Mark Burns (pictured above) will be taking over the Britannia Inn, Brigg, from Monday, August 17 - Burns Night. We knew he was assuming control but the exact date was awaiting confirmation - now received.
Further details to follow on Brigg Blog as the ex-Exchange landlord prepares to make his debut behind the bar of the Wrawby Street 'Brit' which has a kitchen for preparing meals.
Admiral Taverns' Britannia is open at present, being managed by a relief landlord.
Last Saturday evening's thunderstorms and heavy showers did not hit attendances at Brigg's pubs and bars too badly from what we observed, although the rain did deprive Brigg Town Football Club's licensed premises of our custom.
En route, on foot, to the Hawthorns to enjoy an hour in the refurbished bar and new beer garden dubbed 'the biggest in Brigg', we were forced, instead, to seek refuge in one of the Wrawby Road bus shelters outside the cemetery. Thankfully, it's a sturdy structure with glass panels on three sides to protect people from the elements. This bus stop is one of the most used in the town - hence the covered provision.
Having made it down to the Black Bull between downpours, we were allocated a corner table by landlord Andy Noon near one of the front windows looking out onto Wrawby Street. This brought back memories of 40-plus years ago when this area of the pub formed part of a separate room - before the layout became open plan as part of a refurbishment programme.
Later, at the Lord Nelson, we met Steve Filby (pictured) sporting a lock-down hair style which would not have looked out of place decades ago. Normally seen with a closely cropped 'Barnet', he asked for a pic to be taken of his current look.
We were pleased to see that Old Mill Mild - produced by Lord Nelson owner The Old Mill Brewery, of Snaith - was on pump. You don't find much draught mild on offer in Brigg pubs these days. It's seen by many as an old man's drink, and we now qualify! Worth trying is a 50/50 mix of bitter and mild.
Across the Market Place, at the Woolpack, we got a glimpse of pool being played in this era of social distancing. The Woolie is not the only Brigg venue to have a table available to customers.