The Crow, Nottingham

A split level pub/bar with a modernised interior that felt a little bit Ikea. There are six hand pumps and I opted for a Castle Rock /Salopian colaboration beer Cafe Con Leche which was good, despite this though I struggled to warm completely to the pub and as such not on any return visit list.

Split-level pub right by the castle entrance, once run by the Magpie Brewery, and it felt familiar when visited although I can't find it in my old notes. Anyway, the modern furniture and light décor work well enough if you like that gastro-pub kind of thing, but the busy pool table and regulars sat by the counter make it feel more like a local. I found four of the six handpumps in use, offering Welbeck Abbey's Baroness tea-infused dark mild (£4.50) and other cask ales from Castle Rock, Blue Monkey and Black Iris.

Full description below from OB. We sat in one of the semi-circular banquettes on the first floor area facing the bar. All Magpie beers on our post lockdown visit, but there is still a decent range of styles. Friendly and attentive staff, meant that despite it being all table service, we were served quickly. No yummy mummies in during our Sunday afternoon visit, so us trendies just sat and had a quiet chat. It's very well done and someone has spent some serious money here. We would have called in again, but they're closed on Mondays at the moment.