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Neville Thorpe relives a CAMRA weekend in
Wainfleet
Bright eyed and expectant, we assembled at
the Castle Barge, eighteen hardy souls in search of good
beer. The coach pulled away exactly on time. Bateman's
brewery, Wainfleet was our destination. Lots were drawn
en-route for our sleeping arrangements at either the
Woolpack or the Royal Oak.
We set down outside the Woolpack situated in
the market square at Wainfleet at 7.30pm. Overnight bags
were discarded in the allotted rooms, and by 7.40pm the
first pint of Bateman's was to hand. Later, food became a
necessity. Some tried the Chinese; others tried the nearby
coal fired fish and chip restaurant - excellent.
On to the Royal Oak - great beer here - and
then until closing time the Jolly Sailor. At this venue some
were privileged to witness the annual darts presentation
night and raffle - 10 tickets in the pint pot, 10 prizes to
be won! Why wouldn’t they let us buy a ticket? And so to
bed......The market place by now was peaceful and quiet -
except that nobody had told us that the memorial clock
situated approx. 30ft from the bedroom window chimed loudly
every hour! Who was the person that managed to wake the
whole corridor at approx. 3.00am by going to the loo and
then proceeded to stub his big toe against the foot of the
bed? A £5.00 bet still remains. |
Breakfast the next morning at the
"Wooly" was a cheerful experience (we were there
before 9.30am). The waitress enlightened some by saying that
the sea was only half an hour walk down Sea Lane. The wise
amongst us opted for a short walk along the River Deeping.
The very wise returned back to bed, the foolish set off for
the sea.
Needless to say that the foolish had to hurry back despite
not seeing the sea in order to make the rendezvous at or
near the brewery by 10.45am.
We were met by our guide, Paul at 11.00am
outside the brewery (he is the most unlikely looking
accountant you will ever meet). He took us through the
various sections of the 19th century brewery, explaining in
detail the brewing process and giving us a warm feeling of
what it was like to work for a true family business.
Then through to the hospitality suite situated in the old
mill which forms part of Bateman’s logo. We settled down
to enjoy the delights of the full Bateman's range which
included the seasonal offering, Farmers Quencher.
Memorabilia from the brewing trade was all around us. For
the inquisitive, viewing the splendidly fitted boardroom on
the 3rd floor of the mill was eye-catching. By 1.15pm a
mellow feeling enveloped the party as we gathered for group
photo’s. |
Back to the "Wooly" for pre
arranged pie, chips, and peas (the flavour of the pie was
not on the itinerary). Food for thought!!!! Then back to the
XB, XXXB and DM whilst the professionals played pool like
amateurs - or maybe the beer was beginning to make itself
felt. The "Wooly" was then vacated in favour of
the open all day Royal Oak. Souvenir t-shirts and baseball
caps were now sported as the final rounds were bought
towards 5.00pm. The pub was now heaving with the local
football teams adding to the ambience. Under the threat of
dire consequences should we be late, we climbed aboard the
coach at 5.00pm for the return to Newark, just in time for
opening.
What a well organised and great weekend.
Thanks to Neil & Nicola for all your efforts. Bring on
the Bradford beer and balti day - I can't wait for it!
P.S. Some would describe Bateman’s brewery
as quaint but make no mistake, the product is superb. Sadly,
if a major competitor were to acquire a controlling
interest, the end result would be yet another goodbye to
unique and superb ales.
Nov. '97
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