Royal William IV, Lincoln

A very attractive looking pub this one, but to my disappointment it had a very clinical approach although it was trying to better or keep up with the boring chain outlets further along. Even the choice of ales was non-descript.

A pleasant enough pub on the quayside alongside many mass market chain restaurants, such as Nando’s, Ask, Prezzo, etc. The building seems to be made up of two halves, the end part being an old stone built traditional affair, joined on to a more modern looking brick built building with the top half covered in wood cladding. They’ve made an effort to brighten it up with a few hanging baskets, window boxes and such like. Inside it’s not unpleasant by any means, but has a little bit of a bland, identikit feel to it. Much of the walls are clad in white painted woodwork, covered with several old pictures. There are some dark wood strips of wood on the ceiling that seem to be more decorative than structural. The flooring in the front bar is tiles, with carpet elsewhere and some wood stripwork around the bar. There’s a decent looking brick built fireplace at the front, but that’s probably the only feature of any interest. Food is apparently offered all day, although I didn’t inspect the menu, and there was a very 1970’s style vertical desert cabinet from which you were invited to select your dish. The best feature of the pub is the outside table and chairs alongside the river. Whilst not especially picturesque, it’s nonetheless a pleasant spot to sit and sup your beer. Beers on tap are still Ruddles Best and Directors, so these are presumably unchanging. Ciders were Bulmers and Strongbow.

This used to be a locals local, but with Brayford Wharf now being the up and coming area in town it’s been opened up into another corporate foodie barn. It’s a pleasant enough place in an antiseptic, not really a pub, sort of way. We’ve all been in this sort of place before so there’s nothing much else to say. Two handpumps on the bar selling the really inventive selection of Ruddles County and Directors. Surprisingly the pint of Directors I had was pretty good.

Great pub, normally start a night in lincoln in the forth. warm friendly atmosphere bear not badly priced. Location is great on the brayford but really close to town.