The Black Bull, Stamford

We stopped off at Stamford looking for a pub to watch the FA Cup Final and this was the only pub in town that we were able to get a seat which suggests that the pub is not particularly popular with the locals. It certainly has its down sides starting with the beer. The Mansfield bitter was one of the worst pints I have encountered. Not being familiar with it I don't know if it was the beer itself or how it was kept but with little alternative on offer I had little option than to persevere and thanks to Steve Gerrards late equaliser was forced to struggle through a final pint during extra time and penalties. Thanks Steve. Some of the clientelle also left a lot to be desired with a healthy dollop of wierdos and nutters, kept under close scrutiny by the abundance of CCTV cameras. The interior consists of 3 rooms knocked through although still partially separated by the remaing walls and a separate pool room. The main bar offers lots of stripped brickwork and wooden flooring. The bar is unusual in that it is set along the window side of the pub and there is an impressive brick fireplace and Big Screen TV (poor picture quality in daytime). Around the corner is a stone floored and rather plainer area with a few pew seats that buckle alarmingly under those of us that are now a little over their fighting weight. Adjoining this is a rather uninteresting carpeted lounge area. There is potential for this place - it is ideally located and does display elements of its character but as things stand they need to do something about the beers and take a more selective look at the custonmer base.