The Jolly Brewer — Restaurant in South Kesteven

An absolute joke of a place. We stopped in for a quick quiet half before heading home. I ordered a large diet coke, half an interception that we settled on as there was no real choice of beers on and a dark coffee rum. There was a young girl behind the counter who didn't look to me like she knew how to pull a pint while she was trying. The beer took her a while to pour and she declared it lively. Ok, so I payed just over £10 for everything by contactless with my card. I took the half outside into the light and saw that there was particles of sediment floating around in the beer. We decided that my husband couldn't drink that, and he would be fine with the rum, so I took the beer back inside and told the girl. To her credit she didn't quibble and just asked me if I wanted a half of one of the others. I told her that I didn't and would prefer a refund. She looked like a deer in headlights at the mention of the word refund and said she'd have to TEXT MESSAGE/ WHATSAPP her manager to find out if refunds were allowed! How ridiculous. She couldn't get a signal, of course, and while we were waiting I thought to make life easier i'd ask how much the beer was and she said £2.30. I asked if there was anything else behind the bar that would come close to that price and she said "not exactly that price" and that she didn't know if she was even allowed to offer another product in exchange for the beer even for the same price! She then tried to call her manager but couldn't get a hold of them. She suggested I sit at the table outside until she could sort it. We only came in for a very quick drink! We didn't want to wait. So I discussed it with my husband and went back in and begrudgingly accepted another half a beer that was supposed to be a bitter, but was definitely too pale to call itself one, just to help the girl out and so we could leave. This just blows my mind as ridiculous. If a staff member can't, or is not allowed, or has no idea about refunds or exchanges, they should not be left alone behind the counter! Shame on you Manager of the Jolly Brewer for leaving this girl without help or without the adequate training or authorisation. She is not to blame in any of this. The blame is all managements. It was a farce of a visit from start to finish and rest assured we will not be returning. By the way, I know what I am talking about as I have worked and trained in the hospitality industry...

Admittedly, I haven't been here in years. I knew it had been taken over. I had passed several times and saw an offer for food at lunchtime, 2 meals, 4 £12 (bargain). Well, I can honestly say the food was lovely. The fries were gorgeous, the quiche was less quiche and more scrambled egg in pastry with a few bits of ham thrown in (I know that's a quchie), but somehow it worked. There was a roast dinner on the offer too, but considering we went on a Friday lunchtime, there were only 3 people in the pub!!! The landlord wasn't friendly and just hovered by you until you gave your order. There was no talking to the other 3 customers, no banter. In fact, it was THAT quiet. You dare not speak. The landlord was just walking up and down the bar, watching every customer. Felt very uncomfortable. There were no lights on either, I understand saving energy and well done. However, it's a dark pub with small windows. A lick of paint would go far and lighten it up. Also recommended changing the mop head when washing the floors. There is a very unpleasant smell that sticks to every inch of the pub. Was so pleased to get outside and have fresh air. Would i go back? Yes, for the food, but would be sat outside. It's certainly not the pub, it used to be...

Visited the Jolly Brewer In Stamford for the first time today, And met Tony and the staff very warm and welcoming pub and the open fire was happy surprise specially as it was cold, The beers are very well kept especially the Guinness probably one of the best in the area and the home-made food Was outstanding and very reasonable price , Will definitely be visiting again next time I’m in Stamford and recommending to...