I popped into two cracking Lincolnshire micropubs that mix history with proper community spirit. First up was The Crafty Local in Skegness, which opened in October 2023 and has quickly become a friendly little spot. The place has had all sorts of past lives, but now it’s buzzing again with good beer and a laid-back vibe. Later, I headed to The Whistle Stop Micropub in Grantham, tucked inside an old railway parcels office. It’s full of character, with railway bits on the walls and a cosy feel. Both pubs served great, easy-drinking ales and were perfect for a relaxed pint and a chat.
Tag Archives: beer
10/10/25 – Batemans Brewery Tour
Batemans Brewery, founded in 1874 by George and Susannah Bateman in Wainfleet, Lincolnshire, began in a converted windmill by the River Steeping. From humble origins — with Susannah brewing in their kitchen and bartering beer for local produce — the family built a legacy of “Good Honest Ales.” Over five generations, Batemans has stayed independent through wars, industrial change, and even a dramatic 1980s buyout to prevent corporate takeover. The brewery’s windmill remains its iconic symbol, now home to the “Theatre of Beers” visitor centre. Today, Batemans continues blending tradition with innovation, celebrating over 150 years of family brewing.
08/10/25-09/10/25 – Nottingham
Two days in Nottingham trace a pub crawl through history and beer. From the Vat & Fiddle’s Castle Rock tap roots to Brew Tavern in the old Cabman’s Shelter, venues blend canals, lace-market heritage and sandstone caves. Highlights include Canalhouse’s warehouse, Ye Olde Salutation Inn with caves, and Canning Circus stalwarts Sir John Borlase Warren, Falcon Inn and Organ Grinder. Interiors swing from snug nooks to airy, brick-and-beam spaces. Cellars, courtyards and roof terraces abound. Pints range from classic bitters to hazy pales and zesty sours—local, guest and collaboration brews poured with easy warmth. Across the city’s welcoming beer scene.
27/09/25 – Rochdale and Littleborough
I spent time exploring Rochdale and Littleborough’s pubs, each full of history, character, and great beer. From the Victorian charm of the Cemetery Hotel and the lively Flying Horse, to the mill-turned-brewery Twisted Mule and award-winning Baum, every stop offered something unique. I enjoyed cosy micropubs like The Pint Pot, Our Gracie’s, and The Lucky Duck, alongside landmarks such as Moody Blue and Bull on the Brow. In Littleborough, I discovered the heritage-rich Red Lion, welcoming Hare on the Hill, and scenic Moorcock Inn. Along the way I met passionate brewers, sampled local ales, and experienced true community spirit.
20/09/25 – Preston Pub Festival
I had a great time at the Preston Pub Festival, checking out loads of different pubs around the city. Each place had its own vibe, from the old-school charm of The Old Vic and The Black Horse to the laid-back feel of the New Continental and the modern buzz at Plug & Taps. The beers were brilliant too – highlights for me were Portergeist from Theakston, Arable Pastures from Fell, and Eating Fresh Fruit from Rivington. I even stumbled across some hidden gems like PLAU and Winedown. Overall, it was a fun weekend of good pubs, good beer, and good company.
13/09/25 – York
I spent the day exploring York’s pubs, bars, and drinks spots, each packed with history and character. I started at York Tap in the old station tearooms before heading to both House of the Trembling Madness venues, each quirky in their own way. I sampled rum at Villains Rum, browsed gin at York Gin, and visited unique pubs like The Blue Bell, Golden Ball, and The Falcon. Stops like Brew York, Market Cat, Valhalla, and Spark showed off York’s modern craft scene, while places like Pivni, Walmgate Alehouse, and The Ackhorne oozed old-world charm. A perfect mix of history, atmosphere, and great drinks.
06/09/25 – Congleton, Biddulph and Knypersley
I spent a day exploring pubs and taprooms around Congleton, Knypersley, and Biddulph, each with its own charm and history. From the quirky Wonky Pear with its shopfront roots to Beartown’s lively taproom, I sampled unique local brews like “Lit” and “Bobby Dazzler.” Cosy stops like The Prince of Wales and The Foundry showed how tradition meets community spirit, while newer spots like R&G’s Tap House and HopLab added fresh energy. In Biddulph, On Tap and The Crafty Flanker brought creativity and warmth. Back in Congleton, pubs like Throstles Nest, BarleyHops, and The Queens Head rounded off a memorable tour.
30/08/25 – Nottinghamshire Coalfield Towns and Villages
Exploring Mansfield and its surrounding towns reveals a vibrant pub scene steeped in history and character. From the Railway Inn, serving locals since the mid-1800s, to the Garrison’s Peaky Blinders flair, every stop tells a story. Micropubs like Barrel, Stella Taps, and The Dandy Cock showcase modern community spirit, while classics like The Brown Cow keep Victorian charm alive. Sutton’s FireRock and Scruffy Dog bring brewing in-house, while Kirkby’s Dog House and Newstead’s Pit highlight cosy, welcoming spaces rooted in local tradition. Each venue combines history, atmosphere, and great beer, proving pubs remain at the heart of Nottinghamshire life.
23/08/25 – Wigan
Wigan’s pub scene is a proper mix of old and new. Places like Wigan Central, The Three Mills, and The Swan & Railway nod to the town’s railway and industrial past while serving quality ales. The Anvil, Tap ’n’ Barrel, and Wigan Brewhouse Taproom carry on the local brewing tradition with cosy atmospheres and interesting pints. Newer spots like Real Crafty and Gin on the Lane add a modern twist but still keep that community feel. All in all, every pub offers a warm welcome where locals and visitors can enjoy a drink and a bit of Wigan’s culture.
16/08/25 – Southsea
I spent the day exploring Southsea’s beer scene, starting at Staggeringly Good, where the dino theme and lively vibe set the tone. Makemake was next, tucked among brewing kit with its creative small-batch beers. The Brewers Tap felt like a real community hub, while the Sir Loin of Beef gave me that classic, historic pub feel. At HUIS, I paired Belgian-inspired bites with a pint, then ducked into the cosy Hole in the Wall. I finished at Farfarout, a snug little bar with a laid-back charm. Southsea’s mix of breweries and pubs made for a fun, flavourful crawl.
Micropub Adventures 