Larwood & Voce

Backing onto the famous Trent Bridge Cricket Ground (a “big bonus”), this renovated gastropub is named after two legendary 1930s fast bowlers – Harold Larwood and Bill Voce. Inside, it can get boisterous (especially if England are playing), but the place has bags of atmosphere and style with its open-plan layout, retro wallpaper and red leather seating. “Superb” staff are on hand to dispense real ales, guest beers, eclectic wines and signature cocktails, while the food has plenty of British seasonal oomph. Steaks and beer-battered cod are best-sellers, but also look for devilled sprats, whole Cromer lobster with garlic butter and fat chips or roast pork belly with preserved rhubarb, salt-crusted potatoes and watercress aïoli. To finish, go for farmhouse cheese or a pud such as buttermilk pannacotta with honey-roast apricots. Whether you’re after breakfast, afternoon tea, pizza, a kids’ deal, Saturday brunch or “the best Sunday lunch in Nottingham”, this all-round family-friendly package “never disappoints” – and it’s “brilliant value” too.