Intrepid Fen folk travelled south for their April social and sampled the delights of Holbeach pubs. It was particularly pleasing to meet up with two of Fenland's staunchest allies for many years, Brian & Val - who for once were in home territory.

The meeting place was the Horse & Groom, where we were made most welcome during a busy Friday evening session in the pub. Service was good and beer prices most reasonable. Beers on offer were Adnams Bitter and Dark Horse Maypole. The latter beer was assumed to be from the Skipton stable but the 2011 GBG does not list Maypole, which is a lightly hopped pale bitter. Both beers in very good condition, but with one half having a slightly soapy flavour - possibly due to glass washing.

On then to the Crown, a pub full of young vim and vigour (can we recall that Fen folk?) with "youngsters" in hats and almost fancy dress. Anyway back to the beer - the GK IPA, we were assured by a connoisseur, was in good form, Tetleys Top Trumpet promised a little more than it delivered, whilst the Adnams Bitter stood up well to scrutiny.

A couple of other hostelries were visited but came up short on the real ale test. So back to the Horse & Groom, now full of diners and drinkers alike. Service and beer (and prices) still A1 so more Maypole and Adnams sampled along with local and national CAMRA news discussed with vigour. The toilet facilities at the H&G were given a top class accolade by a Fenland member who used to work in the pottery industry (as a dubious pen pusher) - no trade names were disclosed.