Ye Olde Salutation Inn, Nottingham

Another of Nottingham's historic old pubs, the Salutation is located alongside the busy Maid Marian Way, which distracts a bit from the place's feel, but that aside, this is an excellent pub. There is one large, main room which is quite open and has bare floorboards, half panelled walls and dark wood beams to create a nice traditional setting. Two snugs, one named after King Charles, the other after Cromwell, are decorated with various pictures relating to those individuals and look like they would be good for anyone wanting a bite to eat away from the rowdy main room. The pub has some serious rock/biker credentials and I was treated to some rather excellent selections from the juke box which wasn't on too loud to upset those wanting a chat or a quiet pint. A rock karaoke night was also being promoted. The beer selection, detailed on blackboards to the left hand end of the bar counter, was excellent and offered Castle Rock Harvest Pale, Oakham JHB, White Rose Spring Hoppiness, Wentworth Short and Stout, Nottingham EPA, Milestone Black Pearl and Cathorpe Doverbeck. Additionally there were several ciders on tap and a very strong bottled beer selection. I had the White Rose and found it to be in top condition and very thirst quenching. A basic food menu with a few pub standards was evident on my table, although nobody seemed to be eating whilst I was there. I really liked this place and would suggest that it was one of the highlights of a very good crawl around town. There was a good crowd in when I visited and it's clear that the owners are onto a winner with their historic building, rock theme and excellent beer. A revisit is certainly on the cards.

Famous old inn, although you can probably take the claimed date of 1240 with a proverbial pinch of salt. Certainly has plenty of character, with various side rooms in addition to the main bar. Plenty of characters there too, with bikers out in force on last visit but also a group of more timid-looking ghost hunters getting ready to visit the caves underneath. Excellent choice of real ales available, and at a reasonable price too (especially if you can claim the 20p CAMRA discount). Well worth seeking out.