Hub of the community

THE Robin Hood and Little John, a Lincoln Green Pub in Arnold has recently won the CAMRA (Campaign for Real Ale) Nottingham Locale pub of the year.

I feel that award needs celebrating to show what a marvellous community Pub it is. The CAMRA Locale initiative is one that promotes Pubs who serve real ales and ciders which have been brewed locally to the Pub, usually, that has been made less that 20 miles away.

It looks at reducing ‘beer miles’, by being better for the environment and also showcasing the best of what your local breweries have to offer.

The Robin has proven its dedication to this cause which has won them the title of ‘Locale Nottingham Pub of the year’. They were awarded early in November with regulars turning out for the presentation in support of the great work the Landlord, Dave Pears, and his team does to ensure that the beer served is of the highest quality and of course, focused on local breweries.

Boasting 20 cask lines, four being from Lincoln Green brewery’s core range. The other 16 are guest ales, with always a healthy mixture of different traditional styles, stouts, pales and everything in between. There always plenty to choose from. My drink of choice was a very quaffable 5% Pale ale ‘Windlass’ by Lincoln Green. The Robin also offers four traditional ciders, three flat and one carbonated. If beer or cider isn’t your drink of choice they have over 30 Gins and a wide selection whisky.

The Robin is split into two rooms, with a bar on each side. To the left is the family and dog-friendly side of the pub. There is a ‘snug’ area in this room, a lovely space to sit with a group of friends with a more intimate feeling to the space. With free dog treats on the bar, and the staff more than happy to give fuss, your pooch is always welcome in the Robin.

To the right is the Lounge. This is the more adult side, with a much more traditional pub feel. Decorated with comfy chairs, sofas and booths it’s the perfect place to have a quiet pint during the day. The lounge isn’t always quite as relaxed as it feels during the day. Here they host the weekly pub quiz on a Wednesday evening and at the weekends having regular live bands and singers. Serving wonderfully kept local traditional beer, friendly staff and always having and event to look forward to, it is clear that The Robin Hood and Little John is quite the hub and pillar of the community.

■ Danielle Jeffery is a pub, craft beer and real ale lover and enthusiast.