The Newshouse, Nottingham

Unlike the bars further along Canal Street,this is a genuine boozer well frequented by serious ale drinkers.Given the location and unexceptional appearance you might have expected exotic dancers to be operational,but this pub has been saved for the discerning drinker by Tynemill.The ale quality is top drawer and there was a very friendly welcome from the barmaid who is a Saints rugby fan.There are two bars,to the right quite a basic public bar to the left a traditional and comfortable lounge with a 60's feel with some interesting framed documents and signs.2 Castle Rock ales are complemented by several interesting rotating guests, the Ape Ale from Blue Monkey absolutely outstanding on my trip.There is seating outside if you want a tab and an uninterupted view of the traffic steaming around the inner ring road.An award winner and rightly so,a must visit.

A truly excellent city boozer by Castle Rock. The 60's building is less than encouraging but opens into a comfortable two room pub with traditional bar, with games, and lounge. Six real ales were on as well as a wide range of Continental and Belgian beers. The choice is not overwhelmed by Castle Rock with Harvest Pale and Preservation on and includes an inviting range of strengths and styles. The absolute pick was Ape Ale from Blue Monkey which was well kept, well presented, recommended and excellent. The staff are knowledgable and friendly as is the atmosphere and the beer is top quality. A must visit in Nottingham.

A rare foray out of London for the King Rat saw him in Nottingham visiting one of the better pubs that this city has to offer. This pub had six or seven real ales on offer, including a couple of milds. I had a pint of Everard’s Tiger, which came with some white frothy stuff on top; luckily my companion was from somewhere up north and was able to tell me that it was something called a “head”. It was a jolly good pint nonetheless. The pub itself retains its no doubt original two bar format. On the left you have the archetype Saloon Bar – carpeted and comfortable, with round tables accompanied by banquette seating. On the walls are framed front pages of the Nottingham Post showing historical events such as the abdication of Edward VIII and the famous one time Crystal Palace manager Trevor Francis scoring in the European Cup Final. Also, the vertical blinds look somewhat incongruous (especially in the Public Bar) in a pub that appears to effect a 70’s appearance. The Public Bar on the other hand is bare-boarded and appears less comfortable. It obviously contains a dartboard, as well as a bar billiards table. On our way out through the public bar we spotted a bar skittles set, and my companion was disappointed that we did not have time for a game as he probably thought that the chances of a Southerner emerging victorious in a contest with someone from up north would be slim. Probably correct. Behind the bar in the Saloon Bar was a slow burn cookpot, advertised as containing a spicy pork stew, and coming with a bread roll at £2.80 seemed a very good bet. We would probably have been tempted had we not been committed to a ruby later in the evening. There was also a chalkboard advertising more traditional fayre at reasonable prices. This is an excellent pub which I shall certainly return to next time I am in Nottingham.

A short walk from Nottingham Railway and Tram Stations, also near the lace market. The large two roomed Tynemill Castle Rock pub has up to eight real ales from the Castle Rock range plus guest beers. Open all day food is served only at lunch times.