The Trent Lock, Nottingham

Modernised and refurbished by Vintage Inns in a semi-traditional style, with the bar in the centre, a lounge area on the right-hand side and a bigger restaurant off to the left. However, the front patio tables and large beer garden leading down to the River Trent were very busy in the good weather. With only one of three handpumps in use, this was badged as Citra but definitely not, maybe Bass, but in good shape (£2.60, half).

Facebook page of The Trent Lock - www.facebook.com

Facebook page of The Trent Lock - www.facebook.com

When i first went in this pub it was an Home Ales tied house called the Navigation,with a very nice drink of Home bitter on the bar. Once inside this pub has been done up and looks quite smart,the bar faces,the left side is for diners,the right side had a nice cosy area to the rear which had a real fire on the go,the seating is mix of different types. There were five pumps on the bar,two unclipped (lines being cleaned)two beers waiting to condition Daleside Old Legover and Samuel Adams Blonde,this left me with one option Hobgoblin,which was decent enough but 80p more a pint than my very nice drink of Polar Paw in the Steamboat which did'nt please me that much. This is a smart pub but seems a bit too upmarket for my liking. Pub first visitd 1980 Recent visit 23/11/2013

An expensive refurb by Vintage Inns have given this place a rather twee gasto feel,rather too formulaic for me.Directly infront of the entrance is the serving bar while to the left is the "wait to be seated" restaurant area which goes back into the building.Drinking is accomodated to the right,with old timbers breaking up the interior into sections,much finishing in modern unplaned wood with various leather banquettes,benches and small tables.To one side there is a real log fire but some of the furnishing is overly fussy,with no overall theme.The loud and awful R&B muzak didn't uplift my spirits. Vintage Inns do make an effort with real ale and it was pleasing to see 5 handpumps drawing Batemans XXXB & Yella Belly,Castle Rock Sherrifs Tipple,Robinsons Hoptimus and a decent Scottish Border's Foxy Blonde,sadly nothing at high ABV.Outside there is a vast garden denied views of the River Trent by a flood bank ,but proving very popular in the fine weather. Food is the main draw here and the surroundings are smart,I would call again to see what ale is on offer,but I might slope over to The Steamboat if I wanted a bit of pub atmosphere.