December 25, 2021 5.48 pm
This story is over 27 months old
All the amazing things The Lincolnite tried in 2021
Some of Lincolnshire’s finest
Maria Herraiz and Juan Andres run Nonna Juana Pasta on Burton Road in Lincoln, with help from their nine-month-old son Alvaro. | Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite
In 2021, The Lincolnite started its Tries series, where we went to check out some of the finest offerings in Lincolnshire’s cuisine, mixology and experiences.
This year we wrote 57 features on some of the most exciting new ventures in the world of hospitality and much more across Lincolnshire.
Here are all of The Lincolnite Tries stories from 2021, from Biscoff burgers to a mobile bread van, and everything tasty, alcoholic and fun in between. To read the full stories, click the image on each relevant feature.
The Lincolnite Tries Tang: Gordon Ramsay’s ex sushi chef’s new Chinese takeaway in Lincoln
Bradley, pictured at his new takeaway, previously worked as a sushi chef in Gordon Ramsay’s restaurants in London. | Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite
A sushi chef who has worked at Gordon Ramsay’s restaurants and served delicious food to numerous celebrities has returned home and opened a Chinese takeaway in Lincoln.
The Lincolnite tries: KFC Zinger Popcorn Chicken
Wind the cheeky Imp was tempted to try one too! | Photo: The Lincolnite
The new KFC Zinger Popcorn Chicken is only available in seven cities across the UK, including the two restaurants in Lincoln, and The Lincolnite took it for a taste test.
The Lincolnite tries Roco BBQ: From local chef to Lincoln taco takeaway
Ross Leighton is serving tacos, loaded fries and nachos to Lincoln and the surrounding villages. Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite
A local chef with over 15 years of experience launched his own business serving tacos, nachos and loaded fries to Lincoln and the surrounding villages.
The Lincolnite tries: New Greek family takeaway opens at Lincoln market
Brothers Kostas (front) and Nikos Dimas (back) cooking up authentic food from home at Real Greek Food in Lincoln Central Market. | Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite
Greek brothers Kostas and Nikos Dimas wanted to bring authentic food from their home to Lincoln and have opened a new takeaway stall inside the city’s Central Market.
The Lincolnite tries deep fried chip butty: Battered delight from St James in Grimsby
The split second our reporter Ellis Karran realised what he had got himself into! | Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite\
A fish and chip shop in Grimsby has created a unique battered chip butty, and The Lincolnite went to try it out as part of its popular series exploring Lincolnshire’s culinary delights.
The Lincolnite tries Bad Boy Bagels: Rainbow burgers and loaded fries in Grimsby
They are so good that even Wind the community Imp was eyeing them up! | Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite
A group of food-loving Grimsby men have started a unique business in the town, offering rainbow-coloured bagel burgers with locally sourced ingredients — and The Lincolnite went to check it out.
The Lincolnite tries: Vegan scotch eggs from Meg’s Kitchen (and other sweet delights)
Meg Gell from Meg’s Kitchen has created a vegan scotch egg. | Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite
A Lincoln business woman has launched a new vegan scotch egg as she continues to expand her plant-based range.
The Lincolnite tries: Rising Cafe’s Yorkshire pudding wrap
The Yorkshire pudding wrap is a big hit at Rising Cafe in Lincoln. | Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite
A Lincoln cafe run by a charity who helps the homeless and people with addictions is reopening to customers on May 18 and The Lincolnite went to check out its popular Yorkshire pudding wrap.
The Lincolnite tries: Strait and Narrow’s new cocktail menu
The Swingball cocktail at Strait & Narrow contains, gin, cucumber and strawberry shrub and a soda top. | Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite
The Strait & Narrow in Lincoln has launched brand new cocktails ahead of welcoming back customers on May 17.
The Lincolnite tries: Waters Edge ice cream parlour in Saxilby
Mark Fisk is the owner of Waters Edge in Saxilby. | Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite
A former taxi driver from Lincoln swapped cabs for cones when he opened a new ice cream parlour in Saxilby in April.
The Lincolnite tries: The Food Cavern in Lincoln
Hayley Cook is the owner of The Food Cavern in Lincoln. | Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite
A Lincoln woman never flipped a burger in her life before she decided to make a career change and launch The Food Cavern butty van last year.
The Lincolnite tries: The Botanist’s new food and cocktail menu
The Botanist’s famous hanging kebabs remain a part of the new menu. | Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite
The Botanist reopened in Lincoln’s Cornhill with a brand new food and cocktail menu and The Lincolnite went to check it out.
The Lincolnite tries: Vice & Co’s new cocktail menu
Molly making the Gin-based cocktail – Red Snapper. | Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite
Independent Lincoln Speakeasy bar Vice & Co has reopened after a revamp and launched a new cocktail menu, welcoming customers back after the latest easing of the coronavirus restrictions.
The Lincolnite tries: Mailbox back open after £300k refurb
A selection from the food menu at The Mailbox. | Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite
The Mailbox pub on Guildhall Street is back open in Lincoln with a revamped interior and brand new beer garden after a £300,000 investment.
The Lincolnite tries: Mr Padfield’s Pickles
Thomas Padfield with two of the products sold by the family firm Mr Padfield’s Pickles. | Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite
Homemade chutneys, marmalades, jams and pickles have been created by a local business in Lincoln with a fusion of Lincolnshire and Welsh flavours.
The Lincolnite tries: Bauer Bakery’s tasty delights
Florence Bauer, 26, runs the Bauer Bakery from her home in Birchwood. | Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite
A Lincoln-based woman has set up a bakery business from her own kitchen, and demand has gone through the roof.
The Lincolnite tries: Blyton Ice Cream opens in Lincoln with over 70 flavours
Blyton Ice Cream director George Cook with his daughter Marley, who was the first customer at the firm’s new Lincoln shop. | Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite
Blyton Ice Cream opened a new shop on Lincoln High Street and The Lincolnite went to check it out.
The Lincolnite tries: The new menu at Mamma’s Italian Bistro
The team at Mamma’s Italian Bistro. | Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite
The chef and the owners at Mamma’s Italian Bistro at the Carlton Centre in Lincoln have given their menu a new lease of life since reopening after lockdown — and The Lincolnitewent to check it out.
The Lincolnite tries: The Vegan Grill’s meat-free kebab and gyros
Elle Sprigg has been running The Vegan Grill since February. | Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite
Cooking meat-free kebabs from the comfort of her own home wasn’t always the plan for Elle Sprigg, but The Vegan Grill has quickly become her pride and joy.
The Lincolnite tries: Kine’s new tasty menu
Charred Hispi cabbage and chimichurri is another of the new dishes and is also suitable for vegetarians. | Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite
Popular Lincoln restaurant Kine launched a new menu when it reopened again and The Lincolnite went to check it out.
The Lincolnite tries: Riverview Cafe and Prosecco Bar in Spalding
Eleanor Read, Prosecco Bar and Wine Shop Manager. | Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite
A restaurant and Prosecco bar inside a popular department store in Spalding aims to add a different dimension to the customer experience — and The Lincolnite went to check it out.
The Lincolnite Tries: Twisted Street Food at Lincoln Castle
Ben Jennings, 48, runs Twisted Street Food and has a pop-up stall outside The Victoria on Union Road. | Photo: The Lincolnite
“Good food doesn’t have to be dull.” That’s what Ben Jennings at Twisted Street Food told The Lincolnite when we went to try out his now famous potato skewers, as well as a brand new item on the menu.
The Lincolnite tries: The Botanist’s new brunch menu
There are 18 breakfast items to choose from, which are split across six categories. | Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite
The Botanist launched a brand new brunch menu in Lincoln this month with 18 breakfast items split across six categories and all served on boards — so The Lincolnite went to check it out.
The Lincolnite tries: Sizzling Griddle’s hearty breakfast
Ian Ray is the owner of the Sizzling Griddle on Burton Road. | Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite
The new owner of the Sizzling Griddle cafe in uphill Lincoln wants to give customers traditional and good quality, hearty breakfasts, and The Lincolnite went to check it out.
The Lincolnite tries: Greek2Me’s new bakery in Lincoln
Joanne Macphee-Papadopoulou will run the Greek2Me Bakery. | Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite
A Lincoln family opened the next business under its Greek2Me brand with a traditional Mediterranean bakery and The Lincolnite went to check it out.
The Lincolnite tries: The new T Lounge in Lincoln
Anne Reeves, 50, owns The T Lounge on Burton Road, Lincoln. | Photo: The Lincolnite
A former NHS worker is living her dream as the owner of a cafe in Lincoln, which opened fully in July.
The Lincolnite tries: Slow Rise’s new pizza takeaway
Lincoln couple Rosie Mawer and Lewis Pheby are the owners of Slow Rise in Lincoln. | Photo: Joseph Verney for The Lincolnite
A Lincoln couple moved their Neapolitan vegetarian and vegan pizza business into their first shop and The Lincolnite went to check it out.
The Lincolnite tries: The tasty new menu at Craft Lincoln
The new menu at Craft will leave you spoilt for choice! | Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite
Craft in Lincoln has launched a brand new menu in July, so naturally The Lincolnite had to go and sample it.
The Lincolnite tries: Sweet treats from P.S. I Fudge You
Kayleigh and Tom love their products, it must be tough to not keep them all for themselves! | Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite
A generous gesture of fudge donations to lift spirits of the local community during lockdown has spawned into a fully-fledged business, set up by a Lincoln-based woman.
The Lincolnite Tries: The Market Lounge’s new menu
The new menu is a sign of “levelling up” according to the owner. | Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite
An all-day cafe and bar in Witham St Hughs is relishing the responsibility of being the village’s only social hub, as it launches a new menu after coronavirus closures left the venue with almost no staff.
The Lincolnite Tries: Mobile van goodies from Bread + Cheese
Adam O’Meara rolled the dice after leaving his university lecturer job, but is enjoying every second of it. | Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite
A former University of Lincoln lecturer gave up his job of nearly 20 years to pursue his passion, which eventually birthed the new company Bread + Cheese.
The Lincolnite tries: Taco Bell in Scunthorpe ahead of Lincoln opening
Mexican-inspired delights at Taco Bell in North Lincolnshire. | Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite
With so many people excited about Taco Bell opening not one but two restaurants in Lincoln, The Lincolnite went to try out the Mexican-style fast food restaurant in Scunthorpe to see what all the fuss is about.
The Lincolnite tries: The Botanist’s new summer spritzers
Putting the finishing touches to the cocktail. | Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite
The Botanist in Lincoln has launched limited-edition summer spritz drinks and new ciders, so The Lincolnite naturally went to check them out.
The Lincolnite tries: First taste at Pho Lincoln
There is a wide range of dishes to enjoy at Pho’s newest restaurant in Lincoln’s Cornhill. | Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite
The excitement is building ahead of Pho’s official opening in Lincoln’s Cornhill Quarter next week, and The Lincolnite went for a sneak preview and first taste.
The Lincolnite tries: New Gen-Z inspired menu at The Mailbox
Team Leader Connor Kearney and his colleague Arianne Davey with several dishes from the new menu at The Mailbox. | Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite
Mashup wraps inspired by a viral TikTok trend, new burgers, quesadillas, desserts and cocktails are part of a new Gen-Z inspired menu launching at The Mailbox in Lincoln on Tuesday and The Lincolnite went for a sneak preview and a first taste.
The Lincolnite Tries: The new menu at Bottle & Glass in Harby
Fillet of beef wellington, mushroom duxelles, parma ham in puff pastry, with fondant potato, honey roasted parsnips, braised red cabbage and red wine jus. | Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite
A popular village pub-restuarant that was bought out by a local businessman has launched a brand new menu for the autumn and winter months, and The Lincolnite went to try it out.
The Lincolnite tries: Dough LoCo pizza near Lincoln Castle
Dough LoCo owners Matt and Rachel Barnes with their 14-month old daughter Ava. | Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite
A new pizza restaurant with a bar vibe will open near Lincoln Castle later this month and The Lincolnite went to check it out, and sample the menu ahead of their public launch on September 18.
The Lincolnite tries: Handmade Burger returns to Lincoln
The new staff team at Handmade Burger Co in Lincoln. | Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite
Handmade Burger Co is now back in Lincoln under new ownership as more of a place to go to drink as well as to eat, and The Lincolnite went to check it out.
The Lincolnite tries: Nosey Parker’s ‘Ultimate Chip Butty’ challenge
The Lincolnite reporter Joseph Verney (left) staring at the challenge awaiting him, with the Nosey Parker’s Deputy Manager Ronnie Byrne (right). | Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite
The Nosey Parker pub in Lincoln loves creating a food challenge and The Lincolnite went to check out one of their latest – the Ultimate Chip Butty.
The Lincolnite tries: Family run Oaks cafe at Lincoln Golf Centre
Jamie Logan, co-owner of The Oaks at Whisby, with front of house staff Ella Ronan, showcasing a range of the cafe’s dishes. | Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite
A family run cafe and restaurant at Lincoln Golf Centre officially opened in September and The Lincolnite went to check out the new menu.
The Lincolnite Tries: Vegan goodies at Good’s Plant Based Bakery
| Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite
A Lincoln mother who got into veganism after it helped her son with his health problems has now opened up a plant based bakery on the High Street, offering homemade sweet treats and sustainable savoury snacks.
The Lincolnite tries: Canvas on Campus tipi bar’s new ‘Bites’ menu
A range of snacks, smoothies, cocktails and other drinks are available at Canvas on Campus. | Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite
A Tipi bar on the University of Lincoln’s campus, originally started as a COVID-secure extra space for students, has now launched a ‘Bites’ menu bites and new smoothies and cocktails.
The Lincolnite tries: Mum and daughter’s new hearty Hykeham cafe
Jo’s former colleagues at HSBC enjoyed lunch at Boodles. | Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite
A local mum turned her pandemic redundancy into a life-long dream after opening a new cafe with her daughter in North Hykeham.
The Lincolnite tries: Gridline Racing indoor karting in Lincoln
Reporter Ellis Karran enjoyed his time at Gridline Racing. | Photo: Joseph Verney for The Lincolnite
Gridline Racing Indoor Karting Centre has been providing high adrenaline and entertainment in Lincoln for 15 years and The Lincolnite went for a spin on the track.
The Lincolnite tries: Potato milk at Coffee Aroma
Andrew Carnell has owned Coffee Aroma in Lincoln since 2014, and recently introduced a new vegan milk alternative in the form of potato milk. | Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite
A popular cafe in Lincoln has found a new vegan alternative to milk that is sustainable and eco-friendly.
The Lincolnite tries: Woody’s, Lincoln’s newest sandwich bar
Kurt Woods and his wife Gintare opened Woody’s Sandwich Bar on Saturday, November 13. | Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite
A Lincoln plasterer opened a new sandwich bar in the city after launching a new business with his wife.
The Lincolnite tries: Nonna Juana Pasta’s family run fresh deli
| Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite
It’s a family affair at Lincoln’s newest pasta-based deli, as a husband and wife with cooking ties in the city have ventured out on their own to sell fresh handmade ravioli and pastries.
The Lincolnite Tries: Meat Castles’ burgers at Lincoln pop-up stall
The biscoff spread oozes out of the bun and creates an incredible taste. | Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite
The maker of the self-proclaimed “best burger in the world” has opened a weekly pop-up stall outside Lincoln Castle, offering bespoke blends that even include a biscoff burger.
The Lincolnite Tries: Streetwise Defence’s psychological glimpse into staying safe
Dene showed us a few techniques, including palm striking and something called shredding, which can distract attackers for long enough to plan an escape. | Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite
An ex-Royal Marine from Lincolnshire who has been a bodyguard for Russell Crowe, Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie is hoping to break the stigma around self-defence and protect society from unprovoked attacks.
The Lincolnite tries: New Lincoln pop-up Oh La La Fries
Perry Greenwood and Lucy Clark are the proud owners of Oh La La Fries. | Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite
A Lincolnshire couple are hoping to launch a local takeaway service next year after impressing customers with their loaded fries in Lincoln at two pop-up events.
The Lincolnite tries: Slow Rise’s festive pizza
Rosie Mawer and Lewis Pheby own Slow Rise, which is located on St Martin Lane’s in Lincoln. | Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite
A vegetarian pizza takeaway and restaurant in Lincoln has launched a special festive pizza, and tiramisu, and The Lincolnite went to check it out.
The Lincolnite Tries: The Botanist’s new festive menu
The festive menu will run until Christmas Eve. | Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite
The Botanist in Lincoln is ready for Christmas, launching a new festive menu with a unique twist on some classic favourites, and The Lincolnite went to check out the delights on offer.
The Lincolnite tries: Elite on the Bail’s battered pigs in blankets
The battered pigs in blankets will be available to buy until New Year’s Day. | Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite
Pigs in blankets are a popular festive dish, but why not have them battered? Well, they do at Elite on the Bail, and The Lincolnite went to check it out.
The Lincolnite tries: Dough LoCo’s festive menu
Dough LoCo head chef Danny Thorpe and Owner Matt Barnes tuck into the festive menu. | Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite
It’s the season to be jolly, and that includes Christmasy food, so The Lincolnite went to check DoughLoco’s new festive menu.
The Lincolnite tries: Bubble tea at new Lincoln takeaway
Le Vu and Kim Hoa are happy to see their first business venture – Bubble Avenue in Lincoln – now open! | Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite
A new bubble tea takeaway opened its doors in Lincoln for the first time in December and The Lincolnite went to check it out.
The Lincolnite tries: The Tower Hotel’s NY Eve tasting menu
Head Chef Billy Frost with the New Year’s Eve tasting menu at The Tower Hotel. | Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite
Venison & quince sausage roll, quail ballotine, and fillet of Lincolnshire red beef are just some of the tasty food items on the New Year’s Eve tasting menu at The Tower Hotel in uphill Lincoln.
The Lincolnite Tries: Virtually Golf’s new interactive indoor simulators
The Bunker is a private simulator separate from the bar, designed for VIP events. | Photo: The Lincolnite
Virtually Golf has officially opened in Lincoln, with a vision of being a “springboard” into the sport, as well as providing fun for everyone no matter the time of year.
If you are opening or have opened a business in Lincolnshire that you would like us to come try out, get in touch by emailing [email protected].
The Lincolnite welcomes your views. All comments are reactively-moderated and must obey the house rules. Please stay on topic and be respectful of other readers.
The 2024 Lincolnshire Business Excellence Awards are now open for nominations, seeking to spotlight outstanding businesses within the Greater Lincolnshire area.
Hosted by Stonebow Media, the publisher behind The Lincolnite and the MyLocal platform, this prestigious event is designed to honour the achievements of the regional business community.
Thanks to the headline sponsorship from the University of Lincoln Enterprise & Research department, the Lincolnshire Business Excellence Awards are a unique opportunity to acknowledge and celebrate the contributions of local enterprises.
The awards are also sponsored by Ringrose Law, Duncan & Toplis, Sills & Betteridge and Pearson Hydraulics. A small number of sponsorship opportunities remain available. Contact [email protected] to discuss partnerships.
Businesses can nominate themselves across eleven awards categories:
The deadline for nominations is May 24, with the judges’ deliberation lunch set for May 29.The judging panel includes business experts and professionals from Lincolnshire and event sponsors.
The Lincolnshire Business Excellence Awards 2024 gala will take place at the Engine Shed on July 12, 2024.
Enhance profile & credibility: Securing an award or being shortlisted acts as a powerful endorsement, signaling trustworthiness to potential customers and helping to distinguish your business from competitors. Displaying the award on your communications can significantly boost your brand’s perception.
Insightful focus & feedback: The application process encourages deep reflection on your business strategy and direction, offering invaluable feedback and clarity, even for new ventures.
Team confidence boost: Recognition from the awards can significantly uplift your team’s morale, affirming the value and potential of your business in the eyes of industry experts.
Marketing & PR boost: Being associated with the awards, even as a nominee, can enhance brand visibility, providing ample content opportunities for social media and other marketing channels.
Networking opportunities: The awards connect you with local business leaders and experts, offering a platform to seek advice, share ideas, and foster future partnerships. The ceremony itself is an excellent occasion for networking with peers and celebrating mutual successes.
Potential to win: Entering offers a chance to win and gain all the associated benefits, but even without taking home a trophy, the process can yield significant advantages for your business.
A Lady Gaga loving kitten owned by a couple who run a charity for disabled pets featured on Channel 5’s The Pet Psychic.
Pet Psychic Beth Lee-Crowther comes to the aid of pet owners and in Tuesday night’s episode she met Cookie the kitten, a depressed camel, and looked at whether a dog can predict the future.
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