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Here is today's edition of The Nottinghamian:
Hello,
Here is to a new month of the Nottinghamian. In today's (Tuesday, October 4) edition we take a look at a unique city pub that seems to have an uncertain future. Questions have been raised over when or if the Hand & Heart will open again after it has faced closures since the pandemic.
We will also take a look at two large events happening across Nottingham. Robin Hood Beer and Cider Festival is set to return as well as the popular Christmas light display at Wollaton Hall.
Pub's future
Drinkers say they're in the dark about when, or if, one of Nottingham's oldest pubs will open its doors once again. The curtains at the Hand & Heart, in Derby Road, have been closed for months and at the moment there's no signs of the pub springing back to life.
The independently-owned pub oozes history, built into the sandstone caves and boasting both Georgian and Victorian features. It's renowned for its Sunday lunches as well as its real ales and extensive selection of whisky. During the pandemic the pub closed for redecorating and improvements to the access, but there were hurdles along the way.
The pub reopened for a brief spell in September 2020 but then closed again as Nottingham when into lockdown a few weeks later. There were more closures in 2021 due to staff shortages but even when it was open drinkers said it appeared closed to passers-by due to the lack of outside lighting. Things appeared to be getting back to normal in 2022, although the pub was only open four days a week, from Thursday to Sunday, but the doors closed again in the summer.
The last update on Facebook was on July 9 said: "Sorry we are currently closed and do not yet have a reopening date." Owner Dawn Underdown bought the almost derelict pub in 2008 and gave it a new lease of life. Nottinghamshire Live has made attempts to contact Dawn. Steve Westby, the chairman of Nottingham CAMRA, said: "It is concerning that this wonderful pub is not currently open, we can't afford to lose such a gem." Read more.
Weather and trivia
Weather: Generally wet and windy on Wednesday, with some heavy rain eventually clearing eastwards to sunny spells and isolated blustery showers. A little cooler than on Tuesday. Maximum temperature 18 °C.
UV: Low
Further reading: Nottinghamshire Christmas markets announced ahead of the festive season
Trivia question: Which high tech medical equipment was invented in Nottingham?
The answer to today’s trivia question is at the bottom of the newsletter.
Notts nostalgia
Jerry's fish tank in Victoria Centre is a memory for many growing up in Nottingham during the 90s and 2000s. On the upper mall of the shopping centre, you could find a large tank filled with pacu, giant gourami, tinfoil barb and catfish.
It became a staple of Victoria Centre and something you had to visit whilst out shopping in the city. Children would sit mesmerised at the fish swimming by. Possibly to many parents dismay, the Disney Store and the Entertainer opened right next to the tank.
In 2009 the tank needed replacing but at a cost of £150,000, it was considered too high. Fans were outraged and set up an online campaign to bring it back, supported by nearly 8,000 people. Sadly, it didn't work and the fish were relocated to Bristol Zoo. Now, seating has been installed on the upper mall where the tank once stood.
Beer festival
Beer fans are in for a treat as Nottingham's Robin Hood Beer and Cider Festival returns to the Trent Bridge cricket ground with a whopping 798 different beers on offer. It's not all about the beer, as there are also 150 ciders to soak up and a gin bar at the event.
The festival opens on Wednesday, October 12 until Saturday, October 15 with more than 14,000 visitors expected to hit the stands. The Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) event is one of the biggest beer festivals in the city with many breweries taking part to offer specialist beers and ciders. There will also be plenty of food on offer from some of the city's best street food vendors.
There are several Notts breweries taking part in the event such as Sneinton Cider Company, Totally Brewed and Bang the Elephant among many others. While there will be no shortage of things to sample on the day, there are some truly unique pints to be pulled. Navigation Brewery, a Nottingham-based business, has created a new limited edition brew called 'Grounds for Divorce', which is a 23 percent beer. Read more here.
Celebrations return
Wollaton Hall is set to be transformed once again into a winter wonderland with the return of its Christmas light show. The show has sold out in previous years where visitors follow a trail through the hall grounds.
The event attracts thousands of visitors looking for a little festive cheer each year. In previous years, the light show has used 5km of fairy lights with more than 70,000 bulbs to create the seasonal display. This year the show will open on Friday, December 2, until Sunday, January 1.
The light show is also accompanied by a Christmas market and open-air terrace serving festive food and drink. Visitors need to book in advance and tickets are already on sale for different time slots. This year tickets start from £21.45 for adults and £15.45 for children. There are discounts available for Nottingham residents in certain time slots. Find out more here.
That’s all for today
Thank you for joining me for today's edition of The Nottinghamian. I hope you enjoyed it, and if you did why not sign up to receive it directly in your inbox every weekday by clicking here.
The answer to today’s trivia question, which high tech medical equipment was invented in Nottingham, is the MRI scanner.
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