BUSES AND A FEW BEERS IN STOCKTON

Back in the mid 1960s, we arrive by coach into Stockton, courtesy of Walker's of Hexthorpe, Doncaster. 

At that time, Stockton Corporation ran its own buses. (Top photo by Les Flint)

Stockton, Middlesbrough and the Teesside system were soon combined to form Teesside Municipal Transport. No A53 is seen in Stockton High Street in 1974.

Teesside Municipal Transport was to be transformed into Cleveland Transit.

Stagecoach later took over.

United was the other large operator in Stockton. This Leyland Leopard had come from Wilkinsons of Sedgefield.

It's 1977 and this West Yorkshire Road Car Bristol VR was on loan to United to help Stockton celebrate the Queen's Jubilee.

Tees & District was formed from the southern part of the United empire.

Arriva is the successor to United, etc.

The Go Ahead Group also have a presence in Stockton.

Independents over the years have included Trimdon Motor Services, OK Travel, Robsons and Delta.

They heard we were coming, so Maxim Brewery is delivering more beer to Stockton.

First stop, the Clarendon, but it has since closed.

The Cricketers is also a pub no more.

The Theatre has since been renamed and has no cask beer.

At least the town's Wetherspoons, the Thomas Sheraton, can provide us with some real ale.

Trader Jacks, another one now renamed and has lost its cask beer.

I'm not certain what happened to this micropub, the Go Between.

This one, however, is still well and truly in business - The Golden Smog.

The Sun Inn is a "must visit", if only for the draught Bass.

The Wasp's Nest overlooks the Tees.

Leaving Stockton town centre behind, we proceed into the western suburbs, to Hartburn and the Masham pub.

That's it for this post. We'll take a diversionary route towards Darlington in the next post.