Two days in Nottingham trace a pub crawl through history and beer. From the Vat & Fiddle’s Castle Rock tap roots to Brew Tavern in the old Cabman’s Shelter, venues blend canals, lace-market heritage and sandstone caves. Highlights include Canalhouse’s warehouse, Ye Olde Salutation Inn with caves, and Canning Circus stalwarts Sir John Borlase Warren, Falcon Inn and Organ Grinder. Interiors swing from snug nooks to airy, brick-and-beam spaces. Cellars, courtyards and roof terraces abound. Pints range from classic bitters to hazy pales and zesty sours—local, guest and collaboration brews poured with easy warmth. Across the city’s welcoming beer scene.
Category Archives: Nottinghamshire
30/08/25 – Nottinghamshire Coalfield Towns and Villages
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.
15/03/25 – Sheffield to Retford Ale Trail (Worksop to Sheffield)
Explore the Sheffield to Retford Rail Ale Trail The Sheffield to Retford Rail Ale Trail is a beautiful train route that links some great spots, starting from either Sheffield or Retford. Notable stops along the way include The Mallard, a unique pub at Worksop Station that encourages community interaction with its no-phones policy. Then there’sContinue reading “15/03/25 – Sheffield to Retford Ale Trail (Worksop to Sheffield)”
10/10/24 – Beeston, Attenborough and Long Eaton
Today I visit various pubs in the Beeston and Long Eaton areas, detailing their histories, atmospheres, and available beers. The Victoria Hotel, dating back to 1899, showcases local cask ales and delights with its Victorian charm. Along the way, I explore establishments like The White Lion, known for its Art Deco style, and The Star Inn, noted for its connection to TV history. Additionally, there’s a tour of Micropubs in Beeston, Attenborough and Long Eaton, emphasizing unique brews like “Murmuration” and “Reign O’er Me.” Each location offers a warm atmosphere, various cask ales, and delectable food options, showcasing the local brewing culture.
9/10/24-10/10/24 – Nottingham Robin Hood Beer & Cider Festival
The Nottingham Robin Hood Beer & Cider Festival, now in its 48th year, has moved through several locations before settling at Trent Bridge Cricket Ground. This historic venue, the world’s third oldest test ground, enhances the festival’s charm, offering guided tours to explore its rich history. This year’s layout boasts significant improvements, featuring multiple bar sections with a diverse range of UK and US beers, including a special focus on breweries with female participation. Attendees can enjoy various food options, live music, and a dedicated cider area. Overall, the festival creates a vibrant atmosphere for beer enthusiasts to reconnect and explore new brews.
11/05/24 – Nottingham (Outskirts)
My day today takes me over to Nottingham to visit some out of town Micropubs that I have not managed to visit in the past. Started the day in the Basford area of Nottingham visiting “Black Iris Brewery” for a look around the brewery and a drink in their taproom, and heading next door to “The Lion”. Over to Sherwood next to visit “Doctor’s Orders” and “Kraft Werks”. Onto Mapperley to visit “Blues Dawg”, Daybrook for “The Abdication”, Bestwood for “The Butchers Pencil” and finishing at “Brew Tavern” next to Nottingham Railway Station.
27/04/24 – Retford, Worksop and Woodhouse
A day out by train heading out first to Retford, an attractive market town, one of the oldest English market towns having been granted its first charter in 1105. Visited 3 pubs here, starting with the “Idle Valley Tap”, before moving onto “Beer Under the Clock” and “Brew Shed”, home of Harrisons Brewery. A short train journey to Worksop, known as the “Gateway to the Dukeries” to visit “The Station Hotel”, “Fuggle’s Chapter One” and “The Mallard” who were hosting their St George’s Beer Festival. Finished off in Woodhouse with a short walk to “The Oxbow”.
17/02/24 – Ilkeston, Heanor and Langley Mill
A re-visit to the areas of Ilkeston, Heanor and Langley Mill in Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire. Visited here at the start of November 2023 following near the same route with two extra pub additions. My day started with Ilkeston visiting Burnt Pig, Gladstonian, The Crafty One and Stanton Cask. Headed out next towards Heanor visiting Marlpool Ale House on the way with The Angry Bee, The Crafty Tap, Redemption Ale House, Hop Wright Inn and the new addition of Dead Man’s Tankard. Onto Loscoe to the Tip Inn and finishing in Langley Mill visiting Railway Tavern, The Bunny Hop and Inn the Middle. My blog covers the two new pubs visited today “Dead Man’s Tankard” and “Inn the Middle” with the previous blog linked below.
11/10/23-13/10/23 – Nottingham
A few days in Nottingham visiting the Nottingham CAMRA Robin Hood Beer & Cider Festival. Thursday I visited Micropubs from Langley Mill back into Nottingham and Friday to Hucknall and Bulwell. Over the 3 days I visited a number of pubs, micropubs and brewery taps in Nottingham so thought it would be easier to put them all into one post. So here is my selection of visited pubs.
13/10/23 – Hucknall and Bulwell
A Friday out on the tram from Nottingham to the end of the tram line at Hucknall. Starting here with The Station Inn owned and run by Lincoln Green Brewing Company, and into the town centre visiting 4 Micropubs – The Beer Shack, The Hideout, Byrons Rest and Baker & Bear. All unique in their own way serving great beer. A short hop on the tram down to Bulwell to try the Bulls Well Micropub on the way back into Nottingham.
Micropub Adventures 