The Golden Fleece, Stamford

A traditional pub, which seems to be well supported from the locals, popping in for a bit to eat or some vertical drinking at the far end of the bar. I haven't had a pint of Everards Tiger for a good few years, so it was quite interesting to remember how it tasted. I have to say it was in top class condition and a reasonable price of £4.20. This pub was ok for a quick visit, but couldn't see myself staying all afternoon.

The Golden Fleece is an L-shaped pub with banquettes under the front windows either side of the entrance. These are faced by the bar counter on the rear wall. A television is found on either side wall, both off, and on the right wall is a small raised area with dartboard, although tables and chairs were on the oche. I imagine the bands set up here during the advertised live music. There is a jukebox, but it was silent due to no money being inserted. To the left of the bar counter is a small rear dining area. The bar supports a premium keg range and there are two banks of four duplicated hand pumps. One was unused leaving Everard’s Old Original and Tiger Copper Ale alongside Weston’s Rosie’s Pig Cider. The service was polite without actually being very friendly, it felt a bit forced in my opinion. I don’t plan to return here.

Big more food oriented Everards pub, a nice counter with four pulls at both ends but the beers are doubled up. One pull with cider, two from Everards and a guest from Brampton. A big long room across the width at the front and a dining area behind on the left, the facilities are in a corridor running behind the servery. The front outside was given over to seating on my visit and it was very busy.

This was originally a Ruddles tied house but is now Everard's. It's a more basic town pub than some of their outlets with a single room, TV screens, live music & karaoke advertised and darts. To the left behind the bar is an area with low tables and chairs. There is a cider hand pump on the bar and two sets of three hand pumps with Everard's Tiger & Original plus something called Double Eagle that I couldn't identify. I had an Original (£3.35) which was in good nick. I thought this place was OK but wouldn't like to visit it when live music, karaoke or a major sporting event was on.