Goodbarns Yard, Boston

Goodbarns Yard, Boston

After a week of annual leave, I’m keen to get the last few visits to Boston finalised. On my list of site visits was Goodbarns Yard. Formerly known as the Dog and Duck until the 1870s (and for a while Wormgate Tavern), Goodbarns Yard has been in existence since the 16th Century. It was the resting post for boatmen from the barges and small craft trading on the river before the Grand Sluice was built in 1766. Much later, the pub had a smoke room that was ‘magnificent, the mirrors reflecting the ruddy faces of some of the leading citizens who gathered for liquid refreshment.’ (Boston Guardian, 28 Nov 1925). The current building dates to the late 18th Century.

The exterior is 2 storeys with render and pantile roof, bricked coped gables and stacks at either end of the building. The yard is accessed via the archway to the side. A bookbinding business once operated within the outbuildings owned by a man named Brown. One of his daughters later became the Mayoress of Boston, married to the late Ald. Chas. In 1842 when the Session House was completed, the magistrates marked the occasion by giving some 40 workmen a supper of roast beef, plum pudding and beer at the Inn. Apparently, all turned up for work at 6 am the next day, I bet, some still with sore heads from the night before!

The entrance to the pub is via a low doorway from the front elevation or from the coach yard at the back. Inside, the pub is served by a single central servery covering all areas. Some of the building’s old post and beam construction is still visible around the ground floor, in addition to what looks like fixed period wooden seating by the front window, enhancing the feel of a traditional pub. These features are complemented by an original fireplace towards the front of the house and a sympathetic 20th Century wooden bar counter dressed with mirror balusters with inlaid panels.

At the bar, I was met by Julia, Julia has owned the pub for the last 15 years. I explained the project and handed over a ‘memory book’ for locals to record historical information they might wish to share about the place. Julia introduced me to other members of her team (all lovely by the way) and tells me that the rear area of the pub was once covered in sawdust – and would have previously been where the lower classes drank. As many will know, sawdust was often spread across the floor in pubs during the 17/18th Century to sock up both spillages and the spitting from patrons – hence the term "spit and sawdust". Open daily, Goodbarns Yard has a wide selection of beers and spirits, along with a variety of hot and cold dishes at competitive prices.