Elm Cottage, Gainsborough

A low-ceilinged, cottage-style pub with fake half-timber appearance externally, and most room dividers removed. The bar has white painted panels with a plain wood top and skirting, a foot rail and hooks. There were several hand pumps on the bar, but at the time of my visit only one beer was on, Timothy Taylor Landlord having just gone off. Brains Rev James, Oakham Citra and Adnams Ghost Ship were due on next, but it was too busy for anyone to spare the time to put one of them on. Despite which I saw the licensee going out to collect glasses leaving his inexperienced barman to deal with the crush. If it's that busy you've run out of glasses, surely the more experienced person should stay behind the bar. I caught the boss's attention and mentioned I'd been waiting more than five minutes to get served, and he went back behind the bar. My pint of Jennings Cumberland Ale was in good condition, and as things became quieter the next beer was soon put on. I, like many others no doubt, was here because of the football due to start at the nearby stadium, and I'll likely be back. Date of visit: 5th March 2022

Very close to Gainsborough Trinity FC,this brewers tudor pub is still closed inside but has converted the car park into a large and attractive exterior drinking venue.There is a marquee with ranks of picnic benches and a large flatscreen at one end,no doubt for the Euro 20 footie,while mini garden sheds have been built along a rear wall which would give cover for 4 in any bad weather.There are then more open air tables to the full extend of the carpark.There is a small temporary bar at the back of the pub,but table service is the order of the day. No real ale at this bar,but on enquiring two will be available and drawn from the pub cellar which on my visit was Bradfield Farmers Blonde and Exmoor Gold (NBSS 3,first pint needed pulling through however.) A friendly couple run the pub and they are their dogs scurry around ,so no long wait for service or payment.It maybe that the uncertainty of customer demand is why the staff intensive interior has not opened.It seems a wet let pub only,no food available. Everyone was very friendly,there was a good drinking atmosphere outside and a few gentle ballards from an accordian player enhanced the laid back vibe.Formerly in ther GBG,it could easily make a reapperance and good to see a pub at the edge of town surving Covid.

A nice community pub close to Gainsborough Trinity FC’s ground. I was informed it was a Marstons pub but thankfully only their version of Jennings Cumberland was on the bar along with Bradfield Farmers Some Old Guff and Woodford’s Wherry across the six pulls. The Wherry was very drinkable if not outstanding. Ex-GBG and recipient of several local Camra awards, I’d say yes worth the walk out from town. Big screens each end showing 80s music videos when I was in. All in very good decorative order as the estate agents say and has a charming pub dog.

This review from my visit to the Gainsborough for a football game in late January 17. Close to the football ground and on the outskirts of the town, this pub appears in the GBG with this being the only reason I visited. A pleasant welcome from the barmaid as I looked at the 6 hand pumps. Slightly disappointed that they were all national brands but good to see a choice none the less. My pints of Old Golden Hen and 6x were both on good form. Large pub with plenty of seating on both sides of the bar. Large wall mounted TV in each area which were both showing different live football games. Pretty busy with blokes watching the games on tv and getting ready for the Gainsborough match. Decent enough pub.