You shouldn’t always trust your first impression, but sometimes even I get things right.
When I entered The Moorings, the atmosphere was immediately jovial; there was a lot of chatter, cutlery clinking and a guy holding court with his mates and making a few risqué jokes that the older ladies nearby might not need to hear.
But they still didn’t seem to mind, so it was all good.
It didn’t take me long to conclude that this place was very popular with its owners and that the customers, who seemed to represent a nice cross-section of all ages, returned that affection.
There were couples there, older ladies having lunch, younger ladies having a liquid lunch, families and of course the very funny Sid James impersonator and his friends.
While the other groups sat at the back of the pub or outside on the pretty terrace overlooking the River Welland that flows through Spalding, I got my drink from a friendly barmaid and sat on a stool in the bar area to watch a game of golf on the big screen above the fireplace.
This part of the pub was all about sport, with framed rugby league memorabilia from both hemispheres hanging on the walls.
There was a cushion on the sofa with the British Lions logo on it, as a kind of defiant reminder that there is a much better and more masculine form of the sport.
It was cozy, comfortable and a lot of love had obviously gone into the furnishings.
The small bar – with a built-in sink and no wasted space by stuffing liquor bottles into it wherever possible – did not offer the two serving staff much freedom of movement, but they danced impressively around each other.
Unlike most buildings, The Moorings is best viewed from the back.
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Walking past from the west bank, especially on a nice sunny day, you’ll see drinkers enjoying the heat and sipping happily in the outdoor area overlooking the river.
There is plenty of seating on both levels and if you are lucky you will be visited by the family of swans that reside in this area.
From the opposite bank you are greeted by the pub, whose building is quite nice but painted in a kind of tortoise green.
Definitely not my preferred color, but it certainly didn’t put off customers.
After finishing my drink, I strolled back into the sunshine where groups were sitting on the benches along the shore, drinking their cider from cans.
Nice day for it, guys, but the real action is indoors and you’re missing out.
The Pier, Commercial Road, Spalding, PE11 2HD
DECORATION: Be inspired by the attractive terrace and not by the green exterior walls, because a lot of emphasis was placed on the appearance inside. 3/5
DRINK: A pint of Camden Pale Ale (4%), a very nice pint. 4/5
PRICE: £5.70. The stuff from Camden is never cheap, but I paid £7.50 for one of these outside the county (a local drink). 3/5
ATMOSPHERE: There is plenty going on for the afternoon guests and it is a nice mix of people. 4/5
STAFF: A barman and a barmaid always had a smile for the guests and did their best to make them feel comfortable in the small bar area. 3/5
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