DRINKERS can hark back to Consett's heavy engineering past while sampling the wide range of beers on offer at a new watering hole on the former Market Square in the town.

Called The Company Row, the pub takes its name from the local nickname of the road where it stands - at the junction of Medomsley Road and Front Street, one of the approaches to the former Consett Iron Company steelworks.

The decor includes old pictures reflecting Consett's industrial heritage and specifically the steelworks, 21 years after the site closure.

It is run by national pub operator JD Wetherspoon and is the result of a four-month £1.6m development project. Manager Paul Miller heads the team of 25 full and part-time staff.

As with all JD Wetherspoon premises it is music-free, with no pool tables, but a large dining area and the company hopes to have a children's licence soon.

It will serve up a range of five cask-conditioned beers daily, but there's an early treat on Wednesday with up to 12 on offer at an in-house beer festival.

JD Wetherspoon is increasing its presence in County Durham with recent approval to develop the former Cheltenham and Gloucester Building Society premises in North Road, Durham, while the company awaits a licence hearing for a proposed pub in Front Street, Chester-le-Street, next month.