Either side of the main bridge over the River Trent in Nottingham, East Midlands, is a cluster of three major sporting venues. On the far side from the city is the City Ground, home of football team Nottingham Forest, and Trent Bridge, where Nottinghamshire Cricket Club plays its home games. On the city side of the river is Meadow Lane where Notts County football club lives. Within a short distance of all three are some excellent pubs that serve real ale and welcome sports fans before and after the game. These are where to drink in Nottingham or there also some nice pubs in West Bridgford, a short walk from Nottingham Forest and Trent Bridge.
The Southbank Bar, Trent Bridge
Supporters crossing the bridge heading for Nottingham Forest or the cricket will find immediately on the left as they step off the bridge a sports bar called Southbank. This has a wide range of real ales including normally at least one from the local Mallard Brewery. There are multiple large and small screens showing sports. It also has live music on Friday evenings. Lunchtime snacks and evening meals are available.
Trent Navigation Inn, Meadow Lane
Just next to Notts County’s ground is the recently refurbished Trent Navigation. This now has a modern airy interior and a line of real ales. It had also effectively become the brewery tap for the local Magpie Brewery but in April 2012 started brewing its own beer. Sky Sports is shown on the four big screen TVs. Traditional pub food includes fish and chips, beef lasagne, and sausages and mash.
Trent Bridge Inn, 2 Radcliffe Road
After being closed for a while, what is known as "The World Renowned Trent Bridge Inn" was bought by Wetherspoon, refurbished and re-opened in 2011 with a lot more space to handle the matchday crowds. Nevertheless, the interior is cleverly divided so as not too look too spacious on quieter days. On the corner of Trent Bridge cricket ground, it serves around half a dozen real ales, including its own-branded brew from Nottingham Brewery. The normal Wetherspoon food range is also available.
The Riverway, Arkwright Walk, Meadows
This estate pub boasts a pool table and two to three real ales from the Oakwell Brewery in Barnsley. It scores as well because of its prices, with a pint still well under £2.Though only a few minutes walk from Notts County, it can be a little difficult to find, but turn into Saviour's Garden from Meadow Walk and head for the church – the pub is next door.
Vat & Fiddle, 12 Queensbridge Road
This pub got its name because it is close to the Inland Revenue’s regional headquarters. Before the tax people built their offices, it was called The Tom Hoskins and before that The Grove. It is also connected to the Castle Rock brewery and has all of its beers on offer as well as beers from other microbreweries and an overseas bottle range. This pub is almost opposite the railway station, so handy for a drink before catching the train home. There is live music on some Sunday afternoons.
Larwood & Voce, Fox Road
Tucked away behind Trent Bridge cricket ground, this large combined pub and restaurant serves up to three real ales, including local brews one of which is made exclusively for them by Magpie. For those that don’t want a full meal, there is a nice selection of bar snacks including homemade pork scratchings.
Riverbank, Trent Bridge
On the north side of the river by the bridge, the Riverbank is handy for all three sporting venues. Only two real ales are available, both from Greene King, and it is a bit on the expensive side. Live music sometimes provides entertainment and the pub is attached to its own restaurant. Can be pleasant for sitting outside by the river on sunny days.
Other Places to Drink in Nottingham
The centre of West Bridgford is only short walk away and has some nice pubs. See also Nottingham: Home of England’s Oldest Pub? and Drinking Real Ale in Sneinton, Nottingham
Steve Rogerson - Steve Rogerson is a UK-based writer specialising in television, technology, sports and beer.
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