Fenman planned a pub tour of Grantham in December but didn’t plan on a rail strike, so instead of taking to the tracks he took to the replacement bus service, station to station via executive coach travel.

After the stroll from the railway station the first port of call was to meet up with No.2 son outside Spoons. A good range of beers from independent breweries were noted, as well as the usual Spoons offerings from the GK stable. Exmoor Gold, Old Hookey and Dark Island from Orkney were sampled over 5 Bean Chilli and Chicken Tikka Massala , the Starry Night from Black Hole would have to wait for another time.

On then to St Wulfum’s – no, not a hostelry, but for a look round the church Christmas decorations, and very splendid they were. We then popped into the Blue Pig but as only national beers were on we hurried on, to the Nobody Inn. The throng here busy supping such delights as White Squall, BG Sips, Harvest Pale and Shipstones, so it would have been rude not to join them. All beers sampled were in top condition.

On then to Beer Headz where we had the place to ourselves and 3 thirds of the beers were the order of the afternoon, with Big Bang Theory West Coast Pale from Nene Valley, Littlemoor Citra from Ashover, and Egytian Porter. All very well received. A look upstairs gave views of Grantham and provided comfortable seating. Next port of call was the Chequers where Magic Potion Baker’s Dozen 13, Brewster’s Decadence, and Pale Rider were available, all in good order.

It was then time to make for the station and a visit to the bar by the Grantham station platform. The beers Mosalo Blonde, Galaxy, Whistle were sampled just in time before boarding the replacement bus service back home.