Pubs with Caves

Cave into your thirst, and enjoy a drink or a bite to eat in a truly unique setting. Nottinghamshire’s cave pubs bring a whole new meaning to the term watering ‘hole’, and are memorable places to dig into some delicious local ales and specialities.

Nottinghamshire’s cave pubs retain all of the mod cons you’d expect from a traditional English boozer, while making fantastic use of their historic locations. The caves also serve as fantastic areas for the pubs to store their ales at a nice cool temperature.

Take your choice from characterful cave pubs across Nottinghamshire. Pop into one of the oldest inns in England, Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem -  at the foot of Nottingham Castle. Beneath the pub, cave cellars root deep into the sandstone cliff and, like many of Nottingham's 800+ caves, have for centuries been used for storage of ale. The pub was once a well-known pit stop for crusader knights. It is said that King Richard the Lionheart and his men are more than likely to have gathered at this historic royal dwelling before journeying to Jerusalem in 1189AD, thus giving the pub its unusual name.

One of few remaining Victorian music halls in the country, The Malt Cross has been restored to its former glory, and in 2014 the caves deep beneath were opened to the public. Today they host a range of regular events including live music and open mic nights.

The cellars of the Bell Inn are a combination of natural sandstone and hand carved caves dating from the 12th century. It is believed that the Carmelite Friars did the majority of the expansion. You can see evidence of blackened walls and smoke blackened ceilings, which leads us to believe that the cave area was used as a kitchen, as there is also evidence of a chimney. The honeycomb-like network of caves, extends beyond the cellars of the Bell itself, spreading out below the upper end of the Snack Bar, and further under adjoining buildings

Another fascinating spot is the Hand & Heart on Derby Road. This traditional English pub features a stunning cave cellar that dates back to the 18th century. The atmospheric caves have been used over the years for everything from a medieval ale house to an air raid shelter. Today, they serve as a cool and unique backdrop for enjoying a pint of locally brewed beer or a hearty meal. The pub's blend of historic charm and modern comfort makes it a must-visit for any cave pub enthusiast.

For a blend of history and legend, Ye Olde Salutation Inn is another great choice. This pub's cave cellars are reputed to date back to the 9th century, originally used as Anglo-Saxon dwellings. The caves beneath the pub are a labyrinth of passageways and rooms, some of which are open for exploration. Enjoy a drink in this characterful inn, and take in the stories and history that surround you.