The Dovecote Inn, Newark

The imposing traditional red brick of the pub is,I agree, rather let down by the modern and clinical decor if the bar area: I liked the look of the little dining area created out of the rather grand front porch. On a very quiet November Saturday lunchtime we sat in one of the side dining rooms to enjoy a beer and a hearty pie.Mainly set up for meals, there were a few drinkers in the central bar. Everyone was very friendly, and the meal to a high standard. Two handpumps in operation: Black Sheep Best and Landlord.The latter in grand condition.I also noticed a keg Pale Ale from Tim Taylor, together with some farm cider from boxes behind the bar.

Attractive inn for the last village in England to retain the traditional 'open field' communal farming system. In such a historic location, the central bar comes as something of a surprise since it has a very unsympathetic refurbishment (not helped by much of the furniture having been temporarily removed for social distancing reasons). However, the busy dining rooms on either side look more appealing, as does the front beer garden on the slope up from the road. With two of the three handpumps in use, I found a choice of Landlord and the local Red Feather from Welbeck (£3.60).