The Oakham Ale Trail returns for this year's festival jointly sponsored by The Wheatsheaf and The Lord Nelson.

From Monday 22nd June to Sunday 28th, we’re encouraging festivalgoers to explore and support Oakham’s fantastic pubs in the days leading up to the main event. And with the festival closing at 8pm on Friday 27th and Saturday 28th, and 6pm on Sunday 29th, there’s plenty of time afterwards to continue your ale adventures and enjoy the brilliant beers our town has to offer.
After all, our pubs aren’t just for Christmas or the Ale Trail — they rely on us all year round.
We’re lucky to have such a great selection of real ale pubs in Oakham. Below is a short introduction to each one, numbered to match the accompanying town map.

1. The Grainstore Brewery Tap has been cleverly converted from a derelict Victorian railway building and retains some original features. Here you can sample from a total of 10 hand pumps. The Grainstore is a regular local CAMRA branch award winner and accepts CAMRA 50p discount vouchers.

2. The Wheatsheaf is very attractive looking traditional British pub and a regular Rutland CAMRA Pub of the Season winner and Pub of the Year contender. A very popular pub with a strong local following, it serves a good range of Everard’s beers and an excellent choice of ciders. The pub also has a beautifully well-kept garden which has won many awards.

3. The Captain Noel Newton, a Wetherspoons pub and often a contender for Pub of the Season. The 50p CAMRA discount vouchers are also accepted here.

4. The Admiral Hornblower - Formerly a 17th century farmhouse, this is a popular hotel and restaurant on the High Street in the centre of town with a welcoming front bar and separate restaurant and dining areas. Great for a summer’s day with a large outside patio area. Another pub that accepts CAMRA discount vouchers.

5. The Lord Nelson. You’ll find this quirky pub in the top right-hand corner of Market Place. Under new management since Christmas. There are 5 handpumps with two regular and two changing guest ales along side a real cider. This pub also accepts CAMRA discount vouchers outside of 'Happy Hour'. Board games are available to hire while you enjoy the ales.

6. The George Hotel has been in the Market Place since the late 16th Century and has been extensively renovated having been formally known as the Whipper-Inn. There is a very cosy lounge, a separate bar area and lovely restaurant. Sves one regular ale.

7. The Crown Tavern can be found at the end of Crown Walk and is a smart, stylish family friendly sports bar, serving ale on one pump.

8. Jinky’s has has been run by the same family for 18 years. All visitors to this quirky and quite different little pub with its unique decor are assured of a warm welcome.CAMRA members are offered a generous 20% off their pint with their membership card.

9. Ovation is a modern, friendly, bar serving quality wines and cocktails. Whilst no cask ale is available here there is selection of craft and keg beers.

10. Hunter's Bar (Oakham) in The Wisteria Hotel has no cask ale but serves Adnams bottled beers and a craft ale, .

And whilst Oakham is blessed with a good choice of real ale pubs, there are over 50 hostelries within Rutland which also deserve a visit.