Just Beer, Newark

Just Beer is housed in an old stable that spent some time as an art Gallery before being one of Newark’s go to places for a decent pint. The thin exposed brick interior has seating along the front and rear walls and a serving counter up the far end where it states that the bar opened on 4th August 2010, and since then 6004 beers have been available from 1486 different breweries, well that was the state of play during my visit just over two weeks ago. The only other customer was chatty, and very knowledgeable about all things pub and beer. After I commented that it was a bit dead I was informed that the kidnapper Michael Sams kept a couple of people in suitcases in this very building, one of whom he murdered, fookin hell! Beer wise I counted eight hand pumps on the counter and some craft keg fonts along the back bar. I went for a great pint of Shiny Brewery’s Affinity. I left the bar full of new found knowledge about Newark’s pub and murder scene, and I look forward to revisiting next time I’m in the area.

Loved this micropub which features in the 2018 Good Beer Guide, and we enjoyed Black Iris Bleeding Heart from the good selection available. Long pews with a central area to walk down to the bar, and a lot of interesting things pn the wall difficult to read due to it being busy in there, but I did enquire about the biscuit pig chart on the wall, and was told it was very popular with the regulars. Pay £1 and pick a name from the biscuit barrel and your name goes against the celebrity name on the chart. If your choice is the first to die you get the pot. Brilliant!!

Not obvious to find off the main street in a courtyard by the River Trent (I walked past it twice) is this rather brilliant micopub. Six ales and three ciders on with a great selection of quality brews in fantastic nick. My North Riding Christmas Pudding Porter was superb and the Market Harborough Hoo also very good. It’s basically a long narrow room with the bar at far end. Exposed brick walls and impressive collection of matchboxes for a form of wallpaper. Dart board spotted. There was a Xmas quiz on the go during my visit, resulting in some brilliant local banter. Knowledgeable and passionate bar staff. A bit of a cracker really and the best one I did in Newark – could have stayed all afternoon and next time I probably will. 9.5