PUBS OF THE YEAR 2011

    Overall Winner

    No.2 Refreshment Room, Cleethorpes Railway Station.


     

    Once again the Number 2 has regained the CAMRA Grimsby Branch Pub of the Year title.

    Those who are familiar with the pub will not be surprised. For many years, it was the favourite haunt of a large number of drinkers, not only for the quality of the beer but because the pub was run by friendly people.
    At the end of 2002, it closed for refurbishment, ostensibly for a couple of weeks. In fact, those weeks turned into months and after rumours circulated that there had been disagreements with the railway company, it seemed that it was destined to become yet one more casualty – a fate all too common in the industry.
    Fortunately, Autumn 2003 saw a reopening under the stewardship of Paul Rowntree and Darren Sparkes. Paul and Darren used to run the pub for its previous owners, Conway’s before moving to the No.1 just down the platform. Anyone who hadn’t seen it for some time couldn’t help being impressed by the new look. The bar had been extended into the former kitchen; the single bar had been tastefully redecorated and furnished. It even now boasted its very own toilet facilities!
    Added to this the provision of a railed drinking area on the concourse (complete with heaters) and you have a pub fit for anyone.

    Since then, the pub has undergone further improvement with new style seating and a display area for their expanding set of award certificates because, not only CAMRA has recognised the No.2. but a couple of years or so ago, the Community Rail Partnership gave it their “Best Rail Station Buffet” award, beating off competition from some well-established favourites. Oh, and the beer is excellent too, maintaining an entry in the Good Beer Guide featuring  regular and  guest ales.
    The pub known locally as “Under the Clock” is thriving and seeking to extend if and when the opportunity arises. Open 7.30am till midnight all week.



    Country Winner.

    Clickem Inn, Swinhope, Lincolnshire.
    A regular winner of Grimsby & N.E.Lincolnshire Branch “Country Pub of the Year” award, the Clickem Inn has once again come in ahead of the rest of the candidates put forward by the branch. In spite of its location, standing alone as it does, it remains extremely poplar. The address says Swinhope but it doesn’t lie within the signs for that village but about a mile back down the Grimsby – Binbrook road in the direction of the former, although its white walls make it stand out on the roadside. Formerly named The Talbot, the present name is said to have arisen from the sound of the gate leading to a field opposite as sheep were being driven through. Internally, a typical country pub with a smallish bar area but with two separate rooms, one with a pool table at the end. A fairly recent addition has been a conservatory overlooking the main road where meals are served. Terry and June Winfield have relinquished the reins in favour of their affable son, also named Terry, who serves a good selection of real ales and cider, as befits a pub in the national Good Beer Guide. The Clickem doesn’t open daytimes Monday to Wednesday. Monday is 7-11; Tuesday & Wednesday 5-11; Thursday 12-3 then 5-11. On Friday & Saturday it opens throughout from midday till 11.30. Sunday is midday till 10.30. Food is available during the stated opening hours.