The Famous Five boarded the train on a scientific survey of pubs Skegness. After the mandatory photos and a wander around streets noting various hostelries, peering through windows into darkened bars, and generally causing little concern to the populace, the five wandered to the windy beach and back and into the Seaview at the end of North Parade. Here the friendly landlord served up Sharps Off Shore, a pleasant 3.8% light beer reminiscent of Doom Bar. After details taken and photo of the pub, it was next stop Yates's for GK IPA - one of the cheapest rounds of the day! (The pubs officer / webmaster was sworn to secrecy as to who bought the GK round, but with just the initials DM I am sure I am not giving too much away! - MP)

On then for a quiet stroll along the boulevard (well. so it seemed) to the Royal Hotel perched at the very end of South Parade, and the very grandest of the emporia visited. Yella Belly was on handpump and the visitors took the weight off their feet and sank into the settees. It was soon time to press on after explorations of the corridors of power and their many photographs and tributes to the RAF squadrons of Lancasters etc.

A visit to the Links Hotel in Drummond Road proved unfruitful, though they normally have two real ales on but cellar problems prevented this. Woolfies Wine Bar dragged the quintet back to the seaside and XB was the beer in hand. Next stop the Marine Boathouse, a large corner glass fronted building and the main bar was reached up a short flight of stairs. A pleasant surprise awaited - Belhaven Grand Slam, a rather tasty 4% pale amber ale. The other pump clip announced Down the Dragon " a chilli and chocolate infused Amber Ale - with a warm toffee taste with a touch of fire in the after taste" 4.8%. Well too tempting to miss, but unfortunately when the bar girl pulled the pump mere clear water ensued. Ah well - the pump clip did also show the brewery name, GK!

Not a pub but a club was then visited, the Liberal Social Club, and after signing in the visitors were dispensed XB. The lounge / bar was full of ladies and gents of a certain age - well it was nice and cosy in there. A visit to Williams Bar & Lounge found that the real ale was sold out until the weekend, and Churchills was to put Old Speckled Hen on later that evening.

There was just time for two more visits; the 'Spoons Red Lion which had the beer festival on and so two pints of 3 thirds were ordered - Harpoon, Albion Connection, Boadicea, Bomber County, Cottage Stone, Bath Ales, and supped - very few of these were in the 'Spoons festival programme but the barman kindly wrote the beers on the tray mat.

Across the road to the Lumley Hotel where the 5 halves of XXXB had to be returned as it was off (the first off beer of the day) and so substitute by XB. The train beckoned and the day was classed a success as much data had been collected and the Pubs Officer seemed happy with the results which would populate Pubzilla and What Pub web sites.

David Mellor