Sir John Cockle Inn, Mansfield

I'd been hoping to visit the Nell Gwyn on the opposite side of the traffic lights on which these two pubs sit. However, that pub doesn't open until 9pm during the week, despite a neon sign in the window indicating it opens at 4pm. As such, I had to settle for this large and rough and ready Marston's pub. The single room open-plan interior was decorated nicely enough. But you got the feeling that a fight could kick off at any second. Some of the younger after work clientele didn't seem too friendly. There were plenty of handpulls on the bar, but just Hobgoblin Gold was available. Certainly a lively place, but not particularly auspicious.

The Sir John Cockle is a large pub situated next to a very busy traffic junction. I first visited this pub on 30th May 1983 when the pub was a Mansfield tied house. Once inside the pub has been opened out into a large single L shaped room,a long bar faces,the room is carpeted and had bench seating to the front left,there is a pool table and darts board to the rear left,the right side had mainly normal tables and chairs. There were four real ales on the bar,i had a drink of Wychwood Full Brazillian which went down well on a warm day,the other beers were Mansfield Cask,Banks's Sunbeam and Marstons EPA. This is quite a smart and well kept pub,it was also quite busy with a good mix of drinkers and people dining. Pub first visited 30/5/1983 Recent visit 28/6/2014