retiredmartin

June 2023. Grantham.

In January I promised you a series on pubs close to the southern Grantham relief road, which probably has a fancier name.

That series stretched to just the White Lion before being decommissioned quicker than El Dorado, but it’s sort of back as I stop at Barrowby’s White Swan for no obvious reason except curiosity.

This is a third visit to the Swan in 20 years, all of which it’s spent in the Guide as a rare Lincolnshire constant.

I know you expect Pevsner level analysis of every village I enter, but the treasures of Barrowby (pop. 1,966) are modest, even by South Kesteven standards. This building on the main drag looks more 1970s than 17th century.

The best thing here is the childrens’ play area, greatly enjoyed by our two lads during a pub loo stop in 2010.

I would have taken a photo of the kiddy play equipment, but a) I’d have been chased out of town and b) it would have taken ages to erase all the children out of the photo using AI.

Not everyone appreciates the park;

Not many villagers appreciate their GBG pub, either.

I arrived at 14:30 on a lovely Sunday expecting to find it packed with diners.

“They don’t come in till late” said the longstanding (I guess) landlady, which at least bucks the trend of pubs closing on Sunday after the last diner puts down their pudding spoon.

I was slightly disappointed by the absence of Adnams Bitter, a delight rarely seen around the country.

Serves me right for believing the GBG about anything these days.

A choice of Salopian Lemon Dream (aka “Lemon Drop”) and a confused looking Greene King seasonal on the other bar is a Hobsons Choice in all but fact, and in truth it was hard to assess it, cool and chewy but imperfect (NBSS 3ish).

The pub is simple and homely, and a few Old Boys would have sparked the atmosphere.

But we only had Young Dad on Newcy Brown and his charming but precocious daughter.

“Anyhow, to finish MY story“. Never interrupt a 7 year old in full flow, particularly a girl.