The inspiration for this weekend away came from the BeerO'Clock Show Podcast.
Combie from Round Corner Brewing was enthusiastic enough but when he mentioned that Melton Mowbray hosts a Pork Pie Festival, well I just had to spark up Google.
The information was sketchy, it showed it was cancelled last year and the date for this year was the 7th August. So back in May, I found suitable accommodation (Lenny Henry never fails) and booked a room.
Last week, I thought I ought to check on what actually happens at a Pork Pie Festival. Google still showing the dates as 07/08 but when you clicked to buy £4.50 tickets, the dates had changed to the 28th.
Still, there will be pubs - The Good Beer Guide lists 3. I just made sure I had a Pork Pie at lunch.
Paint the Town Red, King Street, Stahlstadt by Weldon Brewery
Just as happened in Retford, this is a BeerHeadz place that is in the GBG but has been sold on. The same staff are working there (hello Charlie), the same decor, the same approach to beer. Although they have added Gin and Cider.
The only trouble is finding it.
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| Signage is not obvious |
Google Maps got us so close - but we were forced to ask Nigel over the road. Who just had to rub in the dearth of savoury snacks.
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| Not Mappiman |
A conversation quickly picked up as to where we were from and why we were here. A knowing shake of the head when the incorrect dates were discussed and of course, the weekend of 28/8 has Piefest, a 1940's themed weekend and a vintage car rally.
To avoid being too disappointed, the locals told us that Tubes Nightclub opens at 11pm.
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| Untappd Check in informed me its German for "Steel Town" |
Anne of Cleves, Burton Street, Castle Rock Elsie Mo
With one of three Good Beer Guide Entries a bowling club where you need to be "card carrying" to gain access as a non-member, I knew I would have to find the "best of the rest" to add to the list.
I knew I had struck gold with the blue plaque on the front of the Anne of Cleves.
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| C14th Building |
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| After Cromwell, it was gifted to Anne as part of the divorce settlement from Henry VIII |
Not every pub has such an historical claim. A quick peek inside, determination of how ordering works (still table service here) and out into Melton Mowbray's finest beer garden.
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| Interior as expected |
The beer was excellent and proof enough that sometimes you need to look a little harder than the bible.
Especially when you want to avoid a Bowling Club Bouncer.
Round Corner Brewery, Cattle Market, Imperial Gunmetal Black Lager
And saving the best till last (no offence to the beautiful Italian meal we had at Amore).
Back towards the Purple Palace that is the Premier Inn, we cross over the road to the cavernous Cattle Market - wondering whether there is any life within.
Right in the middle is a little corrugated building and the unmistakable sound of people supping and having fun.
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| Round Corner |
Drinking takes place in front of the machines where the joy is made. There is a full size bar, there is Gin and my request of the highest ABV beer is met with a re-assuring "Good Choice Sir".
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| Bank Statement confirms it also comes in Pints |
Further proof that people from Melton Mowbray are amongst the friendliest that we have ever met. We take a bench to ourselves but a mere comment about an Airdale Terrier means we are joined by Alan and his Belgian wife for an hour. There's little about their lives that we don't know, and likewise for them.
The punters move on and just as you think its closing, a couple from Inverness enter. He is either fascinated by machinery or works for the council, as he takes an awful lot of photos of spotlessly silver brewing tanks.
We repeat what we have learned from Mr and Mrs Alan and get plenty of advice for our upcoming North Coast 500 trip.
A wonderful town, with wonderful people. Even the tourists.
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