Having been on the ’70s weekend at Butlins last year, we moved a decade on this time.
Gordon and I decided we’d chill on the train, with a few cans of course. So, after setting off at 07:23 from Sheffield, we got down to the task. The journey was nice and smooth, just a short 15 minute change at Grantham. Our friend drove, so arrived at camp earlier, where we had to queue, and only 2 staff later in the day.
On exiting the station in the town centre, you have a short crossing to The Lumley, it only had 2 ales, but they were OK. I had both, a Batemans – XB Bitter of 3.7%, and the Theakstons – Hairy Bikers Bitter at 4.2%. Across the road is the Red Lion, Skegness’s Wethersoons. A quick pint of standard cider, before our real goal of The Crafty Local Ale House 5 minutes walk away.
We ended up visiting this micropub 3 times, and what a gem. The building was originally a guest house in 1929, but then underwent changes of use as a college facility, blind institute and a dental practice, among others. There’s a nice outside, perfect for the weather we had. Inside is a small room with the bar, and a larger room to the right for entertainment.
There was 3 cask, 4-5 box ciders and a few keg. Talking to the owner, he said later this year onwards will see further improvements. My choices over the visits were Salopian’s – The Thirteenth Hat, NZ Pale, 3.9%. Milestone – Son of a Beach, IPA of 4.5% and Celtic Marches – Tutti Frutti Cider, only 3.4%, but plenty of flavour. My friends chose cider, as one likes it and the requires GF drinks.
Although we wanted to see the music at the camp, we were thwarted as it was far busier than last year and most arenas were bursting. We managed to get room to see Kim Wilde, Marty’s daughter, after 15 minutes of Black Lace (and no, I didn’t do the actions to Piano and Agadoo). She put on a fantastic show of around 70 minutes covering all the hits.
We covered Ingoldmells on Saturday, just drinking standard Keg as real ale only seems to be on in one pub, The Countryman, and we were informed their brewer has left to become head brewer at the recently revived Jennings. We then returned to Skegness on Sunday and visited The Three Monkeys on the front, just one ale in Batemans XB, a decent pint for £3.50. Then it was back to The Crafty, before Gordon and I went in the Red Lion for a drink. We sat in the outdoor area where I sampled a Little Valley – Tod’s Blonde, an IPA of 5%.
Back to camp and more keg. A quieter night just chatting before retiring at a reasonable 00:00 for bed. Showered, breakfast and out. We had a quick one before the train. 5 carriages to Grantham, then someone decided only 2 on to Nottingham and Sheffield, not the best logistics planner?
Next year we plan on either a ’60s, or Soul weekend. We’re pretty sure we’ll be there though, and hopefully more people will have followed The Crafty’s idea and opened a micropub.
