Saturday 19th October saw nine scientific stalwarts set off to survey pubs in the Spilsby area, settled into their seats on a Sleafordian super charabanc.

First stop off was the Wheel at Welton le Marsh, a 250 year old pub which served Hobgoblin, XB and Old Speckled Hen and the plastic pig on the roof seemed an omen for some.

Next up Gunby Inn at ... well... Gunby - here Doom Bar and Old Speckled Hen where the sumptuous sofas proved more welcoming perhaps than the inn. Then on to the Royal Oak at Candlesby where it was XB and several diners that greeted the travellers. By this time the data sheets were being updated with a professional flourish.

On then to the Blacksmiths Arms, a real gem of a country inn in the lovely surroundings of the Wolds and where most partook of the strong Victory Ale with XB and Black Sheep also available. The cosy bar with its massive fire proved a little warm for some imbibers and so refuge was taken outside on the pub front on a fine autumn afternoon. Boarding the bus the next port of call was the George and Dragon at Hagworthingham where Cumberland Ale was downed, but unfortunately the kitchen had just closed so only one lucky surveyor was able to partake of a baguette!

The Red Lion at Raithby was closed so on then to Hundleby and the Inn of the same name, where alterations meant that the original bar/ lounge was now private accommodation and Black Sheep and XB were taken in the previous dining room. The new extension to the rear contained gentlemen, complete with green attire, from a shoot.

In Spilsby the party split with 2 surveyors walking on to Halton Holegate. Spilsby did not live up to its dire reputation, and all four pubs were sampled in turn. The George Hotel, the liveliest in the town, offered Batemans XB, a mock-beamed ceiling and a great deal of noise, so a swift half was the order of the day. Franklins Bar @ The White Hart, the trendiest, had two beers, both guest ales, H&H Olde Trip and Wells Bombardier. The Sports TV provided a distraction for both customers and staff.

Then to two quieter pubs, both with well kept beer. The Nelson Butt had Old Speckled Hen and GK IPA. The pub is for sale, and one hopes does not become another casualty. A couple of doors away, the Red Lion served XB and Bombardier, and included a piano for the more adventurous clients.

The coach then took us to Halton Holgate to meet up with the walkers at the Bell Inn where Bradley's Finest Golden from Black Country, and Batemans Yella Belly and XXXB were supped. Also on offer was Westons traditional scrumpy.

All in all, a good day with the chance to visit some of our more rural pubs. The range of beers on the trip was a little limited but valuable data was collected to be input to the Pubzilla database, and CAMRA publicity left at each venue.