Why Crown continues to sparkle
On Church Street, Old Basford, is the Fox and Crown, a pub and building with a long and interesting history, dating back to 1707.
The building has been known as ‘The Fox and Crown’ and ‘The Bowling Green’. It once was an Inn, a debtor’s jail and a bowling Green all at the same location.
It has been reported the prisoners served those playing on the Green! The pub is one large room with a square central bar with pumps on each side.
Original floor tiles complement the dark wood and fox red carpets and walls. The left hand side of the pub has low comfortable seating, a fireplace and pictures of historic Nottingham, in particular Church Street, and old beer taps and other pub relics on the walls. The right hand side has high tables and stools next to the TVS and a pool table. Outside is a large beer garden, right next to Shipstone’s Brewery.
Although the cask is the main focus here, I did have one of the Keg Beers, Oligo Nunk, a 4% American Pale ale brewed by Hollow Stone Brewing Company.
Hollow Stone is a subsidiary of Shipstone’s, brewing beers with styles from over the world and interestingly, all of the beers are named after Caves from the country inspiring the beer.
Brewed with a mix of classic American Hops for a big amount of citrus and very drinkable.
In 2016, Shipstone’s Brewing company transformed the microbrewery attached to the back of the Fox and Crown and since then Shipstone’s has been brewing at this site, the ‘Little Star Brewery’. The Fox and Crown is a tap house for Shipstone’s so you will always find a selection of Shipstone’s beers available.
Although the Fox and Crown showcase Shipstone’s, they are still independent having two guest ales pouring. You aren’t going to find a fresher pint of Shipstone’s than here at the Fox, and that was evident with my pint of Gold Star, a 4.2% Pale Ale, light, with subtle floral notes and citrus, again in excellent condition.
The Fox and Crown is the last bastion in what, sadly, used to be an area full of local pubs.
They strive to be a true community pub, dog and family friendly with something for everyone to enjoy within the community. Weekly quizzes, live music, their own pool and football teams and more.
The Fox is also heavily involved in community projects and events, including most recently doing a Chocolate Selection Box drive to donate to children. A welcoming atmosphere, with locals that love the Fox as much as they do supporting all the Fox does outside of pouring a brilliant pint.