An expansion is planned for a Nottingham pub's 'incredibly successful' fanzone which has become a go-to destination for football fans. When the Trent Navigation Inn took a leap of faith to convert its car park into a fanzone after proving a hit during Euro 2020, Nottingham Forest were rock bottom of the Championship and Notts County remained in the National League - with fans not having much to celebrate.
But the idea paid off, becoming a popular venue with Forest fans as the club was promoted to the Premier League and then survived, whilst Notts County fans celebrated promotion back to the Football League. Named 'The Big Shed', the outdoor area is now regarded as one of the best facilities for football supporters in the Midlands, with a huge screen, dedicated bar, Bavarian-style seating, barbecue and stage.
Previously, Tom Holodynsky, operations manager, spoke of his amazement at how the concept had been "really embraced by the supporters of both Forest and Notts County alike". Now the pub has applied for planning permission to extend the space, adding even more public seating and catering facilities for fans.
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Steve Westby, Nottingham CAMRA chairman, has previously warned of a decline in the number of pubs, as business costs rise and customers' disposable income falls. He explained that in contrast, the Trent Navigation was able to draw in huge crowds by making the most of its space, whilst other pubs struggled to stay in business.
"Pubs are having such a difficult time at the moment with rapidly rising costs, particularly energy and customers feeling the pinch with the cost of living increases. So they need to do what they can to diversify to increase footfall. The initiative at the Navigation has proved incredibly successful, making great use of what was a car park and importantly, given our climate, that it is covered," Mr Westby said.
The pub has been praised for managing the flow of people and the quick service for drinks, which is not easy on a busy matchday. Since many of the staff of the pub are long-standing season ticket holders themselves, they contribute to the camaraderie among the fans.
Des Oldham, a Nottingham Forest fan who lives across from the pub, said the venue turned watching games into an event in itself. "I've been there quite a few times, for World Cup games in the winter, before Forest games. It's a real addition, isn't it? It is quite vast and it is brilliant to watch games there - even when it's throwing it down.
Des recalled the tension as he watched the Wolves v Everton game - which was vital to Forest's survival hopes - with a big crowd before heading to watch the Forest v Arsenal game on May 20, which ultimately resulted in Forest's survival in the Premier League. "The World Cup games were really enjoyable as well, it is something a little bit different. It works very well, you'd think with all those people in there you'd struggle to get a drink as it would be really busy - but it's really good," he added.
"The atmosphere is really good and they add a bit of entertainment before games - they had Chris Waddle on stage during the World Cup - it is more of an event. It adds to the matchday experience and has become a part of what you do with your mates."
Great Northern Group, which owns the Trent Navigation, said it was too early in the planning process to comment on the proposals. The application is pending consideration by Nottingham City Council.
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