Following on from last month's visit to Gloucester, which proved to be logistically and financially draining, and with May itself having already been a busy month, I opted for something considerably closer to home and easier to organise for my most recent trip. I decided it was finally time to revisit an area of Nottingham that I hadn't been to in quite some time, 10 years to be precise, and see whether things were still as they had been or whether things had changed significantly, either for better or for worse. The location in question is West Bridgford. Before I set out, I already knew that the vast majority of pubs on the day's itinerary had featured in my previous visit though, happily, there would be one or two new entries too. For those unfamiliar with the geography and those that haven't read the blog from my previous visit, or simply need a refresher (I don't blame you), a quick reminder of where West Bridgford actually is. West Bridgford is located south of the River Trent, with the river itself acting as an unofficial demarcation between it and Nottingham City. Whilst technically a suburb, West Bridgford acts as its own independent entity, existing within a different council ward and a different borough entirely. The area itself has a reputation of being more upmarket and noticeably 'posher' than the surrounding areas, something that is a source of pride amongst residents and reflected in things like house prices. Whether this would also be seen in the price of pints was something I would be investigating throughout the day. I already suspected the establishments I was planning on visiting would be reflective of the local clientele but I was eager to see whether West Bridgford was deserving of being recognised for its beer.
It's very rare that I'm able to write up a report of a trip so soon after it's happened but, as I've been blessed with a few consecutive days off work, you find me in the position of updating this page the day immediately after my trip out. At least it should help if things are a bit fresher in the memory. Yesterday's weather was unsettled with frequent showers, although it was relatively mild. To add an extra level of difficulty, week-long roadworks have begun on the main bus route that I would normally have used to get to West Bridgford. Instead, I got my normal bus from Clifton and disembarked in the Meadows. From there it's a few minutes walk along London Road and over Trent Bridge. My trip would begin in close proximity to one of Nottingham's iconic landmarks. Adjacent to the famous bridge and a mere stone's throw from the river itself, is Waterside Bar & Kitchen.
If you're a long time reader and you're having deja vu, don't worry. You have indeed seen this building before but in a much different guise. Waterside occupies what was once Southbank Bar. Not only did it feature in a very early entry here but I also worked here for a few months whilst it was under its previous ownership. Things have changed a lot in the intervening years, in rather a lot of ways! The building which houses Waterside was originally part of the Bridgford Hotel, built in 1968. The former hotel building still stands and is now luxury apartments, after a long period spent as offices. Waterside was formerly owned by Great Northern Group, who carried out a massive refurbishment of the former Southbank bar in early 2020, resulting in the current layout. Internally, the building could not look more different than its previous incarnation. Gone is the enormous central island bar, replaced by a bar along one side, in an area that previously housed booths with in-built TVs. The area directly opposite the bar houses high tables and stools. A central free-standing partition divides this from the other side of the room, which features long benches and horseshoe-shaped booths. A raised area to the front features a pool table and further seating. Around half a dozen large TVs can be found on the walls, a far cry from the more than 30 that were present before. The toilets are located in the back left corner of the room, completely relocated from the opposite end, where they have been replaced by a larger kitchen with a service window. Outside is a large, decked beer garden, open to the elements, and a refurbished conservatory featuring fake greenery and lots of windows. All-in-all, it's a majorly different building from when I worked here, although the overall footprint has remained mostly unchanged. Waterside is now owned by troubled company Red Cat Leisure though, given their financial predicament, how long that will be the case is unclear. I was excited to be out, despite the unsettled conditions, and eager to dive into West Bridgford for the first time in a decade. On the bar here, there are 4 handpulls. However, none of these were in use when I arrived. One of them did have a pump clip on but this was turned around, indicating that whatever ale there was was unavailable. Luckily, there are a range of craft keg beers available, mostly from Brixton Brewery, on a keg wall behind the bar. Miffed that real ale was not present, but determined not to let it bother me, I opted for a half of Low Voltage, priced at £2.80, and retreated to a high table, not far from the entrance and next to a fruit machine. It felt a bit surreal to be back in a place that I had worked and to see it virtually unrecognisable from my time. Don't get me wrong though, it's not a bad change. The decor and lighting are bright and modern and the atmosphere, at least on a non-match day, is calm and welcoming. Whether the place is still packed to the rafters during Forest games, especially now that it's not really a sports bar, is a question for another day. The beer wasn't too bad for what it was. It's a sessionable, hoppy pale ale that did at least quench my thirst.
Despite the beer choice not being entirely what I was hoping for, I was confident that my day would be a success from this point forward. Leaving Waterside, I turned left. Crossing over at the nearby traffic lights, I took another left and continued down Radcliffe Road, along the outer wall of the iconic Trent Bridge Cricket Ground, once again the venue for this year's beer festival in October, and the scene of many Aussie batterings. Reaching Fox Road on my right, I turned down it and soon found myself at the second pub of the day: Larwood & Voce.
Whilst resembling a cricket pavilion, the Larwood & Voce is a pub and kitchen that opened in 1985 as part of the development of the new stand at the cricket ground. It is named after Harold Larwood and Bill Voce who were Nottinghamshire's fast bowling attack from 1929-1939. They were asked to develop 'bodyline' bowling during Test Matches against Australia in 1932-33. Inside, the layout is open plan but there are two distinct areas. To the left is a carpeted area, laid out for diners. To the right is a much more casual space, with wooden flooring. There are two raised areas in both sections which can be used for larger groups or parties. Toilets are located in a corridor to the right. The decor is contemporary and minimalist, with cricketing references throughout. The pub is owned by Moleface Pub Company, who also operate The Wollaton in Wollaton. This is reflected in the similarities between the two pubs respective aesthetic. The bar here is at the back of the room and serves both areas, with a partition wall in between the sections. The beer choice is much more in keeping with my kind of thing. 5 handpumps sit proudly on the bar. 4 of these were in use whilst I was there, with a choice between Nottingham Trentsman, Nottingham Citra, Timothy Taylor Landlord and Castle Rock Harvest Pale. I was intrigued by the Nottingham Brewery options as I've only ever previously tried their core range, so I decided on a half of the Citra (£2.60) and found a table in the raised section to the right. I had noticed a large group on their lunch break in the section next to me, one of which happened to be a friend of mine with his colleagues from Trent Bridge. That was a nice and unexpected surprise! Back to the beer though. Citra (4.2%) is Nottingham Brewery's own take on the iconic pale ale. The use of Citra as a dry hop has added aroma and grapefruit flavours. It's zesty and tangy and also carries the trademark 'bite' that I've noticed in Nottingham Brewery's beers. It really is a very well put together beer and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Bidding farewell to Larwood & Voce, and my mate Simon, I headed out the way I had entered but this time turned right, following the road round until it becomes Hound Road. I followed this to the end and then turned left. I was now on Bridgford Road, the central thoroughfare that runs along into the main shopping area. My next destination was to be found shortly before this though. Crossing over at a nearby pedestrian crossing, I made my way to the adjacent Stratford Road and the Stratford Haven.
The first of two Castle Rock pubs in my sights for the day, the Stratford Haven recently celebrated its 25th birthday. Previously a pet shop, it was renovated in a classic style and has become a go-to beer destination in West Bridgford, reflected by its inclusion in the 2024 Good Beer Guide. The name is a play on words of both its destination on Stratford Road and of its reputation as a 'haven' for excellent beer, as well as being a rather excellent pun with nods to the Bard. The interior is composed of linked areas around a large, wooden bar. To the left is the larger public space, with high tables and stools directly opposite the bar and an open area of sofas and banquette seating to the rear, where the toilets can also be found. To the right, is a smaller, but no less cosy, lounge with scrubbed wooden tables and chairs. A large courtyard beer garden can be found to the rear, and also includes sheltered seating for inclement days like the one on which I visited. Even though I'm a Castle Rock employee, I'd only ever been to the Strat a couple of times and both of those were before I worked for the company. This seemed like a terrible crime for which I was eager to repent. I was very much looking forward to experiencing the pub again. A whopping 14 handpulls occupy the bar here with the offering primarily from Castle Rock, although guest beers also get space. The options on the day featured 8 Castle Rock beers namely Harvest Pale (doubled up), Preservation (doubled up), Elsie Mo (doubled up), Screech Owl, Our House, Oatmeal Stout, Hyperfocus and Sunshine After the Rain. Accompanying these were guest beers in the form of Dark Star Hophead, Batemans XB and Oakham Citra. As tempted as I was by the guest beers, I'd yet to try the latest Castle Rock special Sunshine After the Rain, so this one got the nod. One of the many advantages of working for Castle Rock is that I get a team member discount in all venues so that would come in very handy here. I had opted for a pint of this particular beverage. Normally retailing at £4.60, my cheeky discount allowed me to purchase it for the price of £3.45. Excellent! I moved to a high table a short distance from the bar and took my time to enjoy the beer and my surroundings. Sunshine After the Rain proved to be a winner. A 4.2% pale ale, this is a showcase of New Zealand hops, specifically Nelson Sauvin and Motueka. The end result gives white wine and gooseberry flavours, citrus aromas and a hint of Sauvignon Blanc. It's a cracking beer and certainly best enjoyed in such a comfortable place as this. During my time here, I got my first glimpses into the snobbishness I'd heard was prevalent in West Bridgford. I got some decidedly disapproving looks from a group of older women when I went to the toilet. I put that down to the fact that I was wearing a Download t shirt. I then overheard the couple on the table next to me muttering amongst themselves about the logic behind the pub kitchen not being open on a Tuesday. But, seeing as they couldn't agree on how many days there are in the month of May, I'm not sure their opinion counts for much. Before too long, my beer glass was empty and it was time to move on. I was glad I'd finally been able to appreciate the Strat properly. It had been worth the wait.
My next stop would be a location that was new to me and, therefore, new to these pages. Leaving the Strat, I turned right and continued down Stratford Road until I reached Highfield Road. A short distance further on, I reached Glebe Road where I again turned right. This brought me out on Melton Road, with my next destination almost opposite. Next up, The Refinery.
Half pint supped and more pubs to go, I took my leave of the Test Match and headed down Gordon Road. One fortifying trip to Greggs later and I was on my way again, this time headed down Albert Road. Following a brief detour through the park, I turned right onto Mabel Grove. I followed this to the end, crossing a stream along the way and then took another right, this time onto Rutland Road. I then took the next left onto Pierrepont Road where a handy sign pointed me towards my next destination: the Poppy & Pint.
The second of the duo of Castle Rock pubs for the day, and also Good Beer Guide 2024 listed, the Poppy & Pint opened in 2011 after the successful conversion of a former British Legion Club. A nod to its former identity has been retained in the name of the pub. The interior is large, with wooden furniture throughout and a large bar running along one side. There is a raised area of additional seating opposite the bar, a family area to one side and further seating, along with a more formal dining area at the other end. A large function room can be found upstairs and this regularly caters for local events, including a folk club. Outside, there is a beer garden that overlooks nearby tennis courts and a bowling green. As with all Castle Rock pubs, dogs are welcome but, in this case, they are not permitted in the restaurant area. I'd forgotten how large the Poppy is but, as with the Strat, I was glad I'd made the effort of a return trip, even if it has taken me over a decade. As expected, Castle Rock beers are centre stage but, again, guest beers can be found here too. 12 handpulls feature on the bar here. At the time of my visit, 9 of these were in use with a couple of others in various stages of being swapped over between products. For my delectation and delight, I had a choice between the following Castle Rock beers: Screech Owl, Elsie Mo, Preservation, Harvest Pale, Our House and Moonage. The additional guest beers were Little Loop, North Riding Rum & Raisin Dark Mild and Shiny Disco Balls. I was briefly drawn towards the mild but I'm still not sure whether it's a style I enjoy. I've had some good ones in the past but there are others that haven't been great so, on this occasion, I erred on the side of caution and went for the Shiny Disco Balls (5.3%). This was priced at £5.20 for a pint but I again utilised my team discount and got it for £3.90 instead. Disco Balls is a big hitting IPA brewed with American hops and it ticked a lot of boxes. Citrusy, fruity and hazy with a proper tropical punch to it. It's also certified gluten free as well, for those who need to know. I took my beer to a the raised area and looked out over the bar area, people and dog watching. The Poppy & Pint is another cracking pub that certainly has its place amongst the local community. Converting such a building to a pub not only continues to foster a sense of community but also means that there is another great place to while away a few minutes, or hours, or days, and watch the world go by. The food here looks amazing too!
I had two more venues to visit before my trip was at an end and these were also located conveniently close by. Having left the Poppy, I returned to Pierrepont Road and turned right. Continuing on until I reached the end, I turned left, having now reached Trent Boulevard where my penultimate stop of the day is located. A short distance away, on my right and tucked slightly back from the road, is the Lady Bay.
Formerly a Kimberley's tied house, the Lady Bay is now owned and operated by Greene King as one of their 'Local' chain. Set back from the main road, it boasts a large car park and beer garden to the front, as well as picnic tables and a children's play area nearby. Inside, the layout is large and open plan. The front room is carpeted and contains the bar, as well as wooden tables and chairs at different heights. A raised area to one side features a TV and additional seating. To the rear, up a small flight of steps, is an L-shaped area with pool tables, dartboards and additional screens. Small alcoves throughout break up the overall layout. The wooden bar features a bank of 5 handpulls. Three of these feature ale, with the other two reserved for ciders. On this occasion, the beer choices were Greene King IPA and Greene King Abbot, alongside Abbeydale Moonshine again, with Lilley's Gladiator and Lilley's Tropical taking up the remaining two pumps. Seeing Moonshine in two separate pubs on the same day was a stroke of luck but I wasn't planning on having it again. I try to have a different beer in each pub I visit on a trip wherever possible so at this stage I opted for the Abbot instead (£2.55 a half). I took this to a high, round table to one side. I had vague memories of coming to the Lady Bay once before, prior to a football match but it didn't look anything like I remembered it. I do have a recollection of sitting outside though so perhaps that's where the confusion stems from. Either way, I doubted very much that I'd be coming back again. The service was fine and the pub itself isn't bad but the beer wasn't great. I managed to finish it but it was clearly off. I noticed as I was leaving that the pump clip had been turned round so it was obviously the end of the barrel. Hopefully that's the only reason why. I was at least grateful that Moonshine hadn't been ruined for me. It's easy to see this place being absolutely heaving on a match day but it was much more subdued on a wet Tuesday afternoon. The gloomy weather got me pondering a story I'd heard about this place having had a ghost. Allegedly, many years ago, there were stories of a mysterious cloaked figure said to manifest and glide across the car park. The sightings would only happen at night but haven't been reported for quite some time now. Whether this anonymous figure had any connection to the pub light switches randomly being tampered with, or whether these are two mysterious yet disparate pieces of phenomena, will likely never be known.
I had one stop left before my day was done and my final destination wouldn't be too far from where my adventure had begun, completing a roughly circular route. Continuing down Trent Boulevard, I crossed at a nearby junction with Radcliffe Road. I would now carry on down Radcliffe Road to where my last stop is located, opposite the side of the cricket ground. My day would come to a close at The William Gunn.
The newest addition to West Bridgford's drinking scene opened in August 2022 after previously being an Indian restaurant and, before that, an Italian wine bar. Now owned by Great Northern Group, this smart, single roomed bar is named after William 'Billy' Gunn (1858-1921), a Nottingham born sportsman who played cricket at both county and international level and played football for both Nottingham Forest and Notts County, representing England on two occasions. He became President of Notts County in 1920 and died the following year, in the Standard Hill area of Nottingham, at the age of 63. Inside, the bar is decorated in a contemporary style with modern, bespoke lighting, wooden tables and benches and cricket memorabilia throughout. The exterior colour scheme of dark green is partly repeated inside, along with Victorian-style tiling on the internal pillars. A beer garden to the front features benches and a mix of paving and turf. The bar sits over to one side with a rear corridor, down a ramp, that leads to the toilets. A couple of TVs are mounted on the wall, usually showing sport. A pair of handpulls sit on the bar. For my final beer of the trip (not of the day mind you), I had a choice between Nottingham Sunshine (ironically) or Fuller's London Pride. Having already partaken of some of Nottingham Brewery's beer earlier in the day, I swung for the Pride (£2.60 a half) and retreated to a high table near the window. My last stop of the day is often a place of reflection on the day's achievements before I use the journey home to contemplate my conclusions. The reflection was certainly aided by a very nice drop of London Pride. This was my first visit to the William Gunn but it may well not be my last as it's a very welcome addition to the area.
Before long, I found myself with an empty glass and a sense of accomplishment. It was time to head home. Luckily, the closest bus stop is only around the corner so it wasn't long before I was on my way. I had thoroughly enjoyed my long overdue revisit to West Bridgford. I thought about the initial question I had in my head when I had first set out earlier in the day: Had the area changed much and, if so, how? I now feel that I have my answer. By and large, West Bridgford hasn't changed an enormous amount. The good venues are still going strong and still remain must-visit destinations. The new kids on the block have slotted themselves nicely into the scene and found themselves a niche that they have clearly grown into. If you can look past the snobbery and the snootiness of some of the residents, there's much to be discovered in this area of Nottingham. It certainly has a pub scene that makes for an excellent day out and it's highly likely I'd do the whole thing again. I doubt it will take me ten years to get around to it again next time though.
Pub of the day: Stratford Haven. Cracking pub, excellent beer, worthy of its reputation.
Beer of the day: Castle Rock: Sunshine After the Rain. Bloody delicious. I'm not being biased, honest!
Biggest surprise: Test Match. I'd forgotten how incredible the building is and I was surprised how much I enjoyed being there.
