Lincolnshire Poacher, Nottingham: Central

Originally one of Nottingham's later C19 beerhouses, known as the Old Grey Nag's Head, it was still brewing its own beer under publican Vincent R. Staveley in 1941 (Kelly's Directory). The Mansfield Road was home to several pubs known as the Nags Head and understanding which was which in Victorian records can sometimes be difficult. It seems that the Lincolnshire Poacher property came late to the beerhouse trade. In 1877, 163 Mansfield Road was home to a Mrs A.E. Smith (Morris & Co Directory) and in 1888 a clerk, Henry Bowyer (Wrights Directory), then in 1894 a William Bowyer (Whites Directory), (presumably a relation) who was cab proprietor. It seems to have become a beerhouse under Mrs Mary Jane Jennings in 1900 (Kelly's Directory). The 1901 Census shows Mary Jane Jennings as a 45-year old licensed victualler and head of household living at 45, Loscoe Road, Carrington. So perhaps the Old Grey Nags Head was simply a place of business for her and the status of beerhouse keeper something of a step down. By the time of the 1911 Census, Mary Jane Jennings was publican of the Great Northern Hotel at 44 London Road. In 1914, the beerhouse was run by William Hames. The Old Grey Nags Head became a Shipstone's pub in the post-war period. In 1989 the premises next door were acquired and the expanded pub reopened as the Lincolnshire Poacher (Whitworth 2010). The pub and yard contains much brewery memorabilia, including the old illuminated Shipstones pub sign above the bar. Despite being safeguarded by subsequent Castle Rock refurbishments, the last surviving Old Grey Nag's Head window pane was sadly destroyed in May 2022 by a passer-by throwing a bottle.

Located in Nottingham City Council's Arboretum Conservation Area.

Cave cellars measure 8m x 5m and are referenced MNU 977 and BGS Mc13.

[Nottingham City Council, St. Ann's Ward / Nottingham East Parliamentary Constituency]