Hare & Hounds and Outstanding Ostrich

Hare & Hounds

UP AND RUNNING!

In Pub News in the last issue of BAE, I blithely informed readers that the Hare and Hounds in Greatford “remains closed”. Having signed the final proof off to the printers, I drove past the pub the following day to see a sign saying “Opening Soon”. Enquiries revealed that it was opening the very next day! It was too late to halt the printing process, so I was left with a dilemma – keep quiet and hope no-one noticed (unlikely) or hold my hands up.........

I went to see Steve Rigby, who was very good about it! I’m happy to set the record straight and state that the free house is very much a going concern. The main bar remains the focal point, with a restaurant area due to be open as this issue goes to print (Sunday lunches are already proving a hit with customers). And there’s more. In conjunction with the Lincolnshire Business and The Pub Is The Hub organisations, the pub is opening a deli on the premises and the old back bar has been converted into a sports bar complete with big-screen TV.

Mustn’t forget the beer! The cellar has had a complete overhaul and ales from Oakham and Grainstore complement Fuller’s ESB and Woodforde’s Wherry, with offerings from Nene Valley, Kings Cliffe, Hopshackle and Abbeydale expected in the not-too-distant future.

Al

OUTSTANDING OSTRICH

Wednesday, 3rd December saw Branch members and regulars descend on the Ostrich Inn in Peterborough’s North Street as the pub received a coveted CAMRA Gold Award. The Award is “For the huge improvement in the range and quality of the real ales and the superb transformation of the outdoor area”. Nobody who has drunk in the Ostrich recently would argue with that! Our photo, courtesy of Don Rudd, shows Branch Chairman Matt Mace looking on as Sue Minto, Alan Edwards, Dave Reeve-Shillito and Graham Finding celebrate.