A trip over to Lincoln for their yearly beer festival held at The Drill, before heading round some of the pubs and micropubs that Lincoln has to offer.
After getting to Doncaster, a direct service through to Lincoln operated by East Midlands Railway.
After arriving into Lincoln Central a quick 10 minute walk up to Lincoln Drill Hall, the venue of the beer festival.
Over 100 beers available at the festival, from local breweries and ones from further afield to choose from.
Cardinals Hat
After finishing at the beer festival, I headed up Steep Hill and firstly called in at Cardinals Hat. Built in the 15th Century, this timber-framed building was as an inn during the 16th and 17th centuries. It is reputedly named after Cardinal Wolsey, Bishop of Lincoln 1514-1515. The Grade II listed structure was restored 1952-53 by St John Ambulance Brigade.
A good selection of cask and keg beers available here to choose from. Decided on White Squall from Newby Wyke brewery.
Interesting to see a pub having a newspaper as a menu rather than a plain traditional menu!
BeerHeadz
Another walk up hill to BeerHeadz. Ive visited their pubs before at Nottingham and Retford but ive not managed to get around to doing Lincoln before.
A good range of 3 Cask, 2 Cider and 10 Keg beers available here. Decided on a Thornbridge sour beer (Floresta) which I hadnt had before.
The Strugglers Inn
Another walk this time heading to the Cathedral quarter, to The Strugglers Inn (known to locals as The Struggs)
A choice of 7 Cask Ales here (was too busy to get a photo of the other bank, but included Great Newsome, Small World and Roosters)
Decided on “Baby Faced Assassin” from Roosters Brewery in the end, a favourite of mine!
The Joiners Arms
Down the hill next towards The Joiners Arms. The front of the pub looks very 1960s in style from the front but is very traditional upon entering. Even houses Lincolns only Bar Billiards table!
2 beers from Phipps Brewery and 1 from Hereford Brewery available on the bar (my choice was the H.L.A from Hereford Brewery).
Mailbox
Yet another walk downhill back into the town centre to visit “Mailbox”. The pub is a conversion of the former city main Post Office building and is very well done.
Three cask ales available here, all of which are from Pheasantry Brewery in East Markham, Nottinghamshire. Went with the “Excitra”, a delicious 4.3% Golden Ale, along with a lovely seat out at the front in the sun!
The Golden Eagle
Over the railway and through town to the end to The Golden Eagle, an old coaching inn now run by Castle Rock Brewery from Nottingham.
Great large outside seating areas with two rooms inside. Choice of 4 real ales available including their own beer “Harvest Pale”. Decided to go with Fresh Coast from Durham Brewery. A delicious and fresh tasting US IPA.
Imp & Angel
Formerly the Hop & Barley, this was Lincoln’s first micropub. It has been fully refurbished into a lovely bright and modern style.
Four real ales, 4 keg lines and a can and bottle fridge packed full, so lots to choose from and something for everyone. Pragmatic by Beermats Brewing Co was my drink of choice, a traditional English bitter.
Tiny Tavern
This micropub opened in March 2020 in what was originally two of the 17th century cottages in the Grade II listed St Andrew’s Row. Ring a bell on the right hand door to gain access to the pub.
A good range of cask ales available here. Started off with “Brimstone by Great Newsome” and moved onto “Monarch Ale by Kings Clipstone Brewery“, both really good choices. A lovely outside area at the back of the pub aswell.
The Treaty of Commerce
The unique name refers to an Anglo-French free trade agreement signed in 1860. Was formerly a Tea Trader which opened in 1862, and is one of the last independent high street pubs.
Five cask ales available here alongside a range of Rosies Pig cider. Choices from Batemans, Oakham and Hook Norton breweries. Went with “Batemans -Gold”
After finishing here time to head back to Lincoln Central station, for a train to Retford and change for a train to Doncaster.
The Leopard
Just around the corner from Doncaster Railway station is The Leopard, lovely tiled front from it’s days as a Warwick and Richardson’s house.
Five cask ales available here, decided to go with American Pale Ale by Dark Star Brewing Co.
Doncaster Brewery Tap
Great brewery tap serving a range of Doncaster Brewery beers alongside guest ales, a number of keg beers and a large line up of real ciders.
Went with “Same Chit Different Day” from Doncaster Brewery. A pale ale made using Chit malt and CF247 experimental hop fermented with Verdant Pale Ale Yeast. Really enjoyed this beer!
The Little Plough
Last call of the day before heading home on the train. The interior of this pub dates from 1934 and is mentioned in CAMRA’s National Inventory of Historic Pub Interiors. A two room pub on entry, very cosy.
A choice of 4 real ales here, 3 from Yorkshire – Acorn, Little Critters and Bradfield, alongside one from Phoenix Brewery in Heywood, Greater Manchester. Hadn’t seen the Shite Horse (English Bitter from Little Critters) so went with this. Great tasting English Bitter.
Micropub Adventures 
Very thorough as
Usual with good pics . No mention of the fine micro on plat 3 at Donny???
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It shuts at 7pm on a Saturday (I arrived 1930), usually my first calling point.
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