The New Castle

Formerly The Lamp. This was an unexpected surprise ... the reopening of a Sneinton pub that closed in 2013. Taken over by the landlady of The Castle next to the ice arena. I had high hopes for this. And although I left disappointed I want to be positive and say how great it is to see classic old pubs like this reopen as pubs and not flats. It's still being worked on so will improve. Real ale wasn't to my taste but still good to see it back open.

Bear and Lace

The Bear and Lace is one of Nottingham's newest pubs. Not a classic building (an eyesore actually from the 60's development of Maid Marion Way) and not with a great heritage (this was the alcoholics' favourite "Chambers Irish pub"). However, this place has been transformed into something of a gem. Inside it's all chandeliers and vintage decor. Real ale. And signature dishes include Lobster and Champagne. Great beer, great food and smart appearance. Another step forward for Nottingham.

UPDATE MARCH 2019 : CLOSED AND SET TO REOPEN AS THE YACHT CLUB

Embankment

One of the few Castle Rock pubs I'd not been to. An ideal opportunity after the Ashes test match. Bread and Bitter landlord serving. Quality beer. Small, former social club. But good to see this traditional budding out to good use.

Cross Keys, Epperstone

The Cross Keys. the only pub in Epperstone, newly re-opened by a former chef to Her Majesty the Queen, no less. The whole pub looks fantastic inside and out, getting the balance between traditional village boozer and classy gastro pub just right. The welcome was warm. It doesn't alienate drinkers; the Caythorpe ale we tried was fantastic. But I do fancy trying the simple but quality looking menu.

Duke of St Albans

An eighties design, this is the last remaining pub of the Rise Park / Top Valley area. It is smart and open plan with a jukebox and plenty of regulars and a "street food" menu. No real ale but happy to have been.

Tally Ho

One of a dying breed. A massive 60's estate pub with a huge car park and big welcome. No real ale on when we went but a handful of regulars on a Sunday afternoon. This pub represents lots of similar pubs that have long since been flattened such as the Maid Marion, Arnold and the Cherry Tree, Calverton. Happy to have been here and long may it thrive.

UPDATE : NOW RENAMED THE BAKERSFIELD - SEE SEPARATE ENTRY

Vat and Fiddle

Finally made it back to the Castle Rock brewery tap. It's been over 10 years since I filmed at the brewery for Central News and good to be back. First thing, it's a real pub. Unlike a lot of Castle Rock pubs. The building is traditional. I mean old. So it has character. And heritage. And it's not been spoilt by modernisation. Beer is world class, obviously. Food served. Let me eat at the bar. Could be my new favourite pub. And almost the last one in the Meadows too.