Secret Drinker reviews 8 Sail Brewery in Heckington
A microbrewery at a renovated windmill, you say? I’d be crazy not to check this out.
I’ve been hearing good things about the 8 Sail Brewery for some time but just haven’t found myself in that neck of the woods.
But the other day that all changed.
So when the chance to go and check out this Heckington venue - handily situated right next to the train station if you’re heading in from the Grantham or Skegness directions - sprung up I was there quicker than you could say ‘Windy Miller’.
It’s virtually impossible to miss the brewery, situated in the shadow of the iconic tower windmill, the only eight-sailed one still standing in the UK - hence the name.
It’s also virtually impossible not to pick up the good vibes about the place.
A packed table of friends sharing a good laugh around one of the numerous outdoor picnic tables was the first noise - then sight - to greet me.
Entering the yard I held the gate for a bearded chap walking along the path behind me, who threw me a warm smile before adding: “I’ll be in later. If I start this early I’ll be in trouble at home.”
And there was more jollity in the bar as small groups of friends and couples nattered away.
Everyone - everyone - was having a good time.
I asked myself what they put in the water in Heckington but then, reminding myself of the surroundings, the answer was clearly grain.
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The bar and brewery itself are situated in the brick building next to the mill, a handy window at the back of the seating area allowing you a peek inside at the work going on behind the scenes.
A blackboard spelling out the drinks on offer hung from the boarded walls, while a small fridge held the various wines.
And if you’re not stopping - or wanting to keep the party going - there were plenty of bottles of the brewery’s beer available to purchase.
I ordered a pint of Summit About Nothing, a single hopped pale, and took a seat at the back of the room so I could stickybeak into the brewery.
But as it was, the action was all in the bar, where a few more people had filtered in and were going through the options on the board.
There’s something marvellous about seeing these independent microbreweries pop up, people having a go at business and a go at bringing a little joy to others.
It’s equally as marvellous to see the public reciprocate and use the venue and, by all accounts, have a good old time.
It was an overcast day when I popped in but, thankfully, not raining as the toilet block was a quick stroll to another building, a plaque outside pointing out this was once the site of a workshop when the site was used as a coal yard.
And the weather was also good news for anyone cycling to the venue, although a nice touch was a plaque at the bike rack which read ‘a pump and multi-tool are available if needed’.
Another reason to be cheerful, as if the people of Heckington needed an invitation.
8 SAIL BREWERY, HALE ROAD, HECKINGTON, NG34 9JW
DECOR: The place won’t win any design awards. The bar area’s design is basic, there were chairs stacked up in the middle of the room and the old brown, wood-panelled walls looked like Junior Sopranos living room. But I didn’t see anyoen complaining as they were too busy having a laugh. The outdoor seating was plentiful and the window to the brewery was a lovely touch, as were the plaques about the outbuildings explaining their history. 3/5
DRINK: I had a pint of Summit About Nothing (3.5%), a single hopped pale, and a pint of Sail Away Lager (4.5%). Both 4/5.
PRICE: The pale was £3 and the lager £3.80. Flipping fantastic value, especially as both drinks were great. 4/5
ATMOSPHERE: This wasn’t a busy time but there were still lots of people in having lots of fun. 4/5
STAFF: The one lady behind the bar busied herself and chatted to regulars. 3/5
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