George Hotel Of Stamford, Stamford

The George Hotel is on a prominent corner plot with its pub sign stretching over the main road that bridges the River Welland through Stamford. This is a sprawling high-end hotel that was packed with well-heeled boomers and their parents during a recent midweek afternoon visit. Every lounge and restaurant were packed with either a lunchtime crowd or those attending a function. Even the wood panelled York Bar to the right of the entrance was busy with all the leather armchairs and low tables being used. In fact, the only available seat was a stool at the bar, which suited me to be honest. Grainstore’s Triple B and Adnams Broadside were available whilst Lacons Brewery’s Legacy was off. Premium keg was also available from the corporately attentive young barman. People who enjoy upmarket hotel bars will like it in here, although they may ask why muted Loose Woman is on the television, weird!

Jolly posh and expensive hotel with a public bar or rather a bar open to the public to the right on entering. The counter at the far end had three beers on Adnams Broadside, Lacons Blonde and Grainstore Triple B, my Grainstore was £5.90 a pint, fortunately I only had a half as it was vinegar others in our party had a similar experience with the other beers. In the corridor outside the bar, which may be the original coach entrance but now enclosed, is a plaster frieze of dragons, knights and castles, a dragon emerging from an egg forms a column top on one side. Furnishing is as you may expect, low end antiques and leather. Beyond the corridor is a large garden area in the former yard. There’s also in the corridor a portrait and potted history of Daniel Lambert one of the fattest men who ever lived – around 53 stone if you’re wondering, as he died here, his dubious record has been overtaken, notably by fellow midlander one Matthew Crawford who died recently at 37 years old weighing 55 stone. What is it about the Midlands? Whatever the merits of the place as an old building and its interesting history I wouldn’t go there for the beer or the spit in your face prices.

Classic and upmarket small town hotel, famous for its pub sign which is one of the few remaining crossing the road. Large rambling collection of restaurants, lounges and function rooms behind, and a large courtyard outdoor area, but for drinkers the action is in the room fronting the main road, which is a very-civilised and traditional oak panelled hotel bar with leather furniture. Three good ales on handpump and in fine order. Prices at hotel standards, but then so is the service.