Ye Olde Sun Inn, Retford

Ye Olde Sun Inn is an L-shaped Craft Union pub with a central L-shaped serving counter that supports standard and premium keg alongside Neck Oil and two hand pumps, alas one was unused and the Doom Bar was off. To the right of the bar is carpeted seating that runs along the front wall opposite the counter to a high table and fruit machine on the left-hand wall. In the left rear is a flagstone area with high tables and a dartboard. Televisions throughout were airing muted live sport, Sky and TNT are advertised, while background music played to the very busy pub. I did wonder if anyone in Retford actually works. The barman was friendly and there was a good atmosphere, so I’d think about popping in again if passing.

A low, white washed rough cast covered building opposite the church and the Vine Inn. In contrast to the Vine the interior although opened out is fairly traditional with a selection of old beams and exposed brick. Traditional wooden furniture with old photo and repro tin ads as decor. The L shaped servery has six quad T-Bars with the usual latin lagers, mock pilsners, cider, Guinness and John Smiths Smooth. There are two unused hand pumps, one with a Doombar handle the other clip reversed, both topped with half pint glasses. Screens, machines and piped music are available as is darts and there’s a garden out back.

Official site of Ye Olde Sun Inn - www.craftunionpubs.com

Facebook page of Ye Olde Sun Inn - www.facebook.com

Official site of Ye Olde Sun Inn - www.craftunionpubs.com

Facebook page of Ye Olde Sun Inn - www.facebook.com

Full of idiots on Saturday night. One hand pump at 4.5% ABV. Not a good place.

This is a nice old building, but it feels a little run down and unloved as a pub, lacking in atmosphere and ambience. Maybe this is a consequence of calling in on a Tuesday afternoon, however, and maybe the time of week also explains why, with three hand pumps on the bar, there was only one real ale on: Adnams Ghost Ship. This beer doesn't exactly pull up any trees, in my opinion, but it was at least in good enough condition. I wouldn't rule this pub out for a revisit on the basis of this experience, but I wouldn't say it was a "must visit" either. Date of visit: 22nd March 2016