By Andy
With
uncharacteristic punctuality, we met our friend Ali outside
the Nursery Tavern.
The
pub comes equipped with a large front terrace, although the night was
far too cold to contemplate remaining outdoors. Besides, the prospect
of spending the evening with bouncers, drunkards, and the exhaust
fumes of Ecclesall Road did not appeal.
Heading
into the bustling warmth of indoors, Ali and Rob went to find a table
while I investigated the bar. The pub is larger than it looks from
the outside, although it has no problems reaching capacity. A
favourite haunt of students, it is not a pub that attempts to appeal
to all: rather, it knows its market. Not too long ago, I was part of
this market myself, and indeed have spent several nights pre-drinking
in the Tav before heading into town. Now though, the
louder-than-necessary music and nothing-too-adventurous drinks have
turned me elsewhere.
The
beer selection was not as good as it should have been for such a trendy part
of town, so I ordered two pints of London Pride. I also purchased a
glass of wine for Ali, which I served with a pre-prepared apology
regarding my lack of wine knowledge – an apology I have been
trotting out unaltered since turning eighteen.
The
pub had not changed since my last visit: the atmosphere was still
rowdy (although not rough); the drinks were still cheap (although not
bargains); the employees were still friendly (although understaffed).
Casting
my mindset back to that of a younger man, I recalled the features of
the Nursery Tavern that I had valued as a student. The late opening
hours, and the opportunity to drink shots as readily as pints
certainly played a part.
The
pub's biggest asset though, no doubt, is the adjacent taxi rank,
ready to whisk you away to the city centre at a moment's notice.
Pub: Nursery Tavern (276 Ecclesall Road, S11 8PE)
Rating: 6.5/10
Pint: London Pride
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