between low and high tides

Doom Bar is a lovely bitter and one I would recommend but I'm a Geordie Miss C, Newcastle Brown is part of the heritage. 

Ahh now I understand having lived just out side of Alnwick, been to school in Alnwick and having visited 'the dusty bottle' I can understand your angst . raz