The Dale

A new find. Purely by chance. Drove past the previous week when we visited the Elwes Arms on 1st June. And then visited on 22nd June. This is a classic town pub - flat roof, a few regulars. Tucked away in the shopping centre I can imagine it gets busy on a Saturday night. It has a bar one side and lounge the other. We were made welcome enough. No real ale. But still a surviving pub against the odds given the way a lot of pubs like this have gone.

Fox and Hounds, Exton

A very traditional coaching inn in the remote village of Exton in Rutland. As quintessentially English as it gets! Great food, roaring fire, one road in to the village and one out. No phone signal. Smart, traditional rooms and even a bar on the lawn for entertaining in the summer. Classic.

Sir John Borlase Warren

Now an Everard's pub. This is still well known for being a slightly higher class pub. Popular with residents of The Park. With lots of history. But when we went it was between landlords and the beer had to be sent back. Twice. I have been before and know that it can have atmosphere - especially on a warm day in the raised beer garden out back. But not a good visit at all this time. Ah well.....onwards!

Maybe we'll come back when it's under new management.

Organ Grinder

Formerly the Red Lion this is one of the very last pubs on Alfreton Road. The last of many pubs all lost in the last 10 years or so. Now owned and run by Blue Money brewery this is a tale of success like so many well thought out micro-breweries these day. Loads of first rate real ale on tap. Busy on any day or night of the week. A great little roof top patio / beer garden. Quiz nights. In 1 word, thriving.

The Moog

According to my "Bible" of old Nottingham Pubs this former Home Ales pub - "The Albion" - was demolished in the 70s. So how lucky am I to have been in 2013?!
My favourite design of pub - the classic white walled, rounded corner pub. Updated inside to appeal to a younger, student market. No real ale. But open! And set up for a birthday bash when we went. Just great for historical reasons if nothing else. And just a stone's throw from Alfreton Road where almost all pubs have closed.

UPDATE 2nd March 2019, closed and being turned into student flats:

Hand and Heart

A quality, individual pub with character. Built into the sandstone caves of Nottingham this historic pub has been restored to a classy inn serving quality real ale with a garden room on the first floor. A lovely pub. The Nottingham Brewery ale was spot on.

Returned on 22nd June 2013 and it was just as good.

The Mill

This is a classic example of a 1970s estate pub. Large car park. Brick building. Small front room lounge with pool table. Quite busy when we went. Real ale. Theakston's Best Bitter. Simple pub for the local estate. Many pubs like this have closed but The Mill is clearly doing something right.