The Wheatsheaf, Louth

A smashing looking old pub opposite the parish church with allegedly the tallest mediaeval spire in England, not to be confused with the cathedral with the tallest spire beloved of Russian tourists. A low ceilinged place there are three rooms, a bar - empty on my visit- to the left, the main bar to the right and a snug beyond that further to the right, all the doors have bullseyes. There’s a sizeable beer garden at the back. Four beer engines supply “Bass”, Taylor’s Landlord and Boltmaker plus a beer labelled as “Tipsy Toad” an own label with no indication of ABV (3.7% apparently) or the brewer,  the barmaid of course didn’t know who brewed it. It was a pleasant English bitter, familiar but I couldn’t place it, it was in great condition anyway. A blackboard in the yard said Black Sheep was also on and gave the strength of the house beer. The toilets are outside on one side of the rear yard. Banquette seating, britannia tables, white walls with tasteful prints, even horse brasses over the counter, give you the classic english pub decor. A splendid pub but just a bit too middle class for my tastes, some chaps were discussing brewing one of them having motored past the exBass maltings in Sleaford, one said I didn’t know they brewed Bass there, another said no it’s a maltings they wet the barley to make malt and the last one stated “lager isn’t made from malt”, oh the horror. Still not in the GBG while dross nearby is, so someone has upset the local Camras haven’t they?

A surprise pub of the day, this is a wonky multi-room gem though just a * CAMRA Heritage rating. Inside is a pub that's stuck in the cosy olde worlde 70s vibe and that I applaud wholeheartedly, as do the locals – it was rammed. A superb pint of Bass (NBSS 4) served-up by a classic “dad's favourite” barmaid, statuesque, beguiling and efficient. Black Sheep, Landlord and something called Tipsy Toad were the other ale choices. Why this isn't GBG is a mystery given the crappy Woolpack made the cut – I’ll be keeping an eye to see if appears in 2025. Best in show for Louth. 8.5