Golden Smog, Stockton-on-Tees (Smog)

An amiable licensee and proprietor runs the town's first micropub, first opened in August 2014, that comes complete with a huge Belgian / German twist.

Now in its 11th year, the Smog is located in a ginnel leading west off the main drag and named after the environmental conditions that recently prevailed on Teesside.

Besides the five real beers, ranging from blonde to hazy to black, cider and a range of craft beers are also served. An impressive range of Belgian and German beers, some familiar, most not so familiar, and most with high ABVs, are served in matching glasses in the continental way.

Half pint, 12 ounze schooners and third pint glasses are also available, as well as bespoke SMOG tasting tables.

Interesting decor, small lending library, friendly atmosphere and dog friendly makes it all well worth a visit.

Local CAMRA Branch Pub of the Year on many occasions, including 2024, and North East Region 2018 Pub of the Year, and runner up in 2023 and 2024.

And if the above has not yet enticed you to visit the Smog, please note that the staff are paid the national living wage - important, as most pubs don't.

Organises several charity events.

An extensive selection of free bar snacks are served on Sundays.