The Plough Inn, Nottingham

Adjacent to Nottingham Brewery and, even at 12:00 first knockings on Sun, the beer was in sparkling condition. All from next door - Rock Bitter, EPA (e for extra), Legend, Mild, Bullion, 150 Not Out (ran out, haha), Supreme (listed but n/a – awaiting next brew date). Large high-ceilinged traditional pub which looks original but I read has needed some restoration to remove the abuse incurred when controlled by some larger pub companies, if so, the result is seamlessly good. Enter & turn right to public bar with solid wood tables & chairs surrounded by distressed leather banquettes, a mosaic stone floor, large alcove providing separate area for dartboard, old brewery photos adorn the walls and bottles crowd around the high shelves, plasma in far corner was quietly showing grand prix. Opposite, to the left of the central bar, is the carpeted lounge where chairs & settles are upholstered, to the rear a tarmac beer garden with picnic sets and grass plot beyond. Both rooms have working fireplaces and the nearby dimples in the floor are testament to hobnail-booted workers stamping cold feet in days of yore. Refreshing to see simple signs at the bar proclaiming ‘fresh cobs, made to order’. We have to mention another undoubted asset to the pub; guv’nor Simon is a big, friendly, larger than life character and was a thoroughly good craic, cheers mate. Radford is just 5mins by bus from Nott centre (£1.50) or a taxi here is only £4, a must-visit if in this neck of the woods. You can read more if you add dotcom to nottinghambrewery. (review dated Sep08)