Ye Olde Trip To Jerusalem, Nottingham

This pub is a must for anyone visiting Nottingham thanks to its unique location - it's built into the base of the sandstone rock on top of which stands Nottingham Castle. It's one of a number of pubs laying claim to be Britain's oldest, but their claim of 1189AD is probably best taken with a pinch of salt. Still, such details don't deter the tourist masses who can pack the place out if you don't time your visit well. The front entrance takes you into a small room with a short bar counter, flagstone floor and bare rock face walls. Beyond there are a couple of little nooks offering limited seating in the form of low stools and tables and the bar counter reappears again in another short stretch. A staircase leads to an area best suited for diners, where some nice lanterns create a bit of atmosphere. There is a bar up here as well, but it didn't seem to have been used for some time. Above the bar counter is something called the Cursed Galleon - a model ship that supposedly puts a curse on anyone who tries to clean it. Next to the bar is the Fertility Chair, which, as the name suggests, has apparently done its bit for Nottingham's population growth over the years, but now looks forlorn as it's protected behind a small barrier. There are a few interesting sculptures up here too as well as some nice barrel seats and a very warm side room called the Museum Room which has a tapestry depicting the city's history. Back downstairs there are further rooms to be explored in the shape of Yorkey's Lounge - a typical lounge bar, apart from the fact that you can't get served from this area. A suit of armour stands in one corner and a door at the far end leads into the Haunted Snug - a small carpeted room with a fireplace. There is a courtyard out the back and a lot of people take their drinks out to the benches in front of the pub or lie in the grass under the rock face. The pub is tied to Greene King and offers Abbot Ale, Old Trip and Speckled Hen as well as guests from the local Nottingham Brewery in the shape of their EPA (£3.00) and Legend. I tried the EPA which I found to be a tasty pint, but a repeat visit a few weeks later saw the same beer in less than ideal condition which was a shame. There is a standard Greene King menu available as well which looked to be quite reasonably priced. I always enjoy a visit here, but with so many other excellent pubs in the vicinity, I rarely stay for more than one drink. Well worth a look for the unique location and with so many different rooms to explore, it stands up to repeat visits.