Air Hostess, Tollerton

The Air Hostess received a "Highly Commended" award in the Refurbished Category of CAMRA's 2020 National Pub Design Awards.

Opened in December 1966, it formerly had an interesting sign showing an air hostess which has now been removed. A "T"-shaped plan on a triangular corner site, with fine views towards the south-west from the terrace outside the lounge bar. The leg of the "T" contains the lavatories at the end, across a broad entrance hall that spans this wing with doors to either side. The main arm of the "T" formerly contained 2 bars, separated by a brick wall, into which an opening was made in 2015. The bar and bar-backs have been refurbished, painted and varnished, the panelling and fireplace painted (Elain Harwood {Historic England}). The Air Hostess is the venue for the annual Tollerton Plough Play, a rare survival of the once common fertility rituals associated with Plough Monday, the first Monday after Twelfth Day. It was the traditional start of the agricultural year and often featured a blessing or charming of the plough to encourage a bountiful harvest: "Good masters and good mistress, As you sit around your fire, Remember us poor ploughboys, Who plough through mud and mire ......". Revived in recent years after the last traditional performance in 1942, presumably in a different location!

Registered as an Asset of Community Value on the 11th January 2016 having been nominated by the Nottingham Branch of CAMRA. However, following a request to review the decision by the owner, Rushcliffe Borough Council removed the Air Hostess from its statutory Register of Assets of Community Value on the 10th May 2016. Apparently, Rushcliffe Borough Council does not consider the Nottingham Branch of CAMRA to be an eligible nominating body. On the 8th Augst 2017, a nomination made by Tollerton Parish Council and the Air Hostess was listed as an ACV.

As at November 2017, the freehold of the Air Hostess (NT229291) was held by Everards Brewery Limited [Reg. No. 319261].

[Rushcliffe Borough Council; Tollerton Ward / Rushcliffe Parliamentary Constituency]