It’s good news for pub lovers in Nottinghamshire as some of the county’s pubs have been recognised as among the best in the country in the latest edition of the AA Pub Guide.
Published today, the 21st edition of the guide highlights more than than 2,000 traditional pubs across England, Scotland and Wales - a record number - and rates each establishment on its food, drinks and atmosphere.
The top 550, singled out as ‘Pick of the Pubs,’ features five from Notts.
Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem has made the list and is the only pub in the city to make the grade.
With its cave-like interior and quirky artefacts, such as a cursed galleon, the historic pub near Nottingham Castle is one of the most famous, and oldest, in the country.
Described in the guide as a "medieval gem with history aplenty" it goes on to say that "Castle Rock, upon which stands Nottingham Castle, is riddled with caves and passageways cut into the sandstone. The builders of this unusual pub – one of Britain’s oldest – founded in AD1189 – made the most of this, incorporating some of the caves into the design of the inn."
Nottingham Brewery gets a name check and so does the pork belly and Scottish scampi.
Nottinghamshire’s dining pub of the year for eight years running, The Martin’s Arms, in Colston Bassett is another pub steeped in history that makes it into the guide. A combination of good food and antique furnishings create a unique atmosphere in a rural corner of the county.
Located in a grade II listed building in a leafy cul-de-sac, the pub owned by Jack Inguanta and Lynne Strafford Bryan "will transport you straight back in time, especially the Jacobean fireplaces and the period furnishings," says one of the AA's expert inspectors.
"The bar has an impressive range of real ales, while another local ‘brew’ is elderflower pressé from Belvoir Fruit Farms."
The "pretty red-brick pub with year-round appeal" serves "good pub tucker". Diners can find dishes such as goats’ cheese fondue, braised blade of beef with parmesan mash and beer-battered haddock, chunky chips, pea purée and tartare sauce.
"It's a relaxing locale in which to chill out with a glass of wine or a pint of real ale. What's more it's both child and dog-friendly, with a grassy, tree-shaded garden an additional bonus for summer days," says the guide.
Overlooking the River Trent, The Farndon Boathouse offers a more contemporary approach to the traditional pub with a range of wines, cask ales and modern British cuisine set in a trendy, industrial setting.
The inspector notes: "The leafy banks of the River Trent make an interesting contrast to the contemporary exposed ducting, industrial-style lighting, stone floors and glazed frontage of the stylish Boathouse. The kitchen uses modern cooking techniques such as sous-vide, to squeeze every molecule of flavour from the ingredients."
The fifth Notts pub to make the list is Caunton Beck, near Newark, owing to its varied pan-European menu, country setting and regular events.
"An imposing rose arbour, created by a former vicar of the village church across the water, is a feature of the much extended 16th-century cottages at the core of the pub.
"Fans of the hop can expect a glass of Black Sheep alongside further guest ales; wine-lovers have a choice of 24 by the glass," says the reviewer, adding that the menu offers "a stimulating choice to satisfy most palates."
