Just Beer, Newark

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