Thankfully in 2002 the other excellent brewery based in Hartlepool, Castle Eden, bought the Lion Brewery and combined production of its own beers and Cameron's on the one site. There's been some streamlining of brands since, with a few beers sadly lost, however at least it's back in independent hands and the future looks reasonably rosy.
Under the Camerons label three beers are produced all year round in both cask and keg form, of which Strongarm is probably the best known. There's also Banner Bitter and Long Leg solely in cask form.
From the Castle Eden stable Castle Eden Ale and Nimmo's XXXX have been maintained, as has that label's range of four seasonal ales. The Castle Eden Inn, some miles outside Hartlepool, where it all began in 1826, now only stocks one Castle Eden beer on an occasional basis.
Church Street and Church Square (by the Railway Station) have a load of pubs and bars cheek by jowl, with more in the immediate side streets.
Club Bars: The Corner Flag Supporters Club on the other side of the stadium, between the away end (Rink End Stand) and the Cameron Brewery Stand, welcomes visiting fans both before and after matches. There is a small charge for entry. Has TV, including Sky Sports. The Victoria Suite near the away turnstiles is for members only.
Causeway; Stranton.
Around a mile virtually due south of the stadium, so fifteen minutes walk. Look for the church - home in on that and you can't miss the pub. Real ales are Banks's Bitter and Original and Camerons Strongarm as the regulars, plus a rotating guest or two.
Gillen Sports Bar; Park Road.
If you are looking for the sports bar style of outlet this is a possibility. Under fifteen minutes walk to the stadium not far up from the Causeway.
King Johns Tavern: 1, South Road.
The Wetherspoon in the town. Usual format. Has outside area but no parking. Ten minutes walk to the stadium.
The Stadium and Corner Flag bar; top left, just keep going up York Road. you'll see the floodlights. Rail Station; top right, the blue blob. Causeway; bottom left, at the end of the arrow in. Gillen Sports Bar; middle left, is in Park Road. King's John Tavern; just off map but middle left, top of Johnson Street leading into South Road, go left. (Map: Click Here.)
The Marina area, a few minutes walk from Victoria Park, has a number of rather sterile fast food outlets, restaurants and bars, although Jackson's Wharf could be worth a try. Alternatively five minutes along Clarence Road will bring you to the town centre.
Just a few minutes walk from the away end in the marina development, but has been popular with home fans as well as visitors. Does a wide range of drinks including some real ale, and serves food. Has Sky Sports.
Masses of free parking all around, but word has it it is trying to deter football types these days.
Jackson's Wharf; Top square, under the Hi. in the Martina. Follow the crowd across the A179!
(Many thanks to the hardened drinkers at www.ciderspace.co.uk for all their help with this article.)