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Image posted by Will Larter
Submitted on Wednesday, 21st February 2024
With picture contributions to 11567 other pubs
View all this pub's pictures (10 more images)
Detail Pages
The Cardinals Hat, Lincoln
Lincoln
LN2 1HW
Served areas
Reviews of The Cardinals Hat (Average Rating: 7½ of 10) see review guidelines
Will Larter left this review about The Cardinals Hat
Without doubt the best quality beer on my visit to Lincoln. Though I'm not suggesting I tried every pub with real ale before reaching this conclusion. An example might make this clear: I had a half of Timothy Taylor Landlord in the White Hart earlier in the day, a lovely hotel but a very poor beer. Later, I had the same beer in a GBG pub to the east of the city centre: no pub that features in the guide should ever serve a beer as bad as that one. So when I saw the same beer on the bar here it was a kind of test, though I also had the house beer, brewed by Pheasantry. Both of these were so good that I checked my walking distance to the station and decided I also had time for Acorn Winter Pale. All were beers in tremendous condition. And yes, I caught my train ok. But this pub deserves a return visit.
On 21st February 2024
- rating: 9
[User has posted 3746 recommendations about 3483 pubs]
Steve C left this review about The Cardinals Hat
The Cardinal’s Hat resides in a 15th century building, and there is a boast of this being Lincoln’s oldest pub. There were at least eight cask ales and ciders available, under advisement from the very friendly barmaid I ended up with a very nice chocolate stout. I was going to photograph the drinks menu, that is printed in newspaper style, but being the last pub of the day I forgot. The bar is L-shaped with seating areas to the left and rear. I didn’t visit the advertised roof garden. This pub is located in party town, so the likes of Be at One are just over the way, but this place had a good atmosphere during my recent late midweek evening visit. It may get a bit busy for the likes of me at the weekend though. I’m partial to a bit of funk and I managed to find a spot to plot in by the front window so I enjoyed my visit. I will certainly revisit when next in Lincoln, just maybe a little earlier in the evening.
On 7th May 2023
- rating: 8
[User has posted 5251 recommendations about 5219 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Bucking Fastard left this review about The Cardinals Hat
Drawn by the 2022 GBG entry but in the part of town where there are many young drinker chain pubs we wern't quite sure what would await us.
The timber framed pub is clearly old,while the interior has had a gentle modern makeover but has retained a multi level interior with different sections.The L shaped bar is surrounded by some high tables but also bench seating,the far wall is made up of distressed doors but the other sides have exposed old stonework.Beyond the doors there is a higher rear snug before the loos,while on the otherside of the pub there is a raised library section with a tartan carpet and high backed chairs.Outside there are a few metal tables and chairs,so overall it's a pleasing mix of modern ,traditional and old.The soundtrack was well chosen and not too loud.
It is vital to visit both sides of the bar to see the full ale selection as they will rotate rapidly.On entering our eye's were caught by the Thornbridge Jaipur clip but were dismayed when it was reversed.No problem for it was replaced after cleaning by Salopian Kinetic (NBSS 4.5).The other ales on my trip were Rat White Rat (NBSS 4.5),Tiny Rebel Astro Loaf (NBSS 3),Redemption Big Chief,TT Landlord,Adnams Mosaic and Ossett /Kirkstall Pale Session.There were 4 real ciders and 7 kegs from respected craft keg brewers.The staff were chatty ,very helpful for local knowledge and serious about their beer.
This pub is not scared to offer high strength ales,a mix of styles and good quality keg beers.This is a must visit in Lincoln,it was the crews first and last stop in lower Lincoln and helpfully situated just before the Steep Hill.However ascent maybe tricky if you really swing the bat at their excellent ale.
On 3rd July 2022
- rating: 9
[User has posted 2727 recommendations about 2727 pubs]
View more reviews of The Cardinals Hat (8)
No known official website for this pub.
- Facebook - The Cardinal's Hat
- CAMRA WhatPub :: The Cardinals Hat - whatpub.com
Pub Details
Pub details supplied by members of this site to the best of their knowledge. Please check with pub directly before making a special trip.
- Accommodation : No last updated 07 May 2023 by Tris C
- Live Music : Yes - Occasional - last updated 11 April 2024 by Will Larter
- Live TV Sports : No last updated 21 February 2024 by Will Larter
- Micropub : No last updated 07 May 2023 by Tris C
- Real Ale : Yes last updated 31 May 2016 by hondo .
- WiFi : Yes last updated 21 February 2024 by Will Larter
