Address : 65-67 Derby Road, Nottingham, NG1 5BA.
Over 800 caves have been officially recorded in Nottingham, and while many drinkers associate sandstone with places like the Trip Jerusalem, we suggest you get away from the tourists and see something a bit more authentic – and that’s the Hand and Heart.
There’s been a pub here since 1866 but in recent times a lengthy closure and wrangling over the sale had put this place at real risk of disappearing forever. Thankfully, the Pub People – who also run the city’s two Six Barrel Drafthouse outlets have now bought the building outright. The extensive caves – previously used for fine dining – have been transformed into a far more sensible, brighter dinking area.
The bar had had a welcome overhaul too – now featuring up to twelve cask and craft beers on tap, brightly displayed on a big board right at the entrance – another entirely logical move.
Events/music? An open mic night is on offer Thursdays with more events being planned by the new owners.
Food? Sunday lunches are back, plus a selection of bar snacks.
People? Back in the day, the Hand and Heart would attract a smart clientele from the Park Estate. Today it’s a wider mix of people and ages, almost all with one thing in common – an appreciation of good beer.
Opinion? The most important thing was to save this legendary pub. The owners have proven themselves to be more than competent in running city centre bars; the same vibe is present here – the challenge now is to attract customers to divert from the already wide choice of drinking establishments around Canning Circus.
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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 ;-(.