Canalhouse, Nottingham

A Tynemill (aka Castle Rock) pub which has a USP that means it is worthy of a visit, the canal spur that runs into the pub (you cross a footbridge over it at the entrance to the bar) which often has a boat or two moored in it as it is accessible - the boats are not merely decorative. Now that bit’s out of the way, let’s do the rest of the review. The pub is housed in a large converted warehouse on the canal-side. The interior bar is pretty barn-like (a turn-of-the-millennium modern interior conversion) and didn’t do a huge amount for me, I think this is Tynemill’s attempt at attracting the student/city-dweller crowd for late opening. Beer-wise there are half a dozen ales with four from Castle Rock and there’s a big emphasis on bottled beers alongside some premium keg. The beer quality was a mixed bag and the female bar staff were pretty uninspiring on my visit, brusque and clearly preferring to relax than work. Another big selling point of the is the outside ‘garden’ which is a large cobbled wharf-side area packed with seating and covered by a glass roof, an ideal summer’s sun-trap and a great spot to watch the passing boat traffic. The gents, as noted elsewhere, are quite a hike up numerous stairs. Well-worth the visit for the novelty value or on a summer's day. However I’d be less inclined to do this one over the other two Tynemill pubs in Nottingham on a return visit unless I had plenty of time.

Definitely a top 10 Nottingham pub. great venue, great beer (both real ale and foreign bottles) and good food - I recommend the pizzas. its got a nice outdoors area by the canalside for when the sun is out. Had a brilliant pint of Moorhouse Black Cat Mild here. Good place for a session with the mates or also to take a girl on a date.