The Mayze, Newark

Confusingly adorned with the pub’s previous name on the exterior, presumably because procuring a new sign would break the pound rule? Came in for a giggle to see whether I’d be met by toothless old men and chavs staging a dog fight whilst smashing pint glasses over each others heads, such is the hyperbolic reputation that this brand has garnered in certain quarters. Anyway, after being met by a contingent of nicotine bouncers outside (good start!), it’s fair to say it's ‘basic’ inside, a large and featureless knocked-through interior with grubby bare board flooring. Ominously the rear part of the pub was in darkness, presumably due to low customer numbers. One unused handpump at the bar. I discovered from the friendly young barman that pints are actually 2 quid a pop (I was hoping for a half for 50p – which actually cost £1.80! Though he did warn me to be fair). Bottles in the fridge were retailing at £2.10. Having procured my Guinness (which was fine), I took a wary look at those who I would be sharing the pub with for the next 15 minutes. Mainly they were of the gruntier disposition (the conversation seemed to be loosely based around the topic ‘great lock-ins I have known’ punctuated by copious swearing) - I've been in worse places with a lot worse people. I absolutely wouldn’t recommend a pint here, but it’s by no means as bad as some would have you believe.

PoundPub is situated quite close to Newark Castle train station. This is an early opener and was open well before 10am,so very handy if you want an early drink. Once inside there is a dimly lite oblong shaped room which runs to the rear,the front right area is carpeted and has normal tables and chairs,the bar is on the left side and up a few steps,this area is bare boarded,there was a TV here showing sky sports,there is a pool table to the rear which is up two more steps. There was an handpump on the bar which was unclipped,so i had a half of Guinness which cost £1.50,so this is not a pound pub at all. The pub seemed decent enough inside ,just a shame there was not a real ale on the bar. Pub visited 2/6/2016