The judging for the Nottingham branch Pub of the Year 2022 took place at the beginning of 2022 with the results announced in March. Nominated pubs in the Nottingham area were judged on a number of criteria, including beer quality, warmth of welcome, style and community focus. A total of seventeen pubs were visited and judged by several local members of the branch.

Although our branch area is smaller than many, the competition is divided into two categories, the urban area, including the city centre, and village pubs. A winner and runner up in each category are announced along with an overall winner. Normally the overall winner would go through to the Nottinghamshire round however due to the COVID 19 pandemic the subsequent rounds had to be cancelled. For the same reason there has been no competition during 2021.

The overall and urban winner was the Horse & Jockey in Stapleford. Previously, in 2013, the pub had been a National CAMRA Pub of the Year finalist and after winning the local award it went forward to become a National CAMRA Pub of the Year finalist again in 2022, finishing up in the top four. Known locally as ‘The Jockey’, this welcoming free house normally 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). The pub is split level with the main bar area featuring sofas and high tables and warmed by a wood burner, the upper seated area has tables and perimeter seating and also features a wood burner.  

The Urban runner up was Byron’s Rest in Hucknall, formerly a sewing shop, converted into a micro-pub and opened on 3rd February 2018. Whilst narrow, the pub extends considerably, creating the illusion of separate drinking areas. A ‘snug’ was added in 2019 just off the entrance and at the rear a ‘secret garden’ was created, a tranquil oasis in the heart of Hucknall.

The Village winner and overall runner up was the Old Green Dragon in Oxton. The pub was restored to its original glory in 2013 and has been a frequent winner in recent years. 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 Village runner up was theThe Round Robinn in East Leake. A micropub opened October 2015, serving six local beers on gravity. Seating is a mixture of chairs, cushioned benches and high stools, with the single room accommodating up to 45 patrons. Food is restricted to light bar snacks. Continental bottled beers available as are three craft keg beers.