Vat & Fiddle

The Vat & Fiddle (no, it’s not a typo) is a real ale pub owned by Castle Rock Brewery, just a 3-​minute walk from Nottingham Station. It’s not fancy, it’s not glitzy — it’s a waterhole, but a good one of its kind, with plenty of well-​kept real ales on tap (not just by Castle Rock). The décor is nothing to rave about, but it’s not shabby either. Some patrons may strike you as a bit shifty, especially in the late evening, but those «characters» normally won’t bother you but stick to their own kind. Which sounds incredibly arrogant, I know. Anyway, the area itself is hardly the most glamorous in Nottingham, generally one of the prettier medium-​sized cities in the Midlands.
I have visited this pub several times in the past year and a half, usually because there was enough time for a pint (or two) before the last train to Derby or Beeston was due. On each of these occasions the pub was about half-​full.
Service is friendly and knowledgeable. A good boozer for a last pint in the evening. I guess the locals think that, too.

Enjoy the full range of Castle Rock beers right near the brewery, in this basic pub. Basic in all the good ways, substance over style. If I was a local I would regret the absence of even a single guest beer, but as an out of tower there were plenty of new beers for me. Settled on the Black Gold, a mild.
They accept the W/​Spoons 50p off CAMRA member vouchers, if you happen to be in the beardy gang!

The Castle Rock Brewery tap: always a good range of Castle Rock beers available, and nice atmosphere. Has always struggled with furniture though: many chairs in obvious need of repair and the bench seating really uncomfortable.

Great pub near the station. Locals’ hangout. About 12 different real ales on offer. Relaxed atmosphere. Looking forward to a return visit! BeadedDelightsByStef on etsy

Proper no nonsense pub, you won’t get a better pint of ale in Nottingham. Staff are friendly, decent group of regulars, toilets clean and they do proper scratchings.