Claiming to be one of the oldest pubs in England from the twelfth century, built into Nottingham castle – the pub historically was an inn for men commuting from the north in order to fight in the Crusades. They could sleep, eat, drink and be merry before setting off for their long journeys again. Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem is the city’s quaintest, cosiest bar, guaranteed to make you feel like a medieval knight from Game of Thrones.
The pub is fairly small but with an upstairs mainly for those ordering food. The food is very good; mainly consisting of pub classics including fish and chips and various pies (I recommend chicken and mushroom). Despite its traditional theme there are options for vegetarian and vegan eaters. There are also two outside patio areas where you can smoke or sit and drink on one of the many benches.
The atmosphere inside is very relaxed and cosy; the bar staff are friendly along with the other customers who are willing to strike up a conversation. When I went on a Sunday night the place was still busy with locals and foreign tourists, specifically chatty Americans who’d read that it was a Nottingham spectacle.
Due to its unthreatening vibe and slightly older crowd, Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem is a perfect place to take your parents or grandparents in the evening if they ever visit, as an alternative to Ocean! One benefit to other more modern bars is the ability to actually hear what the people you are with are saying. You’re not left with your voice hoarse and ears pounding after a night there.
One of the most interesting aspects to the pub is its unique décor. The tables are wooden and left characteristically unpolished. An authentic old chair sits in the corner, claiming that anyone women who sits on it will become pregnant soon – this slightly perverted myth adds character to the pub but it does make you question what sort of scandalous things used to happen there back in the 1190s!
The drinks aren’t extortionate but they aren’t ridiculously cheap either. A round of three drinks may set you back about £10-15 so it’s definitely no Spoons! But you pay for the experience rather than the alcohol. Although, the ale is apparently very popular among visitors and tasty from the reviews I heard. I’ll admit that I pathetically stuck to vodka cokes all night but I still managed to feel like a rugged medieval traveller en route from fighting a battle.
One set back of the pub is that it is a bit pokey with low ceilings which can make you feel a little claustrophobic. The toilets are also located outside which isn’t ideal in the cold, plus navigating your way to them after a few drinks can prove to be a little tricky!
Overall, I highly recommend visiting this unique pub during your stay in Nottingham. Its historical background will make you feel like you’ve learnt something; making you feel better about downing a few pints. It’s definitely a place to take non-students or your folks if you’re stuck for venues. And who knows maybe you’re sitting where Bronn would have sat!
Rating: 4/5