The Birdcage, Lincoln

Official site of The Birdcage - www.birdcagelincoln.com

Facebook page of The Birdcage - www.facebook.com

Official site of The Birdcage - www.birdcagelincoln.com

Facebook page of The Birdcage - www.facebook.com

A number of pubs have closed down in this area to the east of the city centre since I started coming to Lincoln for pub research about 20 years ago - the Green Dragon, the Pelham Bridge, the Steam Hammer to name just three - and I can remember passing this one on my way to or from the Dog & Bone a couple of streets away without giving it much thought, apart from a slightly raised eyebrow at the fact that these two pubs quite close to each other were still going. It was only when I saw the Birdcage on the Good Beer Guide app that I decided to give it a visit. There were three cask beers on when I came here at just after 4pm on a midweek afternoon (see photo). I asked for a half of Landlord and went to sit at a table away from the bar. A couple of locals struck up conversation - workmen just finished, by their clothing and their lagers. I didn't mention Pubs Galore or the GBG, just beer tourism and pub research, and told them about the various pubs I'd done in Lincoln that day, and where else I had to go before my train back to Sheffield. I took the occasional sip of my beer, but it wasn't getting any more drinkable than the first one. It was clear to look at, but something was giving it a sharpness that the brewers at Timothy Taylors had never intended. Given my timetable, I wasn't going to spend time and trouble over arguing about the state of the beer - "it's supposed to taste like that" (no it's not) - and just left the bottom half of my glass on the table as I walked out. Date of visit: 21st February 2024

Set in the backstreets of Lincoln to the east of the city centre, this is a pub that seems to be popular with students. Live music is staged regularly and there are various themed nights, including knitting on a Monday. The bar is L-shaped and there appeared to be an outdoor area to the rear. Sharp's Doom Bar is the regular ale. Guests were Milestone Shine On & Zest Time Lord. Ciders were Lilley's Pina Colada Cider, Elderflower Cider & Raspberry Mojito & Weston's Family Reserve. A CAMRA discount is offered. I opted for the Time Lord. Apparently the Zest Brewery is based in Grantham. I'd never had a beer from a brewery beginning with a 'Z' before! A little quiet for late on a Saturday night, but there was a decent soundtrack and I could imagine this place being much more lively when an event is on, apart perhaps from the knitting.

The Birdcage is a small L-shaped wooden floored back street boozer with an L-shaped bar counter centrally located on the rear wall. Seating is found opposite the bar counter in the right rear corner and in the front right of the pub is an open area that hosts the advertised regular live music. In the left wall is a fireplace that faces furniture in the left side of the pub. There is also a dartboard in this area, although the was a table on the oche. For those that were struggling to remember the name of the pub a few birdcages hang from the ceiling and are mounted to the walls, thankfully all empty. My visit was just after lunch on a recent Thursday when there was a handful of friendly seeming locals in attendance, so there was a good atmosphere. Standard keg was available alongside Madri. The cask ale was Blue Monkey Brewery’s BGSips, Sharps Doom Bar and St Austell’s Cornish Best, Some Lilley’s and Weston’s ciders were also available. I found the service to be polite and the back music was good. My only complaint would be that my half of Cornish Best was more like a third. This was my first pub of the day so I wasn’t really that bothered, but if I was working the jump I’d have topped it up. This place is very handy for the Premier Inn so no doubt I shall return.

One room with bar to the middle and TV to the right. Beer garden to rear. Nothing particularly strong ale wise so opted for Scrumpy. Bit out of the way so was quite quiet.