ONE of Tyneside’s oldest pubs is saluting service men and women by offering them a free pint.
Saturday 29 June is Armed Forces Day, held annually to recognise the men and women who make up the Armed Forces community: from currently serving troops to Service families, veterans and cadets.
And, in a show of support, The Duke of Northumberland at Clayton Street will be handing out a free pint on Sunday 30 June to anyone presenting a Military ID card or Defence Privilege Card.
The Duke of Northumberland is also known as The Clock because of the huge timepiece, which used to hang on the wall at the top of the building and served as a meeting point for city centre drinkers.
Built in the late 1700s as a private town house, it was converted into a pub in 1832, and is a firm favourite for home and away supporters going to the Newcastle United games at St James’ Park.
The pub, owned by Newcastle-based Malhotra Group plc, has always been a particularly popular stopping off point for service personnel home on leave and business manager Joseph Chappell, said the decision to honour the Armed Forces was simple.
“The Duke has been welcoming the Services for almost two centuries,” he said.
“During each World War, soldiers, sailors and airmen on leave would head to them and, when peace was declared, the pubs were at the heart of the celebrations.
“As the nation commemorates the 75th anniversary of the D-Day landings, our armed forces are – quite rightly – at the forefront of our thoughts and this is just a very small way of showing our appreciation.”
Those presenting the relevant identification will be able to choose one free pint of either Foster’s, Carling, John Smith’s or Strongbow.
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