The Turks Head, Retford

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

The Turks Head is a nice looking stand alone pub that has got a brewers tudor upper half. There are two doors into this pub but both take you into the same room as at some point it has been knocked into one room,the room is L shaped and has got lots of wood pannelling,the front area is carpeted and has got nice looking copper topped tables with bench seats and small stools,the rear area has got a pool table and this area had bare boards. There were lots af brasses and knic-knacks giving the pub an olde worlde feel. There were five real ales on the bar i had a drink of Holdens Golden Glow which was drinkable but not at its best,the other beers were Tetley bitter,Adnams bitter,Black Sheep bitter and Youngs Special. This is a really nice pub that i would been happy staying in longer if not on a pub crawl. Pub visited 2/6/2012