The Admiral Rodney, Wollaton

The admiral is a local pub for local people. I have been going there at least 2 nights a week, every week, for 3 years and the landlord (and his 'missus') are yet to care to find out my name, even though i work in a building not 25yards away from the front door and see them most times I go in.

All the drinks are over priced, the place needs a refurb (although apparently got one earlier this summer?! I couldn't notice a difference), never any music, always so smokey your eyes water, very dingy. Some picnic tables amongst the staff parking is the 'beer garden'. Not one blade of grass is in the pubs grounds....

Why do I keep going there? Its the location, and, as others have said, the same crowds go there the same times each week. They look after their beers and the hired staff always come across to the punters as very happy (and generally very attractive).

11 Aug 2005 01:56

The Johnson Arms, Nottingham

How can you sum up this pub?! The proprietors of the Johnson's Arms have managed to achieve what every local pub aspires to. Quick to remember faces, before long you are known by name and your usual tipple sussed. Great mix of people come through the doors, from doctors to students, the mix is no way off-putting and great in terms of the local community. A great beer garden for the summer, a great coal fire for the winter, its undeniably one of the most comfortable pubs no matter what the weather. There are so many aspects the pub have got right its so great - for example the beer festival there which i have just returned from (thus in plentiful good spirits with this long-winded comment). Even the food is good and reasonerably priced, and always manages to stay away from chips and burgers, the chef always seems to come up with some great specials each week. Well worth a visit whether or not a beer festival is on, - there is always a good selection. Some of the seats are uncomfortable though, but nothings perfect.

11 Aug 2005 01:45