lincoln – City Focus

Where to Stay in Lincoln?

Stephen Berry / May 7, 2012 / Sleep

After a day of seeing all ofLincoln’s sites and scenery you’ll want to relax and unwind in style. Here are just some of the unique places you can stay to make your trip that bit more special.

Branston Hall Hotel

This country house sits amongst beautifulLincolnshireparkland with a whole 88 acres of land and its own lake. Dating back to 1885, this historic building has been converted into a lavish hotel with over 50 en-suite rooms.

There’s plenty of things to do if you fancy staying in the hotel, with an indoor swimming pool, leisure suite and an old fashioned lounge finished off with a cosy fire place. Renowned for its restaurant Branston Hall holds two AA rosettes for its culinary excellence

Situated just 3 miles outside Lincoln, this house rich in culture and history is great for visiting the city or exploring the

Lincolnshirecountryside as long as you own a car.

Price range (per room) £85-£230

Tel: 01522 793305

Website: www.branstonhall.com

Castle Hotel

With its award winning restaurant, Reform, the Castle Hotel is perfect for those wanting to indulge their taste buds in some ofLincoln’s finest

cuisine.

After winning the award for best food inLincolnshire, your stay at this hotel will be just as enjoyable as the food; it offers modern rooms and stunning views ofLincoln, the Castle and the Cathedral.

While it has a contemporary look, it has plenty of history starting life as a school, the building has also served as an army cadet centre, parish rooms, a Sunday school, riding school, occupation centre and repair workshop, before becoming a hotel in 1979.

Price range (per room): £90-£390

Tel: 01522 538801

Website: www.castlehotel.net

Charlotte House Hotel

You can’t get much closer to Lincoln Castle than you can with Charlotte House!

Located directly opposite one ofLincoln’s most famous landmarks, and surrounded by 8 acres of attractive gardens it boasts Sir Joseph Banks tropical conservatory full of exotic plants and water features, as well as “The Orangery” a huge

scenic glass box which is available to hire out.

Charlotte House has 14 rooms ranging from contemporary to classic and several dining areas as well as a bar you can visit if you’re just passing by.

Prices range (per room): £99-£295

Tel: 01522 541000 – Website: www.charlottehouselincoln.com

Bailhouse Hotel

This luxury boutique hotel in the heart of uphillLincolnis famous for its warm hospitality warranting a 5 star review from the AA.

Bailhouse Hotel dates back to the 14th century where it opened as a medieval hall. Since then its become established as a small and comfortable hotel. While its still retained its rustic charm with four poster beds and oak beam ceilings it’s been brought into the 21st century with the welcome addition of an outdoor swimming pool, along with many other features.

It has a large selection of self catering accommodation to choose from with plenty of restaurants near by if you fancy getting a bite to eat.

Price range (per room): £79-170

Tel: 01522 541000

Website: www.bailhouse.co.uk

White Hart Hotel

The White Hart Hotel stands proudly next to Lincoln Cathedral and amongst the hustle and bustle of life at the top of Steep Hill.

This traditional building has a modern twist which jumps out to you as soon as you go through the front door and into the bar and reception area.

Also near the historic Bailgate, visitors will have plenty of culture to

experience in the many unique shops and restaurants on the street.

Price range (Per room): £75- £175

Tel: 01522 563 293

Website: www.whitehart-lincoln.co.uk

The Tower

The Tower is a cheerful hotel ideally located in between the city and the historic side ofLincoln.

It hosts an inviting lounge area and 15 individually styled en suite bedrooms, although this hotel is probably best known for its award winning Tower Restaurant.

It often features live entertainment or special weeks so for live music lovers this is the place for you.

Price range (per room): £65-£175

Tel: 01522 529999

Website: www.lincolntowerhotel.co.uk

And the best of the rest…

Lincoln has many other great places to stay scattered all over the city. Whether you just want to stay near the Brayford pool at the Hilton Hotel or the Holiday Inn or want a quick stay at one of the many bed and breakfasts. The Minster Lodge and Creston Villa Guest House have both received 5 star AA ratings for their excellent B&B services. Or for award winning self catering accommodation try Lincoln Town Houses or 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.