The Tollemache Inn (JD Wetherspoon), Grantham

Named after Grantham’s second most famous politician (whose statue stands outside the pub), this large spacious Wetherspoons does have a good selection of locally sourced guest beers that make it worthy of a visit even to non-Spoons fans. Among the 10 handpumps I only noted Abbott as a regular ‘Spoons offering with a number of Newby Wyke ales prominent among the guests. The L-shaped interior is split into 3, a rather faceless front section, a middle sofa area and a sunken extension but overall, the décor is what you would expect, not much character but quite light and airy. My lunchtime visit found the place populated by the “old lonely men” brigade and a woman offering her entire medical history to the world. The usual history and local celebrity snippets that Spoons dig up are actually quite interesting and range from Hornsby engineering and bouncing bombs to that other famous Grantham politician although Tories may be a bit miffed that she is relegated to a small display near the bogs. The small rear patio garden is of more use to smokers than anyone who fancies a bit of tan topping. In short, an unremarkable building but certainly worth a visit for its ale selection.