Priors Oven, Spalding

Having now visited a fair number of micropubs I wasn't expecting to be surprised by one of them but this one really is something different. It's the remaining part of a building from 800 years ago that has had various uses, originally a prison and latterly a cafe. Inside it's a circular room with an octagonal central bar behind which are up to six casks ready for serving. They all had jackets on but whether they are proper cooling jackets I don't know. There is another area through a door and upstairs but I didn't look into it. The owners are the local Austendyke brewery and there were two of their beers on, two from Milestone, Cottage Golden Arrow and Tydd Steam Barn Ale. I went for the Austendyke Hogsgate which was in good nick. I forgot to write down the price but think it was three quid. This is a unique micropub and well worth a visit. Opening hours are currently as follows Mon Closed Tue-Wed 12:00-20:00 Thu 12:00-21:00 Fri-Sat 12:00-Midnight Sun 12:00-21:00 Winter closing on Tuesday and Wednesday has been deferred but it is not clear whether that is permanent.