Ice Barque (Lloyds No 1), Grimsby

Just caught this cavernous Lloyds No 1 a little too late as the DJ was starting his 'set' as I ordered. Anyway, this large glass-fronted building facing the locally famous Barge has a part-width mezzanine but no other distinguishing features that could be discerned. Indeed the real ale 'choice' from two banks of three handpumps was particularly poor - just Ruddles, Doom Bar and Black Horse Aisey Dubitz as a guest (only £1.95, but served in a plastic 'glass' on a Friday evening).

Grimsby's second Spoons is a steel and glass box set by a stinking stretch of water. It's part of a modern block just around the corner from the bus station. Inside it's an open plan room with the bar to the rear and a staircase leading to an area I didn't investigate. It's a Lloyds and the light rig and other rubbish is in one corner. The beer choice was pathetic with the five hand pumps just having Ruddles & Doom Bore doubled up and Moorhouse Blond Witch. Luckily the cider festival was still going so I had one of them (£2.55). It was quite busy early on a Saturday afternoon so I took my drink outside. Overall I thought this was a poor JDW but not bad enough to attract the Score Of Shame.