TWICE Brewed Inn sits on the edge of the Military Road (B6318) which runs parallel to Hadrian’s Wall from Heddon-on-the-wall and eventually comes out at Skippers Bridge.
After an hour’s circular walk on the wall from Steel Rigg to Sycamore Gap, we stopped for lunch at the inn where we had booked a table.
Since the lockdown was lifted, most restaurants are operating a booking system only which helps them manage the numbers and control the track and trace system.
The last time we ate, and drank, here was on March 21, the Saturday before lockdown so it was a very different experience this time.
At the entrance, we were met by a member of staff wearing PPE who took our temperatures and checked our details.
The bar, where we would normally find a table, was being kept as the over-flow.
We were led through to the back function room which was laid out in a very organised fashion with tables two metres apart and tape around each table.
The staff wore masks and were aware of the two-metre distance. We felt very safe and well cared for.
We decided, after working up an appetite on Hadrian’s Wall, to opt for the Sunday Roast which was a choice of beef, chicken or lamb. We chose the beef.
We waited no time at all and when it arrived, we couldn’t believe the size of the portion; it was huge.
I couldn’t quite finish mine but Alan polished his off no bother and washed it down with a pint of their own real ale.
They also have an on-site brewery and tap room where they brew a range of real ales to satisfy beer lovers from around the world and a selection of artisan gins and liqueurs distilled on site.
The ales are named after the various sites along the wall such as: Steel Rigg, Vindolanda IPA, Ale Caesar and Sycamore Gap.
They also sell merchandise and offer brewery tours, although these have been suspended until further information is issued on COVID-19.
I thoroughly recommend a visit. It has a lovely cosy atmosphere with log-burning stoves and great service throughout.