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From Mines to Micropubs: Nottinghamshire’s Ale Trail
Exploring Mansfield and its surrounding towns reveals a vibrant pub scene steeped in history and character. From the Railway Inn, serving locals since the mid-1800s, to the Garrison’s Peaky Blinders flair, every stop tells a story. Micropubs like Barrel, Stella Taps, and The Dandy Cock showcase modern community spirit, while classics like The Brown Cow keep Victorian charm alive. Sutton’s FireRock and Scruffy Dog bring brewing in-house, while Kirkby’s Dog House and Newstead’s Pit highlight cosy, welcoming spaces rooted in local tradition. Each venue combines history, atmosphere, and great beer, proving pubs remain at the heart of Nottinghamshire life.
Mansfield and its neighbours have deep roots going back to Roman times, with Mansfield itself growing as a market town thanks to its spot on old trading routes. Sutton-in-Ashfield and Kirkby-in-Ashfield were once small farming villages that boomed with coal mining in the 19th and 20th centuries. Mansfield Woodhouse, older than Mansfield, was a stone-quarrying hub that supplied building materials far and wide. Newstead is best known for Newstead Abbey, once a priory and later the home of poet Lord Byron. The area blends its industrial heritage with modern life, while still keeping a strong local identity.
Mansfield
Railway Inn
My first call of the day was in Mansfield to Railway inn. This has been around since the mid-1800s, right by the station that opened in 1849. Records even show a landlord running it as early as 1848, so it’s been part of local life for a long time. Back then it was the perfect stop for miners, railway workers, and travellers looking for a pint. Over the years, industries came and went, but the Railway stuck around, eventually getting Grade II listed in 1994. These days, it’s less about serving tired workers and more about giving locals and visitors a proper, old-school pub with loads of character.
It has a real old-school charm. From the outside, it’s a classic stone pub with a rounded doorway and a bit of character, plus a small walled garden if you fancy sitting out. Step inside and it feels cosy and traditional, with wooden booths, train-themed tables, and a little bar covered in brewery signs. There are two quieter rooms if you want space to chat, and the atmosphere is friendly and relaxed. With its mix of history, character and community feel, it’s the sort of place that makes you feel comfortable as soon as you walk in.
A great selection on the bar of 4 cask ales alongside a number of keg options. I went for “Hop Leaf” from Full Mash Brewery. A fantastic, easy drinking pale ale.
Garrison
The Garrison on Leeming Street is tucked inside one of the street’s oldest Georgian stone buildings, a rare survivor from the 1800s that still gives the area its character. Opened in 2018, it leans into a Peaky Blinders feel, with décor and atmosphere straight out of the Shelby era. Locals quickly made it their own, and when tough times hit during Covid, the community even rallied to keep it going. It’s become more than just a bar—it’s a little slice of history mixed with modern Mansfield spirit, showing how old buildings can find fresh life in the town centre.
Outside it has a sturdy stone frontage with big sash-style windows and a traditional shopfront that fits neatly into the town centre. Step inside and you’ll find dark tones, moody lighting, and a full-on Peaky Blinders theme that gives it loads of character. Quirky décor and period touches make it feel like a set from the show, while the cosy layout keeps it welcoming. Out back there’s even a small beer garden—tucked away but perfect for fresh air and a chat.
On the bar a line up of 3 cask ales, alongside a range of craft keg beers and a brilliant cider line up. I opted to go with “Pacer” from Brass Castle Brewery. A delicious session pale ale brewed using Comet, Summit and Amarillo hops.
Woodhouse
Barrel Micropub
Out to Woodhouse next to visit Barrel Micropub. This opened its doors in October 2024, right on Station Street. It moved into a pair of old shopfronts opposite the Post Office, giving the place a proper “hidden gem” feel. The buildings themselves have been part of the street’s fabric for decades, once blending in with the mix of cottages and little businesses that have always dotted Woodhouse. When The Barrel arrived, it leaned into the whole micropub idea—small, friendly, community-driven—and instantly felt like it had always belonged. In no time, it’s become part of the town’s pub story.
Inside, it’s cosy and stripped back—just enough room for around forty people, with the kind of atmosphere where you actually talk to the folks next to you. Out back, there’s a surprisingly roomy beer garden and courtyard, perfect for sunny afternoons or a relaxed evening pint. It’s simple, welcoming, and feels like it’s always been part of the street. A proper little hideaway, blending old-school charm with the easy pace of a modern micropub.
On the bar a fantastic line up of 4 cask ales alongside 6 craft kegs including a cider. The cask line up featuring lots of local breweries. I went with “Summer Lovin” from Milestone Brewery. A tasty Pale Ale brewed using Melon and Summit hops.
Mansfield
The Brown Cow
Back into Mansfield and onto The Brown Cow on Ratcliffe Gate. This has been part of Mansfield life for ages. The pub we see today was rebuilt in 1892 by Mansfield Brewery, giving it that solid Victorian charm. Fast-forward to 2013, it got a big £300k makeover from Everards and RAW Brewing, turning it into a real ale favourite with proper character. From brewery roots to a fresh revival, the Brown Cow’s always been a place with stories behind its pints.
Step inside and you’ll find a mix of cosy corners and a snug tucked into a little cottage once home to local 19th century poet Robert Dodsley. The refurb in 2013 gave it a fresh lease of life—polished bar, plenty of real ales, and a warm, welcoming feel. Outside, the beer garden’s a gem, perfect for a sunny pint or weekend catch-up. It’s got history, charm, and that easygoing feel of a pub done right.
A fantastic line up on the bar featuring 10 cask ales and an equally impressive range of craft kegs. I went for “Skylight 33 – Raspberry” from Hollow Stone Brewing Company. A delicious raspberry pale ale, with some delicious fruit flavours shining through.
Stella Taps
A short walk to Stella Taps. This arrived on Stella Street, Mansfield, in summer 2021, created as part of the modern micropub wave. The company behind it, Stella Taps Limited, was incorporated in May 2020, right in the middle of the pandemic, before opening its doors a year later. The site had previously been a takeaway, giving the business a fresh start rather than inheriting a pub’s legacy. Its name nods to the street rather than to lager, despite common assumptions. Quickly adopted by locals, it became known as one of Mansfield’s newer independent ventures, showing how small-scale pubs can thrive in changing times.
Inside it’s a small, modern micropub with a stripped-back look that keeps the focus on people chatting. The front area has high stools and tall tables where you can perch with friends, while further back it softens into a cosier nook. There’s space for around 50, so it always feels lively without being overwhelming. Décor is simple—clean lines, bits of character on the walls, and an easygoing warmth. It’s the kind of place where conversation carries louder than any background noise.
On the bar a selection of 2 cask ales (usually 3 are on offer), alongside a number of keg options. I went for “36° North” from Lenton Lane Brewery. A lovely, malty and full bodied English Bitter.
Sutton-in-Ashfield
FireRock Brewing Company
Out next to FireRock Brewing Company. This opened its doors in 2018 as a quirky little brewpub, bar, and bottleshop in Sutton-in-Ashfield. It’s a nanobrewery where the 1 bbl brewhouse sits right inside the taproom, so you’re literally drinking what’s being brewed behind the bar. They brew up everything from hazy pales and classic bitters to pastry sours and imperial stouts, in cask, keg, and can. Plus, there’s often live music, tap-takeovers, quizzes, charity nights, and even rare spirits on the side—a proper local gem with a crafty twist.
Step inside and you’ll instantly feel that mix of cosy pub comfort and modern craft-beer cool. It’s not huge, but that’s the charm—you’re close to the action, with the little brewery kit bubbling away just behind the bar. The place has an easygoing industrial vibe softened by comfy corners, warm lighting, and plenty of character. There’s even a indoor biergarten, both perfect for groups or a cheeky escape.
A huge choice of beers available in here, including a number brewed on site. 18 keg lines, 3 cask lines and a cider selection. Even more available in cans and bottles in the fridge. I opted to go with “People of the Sun” from FireRock Brewing Co. A super juicy and hazy New England IPA, full of flavour brewed using Citra, Mosaic and Simcoe hops.
The Scruffy Dog
Down the road to The Scruffy Dog in Sutton-in-Ashfield. This has a long history, starting life centuries ago as the Cart & Horse before taking on its new identity. Always a proper locals’ pub, it’s built its reputation on a no-nonsense, welcoming vibe with good pints, a roaring fire, and plenty of character. In 2017, it took things up a notch by adding its own on-site microbrewery, starting with a small one-barrel kit and brewing ales just a few feet from the bar. Today, you’ll find a rotating mix of fresh, house-brewed beers alongside wood-fired pizza.
Step through the door and you’ll find a warm fire, friendly faces, and a bar serving fresh ales brewed right on site in their own little microbrewery. It’s relaxed, welcoming, and full of character—just the kind of place where a quick pint can easily turn into a long evening. Outside, there’s a big beer garden perfect for summer afternoons, plus a wood-fired pizza oven to keep things tasty. Inside or out, it’s a pub that’s all about comfort and community.
Drinks wise on the bar a selection of 4 cask ales which have been brewed on site, alongside a keg selection including some of their own. I went with “Ruff Day” from The Scruffy Dog Brewery. A light, easy drinking and tasty blonde ale.
Kirkby-in-Ashfield
The Dog House
Next is onto Kirkby in Ashfield. The Dog House sits on Station Street, right in the middle of Kirkby-in-Ashfield, a town once powered by coal mines and busy rail lines. Back in the day, this part of town would’ve been full of pitmen, trains, and the daily hustle of industry. The pub itself is a newer addition, but it leans into that local tradition of being a gathering place. Instead of coal dust and steam, you’ve now got chatter, laughter, and a more laid-back pace.
It doesn’t shout for attention—it’s tucked neatly on Station Street with a simple, welcoming front that feels more like a local secret than a flashy pub. Step inside and it’s cosy, open, and unpretentious, the kind of place where you instantly feel at ease. The décor leans homely rather than polished, with little touches that remind you it’s built around community, not corporate gloss. Inside, it’s all about warmth, laughter, and that easy, lived-in atmosphere that makes it feel like home.
A great selection on the bar of 3 cask ales to choose from, alongside a number of keg options. I opted to go with “Infinity IPA” from Blue Monkey Brewery. A delicious American IPA brewed using Citra hops, and gives some great flavours.
The Dandy Cock Ale House
Next up is The Dandy Cock Ale House in Kirkby-in-Ashfield. This has been a local landmark since opening in 2016. Tucked away on Victoria Road, it was one of the first micropubs in the area and quickly became a community favourite. Within a year it earned CAMRA’s “Pub of the Season,” and in 2018 it was crowned “Nottinghamshire Pub of the Year.” Known for its welcoming atmosphere and friendly feel, the Dandy Cock shows how small, independent pubs can succeed right at the heart of town life. Its story is one of passion, persistence, and bringing people together.
Step inside and it feels more like someone’s cosy living room than a pub. The place is small and welcoming, with mismatched chairs, wooden tables, and walls dotted with quirky décor that gives it real character. There’s no blaring music or fruit machines—just friendly chatter and the clink of glasses. Locals swap stories while dogs snooze under tables, and there’s always a warm hello for newcomers. It’s relaxed, unpretentious, and all about community. Think comfort, conversation, and that old-school pub charm packed into a snug little space.
A great selection on the bar with 4 cask beers, 6 craft keg beers and a huge cider selection to select from. I went with “Bessemer” from Drone Valley Brewery. A tasty and delicious American Pale Ale.
Newstead
The Pit at Newstead
Last up is The Pit at Newstead. This is a fairly new face in Newstead, opening in 2017 after the village’s old pub closed down. Rather than being a relic of mining days, it’s actually housed in the old cricket pavilion, repurposed into a modern micropub and music venue. Its creation filled a gap in the community, bringing people back together for pints, quizzes, and live gigs. While the name nods to Newstead’s mining heritage, the building itself is all about fresh beginnings—turning a sporting space into a lively social hub that keeps the village spirit going strong.
The Pit looks simple from the outside – the old cricket pavilion given a new lease of life – but step inside and it’s got that warm, welcoming micropub feel straight away. The space is small and friendly, with a mix of rustic wood, community photos, and the buzz of chatter. There’s usually something happening, from live music to quizzes, but it never loses that cosy, local feel. Outside, it keeps its modest roots, tucked away in the village, while inside it feels like the heart of Newstead – relaxed, lively, and full of character.
A selection on the bar of 3 cask ales, alongside a number of keg options to choose from. I went with “Aretmis” from Aither Brewery. A delicious, easy drinking and refreshing Blonde Ale.
Micropub Adventures 