Pub so passionate about food you can even eat teaspoons

KNOWN FOR OUTSTANDING DRINKS, THE WHEATSHEAF’S ALSO A GREAT PLACE TO EAT

- By LYNETTE PINCHESS

THERE'S no denying that the beer and cider are outstanding at an award-winning Nottinghamshire pub.

The Wheatsheaf in Bingham has the accolades to prove it after being crowned Pub of the Year by the Vale of Belvoir’s Campaign for Real Ale.

The recognition is likely to attract unfamiliar faces to the pub to sample the ever-changing brews, which currently include Burton Bridge's “L’ Of A Beer, Thornbridge’s 1838 pale ale and fruity cherries and berries cider from Nottinghamshire’s Thirsty Farmer.

But if you're not a beer or cider drinker, does the Long Acre pub have the power to capture your imagination? I went along to find out.

First impressions are good. It's a handsome property - an old one at that, dating back to 1779. If those bluey grey walls could talk, there would be nearly 250 years-worth of stories to tell.

When it comes to character it ticks all the boxes. A flagstone floor, wooden beams, open fireplaces (although not with roaring flames at this time of year), wooden tables with ornate legs, burning candles and nooks and crannies all play to its traditional strengths.

It's the kind of pub where I'd want to get snowed in (conveniently they happen to have rooms there too), preferably getting comfortable in one of the leather armchairs and working my way through the enticing wine list.

Walking through the pub, the freshly made sausage rolls on the bar catch my eye. Chunky and bursting with meat, I bet they'd go down a treat with one of the real ales.

When we're shown through to the restaurant, it's a striking contrast to the pub.

There's still all the olde worlde charm but it's lighter and brighter with modern decor.