Duke of St Albans, Nottingham

Late 20th century estate pub circa 1983. Bestwood was the family seat of the Dukes of St. Albans, the first of whom was the illegitimate son of King Charles II by Nell Gwynn. The Duke of St. Albans, along with the Oxford in Bulwell Forest, are the only surviving members of a cluster of post-war pubs named after Bestwood's association with the later Stuart monarchs and their local hunting lodge: Deer Stalker (1956); Nell Gwynn (1961); Cavalier (1964); Charles (1968); Royal Hunt (1978) and Blenheim (1980). "It was opened on 30 June 1983 by Bass Worthington. There is an arbour-like feature between the two ranges in front." and "The Nottingham Trader for 20 July 1983 (L64.3, Nottingham Local Studies Library cuttings box) described a low building of red brick that was novel for having a family room, with play equipment and games for children both in there and in the garden." [Elain Harwood / Historic England]. As at November 2017, the freehold for the Duke of St. Albans (NT160445) was held by Unique Pub Properties Limited [Reg. No. 3726292], a subsidiary of Ei Group plc. [Nottingham City Council , Bestwood Ward / Nottingham North Parliamentary Constituency]