Rutland-based beer group enjoy day trip to Lincoln

A group of locals who are passionate about a great pint have enjoyed a day trip to Lincoln.

The Rutland Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) team hopped aboard the team bus at the weekend to celebrate their incredibly successful beer festival, which took place earlier this year.

The trip wasn't only a way to thank the numerous volunteers that made the day a success, but to welcome new members who wanted to attend - many of whom signed up at the annual beer festival - and to celebrate some top Lincolnshire beers.

The trip allowed the team to enjoy beers from a little further afield - although they are certainly passionate about local beer from breweries such as The Grainstore, Baker's Dozen and Round the Corner Brewery.

These are just some of the breweries that have been included in the CAMRA 2024 Good Beer Guide, released by the nationwide organisation last week.

The Plough in greetham was also included in the CAMRA 2024 Good Beer Guide. Image credit: Nub News.

CAMRA is an independent organisation run by volunteers who promote and champion real ale, cider, and traditional British pubs and clubs.

It is considered one of the most successful consumer organisations across Europe. Founded by four real ale enthusiasts back in 1971, today they represent beer drinkers and pub-goers across the UK.

As well as celebrating local pubs, members often enjoy outings and evenings with friendly fellow beer-lovers, including the Chair and Vice Chair of the Rutland Branch, Rich and Homera, and Dave, the Treasurer of Rutland CAMRA.

Dave Casewell reported back on their most recent day trip to Lincoln: "Off we sped, 33 of us in a 34-seater coach (phew!) picking up members throughout our blessed county for our Beer Festival 'thank you' trip for our volunteers, along with some friends and family.

"When I said 'sped' I really meant it… no time was lost gaining our first stop the 'Dambuster's' pub in Scampton. Sarnies and chips and a beer festival. Friendly natives and an excellent selection of beers. Not stepping outside my comfort zone I had to have Elgoods 'Black Dog ' as at least one of my lunch time refreshments. All agreed it was a great way to spend the lunch hour!

"On then to Lincoln where the spots of rain turned to a persistent rain/drizzle. Undeterred we were able to follow the excellent map/s provided by our social secretary and visited some high-quality pubs in the city, mostly at the top end of 'Steep Hill'; but I have been advised that some heroic team members ventured downhill for beers and some for shopping. I gather that the return trip was 'demanding'."

Rutland CAMRA members enjoyed a trip to Lincoln at the weekend. Image credit: Rutland CAMRA.

Dave concluded: "My 'fave' pub was the 'Strugglers' where I found a delicious pint of 'Crème Brulee'. Not a clue about the brewery and my notes are rain splashed! Also, to my taste, was 'Pandemonium' from the Empire brewery (or close!)

"On it rained, and did we care? No. Back to the coach, and we all have a lasting memory of our beloved Chair, arriving, rain bedraggled, a little late having got lost with his notorious lack of directional skills.

"Then on, at great speed, to Bourne and the newish 'spoons' (whose name I fail to remember) which provided decent toilets and a half decent range of beers, before arriving back in 'God's chosen county'. I recognise the controversial nature of my last statement, and please send any negative comments to the editor… not me! Toodle pip!"

There is still plenty of time to join the fun though. The next event being held by the volunteer beer group is their new monthly ladies' night.

Homera, Vice Chair, added: "The second meeting of Rutland CAMRA's 'Ladies n Ales' group will be taking place in October.

"The last session was very successful and encouraged us to carry on introducing ladies to Real Ale. The upcoming session will be held at The Coach Inn, South Luffenham on Wednesday 25 October, from 5.30pm until 6 pm and it will last for an hour. We will have snacks and talks and chats and altogether the making of a convivial evening. Anyone interested please let me know by emailing [email protected].

"It will be lovely to see as many of you as possible."