The Kean's Head, Nottingham

This pub is named after the famous 19th Century Shakespearean actor, although I don’t know his connection with Nottingham. It’s a fairly small one-room affair tucked away down an alleyway. As others have said this is a Castle Rock house, which had on four of their ales during my visit. I went for the Snow White (£3.20 a pint) which was pretty good. Also on were Oldershaw Volupta Blonde and Hopback Crop Circle, all helpfully listed on a chalkboard behind the bar (listing name, ABV and beer style) as it’s difficult to see all the clips due to those who like to clog up the bar counter. The commitment to changing real ales is indicated by the mass of pump clips displayed on the beams. There were more chalkboards on the walls advertising food – such as the local pork sausages (Lincolnshire) at £8.95 a pop. The room itself is quite modern in appearance. It looks nothing like the traditional pubs that I generally like (a shop or house conversion possibly?). There’s plenty of exposed brickwork, bare boards, and the furnishings are a few stools at a ledge on the right, a bit of banquette seating and standard issue tables and chairs. When I was in at around 5.00 PM the place soon filled up with what looked like groups of workers having a swift after finishing work. The noise level was ratcheted up by a couple of groups having a good time. My companion and I were in early enough to get a seat, but by 6.00 PM it was standing room only. But I liked this pub, even though it’s not the sort of pub I usually go for. The beer I had was top notch, and at a decent price. It was comfortable enough (as long as you can bag a seat). The food other punters were eating looked good as well. I would be happy to visit this one again the next time that I’m in Nottingham.

A plain brick end terraced pub and eatery, with a couple of string courses for decoration. The interior is an open plan room with the serving bar faces you at the far end of the pub as you enter. The decor is a mix of white, wood panel, exposed brick and some burnt orange-ish coloured tiling, with a white ceiling and a wood floor, red seating and the usual tables and chairs for eating. We sat where there was once a fire place but is now a bench seat - mainly as the place was so full with a very mixed clientele, it was the only place to sit. There is plenty of beer memorabilia on the walls and a beer mat collection, along with photos. The service was functional, mainly i think due to the fact that is was rammed. The place does food, but i didn't eat so can't comment on that. Beer; usual taps with Oyster Stour, Erdinger and Birra Moretti. It is a Castle Rock Brewery pub, but i couldn't see all the taps as it was busy, but noted; CR Harvest Pale Ale, Preservation and Gatekeeper's MILD (which looked flat but tasted fine). I also noted Derby Triple Hop as a guest. I enjoyed this place more than i thought i would from first impressions and would definitely return. Review was written in May.