West Bridgford - Pubs and Restaurants

Pubs and Restaurants

As West Bridgford expanded in the Victorian and Edwardian periods The West Bridgford Protection Society was formed that worked hard to prevent any licensed premises being opened in West Bridgford. This has meant that there have been a relatively small number of pubs in the area until recent years. In fact there was no licenced premise of any kind until 1938; at that date the Trent Bridge Inn was still in Nottingham.

In the late 1930s, planning was granted for the Wolds Hotel, effectively a pub (on Loughborough Road) and the Test Match Hotel on Gordon Road. Many of these establishments are called 'Inns' as public houses were prohibited in West Bridgford, but hotels were thought to be more acceptable. In reality, places like the Test Match never operated as a hotel.The Test Match Hotel was awarded the "Pub Grub of the year award" by CAMRA in 1992 presented to the then longest serving managers and chefs Terence and Jean Heath.The Test Match was refurbished a few years ago by its then owners, Hardy and Hansons Kimberley Brewery, and was recognised as the best refurbishment in Britain by CAMRA, reflecting the care and attention given to preserving its distinctive art deco features (which were recognised as important by English Heritage). Hardy and Hansons has since been taken over by Greene King.

March 1970 saw Nottingham Forest Sportsmens Club open its doors to the fans from the Football Club whose name it bears. It was their determination to establish a base from which to follow 'their team' that converted the building immediately outside the Football Ground as a licensed Social Club. Although it now operates independently from the Football Club and its membership has a much broader, although predominantly sporting interest, and fully refurbished (March 2008)it now provides an accessible and relaxing alternative to local pubs.

West Bridgford nightlife has been growing in recent years, with the opening of new food and drink establishments.