The Dog and Bone on John Street has been selected as the Lincoln CAMRA Branch Pub of the Year for 2014. The selection process started with a vote by local CAMRA members. Then five judges visited the pubs that topped the poll to assess the quality of the beer, the atmosphere, service, community focus and value for money. The other finalists were Lincoln’s Strugglers Inn and Jolly Brewer, and the Dambusters Inn at Scampton.
The Dog and Bone is a hidden gem among the old terraced houses off Monks Road. It is a thriving community local run, since February 2013, by enthusiastic husband and wife team, Chris and Sarah Sorrell. Above the bar is a collection of old valve radios and paraphernalia that always sparks discussion, and the pub’s board games are popular and well-used. The walls display works from local artists, and the wonderful garden is an oasis of calm. On the bar are five real ales and two handpull ciders. The pub belongs to Batemans so beers from this long-established, Lincolnshire family brewery feature, along with interesting guest ales.
Lincoln CAMRA chairman, Aaron Joyce, said, “To win Pub of the Year after just twelve months in charge is a fantastic achievement by Chris and Sarah. They’ve taken this great little community pub up to another level.”
The Dog and Bone now goes forward to the Lincolnshire round of the competition, where it will be up against the winners from the Gainsborough, Grimsby, Scunthorpe, Louth, Grantham and Fenland branches.