Duke Of St Albans, Nottingham

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Alex Conway left this review about Duke Of St Albans

With the introduction of the Tuck and taner his is now one of two surviving pubs in Top Valley as well as the social club. This pub has been around for years and probably gets all the custom from pubs that have gradually closed around the area. A few years ago the outer signage was all refurbished and judging from my visit in February (the very first time I had ever been) this extended to the inside as well. From the outside this seems like it would be a pretty standard spit and sawdust run down interior but it is actually a lot more modern and clean than you might expect. There are three rooms, the main bar with large centre space that i believe gets cleared out on weekends and made into a dancefloor, a large function room to the back that is only for events as well as a games room with smaller bar that includes pool and dominoes. the games room is less refurbished that the main bar and looks more like what you would expect.
No surprises that there are no real ales available but as far as standard keg lines go there was more choice than your usual rough pub with two bitters (john smiths and Tetleys) along with two Milds (mans chestnut and Tetley mild) as well as Guinness and the usual lager range. My pint of Tetley mild was actually not too bad and came at a good price of £2.10.
If not from the area I would not recommend a visit to this pub as there are some shady characters that visit, the numerous no drugs signs all mover the pub should give some indication, this is a no nonsence pub. Although just a few regulars and a family in for the carvery early Sunday afternoon at night and weekends there is a high potential for trouble, after all it is smack in the middle of a very bad estate.
If in the area I would go again if like in my most recent situation I was meeting local Friends from the area but not sure if any time other than daylight hours would suit me, although the inside is a lot nice than many would expect.

On 20^th July 2018 - rating: 5
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