City Focus – Lincoln

Places to Drink in Lincoln

Nicholas Codling / May 7, 2012May 7, 2012 / Drink

Whether you’re looking to enjoy the local ales in traditional English pubs, or party the night away in new super club ‘Home’, Lincoln has something to suit all tastes. Check out City Focus’ top recommendations to find the place for you.

THE MAGNA CARTA

The Magna Carta offers everything you’d expect from a traditional pub, and is situated right next to the cathedral and castle. They offer a good selection of real ales, wines, and beers, with a warm atmosphere and friendly service. Several drink deals are also available, such as the ‘double up for £1.25’, and various beers at discounted prices. This isn’t the cheapest you’ll find in Lincoln, but definitely a good all rounder, with a great location (if you can stand the climb up Steep Hill) and quality drinks.

THE STRUGGLERS INN

This cosy Lincoln pub offers a good variety of local ales and beers for the discerning drinker. It’s even won Camra’s ‘Pub of the Year’ twice; a success which it puts down to the quality and selection of its ales. It also offers a selection of lunchtime options, including fresh haddock and cod, all served with decent chips.

The service is friendly and quirky, with the place frequentented by locals; but anyone else is welcome. The location isn’t quite as good as the Magna Carta, as it’s a bit of a walk from the cathedral, but it’s definitely worth the trip to try some of the exclusive ales served here. It’s even supposedly haunted by a black dog who barks and scratches at the door. You can find the place on Westgate street, just off Burton Road.

THE JOLLY BREWER

Hidden away on Broadgate road, this seemingly insignificant pub is not to be overlooked. It serves a good selection of real ales and ciders as standard, but that’s not the main reason we recommend The Jolly Brewer.

This pub is best known for its excellent entertainment facilities, which host a variety of quirky bands playing all types of music. You might even want to test your mettle at the open mic night, hosted every Wednesday. It also has an open air pub garden out back, complete with a stage, for some al fresco performances and drinks. Drinks are fairly priced and the service friendly. You can find the place near the Lincoln Drill Hall, just off Monk’s road.

THE CLOUD BAR

Onto bars now, and this one’s a winner. It’s a bit out of the way, situated round the back of the castle, off Westgate street, but it’s worth the trip. It’s got a good selection of continental beers and local ales, but it’s the cocktail selection that’s worth coming for. Try out ‘Eden’ for a zesty, apple flavoured experience, or go to the extreme and try the ‘Zombie’; a strong but satisfying cocktail with various types of rum and brandy, all mixed with fruit juices.

The food’s great too; being prepared by its award winning Barcelona chef, Sergio Garcia, and his team. Everything is made with locally sourced ingredients too, to give you that Lincoln twist.

KIND

A small but worthy bar situated at the foot of Steep Hill, for those who don’t wish to climb it. Everything is on tap that you’d expect; beers, ciders and various ales, but it’s their twist on cocktails that gets ‘Kind’ a mention. They’re presented in large jugs with plenty of ice to ease them down, possessing a unique flavour otherwise not found at rival cocktail bars. Particular City Focus favourites were ‘Sex on the beach’ and ‘Blue Lagoon’. They’ve even got live acoustic nights every Thursday if the traditional tunes of The Jolly Brewer aren’t your thing.

LINCOLN NIGHTLIFE

HOME – The latest addition to Llincoln’s lively night scene, Home is a six floor super club that offers a variety of musical styles on each floor. Friday and Saturday are best nights for non- students, with reasonable drinks prices.

TOKYO – A heavyweight competitor, Tokyo offers a generous outside area and spacious inside bar and dance floor. Plans to add another floor to regular nights are also underway, so this is one to watch.

ENGINE SHED – Owned by the University, the Engine Shed is the only venue to host big name bands and DJs. Everyone is welcome on most nights, with drinks prices varying. Check the Engine Shed website for details before you go.

RITZYS – Heavily student orientated on most nights, but still worth a mention as it’s a very active club. Three floors are available, with good drinks prices, and varied music. Again, check their website before you visit to avoid students.

City Focus’ top 5 place to eat

Emily Rose Howard / May 7, 2012May 7, 2012 / Eat

Jew’s House- The fine dining experience
Food type: Gourmet
Example Dish: Roast Rolled Rack of Lamb, Goats Cheese, Panchetta, Thyme Calette, Aubergine Puree, Braised Shoulder with Tomato and Olives – £22.50
Price range: £5-30 per dish

The Jew’s House restaurant is situated on The Strait at the base of Steep Hill, in one of the oldest buildings inLincoln. The grade 1 building is nearly 900 years old and was converted to a fine dining restaurant in August 2006.

Inside, amongst a mix of modern and heritage décor, diners are treated to an ultimate luxury dinning experience. The award winning Chef uses locally sourced ingredients to produce beautifully presented dishes that are as much of a treat for the taste buds as for the eyes.

They offer a range of dishes and menus, including a very competitive set menu at lunchtimes and an impressive six course tasting evening menu, (booking essential,) as well as a normal al a Carte. Prices vary, but a main dish off the evening menu is about £15-20. There is also a wide variety of local wines and drinks available.

The staff are extremely polite and attentive and adopt all the graces expected of a fine dinning establishment. Ideal for special occasions or a romantic evening out.

Crusts- A trip back to old fashioned sophistication
Food type: English Bistro
Example dish:Pork chop with baked apple and sauce, plus choice of sides
Price range: £5-15 per dish

Fans of Ritz-style glamour and sophistication should head toLincoln’s hidden restaurant, Crusts, for a charming silver-service dining experience.

Off Lincoln’s Highstreet and up a small flight of stairs, diners step into the delightful ambience of romantic, 70s style glamour. Old style tasselled lamps, floral wallpaper and memorabilia give the restaurant a truly unique and intimate feel, similar to that of sitting in someone’s lounge.

The restaurant offers a highly customisable range of bistro style dishes, including fish, steak and vegetarian specialties. All dishes are served at the table and the sweets options are presented on a silver trolley.

A truly delightful restaurant with excellent service and old-fashioned charms, Crusts is the perfect location for those looking for a cosy, romantic, candle-lit dinner.

Brown’s restaurant + pie shop- Lincoln’s hearty and wholesome pie shop
Food type: Traditional British
Example dish: Irish Murphy’s stout and beef pie
Price range: £5-20 per dish

A charming, family run restaurant and pie shop, serving delicious home-style English pies as well as several other good, honest, British dishes.

This modest establishment can be found on Steep Hill and is a cosy, rustic place, complete with open fireplace, wooden beamed ceilings and large brickwork walls. The dining rooms are quite small so, during busy times, can get fairly crowded and noisy.

All dishes are made from locally sourced produce and come in good, generous portions with sides included in the price. There are also a variety of lunchtime and evening deals and set menus making it an excellent value piece.

This is a perfect spot for those looking for some wholesome and hearty British food served in a wonderfully warm and homely environment.

Straits Brasserie- Tastes from further afield…
Food type: British and Brazilian specialities
Example dish: Complete BBQ Meal, Selection of Hot & Cold Starters, 5 Meats Spit Roasted over the BBQ with Salads & Side Dishes- £22 per head
Price range: £2-22 per dish

Previously called the ‘Viela Brazilian BBQ Restaurant,’ this humble spot, located on Steep Hill, is renowned for its wide selection of locally produced British and Brazilian inspired dishes.

Voted one of the top 100UKrestaurants by The Independent, this small but light and airy café is perfect for those searching for something a little different. It provides a good range of honest, good quality food which is presented beautifully, and made using fresh, seasonal, home grown ingredients.

The Straits Brasserie offers a wide selection of meat and vegetable dishes, including its speciality dish, the feasting menu which includes a variety of meat dishes being continuously brought to the table with accompaniments providing diners a chance to sample numerous Brazilian specialities, (booking essential.)

With its great value dishes, and exotic twists, this is an ideal stop for those looking for quick tasty meals and who want to be a little more adventurous.

Gino’s Ristorante- The lively, award winning Italian ristorante
Food type: Italian
Example dish: Cannelloni Alla Rossi, Oven baked pasta tubes filled with traditional fresh meats, topped withNapolisauce, mozzarella and parmesan shavings.
Price range: £5-25 per dish

For those looking for an authentic, lively Italian meal, look no further than Gino’s Ristorante. This award winning Italian restaurant serves all the favourites; pizza, pasta, risotto and a selection of chicken and fish dishes, all in good, hearty, generous portions.

Due to its popularity, the restaurant does get very busy and crowded on Friday and Saturday nights. If you haven’t booked ahead, there is a high chance you will have to wait for a table. The restaurant has a very lively atmosphere so it’s not recommended if you’re looking for a quiet meal out. But it’s an ideal place for groups and social events. You should also be aware that it closes at 10pm, earlier than many other eating places inLincoln.

Gino’s provides a fast friendly service, with excellent traditional dishes and touches, including the expected cheery waiter wielding a giant pepper mill. It is a first-rate stop for those looking for some great, tasty Italian.

Food and Drink in Lincoln

Emily Rose Howard / May 7, 2012May 7, 2012 / Drink, Eat

Last year Lincolnshire won the title of Britain’s Best Food Spot 2011, an honour bestowed to recognise its dedication to local produce and its tireless drive to keeping old traditions and recipes alive. Local specialities such as Lincolnshire Plum bread, Poachers cheese, home-grown beef, and the famous Lincolnshire sausage, are celebrated and enjoyed across the Country.

Throughout the year Lincoln also hosts a number of food festivals and markets to celebrate its local delicacies.

As an award winning food stop, you’ll find that when it’s time to grab a bite to eat, Lincoln is well equipped to please even the fussiest of eaters. Recognisable chains including Nandos, Prezzo, Chimichangas, Harvester, Homemade Burgers Inc., Ask Italian and Zizzi’s can be found along Lincoln’s stunning Brayford waterfront, and in the town centre.

Those looking to sample the local dishes on offer, will find there are many small and independent chains throughout the city centre offering a range of excellent local specialities and deals.

If you’re just looking for a drink in the sunshine or a spot of afternoon tea, there is also a wide range of tearooms serving delightful cream teas and locally baked cakes and various contemporary bars, traditional country pubs and inns offering a range of local ales, ciders and beers.

With such a vast array of wining and dining options, you’re sure to find something to take your fancy. We’ve even selected some of our favourites in the pages ahead to help you out!