The Best Pubs in Lincoln

Step into The Strugglers Inn, a pub with a famously grim history as the last stop for condemned men, yet today it overflows with warmth and cheer. The cozy snug, warmed by an open fire, is the perfect spot to enjoy a superb selection of real ales that rotate regularly. It’s a small, bustling space where the lively crowd turns over quickly, so you’ll always find a seat and a friendly face. This is a true gem of an English pub, full of character and always a brilliant place for a pint.

Step inside The West End Tap and discover a true haven for beer lovers, where every pint is a celebration of fantastic craft ales and perfectly kept brews. The expertly curated selection, featuring standout choices like the Black IPA from the Brick and the delightfully fruity Timmermans Strawberry, guarantees a new favourite with every visit. Grab a seat in their sunny outdoor area, a perfect spot to enjoy a cold one and a bowl of their famous nuts, making this a casual yet brilliant local gem.

Step through the doors of The Cardinal’s Hat and you’ll find a true haven for beer lovers, with a fantastic range of brews that keeps regulars coming back. The energy is always lively, making it a brilliant spot to gather with a big group of friends. Pair your pint with one of their generous antipasti platters for a perfectly satisfying night out. Just be sure to stick to the gin or beer, as the vodka selection isn’t the pub’s strong suit.

Step through the doors of The Jolly Brewer and you are immediately wrapped in a warm, unpretentious buzz that feels like a local secret. This place truly shines for anyone who loves real ale, especially with their clever Beer Bat offering a chance to sample three thirds of a fantastic rotating selection. The crowd is a lively mix of characters, creating a friendly, no nonsense environment where you can grab a double vodka and coke or settle in for a proper pint. It is a genuine, characterful spot that feels refreshingly free of pretension, making every visit feel like a proper night out.

The Horse and Groom is a traditional 18th century English pub full of character, serving hearty British food alongside hand-pulled ales and fine wines. This warm and welcoming spot is a favourite choice of many locals, offering high quality takes on classic pub grub, real ales from local Lincolnshire breweries, and a popular Sunday roast. It has won pub of the year at the Lincolnshire and Rutland tourism awards, and features electric car charging points, a weekly quiz night, and a Tuesday pie and pint deal. The pub is also very dog friendly and cashless, accepting only card and contactless payments.

The Golden Eagle is a historic pub dating back to the early 1700s, offering a cosy front lounge with a log burner and a back bar with all round viewing for sports. Its large beer garden features heated booths, a patio, a marquee, and a children’s play area, plus facilities for BBQs. Up to nine cask beers are available at any one time alongside a wide selection of craft cans and bottles, lager, cider, and spirits. Regular events include a Monday open mic night and a Friday quiz and bingo night with cash prizes.

Step inside the Dog and Bone, a proper local where the beer is always in great shape, especially the Batemans ale. This friendly spot welcomes your four legged friends and hosts a cracking quiz night that even gets a special treatment during the Lincoln Book Festival. With outdoor seating available, it is the kind of place where you can settle in for a good pint and a warm, lively evening.

The Pyewipe is a family run business opened in 1998, situated along Britain’s oldest man made waterway and described as a hidden gem. It serves as a ramblers’ favourite watering hole, a narrowboat mooring point, and a restaurant for the discerning diner, perfect for a casual lunch or an outside drink. The property includes a 21 room lodge with individually decorated rooms and a bridal suite, plus big hat tipis ideal for weddings and events. Guests can enjoy food from 11am to 9pm, including a locally sourced a la carte menu and bespoke cocktails, with the option to arrive by boat.

Welcome to The Adam & Eve Tavern, a family run local pub that has been serving drinks since 1701, making it a true piece of history. This welcoming spot offers a beer garden, real ale, and dog friendly spaces, plus free wi fi and a real fire for cozy visits. You can enjoy great food, regular live music on Saturday nights, and a Sunday quiz every week at 8:30pm. With a pool table, darts, and board games, there is always an excuse to visit this thriving social venue.

Widow Cullen's Well is a brilliant find with incredible value, where you can enjoy a perfectly kept pint of Samuel Smith's ale for a shockingly low price. Tucked up a steep hill, the climb is well rewarded by a welcoming pub full of genuine charm and character. The food is freshly cooked and served quickly, with plenty of room upstairs to settle in. It’s a truly special spot that combines old world character with unbeatable prices.