Award certificates presented by Steve Westby, Branch Chairman to Paul and his team at the April Branch Meeting
“Another Plaque on the Wall…!”
The Nottingham branch of the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) has this week announced its “Pub of the Year 2025”. Nominated pubs in the Nottingham area are judged on a number of criteria, which include beer quality, warmth of welcome and general mix of clientele amongst other considerations. The Nottingham finalist now goes forward to be judged in the Nottinghamshire round of the Competition.
This year we again decided to select two winners to reflect the mix between the Urban area, including the city centre, and Village pubs, this gives a fairer spread and allows the village pubs not to be forgotten.
Overall (and Urban/City) winner: The Horse & Jockey, 20 Nottingham Road, Stapleford.
National CAMRA Pub of The Year finalist in 2013 and 2022. Known locally as ‘The Jockey’, this welcoming free house offers a choice of 13 real ales, including at least one mild or stout/porter, five of which are LocAle (i.e. brewed within 20 miles of the pub). Split level pub with main bar area featuring sofas and high tables and warmed by a wood burner, the upper seated area has tables and perimeter seating and features a wood burner. Light music is complimented by occasional bands and a weekly pub quiz attracts a large gathering. The pub is dog friendly, with water and doggy treats being provided.
Paul Guilford, Manager of the Horse & Jockey said “We are very proud to receive this award for the fifth year running. All of us concerned with the Jockey work tirelessly to provide a great selection of ales and ciders, a welcoming atmosphere and a keenness to provide a service people will enjoy and wish to visit us again”
Nottingham CAMRA Branch Chairman Steve Westby says “It is no surprise that this lively free house is again a deserved winner of this competition. The award recognises the choice of thirteen well kept real ales, many of them from local breweries, served in a welcoming friendly, comfortable, atmosphere.
Second place in the Urban category is Crown Inn in Beeston, with the Byron’s Rest in Hucknall third.
Winner in the Village category and overall runner up: Old Green Dragon in Oxton,
The pub was ‘restored’ to its original glory in 2013. A solid oak bar greets the visitor, and the pub is light and airy. Although open plan, there are four distinct drinking areas, with one designated as the snug, together with a separate restaurant area. Outside a patio area has been created and at the back is an enclosed garden. The pub has three electric car charging points.
Second place in the Village category is Round RobINN in East Leake with the Keyworth Tavern in Keyworth third.
