Seven stalwarts climbed aboard the minibus joining the driver for the mystery tour. We were given strict instructions not to check maps or WhatPub. There were several guesses on destinations, but John was keeping tight lipped and was giving nothing away and neither was Bev our driver. We set off from Sleaford down the A15 then the A52 turning off towards Old Somerby and Boothby Pagnell - so obviously in a SW direction, but where?

Turning into Church Lane we entered the pretty village of Burton Coggles and the Cholmeley Arms. Here Abbot and TT Landlord were dispensed from the corner bar, and for some a morning coffee. The Fen folk sat out in the large gardens in comfy garden furniture under a cover of grape vines. The pub grounds being quite extensive with accommodation in outbuildings and the pub itself multi-roomed low beams - in similar style to many of the country pubs yet to be visited.

On then passing Swayfield to join the A1 heading South and into Rutland. Next call Greetham and the Wheatsheaf where Shipstone’s Original and Oakham Oranjie (4.1%) awaited the thirsty travellers.

Back on board no sooner had sandwiches started to be unpacked than we arrived at the Plough, a Good Beer Guide pub, 50 yards down the road! An excellent range of ales on here included TT Landlord, Milestone Classic Mild, Oakham Oranjie and Round the Corner Brewing Market Pale (4.2%) and as a bonus for one imbiber a pint pot - yes with handle. A further treat was the large bowl of tasty chips kindly provided by the landlord. The Plough is part of the Stonegate Co. and as such accepts CAMRA vouchers (enquire before you buy - a lesson for us all there!).

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It was just a short trip then on to our next destination, Market Overton and the Black Bull, a lovely thatched building which has a poster showing the auction sale of the pub in 1906 (price paid not known). The Black Bull was Pub of the Season in Summer 2024. Again a low beamed multi-roomed hostelry with nooks and crannies. Beers are via Greene King, IPA with guest ales TT Golden Best, London Pride, and surprisingly Brains Bitter; well worth a wander round the quiet village with its black GR post box and village green.

On then to Wymondham and the Berkeley Arms, another low beamed small room pub, which had Harvest Pale, Wherry and Black Sheep. Well worth a trip to the Gents, just to see the golf cartoons framed above the urinals!

Northwards now for our next destination, Buckminster and the Tollemache Arms where Grainstore Pride and Osprey awaited along with Speckled Hen. A fairly large hotel with rooms set out for diners - yet to appear that late afternoon.

Our last port of call was at Sewstern and the Blue Dog with its two small bars dispensing Wherry, TT Boltmaker, Black Sheep, London Pride, plus another surprise, Bass. The old AA yellow plaque on the outside wall indicated the mileage from Stamford (13). Grantham (10), and London (103) Safety First. Of interest to one Fenland traveller was the 1969 Triumph Spitfire Mk 1V parked next to the pub; so a chat with the owner to discuss his (Fenman's) long gone Spitfire Mk 2 was a must.

Time then to board the minibus and return after a great day of pub and beer explorations. So seven pubs and twenty different ales. Most of the group had never visited these pubs on the Lincolnshire / Rutland / Leicestershire borders. There were spare seats in the minibus, so Fenland CAMRA members see what you missed. Thanks again to John who devised and organised the mystery tour and to Bev who drove us safely to the many destinations and home again.