Gusto, Nottingham

I approached this smart, modern bar in the middle of West Bridgeford during monsoon-like conditions and in my haste to find shelter, managed to completely miss the large monkey puzzle tree outside, from which the bar takes its name. The layout once inside, sees what is essentially a large single room split into different areas by well positioned partitioning walls and screens. The interior has a mix of bare floorboards, carpet and flagstones, reflecting the different feels of separate parts of the room. Walls are painted in deep shades of red and green, which makes the place feel warm and homely, which is just what you need when you arrive looking like a drowned rat. This is augmented by some nice floral patterned wallpaper which has repeated images of monkeys hidden amidst the design. Seating is mixed, with some particularly smart button backed banquettes running along the rear wall catching the eye. The servery is along the right hand wall and has an archway partly blocking the counter about two thirds of the way along it, which suggests there was a different layout here in the past. In front of the bar, there is a screened of space with a good deal of seating, which almost feels like a separate room in its own right. I noticed a couple of fireplaces, sadly not in action as I dripped my way across the pub, including one in the rear left corner where someone seemed to be preparing for some live music later in the evening. Loads of TV screens were on throughout the room, showing the Premier League's evening kick off to a decent sized crowd. The place has been quite fittingly decorated, with arty black and white photos filling plenty of wall space, whilst some fancy lamps made from antlers could also be spotted. A decking area out the front of the pub was doing its best impression of the deck of the Titanic when I arrived, but I imagine its a good spot for people watching during less biblical weather. Just the two ales were available at the bar, both from the nearby Navigation Brewery - Pale and Classic IPA - and the pint of IPA I opted for was a lovely pint. A reasonably priced pub grub menu is available and posters were advertising free curry on Monday football nights, which sounds too good to pass up. I thought this was a nice example of a modern pub that will appeal to a wide range of customers. I enjoyed my well kept pint whilst watching a bit of football and trying to dry my socks. A versatile pub that no doubt serves the local community well and I would recommend a visit if you find yourselves in West Bridgeford.