One of Nottingham's oldest and best loved pubs, built into sandstone caves, is set to reopen under new ownership after being put up for sale earlier this year. The purchase is conditional on a new premises licence being granted and it's hoped that will be completed within four to six weeks.
There was dismay when the Hand & Heart closed down last year, with fears for the future of the iconic pub. But it didn't take long for the Derbyshire-based Pub People Company to make an offer for the popular ale house in Derby Road, near Canning Circus.
The pub group currently runs sites including The Lion in Basford, The Bunkers Hill and the two Six Barrel Draft Houses in the city centre. As well as hoping to introduce pavement seating outside the pub, plans for the future include bringing back the first floor outdoor terrace, which was replaced by a conservatory in the 1960s.
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Andrew Crawford, managing director, said: "We are extremely excited about acquiring such an iconic venue as the Hand & Heart. It has been established as one of Nottingham’s best known pubs for decades. Pub People have successfully operated pubs in the city for over 20 years and believe that the Hand & Heart is an excellent addition to our other sites.
"Our initial aim is to prepare the pub for reopening with works to the ground floor and the introduction of a new range of cask and craft beers from local and regional breweries. We will be applying for a pavement licence and have already had outline discussions with the council regarding this.
"Going forward our catering team are working on a new menu and we will be introducing live entertainment with a similar profile to the Lion at Basford. We are already aware that there is great excitement and expectation surrounding the reopening."
After the previous premises licence lapsed, the new owners have had to reapply but if all goes smoothly the pub could be open again by August. The news has been welcomed by Nottingham's Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA).
Chairman Steve Westby said: "This is excellent news, it was so important that this unique atmospheric pub was saved. Pub People Company already run several excellent pubs around the city, so we know it will be in good hands."
Former customer Marcus Darwent and author of the Nottingham Food Blog was a big fan of dining in the sandstone cave and was disappointed when it closed down. He said: "I'm very happy to hear that the pub will be saved and look forward to visiting again."
Once a Georgian house, the building is steeped in history. It became a brewery in 1866, with beers brewed in converted stables and dropped through a hole carved out of the cave's ceiling for storage. Later a Victorian shop front was added to allow it to sell beer.
But there was a rocky patch when the pub closed in 2004 and almost left derelict. It was bought in 2008 by publican Dawn Underdown, who ran it until the closure in July 2022.
She and her family fully renovated the Hand & Heart, removing all the sins of the 80’s, such as neon light, and sourcing reclaimed antique furnishings to restore the pub to its former glory. Over the next few years a Victorian dining room, with a real wood fire, was added. As well as a large collection of whiskies, the pub was known was its epic Sunday roasts.
The pandemic hit hard. Trade was sporadic and the uphill struggle continued into 2021 when lockdowns were lifted. With staff forced to isolate and cancelled bookings, it led to a temporary closure in the week leading up to Christmas. Before closing last July, operating hours were reduced to four days a week.
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