There was a good turnout of Fen folk for the social trip to Chapel St Leonards via Skegness on a hot bank holiday Saturday. As expected trains and buses were packed with holiday makers and our first port of call, the Admiral Benbow at Chapel St Leonards, was a little behind schedule.

The pub was very busy, but service at the bar was swift and pints of Bit Bitter (3.8%) from GanYam and Even-A-Pool (4.3%) from Fixed Wheel were quickly downed. Pausing only for a photoshoot outside the Admiral, the group set off to the Griffin for pints of Adnams Ghost Ship - the Bass having just gone off, and Timothy Taylor Landlord not quite ready.

The 59 bus was taken with several members alighting at the Countryman at Ingoldmells, the former home of Leila Cottage Brewery. Here the Leila Cottage beers were sampled, now brewed by 8 Sail Brewery to the original recipes. On the bar were Leila Ace Ale and Leila’s One Off together with 8 Sail Millwright Mild, the later unfortunately on the turn.

The rest carrying on to Skegness where some sampled the delights of the Crafty Ale House with its JW Lees Bitter (4%), Blue Bee Triple Hop Red (5.1%) and St Austell Anthem (3.4%). The remainder of the group caught the 59 bus from the Countryman and also visited the Crafty Ale House.

Final port of call was Wetherspoon’s Red Lion, for a beer and food. Triple fff Comfortably Numb was in good form, reflecting the rapid turnover during peak periods.

An enjoyable day out and thanks to John Hunt for organising the trip.