Cleethorpes:
On the North Promenade, so a bit away from the pier. This is a standard pub downstairs, and a function room (called Lacey’s) up.
Wine was fine, apparently. I’m pretty sure there was ale, but as I was driving, it went untested. Food was very good and great value, staff were pleasant, radio was on but not too loud, good seafront location- a little way north from the centre but right on the front.
Chapel St Leonards, Lincs:
Like its wonderful namesake in Wednesfield, this is thirties building. This one is by far the larger though, and is a full-blown hotel, but feels like a pub.
One of the rear rooms is given over to an Indian restaurant, but the bar area is big, and there’s decking at the front. No ale, but the food was good and the barman very friendly, and the Stella drinkable, and served in a proper glass, not one of those stupid chalices..
Chapel St Leonards, Lincs:
Actually on the promenade, this is a real surprise: it’s a beachfront bar with a traditionalish but maritime-themed interior, and an outside area on the beach that is built to resemble a ship, along with clever outside benches with a drink tray built into the railing.
There’s a choice of real ale, food at times (sadly not when we visited), pleasant staff, and a view over the beach and out to the wind farm off the coast.
Sutton-on-Sea, lincs:
*enters*
*regrets it*
*looks along bar at pumps, makes hard choice*
“Pint of Stella, half of Bud, please”
“Sorry, they’re not on. I’ve got Stella in bottles”
“OK, two Stella”
“It’s warm, I’ve switched the fridges off”
“OOOOOkaaay…Pint of Carling, half of Strongbow *shudder*” [the lowest common denominator of alcohol].
We sit down. It’s dark, and the Mos Eisley Cantina is looking quite desireable by comparison. There’s a reason it’s only 150k and the Bachus over the road is making good money.
Sutton-on-Sea, Lincs:
Right on the prom, overlooking the paddling pool and town on one side, and the sea on another. There’s an enclosed (perhaps too enclosed, legally?) smoking area, and outside benches. They serve food, but only at weekends, I think.
We visited three times: the first visit wouldn’t have qualifiied as we walked out; football was on the TV, loud, and the place was crowded with shouting, braying fans.
We gave it another try, and it was worth it: the seating outside is nice in the sun, and the Pedigree was excellent (often a problem anywhere that isn’t Burton-on-Trent).
Willoughby, near Alford, Lincs:
A lovely lunchtime break: sadly we were in the car, so I missed out on the ale on offer. Wine (so I’m told) and lunch were fine, landlord and landlady friendly, and the view over the village green was lovely.
Sutton-on Sea, Lincs:
It’s a hotel, but the bar feels pub-like, and there’s a microbrewery. The beer and service are great, to be honest, and the food, while not fancy, is good. Prices are OK and there’s good outside space.
Mablethorpe:
Backstreet pub in Mablethorpe. Not plush, but comfortable and friendly, with real ale (very welcome after a day of lager) and a pubcat. No kids in the bar area :-), but allowed elsewhere.
Sutton-on-Sea, Lincs:
This didn’t look like a pub; more like a cafe, with outside tables and a modernish shop-front window. Inside, it’s unusually light for a pub, but it was pleasant- the TV was on, but not overbearingly loud, and while I don’t think there was any cask ale, the New World Pale Ale I had was pretty decent, as was the food.
Langworth, Lincolnshire:
A lunchtime stop. It looked a bit tired and run down from outside (and heading back west, it looks worse- you’d mistake it for being closed), but the appearance was deceptive. Inside is clean, and pleasant. Real ale on offer, but can’t comment on quality as I was driving. Food, wine and staff all great and prices very reasonable.