Pub News

Congratulations to the King’s Head in Stamford on their award for Town Pub of the Year. Well deserved for the fantastic selection of different beers and ciders they have on their board. However, they also have friendly, knowledgeable staff and provide tasty food. A truly great little pub!

I enjoyed my afternoon at the Charters Winter Beer Festival, with a good selection of beers in excellent condition. A week later I enjoyed a couple of very tasty pints in the Coalheavers (Park Street) before my friend decided to spoil his afternoon by going to watch the football match in the vain hope that his team might win.

My pub reporting has not really taken off this year, so I have little else to report this issue. I hope to have more to say next time.

Bill Taylor

Alun Thomas adds: There’s still no news on the revamping of the White Swan, Harringworth. Building materials fill the back yard but work has yet to resume in this splendidlysituated old inn, overlooking the Seaton Viaduct. No news is supposedly good news, but the Toft House Hotel on the A6121 between Stamford and Bourne remains a dark monolith....also yet to reopen are Stamford’s two Samuel Smith’s houses, St. Mary’s Vaults and the Melbourn. And there’s still nothing to report from the proposed sale of Nassington’s Black Horse.

However, the Raymond Mays, Bourne’s fledgling Wetherspoon outlet, remains on course to open in April.

Great to hear the announcement about Peterborough Beer Festival – just the fillip the ale and cider drinkers of the area needed – and there’s happy news from Yaxley, where “Xtreme At The Farmers” is taking place from Wednesday, 4th until Saturday 7th May. Eighteen (count ‘em) different ales from local brewers will be showcased while entertainment will be provided on the Friday by Salmon Dave and the Saturday by Dizzy Miss Lizzy’s.

Also (hopefully you’ll be reading this before Saturday, April 2nd!) the Annual Charity Soul Night is back following a two-year Covid-related hiatus. Motor City Vipers will be hosting the event at the Brewery Tap in Westgate on that evening to help raise funds for the fantastic work carried out by Sue Ryder Care at Thorpe Hall Hospice in Peterborough.

The event also includes support from top soul DJs and Tap regulars Julian R and Paul D, and the evening will include a raffle and auction. Tickets from the Tap or order online at mcv.eventbrite.

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In other news, our neighbours in Rutland have also had their Beer Festival budget approved by CAMRA HQ and the event – at Rutland County Museum in Oakham - will take place from Thursday 23rd to Saturday 26th June. Rustic food, gentle entertainment, forty or so ales, free entry for CAMRA members.....they hope “to see lots of our friends from Peterborough Branch as usual”.

And don’t forget the Breweriana and Playing Card Collectors’ Fair at the Ploughman, Werrington, on Saturday 30th April, 12 noon – 4pm. This event is also back after a pandemic-induced break. All details on page 14.