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Fully refurbished by Punch and Flipside brewery in Spring 2014, this is now a comfortable pub, with tasteful décor. The seating is separated by unusual bare wood dividing beams. The flooring is a mix of carpeted, wooden and quarry tiles. The bar offers a range of 8-10 cask ales, with Flipping Best, brewed by Magpie, a regular feature and a rotating selection of local and regional guest beers. Outside, there is a large area with parasols, where drinkers can watch the world go by. Usually two beer festivals are held during the year in an outside marquee on the car park. Food, such as burgers with potato wedges (not chips!), is available until 8pm (9 Thu). Pork pies and sandwiches are available all day.
Historic Interest
The Old Volunteer was registered as an Asset of Community Value by Gedling Borough Council on the 29th January 2016, following nomination by the Nottingham Branch of CAMRA.
"On 17th July 1901, 49 year old barmaid Elizabeth Topham stood trial for her life accused of attempting to abort the pregnancy of 43 year old Louisa Allcock. With 6 children already & struggling on the poor wages of her tanner labourer husband, Louisa was introduced by her friend Annie Benson to Elizabeth Topham, part-time barmaid at Old Volunteer pub.
The 10 minute “operation” took place on the 10th June in the backyard and Louisa limped home. However, by the next evening her husband found her seriously ill. One week later, having been visited firstly by Mrs Topham and then by a midwife and doctor, the police were finally involved. Louisa subsequently died on 20th June. The jury heard that she had died of blood poisoning, doubtless caused by “tools” used by Mrs Topham.
After just eight minutes the jury found Elizabeth Topham guilty and, following the judge’s report that she had already served seven years for a similar offence, she was sentenced to the death penalty. However, the jury had strongly recommended her “to mercy” and the sentence was eventually commuted to penal servitude for life." [“Nottingham…the Sinister Side”, Steve Jones, Wicked Publications, 1996/ Carlton & Gedling U3A website].
In the 1823 Alehouse Recognizances for the South Thurgarton Hundred, the Volunteer was under victualler George Savidge (County Archive C/QD/LV/4/7/7), possibly the same George Savidge who also ran the neighbouring Black's Head (County Archive C/QD/LV/4/7/8). In 1832, the Old Volunteer was fully licensed under publican John Barker (White). In 1855, it was run by R. Horsley and in 1876 by Francis Savage (Post Office Directories).
The Old Volunteer forms a local name cluster with the nearby Old Volunteer in Caythorpe.
As at November 2017, the freeholds for the Old Volunteer (NT358911 & NT101628) were held by Punch Partnerships (PTL) Limited [Reg. No. 3512363]. This was transferred to Star (Heineken) on the 5th March 2018. Also as at November 2017, the leasehold for the Old Volunteer (NT507450) was held by Flipping Good Pubs Limited [Reg. No. 8772477].
[Gedling Borough Council; Cavendish Ward / Nottinghamshire County Council; Carlton West Division / Gedling Parliamentary Constituency].
This Pub serves 9 changing beers and 1 regular beer.
Old Volunteer, Nottingham
Changing beers typically include: Magpie (varies)
Lunchtime Meals
Evening Meals
Live Music
Garden
Disabled Access
Parking
Dog Friendly
Smoking
Wi Fi
Real Ale
LocAle
Beer Festival
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