The Ivy, Market Rasen

A traditional pub on the market place in this small cross roads town. The large bar room has several snug areas off, so although the original layout has been totally removed, it seems, I would guess that there has been some effort to create spaces that people will find congenial. Having said which, when I arrived at 7:30 on a Tuesday evening everyone was clustered around the bar. I'm not exaggerating when I say that every single person in the pub got served before I did - in rounds of three, three and four - including one who had popped out for an unspecified errand. (Only one out ot 10 was on real ale.) There were two hand pumps at each end of the bar, with Bass and Boltmaker doubled up. I asked the licensee if he always had Bass on and he told me he did. It was in very good condition (NBSS 3.5), so I was pleased that I hadn't given up while all the others were replenishing their glasses.

Tidy and cosy place with fairly modern fittings e.g. light wood panelling, red / gold pub carpet and roaring wood burning stove. A couple of dining rooms off the main bar. Red cream and gold striped wallpaper like the Nags Head off Only Fools and Horses. Busy. Six pumps with five ales and Old Rosie. Beers were Bass, Black Sheep, Doom Bar, Bateman's Nosey Rosey and Pheasantry Beer Humbug (ok but probably toward end of barrel). Cloth eared barmaid tried to serve us pints. TV sport on the go. Nice enough overall but no outstanding features bar the extended beer range. 6.5

Official site of The Ivy - theivy.vpweb.co.uk

Official site of The Ivy - theivy.vpweb.co.uk