Address : 65-67 Derby Road, Nottingham, NG1 5BA.
If you live in Nottingham, you will, of course, have visited the Trip To Jerusalem – the the pub carved into the side of Nottingham’s Castle Rock. But if you want the same cosy setting without the American tourists, the Hand and Heart is your alternative.
On the bar you’ll find up to three real ales, with Bass and brews by Dancing Duck usually on offer. There’s not much in the way of craft beer but ciders are available.
The Pandemic presented an opportunity for a makeover, and the place now looks and feels much cleaner than before. The large bar has cleverly been repositioned into the corner of the front room, opening up access to the long cave dining area through an archway.
Back in the day this bar had a reputation of being the place where Raleigh and Players workers would come on their way into town. Already tanked up, the scruffy decor and rough and ready bar would be a perfect stop off for a boozy night out. There’s a lot of history in this place, and it continues to create its own contemporary story.
Music : The Hand and Heart used to regularly feature live music but sadly it’s now all but disappeared.
Food : The restaurant here has been one of the pub’s consistently big attractions. Dishes are not necessarily the cheapest, but the quality is usually excellent
Customers : Students who’ve discovered the delights of real ale mix with professionals of all ages and regulars who know exactly which seat they want when they walk in.
Opinion : One of the friendliest pubs in Nottingham, the staff here know their stuff when it comes to advice on the beer. And if you remember the pre-Pandemic gents toilets, fear not; they have been replaced with something that’s actually waterproof.
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One of the worse things about the Hand – apart from the fantastic Thursday night music sessions where talented musicians can often be heard performing original material; the warm welcome from the friendly staff and customers; the incredible Sunday lunches; and the good beer of course – is closing time ;-(.