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.