Worth a Trip! (Ye Olde Trip To Jerusalem)

Member Name: Slim Lee

Product:	Ye Olde Trip To Jerusalem
Date:	06/02/01 (131 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Historic and unique pub

Disadvantages: Can get very cramped at peak times

The “Trip”, as it is commonly know to Nottingham folk, is situated along the walls of Nottingham castle, and is reputed to be oldest pub in England, dating back to 1189. It is one of the oddest pubs you will ever go to as it was originally carved out of the rock surrounding the perimeter of the castle. The “Trip” takes it’s name from the crusades, when knights called up by Richard the 1st used to stop off here for refreshment before heading off.

The first room you enter on the ground floor is a good example of this (the Ward room). Some people may find this a little claustrophobic but most seem to enjoy the warm and cozy atmosphere it creates. It is quite unique.

Around the corner to the left is the (small) bar, serving a good selection of local real ale and mainstream lagers. Try the Kimberley Classic on hand-pull, a smooth beer brewed locally. The beers on offer here are mostly brewed by Hardy & Hansons, a local (and still independent) brewer and are far superior to normal cast-conditioned beer.

Further on from the bar is another seating area (the Back room), which was added on to the pub in the mid 17th century. Outside is a small beer garden for use in the summer. There are a further two floors of seating and bars accessible via steps near the ground floor bar. Both areas are quite small and can get quite cramped when the pub gets busy around lunchtime. My favourite is the Rock lounge, the first floor room with a 60 foot chimney sticking out of the roof. It’s normally a quite place to settle down with a drink and have a natter without music blaring out from all angles.

As far as food goes it is pretty good. A wide selection of hot and cold food with light snacks such as jacket potatoes, sandwiches, burgers and more substantial meals ranging from a traditional steak type meal to a curry or potato bakes. The specialty meal is the Kimberley Pie (made with ale) whilst the vegetable tikka masala
also sounds good too! Snacks start at around £1.50 and go up to about £4 whilst the main meals generally range between £4.99 an £6.99 each.

Drink prices are reasonable considering it's a city centre pub. Thankfully not too many alcopops on show behind the bar too!

If you’re lucky and it’s a quite period in trade, then if you ask nicely you could get to have a peek around the underground cellar caves.

You can find the "Trip" at the follwoing address (just off Castle Road):

No.1 Brewhouse Yard,
Nottingham. NG1 6AD
Telephone (0115) 9473171
Fax: (0115) 9501185


Or alternatively why not check out the website on www.triptojerusalem.com

On entering you get a good photo of the outside of the pub. Once you enter the rest of the site you can find out some more information on the history of the pub. Other useful bits on the site include a few pictures of the rooms inside and the latest food menu (sadly without prices!). There is also a handy map of the city centre showing how to get to the “Trip”.

If you’re going to visit Nottingham then it’s worth popping in here for a bit of liquid refreshment. It’s just down the cobbled road from the entrance to the castle and the statue of Robin Hood.

And if you’re buying … mines a pint!


(P.S. apologies for the corny title ... I couldn't resist it!)

Summary: