I remember the Linthorpe from the early 60s. A rugby playing mate of mine celebrated his 18th birthday there by attempting to drink 18 pints. The landlady was a bit perturbed because he had been a regular for two years and she didn't realise he'd been under age.

Starting at 5.30 p.m. he had the barmaid sign for every pint for proof. He only got to 16. Girl. I carted him home in the back of my dad's pick-up truck, there was no way he was allowed in the front!

Sam Smiths beer was crap in those days, all top pressure and probably only beaten for crapness by Nimmo's (and maybe Cameron's). Which was why my mate was drinking Boilermakers - half brown & half bitter.

When eventually my own village (Nunthorpe) was allowed a pub, guess what, it was a Sammy Smiths house.

cheers, Terry