Saturday 30th December saw the branch Christmas social in Mansfield and the first since it was reformed. Four pubs in and around the town centre were chosen, starting at the Railway Inn on Station Street. Not only is the pub near to the railway station (as you would imagine from the name) but the pub is also close to the bus station, making an ideal first stop however you arrive in town. The ex-Bateman’s hostelry features a cosy, central bar with two smaller rooms if you fancy a quieter pint. Well-priced, home-cooked food is available. The pub has LocAle status, and on the bar during our visit were Welbeck White Stag, Woodforde’s Albion, Dancing Duck Abduction and Full Mash Apparition; three of which are within the distance to qualify for the award.

From the Railway, a fairly short walk away from the town centre brings you to Prior’s Well Brewery Tap, housed in the former Mansfield Brewery. The pub features a large modern and airy open interior with industrial fittings and lots of decorative lighting. The brewing equipment can be seen through a glass panel behind the bar. Prior’s Well unsurprisingly holds LocAle accreditation and three of the six hand pulls featured their own beers: Priory Gold, Citra and Best. The remaining three were Theakston Old Peculiar, Ossett Nervous Turkey and Dancing Duck Christmas Quakers. After a long period of closure in 2022 and 2023, it was good to see the venue open again and busy as ever.

Our next stop, at the other end of Great Central Road, was the Brown Cow. The once Raw Brewery pub is now co-owned with Everards under their ‘Project William’ scheme. The large interior comprises two areas served from a central bar with another large room on a lower level to the left of the building. There is also a beer garden to the rear. Like Priors Well, it features a modern décor with plenty of exposed ironwork in the bar. The Brown Cow took 1st place in last years multi-branch Winter Ale Trail and the certificate is proudly displayed behind the bar. The line-up on the day was Neptune Brewery Galene, North Riding Riwaka, Welbeck Abbey Cocoa Noel, Anarchy Brew Co. Citra Star, Woodforde’s Winter Reserve, Small World Long Moor Pale, Ashover Galaxy, Brunswick Last Orders and Everard’s Tiger and Mirage.

Returning to the town centre, our last call as a group was The Garrison on Leeming Street. This was the only Micropub on our trail, but what it may lack in size it makes up for in beer choice, featuring six ales alongside a selection of key keg. On the bar were Bristol Beer Factory Fortitude and Daydreamin’, Thornbridge Makeney, Arbor ZZ Hop, Black Iris Rise & Shine and Shiny Five Star Man.

Not only did we see a good turnout from within the branch, but members from neighbouring branches were also in attendance which was great to see. Thanks to those who came along. An enjoyable afternoon was had by all with great beer on offer from the pubs we visited. We’re always planning the next outing and hope to see you there.

Some of the group at Prior's Well Three chairs at Prior's Well