The Turks Head, Retford

A proper old-school town pub, with lots of wood panelling and an open fire, and featuring a lot of leather tub chairs. A rather old-school selection of cask ales also, including Wadworth's 6X, Old Speckled Hen, TT Landlord and Ghost Ship, with the only 'newcomer' Bradfield Belgian Blue, which was however waiting a line clean for a new barrel. No surprise then that the rest seemed well-kept. Lovely pub.

Facebook page of The Turks Head - www.facebook.com

Facebook page of The Turks Head - www.facebook.com

After having to suffer the ladies-who-lunch atmosphere of Spencers, it was a pleasure to next find myself in a proper pub. The Turks Head, with its brewers Tudor facade and largely traditional interior, has been closed on the previous visits I have made to Retford, so I was glad to see that it has been opened again. I hope the present incumbent is able to make a go of it, as this is the sort of pub I would want to return to again and again. Admittedly the beer selection was nothing to write home about: Timothy Taylor Landlord, Sharps Doom Bar, Adnams Ghost Ship and Courage Directors being the choice across the five hand pumps. The last named was in very good condition, however, and just because a beer didn't originate from a craft or micro doesn't mean it's not worth drinking. The atmosphere was friendly and convivial, the furnishings traditional and comfortable: what's not to like? Date of visit: 22nd March 23016