So, you’ve moved to Lincoln and your family want to visit. Mum fancies some lunch, Dad is in the mood for cake and Granny is just desperate for a drink after THAT journey.
Now, you could take them to a huge chain coffee shop or restaurant, but why would you want to when there are hidden gems, local to Lincoln, that you could explore? On your way up to the prestigious Lincoln Cathedral (trust me, they will want to visit), you may not notice the treats that Steep Hill has to offer, let alone stop to have an adventure.
Starting at the bottom with the quirky antique-shop turned gin bar “The Curiosity Shop”, this is one for the free spirit of the family. Opened in December 2017, this relatively fresh yet old-time hideaway offers an interesting mixture of vintage items and over 100 different gins for sale, alongside custom cocktails, wonderful wines, and brilliant beers. A few of the lesser known, yet still intriguing, flavours of their various gins include sweet violet, pink grapefruit and green nettle. However, don’t you worry traditionalists! The Curiosity Shop also stick to the classics, serving up London dry, sloe and floral gins, for the more orthodox palettes. Or maybe you might surprise yourself with a cocktail! But whatever your tipple of choice is, it can be guaranteed to be extraordinary and presented with theatrical flair.
Following on, you could take rest bite at indie location Basecamp Coffee House. Previously Makushi, this fashionable stop offers delicious homemade food and in house roasted coffee – not to mention the fact there is free Wi-Fi and is dog friendly! This building is the end product of an intense refurbishment to establish many of the original 13th century lineaments, creating a feast for the eyes as well as your Instagram. Basecamp serves up smoothie bowls, a variety of artisan breads and bagels, as well as star-bakes by friends ingreedilous Foods, perfect for once you have trekked to the mid-way point of Steep Hill. A personal favourite of mine is the pretzel roll filled to the brim with garlicky hummus, earthy beetroot with roasted peppers, refreshing tomato and cucumber slices and sprinkled with heated chili flakes. After that climb, you deserve it – treat yourself!
If that was not quite enough for you during your expedition to the top, stop for the best pies in Lincoln (in my opinion) at Browns Pie Shop. Situated just before the castle grounds, this micro-restaurant offers incredible pies with mountains of creamy mash and seasonal vegetables. However, if pies aren’t your thing, there are plenty of other options such as Lincolnshire sausages, roast chicken and fish of the day. This family-friendly environment is perfect for your causal evening meal or more important events; my family and I indulged here after I graduated this September, with great success and full stomachs!
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