The Royal Children, Nottingham

I added this one to my list of pubs to do on a two day visit to Nottingham, after reading about the change of ownership, clientele and beer policy (below). It was gone 10pm when I arrived, following Luton Town's goalless draw at the City Ground. Some heavy metal was on the sound system, but it was otherwise quiet, with just two customers sitting at the bar and chatting with the young manager. There were four beers on the bar, all from local breweries (see photo) - Black Iris, Hollow Stone (Shipstones) and two from Totally Brewed. I tried three in quick succession: all were in very good condition, though the Black Iris Snake Eyes was not to my taste. I noted that three Dancing Duck beers were ready to go on next. The manager was happy to join in the conversation, and mentioned that this pub is now owned by the same company that has Six Barrel Drafthouse in the city centre, and its sister pub near the Victoria shopping centre.

Big big changes here, no zombies! someone has cleared out the undead, put in decent beer, started giving decent service, and the place is busy with normal people. Now a pub worthy of the name.

No frills corner pub, bench seating, wooden chairs and tables, mixed floor treatments. “Salt of the earth” type punters (or scrotes) rather than the zombies mentioned. Screens and constant music from jukebox. Bloody awful beer, they only had Bombardier on the two banks of five but obviously no one drinks it as it was not exactly vinegar but very infected with something nasty, vinegar fly I’d guess. Unsigned one way system in operation, I chose the wrong door to much mirth of staff and punters; the beer gods were obviously trying to tell me something.

A single roomed tatty mess. The pool table is the main feature. We were just about to do our Track & Trace stuff when I noticed that all the pumpclips were turned round, so we left it. I think 3 of the "zombie-like creatures" mentioned in Alan's review below were still resident when we called in. Awful.

Much the same as Al's review below - the main difference being that there were no Zombies present. In fact we were the only customers. Still had Bombardier and Castle Rock Harvest Pale. The pale was fine and the service friendly. I would call again but there are bettor options nearby.

Oh dear. It looks like it might be a decent pub but in reality its a bit of a dive. A single square room and a pretty tatty one at that. I could only see 6 handpumps and only Bombardier and Castle Rock Harvest Pale were your rather dismal choices. There were 4 or 5 zombie-like creatures in on my afternoon visit.