Saturday 25th March saw a select group of Fenland members meet up at the Lord Harrowby in Grantham for a tour of the pubs, guided by members of the Grantham branch.

After a couple of drinks from the selection of five ales including a particularly nice ruby ale “Dirty Rucker” from Wadworth, the group moved on to the Tollemache Inn, Grantham’s Wetherspoon offering. Despite advertising the Wetherspoon National Beer Festival and it being the third day, only one festival beer was available, a mild, “Mild the Gap” brewed by an Italian brewer at Hook Norton. A reasonable pint.

On then to the Beehive where most of the local population seemed still to be hibernating and thus we avoided being stung. Only one real ale on offer, Newby Wyke Bear Island. Crossing the road, and bracing ourselves, we entered the Castlegate where we were treated to very noisy music and an acceptable pint of Wells Bombardier, sporting yet another version of the name.

Back to the main street and then towards the Market Place and the Chequers, with its modern interior and a selection of ales. After a quick visit it was over to the Angel & Royal where we were accommodated in Turpins Champagne, Cocktail & Prosecco bar (!) as a private function was on in the main hotel bar. The first to be served got the last of the barrel, still a perfectly acceptable pint, but those following received very cloudy pints which refused to settle, although they tasted alright.

A new location for some of us in the form of BeerHeadZ, Grantham's new micropub. A couple of beers from their large selection were sampled. We could have stayed longer, but time was marching on, and so we moved on to our final pub, the Nobody Inn, where Newby Wyke ruled the waves with their nautical themed beers.

After saying goodbye to our hosts, a return visit was made to the Tollemache for a meal and thence home. A great day out.