STAMFORD.

Situated opposite a church, this building looks very much like a posh house and is very posh inside, so no bikers or walking boots please. There is a smart eating area which it is advised to book for and wear your best bib and tucker. They also serve the bar with snacks, however, these are a little more expensive than normal bar meals, but are at least more imaginative. Having said that of course, the bar is friendly and they serve at least three guest ales: Oakham JHB and Taylors Landlord on this occasion. The other two ales came from nationals. The bar is a corner one and seating is high backed wooden pews and round tables and chairs on a wooden floor, horse paraphernalia on the walls. The entrance hall has a large dresser with flower arrangement on it. There is accommodation here though it can be a little pricey, best to ring and check first. The rooms are all well decorated and there are plenty of facilities for guests. There are some benches out front that act as a beer garden. Access for the disabled is possible, but only with help. No music here, just quiet conversation.

Proprietors Mik and Tina Maksimovic welcome you to their fine example of a corner pub. Here you can find fine ales, the main beers are Charles Wells. They also have a regular weekly changing guest ale - on at the time was Butcombe Bitter. Lunchtime bar meals and sandwiches are available. Other food is served in the à carte restaurant and is fresh and well cooked. Luxury en-suite accommodation Rating is Tourist Board recommended with 2 Crowns. Prices start from £20 single B&B, Double/Twin B&B from £43 en-suite. If you like to watch TV as well as drink real ale there is satellite TV in all rooms and tea & coffee making facilities. And for those of you who cant think of anything to do, there are ironing facilities and hairdryers in all rooms. Children are welcome as are special diets catered for. Disabled Access is good for a change.

On the outskirts of Stamford on the Melton Mowbray to Oakham road, this friendly local was established in 1796 as one of the original ale houses. The pub is split level and so access for the disabled is not good to the toilet area and there is only one bar that serves both areas. However, it does serve seven real ales most weeks alongside the standard Theakston Best. All are well kept and compliment the good food that is only served lunchtimes (12-3). Belgian beers are also a speciality here for the non-real ale drinker and for those with a sweet tooth, there is an occasional real cider too. The bar is all beech affect and the floor is flagged bare with a couple of large kitchen tables and some smaller 4-seater ones available. A real fireplace has its work cut out but heats the pub in winter as it can get quite full of people coming from miles around to try the ales on offer. Not far from the rail station - though a 15 minute walk. The Green Man has a beer garden at the rear for the summer and its beer festivals at Easter and in the Autumn are held out here under an awning. Accommodation is available here, though it is not en-suite at present - comfortable and pleasant. Well worth stopping here for a while, even if it's the only pub you visit in Stamford.

A very attractive building from the outside giving a lazy feel to the summer days. Inside there is a split level bar downstairs so not good for the disabled. The wood floor and stained wooden furniture give it an airy feel. There is a bar upstairs with a balcony and seating. The decor can be a little frightening with 'acid' yellow walls with a lime green tinge and wooden slatted blinds at the front windows. Real ale is served, usually has at least three guest ale on (Slaters Top Totty, Adnams Bitter on this occasion) plus Theakston XB, Courage Directors and Oakham JHB. Food is served at lunchtimes only  (12-7) but not on Sunday, for food try the pub next door - The Crown Hotel. Recently a cheeseboard has been available everyday. There is no beer garden here but it is near the station. Access for the disabled is possible through the side door, though you may need to ask for assistance and the bar is high with limited floor space. A TV in the corner plays out sport for the lads.

	Symbols:		Open:	Monday-Saturday:	Sunday:	Map:
				11-11	12-3; 7-10.30

This pub does serve good real ale, about three guest beers on at the time of the visit, but they really annoyed me as I wanted to eat and made it before their food deadline at lunchtimes - 1.30 Sunday - only to be told that I would have to have beef or nothing as the chef had gone! Being a vegetarian this was an insult and I left. Apart form that there are steps up to the pub so not good for the disabled and steps down to the toilets and main eating area towards the back of the pub. The bar is a small room to the left of entrance - though there is one downstairs too, not used in winter, that is really the basement - very dark furniture and carpet.

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