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A visit to the Tobie Norris Stamford.

This month’s lead article in CAMRA's “Beer” newspaper prompted us to visit the Tobie Norris pub in Stamford. It was a winner in the recent CAMRA Pub Design competition. The building oozes a strong sense of history. Each of the 3 or 4 downstairs rooms has a character of it’s own and a rambling staircase leads up to 3 more. There is a beer garden to the rear. Two enthusiastic bar staff served 3 guest ales as well as the regular Ufford beers that are brewed in a nearby village.

The article covers the Tobie very well, but here are a few points about Stamford itself – which may be of interest.

John Betjeman described Stamford as “England’s most attractive town”. The history of this country market town goes back over 1000 years. It is built mainly of local limestone, which gives the town a golden hue on a sunny day. The River Welland meanders through the centre and 11 church towers and spires distinguish the skyline.
Today the population is only 18,000 but it supports over 30 pubs. Most of these serve real ale as does the famous old coaching inn the George Hotel. Some 3 or 4 pubs regularly feature in the Good Beer Guide and are within easy walking distance of the railway station.

Does anyone feel a Branch outing coming on?
[Webmaster - Anything to oblige; see Branch Diary]

Richard Lewin 14^th July 2008.
Photos courtesy of Peterborough CAMRA

Tobie Norris, 12 St Pauls Street, Stamford, Lincolnshire, PE9 2BE [map]

Peterborough Today website with video of the Tobie Norris - Click here

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