The Test Match

I have been to the Test Match at various times over the years. I remember when there was no atmosphere, looked quite run down and just seemed to have nothing going for it apart from the building. However we ahve been here a couple of times recently (once on mother’s day). The food was been pretty good quality and there seems to be a lot more people coming in now. Therefore the ambience has improved quite a lot!

Interesting reviews, and very different!
I fall somewhere in between, enjoying the art deco architecture and beer, but agreeing with tastychops about the lack of atmosphere that used to be there. The food is only just ok — too instant and unvaried from anywhere else you might go.
Unfortunately, I feel this is a trend we won’t stop until the younger of us stop being fooled by appearance over substance.
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This pub sets itself apart from the many others that have been popping up in West Bridgford recently. The newer bars have been aimed more at the trendy town set, but this pub clings on to the more traditional look.
In fact its appearance is great in terms of a building. If you look around you get the feeling of the 1930’s and art deco type architecture. From the revolving door entrance to the high ceilings and sweeping curves on the walls, this place has great looks to it.
The pub itself is a reasonable size and there is also a dedication to providing a few bitters to choose from for the people that drink here.
They provide food aswell and this is reasonably priced and decent enough whenever I have eaten here. There is also some parking outside, but this will be limited if you come during lunch time as West Bridgford can get very busy with people either shopping or on a break from the office.

This place is not the same as it once was. I can’t make up my mind whether that’s a good thing or not. Back ten years or so, it was a privately owned, fairly grubby, old, out dated drinkers pub, with a grumpy landlord and good ale. A room out the back where bands could play and some real atmosphere. The man with a dog on a string was welcome.
Now, no dogs or string allowed A chain pub — It’s much cleaner, more modern and up to date — you can drink the same pint as any other chain pub in West Bridgford. You can play pool in the back room where the bands used to go. The food is standard pub grub, scampi chips and peas — the condiments are in little sachets — we all know this pub. It’s the same as the rest. No character.
Is this what I want from a local boozer? — I’m afraid I don’t. I could take my mum there and she’d be happy enough with her clean glass and table number, but where is the personality? Give me the jukebox that doesn’t work and the stain on the wall that’s changing colour over time
I remember when this was all fields

An absolutely stunning Art Deco pub. Built in 1938, it is a Grade II listed building and has won an award from English Heritage for its refurbishment in 2001. The revolving door in the main entrance brings you straight into the main lounge with its sweeping bronze staircase; this in turn leads you up to a function room which was the original Cocktail Bar in the 30’s and 40’s. Lots of original fittings remain, and all the furniture is true to its era. There is a lot of wood panelling (English maple) and chrome and bronze fittings. Even the toilets are worth a visit — lots of original marble, wood and magnificent mirrors.
For cricket lovers, The Test Match is only a mile from Trent Bridge. There are 3 or 4 enormous murals depicting Notts cricketers from the bygone era of the game. You’ll also find some interesting memorabilia framed and mounted on the walls.
I haven’t mentioned the beer yet! Well-​kept draught beers from the owners Greene King dominate the bar — the light IPA, the formidable Abbot and the even stronger, slightly cloying Old Speckled Hen. Add to that the ales of the local Nottinghamshire brewery Hardys and Hansons. Guest beers, too, and I felt at home on seeing The Reverend James, a product of the Cardiff brewer, Brains.
Friendly young bar staff complete, for me, a perfect 10 for this beautiful piece of heritage.