Ye Olde White Horse Spalding Diversion

Sunday 23rd March 2014

When we first posted that we were going to Spalding a guy messaged us on Facebook and suggested that, as we were in that neck of the woods, we should also visit Stamford where there is a medieval banqueting house that was converted into a brewery.

We had a look on tinterweb and found out it was called All Saints Brewery and is part of the Samuel Smiths group. Well, as we were going to a Sam Smiths pub we thought why not?

It said on the web page that there were guided tours that visitors could take so I rang them to see if there were any tours on the day we were going. I spoke to the landlord, a guy called Mark, and he told me that, unfortunately, there were no tours available that day but if we cared to book another day we would be welcome. I explained that this was the only day we would be in the area and explained about our trips. 

A few days later he messaged me on Facebook and said he'd read our blog, that he now understood and that if we called in he would try to spare us a little of his time. 

Now we had to go.

 Stamford itself is an absolutely beautiful town, with every building being built from stone, giving the whole town a uniqueness that makes it stand out. Every street, shop, pub, and church (and there’s a lot of churches) all come together to make a truly memorable visit. Upon our arrival we had a quick look around the town while walking to the pub. Loads of photo ops. 

 So, this is the detour I mentioned in our post about Ye Olde White Horse. We arrived in Stamford about half past two and struggled to find a parking space (the one drawback to this fine town) and were on the point of giving it a miss until we stumbled on a car park down a little side street. From here it was about a five or ten minute walk to All Saints and, as the whole town is built in old Lincolnshire limestone, it is very picturesque.

Then we arrived at our destination.

Me outside (as usual)

After dads pathetic attempt at finding somewhere to park we eventually arrived at the pub/brewery. Yes, there is a pub too. The front of the building , which used to be a dwelling has been converted into a very handsome drinking and eating establishment called the Melbourne Brothers pub. We had a bit of a look round outside and then went in.

The brewery is round the back of the pub, up a driveway which was access for horses back in the day. An old well was turned into a beer garden feature, all looked mint.  

Why do you always have to take pictures that make me look like a berk?

It's a natural talent of mine......and yours. Anyway, we found our way into the bar and Dad ordered a drink. He had half a pint of Samuel Smiths Pure Brewed Organic Lager which he said was great (his head didn't think it so great Sunday morning after he over-indulged later that night). (WE over-indulged!! You weren't too bright yourself the next day). Yeah, whatever. As I said, he had a lager but I decided to try one of the beers they brew on the premises. They make four beers, all fruit flavours. Strawberry, Raspberry, Cherry and Apricot. I had a strawberry. It was okay as it goes but i wouldn't have another. Dad thought it was shite. (Not nasty, just think beer should taste of beer). 

I asked the guy behind the bar if the landlord was about and he pointed out the landlady. I introduced myself and she said she would see if her husband, Mark, had time to see us and off she went. We had a look round inside and it's very interesting, all different levels and stairs everywhere. 

I'd love one of these for my pub

After a few minutes Mark turned up. The pub seemed pretty busy and he'd obviously been working in the kitchen but it appeared he'd dropped everything just to come and talk to us! Brilliant!

Me and Mark

Mark knew everything! What a font of pub knowledge this guy was. And he was a nice bloke to boot! He told us all about the history of the pub, how it was originally built as a dwelling in the 15^th century with the brewery being built in 1825 although it would seem that there has been some brewing on the site for several hundred years. He also told us about  a tunnel that led to the adjacent All Saints Church, just across the road. The tunnel was used as an escape route by the monks of the church in the event of any trouble. Once in the building, they would use a hidden door in the fireplace (now the access to the ladies toilets) to access a cellar, and there they would stay until safe. What’s really interesting is that the cellar has a window angled up to the spire of the church, so anyone in the church can signal the hidden monks in the cellar when the coast was clear. Genius.

 It was hard to get a decent picture so I had to do it like this.

Mark also told us about the brewery, how they still use the original steam engine and how most of the brewery is as it was originally installed. He told us about the recent acquisition of the pub by the latest brewery, Samuel Smiths. He told us about the dates of the original fireplace, and the dates of the extended fireplace. When I say he knew everything, he knew everything! And what really amazed me is that he’s only been landlord there for 2 years! As me dad said though, if you love what you do, it’s easy to remember. 

It was a great place and was well worth a visit, if you’re ever near Spalding; make the time to visit Stamford. Unfortunately we had to cut short our time there and head for Spalding, but we could’ve stayed for the rest of the day…

Yes, as Clint said we could have stayed all day and had a session but it was time to move on. However we highly recommend going to Stamford and if you fancy a tour of the brewery you can find details here http://www.stamford- lincs.co.uk/st/site/placesofinterest/f/48/m/all_saints_brewery.html We shall definitely try to get back there and make a day of it. Cheers for now.