A Wetherspoon conversion of the Empire and now named after the original 17th-century farmstead, set in the heart of student land. Swatters Carr cricket ground, also known as Linthorpe East cricket ground, hosted First Class matches between 1864 and 1867, and was also the original home of Middlesbrough Football Club. During the last 300 years it has been a hotel and an opera house, among other incarnations. An old turnstile features along with historical photographs in the large, lengthy bar. The seven hand pulls serve the nationally contracted beers together with several locally sourced, and not so locally sourced guest beers. Real cider. Beer festivals, Meet the Brewer, a January sale and celebrations of Saints' days are all hosted. A small outdoor drinking area overlooks the busy Linthorpe Road.