‘Toad In The Hole’ is a traditional Pub Game originating in Sussex, England. The game involves tossing 4 brass tokens (TOADS) onto a lead covered table top with central Hole. Points are scored for landing cleanly on the lead, or going down the central hole. Games can be played between individuals or teams and are generally scored from 31 down.
Lincoln ‘Toad in the hole’ team was formed in September 2012 under the name ‘Lincoln Barbarians’ to play the inaugural friendly against a group of ‘tossers’ from Sussex.
The exportation of an East Sussex Toad in the Hole Table to Lincoln took place on a road trip during which representatives from East Sussex (Trevor Arms pub) took on the Lincoln Barbarians for the cross county championship. The match was the first time most of the Lincoln team had tossed a ‘toad’ and ended with a close 5-4 defeat.
Spurred on by this success the team represented Lincoln and the North of England in the 2015 ‘toad in the hole’ World Championships held in the Sussex town of Lewes. The team were beaten and knocked out of the competition by the eventual winners the Brewers Arms.
The Pilgrimage down to Lewes Town Hall has now become an annual event with the team representing the North of England at the Lewes Championships since 2016. With the competition being held midweek and a 4 hour drive this is a 2 day tour for Lincoln ‘toaders’ that usually incorporates an afternoon of pre-competition drinking and toads in Lewes. Planning has already started for the 2025 tour.
Toads is currently played in 4 Lincoln pubs. The Lincoln Toad in the Hole team play at both the Victoria Pub in the shadow of Lincoln Castle and The Peacock Inn near Lincoln Cathedral. We regularly meet for a pint of Beer and game of toads. We generally have practice nights on the first 3 Wednesdays of each month at the Victoria where newcomers are encouraged to try the game. We also play at the Peacock on a Monday evening. Newcomers are always welcome. We now play a biannual competition against our friends and original Tourers from Sussex. The table that they first brought to Lincolnshire in 2012 is still regularly played and held in great esteem.
