Secret Drinker ranks the best boozers in Lincolnshire and Rutland, including venues in Stamford, Bourne, Spalding, Grantham, Horncastle, Wragby, Heckington, Donington and Market Deeping

It’s been little over a year since the Secret Drinker lined his stomach and began his quest to find the best boozers across Lincolnshire and Rutland.

In this first 12 months I’ve visited more than 50 pubs, necked more than 50 drinks (sorry, doc) and had a thoroughly brilliant time meeting some fantastic characters in some cracking venues.

The beauty of this gig is foregoing the local to try out new places and uncover wonderful hidden gems, such as the Whichcote Arms at Osbournby, where a polaroid is taken of every dog which visits and given pride of place at the bar, or the indoor beach bar set up at the Durham Ox at Thimbleby.

My eyes have popped out at some of the things I’ve seen in the toilets - nudes courtesy of the Black Bull in Donington and bondage art in The Ivy in Wragby - while Boston’s Ball House took a more family friendly tact by sticking the baby change in the gents, along with a note telling dad ‘once won’t hurt - lol’.

I’ve spotted some phenomenal beer gardens, with special mentions going to The Lumley in Skegness, The Pyewipe Inn in Lincoln, Ye Olde Abbey at Crowland, Goodbarns Yard in Boston, Smith’s in Bourne and The Goat at Frognall.

And as this was a European Championships year the boozers once again delivered with some loud and proud decor. The Stage at Market Deeping’s huge outdoor screen was something special, but nothing came close to the patriotic madness of Churchill’s in Skegness.

In pubs, as in life, we welcome and say farewell. This year saw the sad demise of the Jubilee Garage in Bourne, a place I particularly enjoyed, but welcomed the reopening of The Pincushion in Wyberton.

But, as I’m on a quest to find you the best boozers, there has to be some winners, and here are my selections from the venues I’ve visited this year.

THE TEN BEST PUBS:

10 - Bar Eleven, Woodhall Spa.

This New York-style bar - funnily enough on Broadway - was nice and busy when I visited one Sunday afternoon, filled with laughter and a catchy soundtrack.

Read more Secret Drinker reviews here.

There was a fun feel to the place, and little seating left as the friendly locals packed in.

9 - The Stage, Market Deeping

I dropped by The Stage during the Euros and the place was packed with revellers enjoying their night, if not England’ performance against Slovenia.

It was a mostly young crowd and the outdoor big screen and bar was a lovely touch.

8 - The Prior’s Oven, Spalding

This former prison dating back around 700 years was the oldest venue I’ve visited, but also one of the quirkiest.

It’s just one small room but packed with character and guest ales. But be careful down the stairs after a few.

7 - Paten & Co, Stamford

This former wine merchants is an absolutely delightful, eyecatching venue., beautifully redesigned and very quick to fill with punters after opening. Plus it just goes on and on with so many quirky spots to sit.

I had a pint of White Rat here, one of the best drinks of the past year.

6 - 8 Sail Brewery, Heckington

I can comfortably say I’ve not been anywhere like this over the past 12 months.

This micro-brewery in the shadow of the eight-sailed Heckington mill has a wide variety of great drinks on offer - plus a convenient window so you can watch the next batch being prepared.

5 - The Black Bull, Donington

What can I say about this village pub? Well, it’s lively and raucous, even though bad language isn’t tolerated, and the only time I’ve had a fellow drinker showing me his martial arts skills.

I thoroughly recommend.

4 - The Whistle Stop, Grantham

This railway station bar is an absolute delight. Conversation is quick and fast as punters come and go with equal speed, but this tiny little one-room boozer has plenty to catch the eye.

The guest beers are also fantastic, especially the eponymous one made in the micro-pub’s honour.

3 - The Lumley, Skegness

This gargantuam seaside boozer just wows you at how large it truly is, huge inside and with a beer garden to rival it.

After my rainy visit I popped back on a summers day to see the venue in full flow - it’s an amazing sight.

2 - Smith’s, Bourne

Another deceptively large pub where you could easily get lost with so many eyecatching rooms around the place.

The attention to detail in every aspect is breathtaking, and the kids’ play area in the huge beer garden is an added bonus.

1 - Nobody Inn, Grantham

The best pub I’ve visited this year, hands down. It’s quirky, it’s bonkers, it’s brilliant.

It’s half junk store, half boozer with lovely staff and enjoyable chat. The secret staircase to the toilets, hidden behind a bookcase, almost left me caught short - but well worth the trek.

And now for the bonus awards…

BEST ATMOSPHERE - Kings Head, Horncastle. I had an absolute blast in this thatched-roofed pink pub one Sunday afternoon where the locals were pretty much all three sheets and bopping away.

BEST DECOR: Smith’s, Bourne. As I’ve already pointed out, this quirky, multi-room pub makes the most of every bit of space it has. A thoroughly great venue.

BEST PINT: Inferno. It’s been a thoroughly enjoyable journey with plenty of splendid drinks, but this ABV 4.0% blonde ale from the Oakham brewery tops the lot.

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Do you agree with the Secret Drinker or have any suggestions where he should go next? Email secretdrinker@lincsonline.co.uk or comment below.